The YMCA in Liberia is a well established institution and has been active in humanitarian response throughout the months long civil war that ended August of last year. Immediately after cessation of hostilities they had organized the youth active in their recreation programs to begin collecting trash and cleaning the cities and towns. The YMCA has program centers in the counties of Bong, Nimba, Margibi and Buchanan, and three centers in the capital city of Monrovia. In partnership with the World Food Program the YMCA procured and distributed 65.5 metric tons of rice seed, and 2,500 pieces of cutlasses to 2,500 farmers in the three districts of Nimba county. The YMCA is once again preparing psycho-social training in all of its program centers through the country including play therapy, training in sports and recreation, focus-group discussion and music. Their central headquarters in Monrovia was the center of three weeks of staff training on self care and support to survivors. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance trainers provided the training for all local members of the ACT alliance.

“We are indeed grateful to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance for sending its Associate for International Disaster Response, Luke Asikoye, to work along with our program staff in developing the project document,” said Peter Kamei, General Secretary of the YMCA. “Luke’s involvement was very crucial to the process. His special gift in negotiating was very essential. We are indeed proud as an institution to be associated with him and with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.”

“It has been a joy to work with the YMCA of Liberia and to be able to support them in these crucial steps towards healing and rebuilding the Liberian society,” said Susan Ryan Coordinator of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. “If there is to be any rebuilding of the civil society and social fabric of countries who have suffered such extended conflict, it will be because local institutions are strengthened and supported. Outsiders can never bring the same energy to the task of rebuilding hope and lives.”

Funds will still be needed to assist the YMCA in refurbishing regional offices destroyed in the conflict and to continue to build their management capacity.