Community News

The newly founded non-profitable governmental organization (NGO), named and styled Social Actions and Poverty Alleviation (SAPA) Inc. is to be launched 'very shortly' in Monrovia.

SAPA with the motto, 'God Cares,' strives for positive sustainable economic empowerment, legal and social reforms for most war-affected women, girls and children in vulnerable communities in post-war Liberia.

The organization also campaign against poverty, but promotes non-violence activities against women, girls, and children as well as initiate and implement community development programs and projects.

SAPA, according to its program and policy advisor, Valisious Bob Senesie, was founded on April 24, 2007 to sustainably cater for the welfare of women, girls and children that are still affected by the 14-year civil crisis that plagued the country.

Meanwhile, Mr. Senesie has disclosed that the entity is soliciting from members of the public and or any well meaning citizens/none citizens the amount of L$40,000 to enhance the launch 'very soon.'

The Bangladeshi Contingent of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), BANBATT 18, has opened two skills training centers in Nimba County.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf inaugurated the skills training project known as “Bangla-Nimba Capacity Building Centre (BNCBC),” on July 26, 2010, during the country's Independence Anniversary.

The project was initiated under the UNMIL Civilian Military Cooperation “CIMIC Project” in Tappita.

In her inaugural remarks, the President expressed satisfaction for the contributions of BANBATT-18 to peace keeping and Civilian Military Cooperation/CIMIC activities in Nimba.

President Sirleaf who on the same day of the inauguration dedicated the Tappita hospital, praised the Banbatt 18 for their many contributions to people of Liberia.

The locals of Tappita expressed satisfaction for the establishment of the centers.
The facilities, they said, would train young people to be self reliant. The aim is to help build their capacities and create employment opportunities for them.

One of the centers is situated in Sanniquellie and the other in Tappita. The project will mainly be owned and run by the locals, with the assistance GOL, UNMIL and UNDP.

The Seys United Methodist Church in Careysburg City, which was rebuilt, dedicated.
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, herself a Methodist, was present for the ceremony.

UMC Bishop, the Right Rev. Dr. John G. Innis, reminded the audience that the fire that destroyed the temple of God had no power because “When Jesus is on your side, all things are possible.”

In his sermon during the re-dedication ceremony, Bishop Innis assured Methodists that such an incident could no more reoccur because the celebration of a new church was a clear manifestation that God has absolute power over mankind.

“No destructive situation is ever helpless for God. Satan thought we would have been down forever but he is a liar,” the Bishop said.

The Methodist prelate thanked President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court of Liberia for their moral, financial and spiritual support given the Church during its period of agony or sorrow.

For her part, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf lauded the hands that contributed to the rebuilding of the Church. She said it was by faith that the people of Liberia have reached thus far.

The Liberian leader indicated that even though the country still had challenges, it was about time that Liberians tell the world that they are proud to be Liberians.

A fire victim of the Bato Town community, Red Light, Paynesville is calling on the public for financial assistance to enable her undergo a plastic surgery. She said this will afford her another chance to get back into college as she is currently being discriminated against by her peers due to the scars on her face. The unfortunate fire incident occurred on Wednesday, March 10, 2010.

Ms. Bendu Armstrong, 26, suffered a major facial burn as a result of the fire; deforming her face beyond recognition. She is a 2007 graduate of the Henry Wilmot Dennis High School in Monrovia.

Accompanied by her mother, Bendu spoke with the Daily Observer on recently. Mrs. Annie Armstrong, the victim's mother narrated that on that fateful night after watching television and gone to their respective rooms, she was awakened by her younger daughter that Bendu was burning in the other room.

According to her, upon reaching Bendu's room, she noticed the mattress blazing with Bendu unable to help herself. “I rushed to her aid and took her to the St. Joseph Catholic Hospital where she received treatment for a month and was transfered to the Mercy Ship at the Freeport of Monrovia,” Bendu's mother said.

Mrs. Armstrong further told the Observer that the cause of the fire remains a mystery to the entire family. Neither she nor Bendu could recall what might have caused the fire.

Residents of Jacob Town in Monrovia, Montserrado County’s Electoral District #7, have petitioned Solomon C. Gbardyu to contest for Representative in the 2011 general elections.

Reading the statement at a mass meeting of residents of the community last Sunday, the acting vice chairman of the community, Esau D. Johnson described Mr. Gbardyu as their foremost choice for the post of Representative.

Responding to the petition, Mr. Gbardyu declared among other things that he was ready to contest the upcoming election.

“The voice of the people is the voice of God. I am, therefore, more prepared than ever before to take up your challenge by entering the race for 2011. My sole purpose will be to serve the people,” Mr. Gbardyu said amidst applause.

Solomon. Gbardyu, a father of four, is a senior student of the AME Zion University College, majoring in Management with a minor in Public Administration.

He is the chief executive of the Solo and Son Multi-purpose Corporation, situated at Paynesville Redlight. He is also an executive member of the Concerned Liberian Business Organization (COLINBO), which provides micro credit-loans to grassroots Liberian business men and women.