CJPS, CPS – Bread for the World, Transforming Barriers & Enhancing Skills

Story: Emmanuel S. King, Jr

The Center for Justice and Peace Studies, CJPS in partnership with Civil Peace Service, Bread for the World Partners on October 31, 2023, certificated 75 young men following months of training under the Girls Empowerment Project in Kakata, Margibi County.

Participants of the Empowerment Project in Kakata, Margibi County

This number is part of 150 youth and adult in Margibi and Bong Counties, who were trained under the Father School Program to become agent of change in their communities, support women and girls and participate in house whole chores.

The Center for Justice & Peace Studies – CJPS Program Manager, Francis S. Konyon said, the young men were selected from five communities in Margibi and trained using a module. He also noted, “The training will enable the young men to become supportive to their spouses and children, while also making them equitable partners to their wives.”

“This training will enable the men to become agents of change and help them to transform negative norms, toxic masculinity and make them to get involved in household work and child care.” Mr. Konyon said.

In an overview of the program, Mr. Francis S. Konyon said the Girls Empowerment Program works with adolescent girls and young women, boys and men to create a conducive environment that support the education and development of vulnerable people, especially the adolescent girls and young women.

Performing a role play on being a father in the home

“In some homes, men are the decision makers, thus putting women at a disadvantage in being prepared for decision making in the home.” He noted.

Some of the graduates in Kakata, Margibi County

Participants were drawn from 14^th Road, Bassa Community, Greenhill Community, Lango Town and Sackie Gbomo Town in in Margibi County. During the certification program, several trainees from the five communities where they were drawn from said, the training had given them a new direction.

Lucky Tarr from the Bassa Community said the training has made him to learn how to maintain his home and show respect to his spouse, while also taking the lead in the home.

“The training will enable me to be a good father, cherish my spouse, family and children, listen to my wife, share her concern and be a good father to fill the gap, when their mother is not around.” Said Konah P. Gibson of the Greenhill community.

During the training, participants also learned appropriate dress code as a father, the risk and danger of being work-shy, and the benefit of being a responsible father in the home.

Reverend Gbarngawoe E. Seyboe, motivating the trainees

Reverend Gbarngawoe E. Seyboe, Lead Pastor of the Militant Church of Jesus Christ in Kakata, Margibi County, who served as Motivational Speaker, noted that man is the head of the home, and the training should enable them, rebuild a new identity and redefine their roles, while also serving as a new support group to serve as mentors in their communities.

Gender Coordinator for Margibi County, Danlette D. Asilton

In remarks, the Gender Coordinator for Margibi County, Danlette D. Asilton, called for a balance of activities between the trainees and the spouses. She called on them not to allow what they have learned to go to waste.

CJPS Executive Director, Mr. Joseph D. Howard making remarks

The Executive Director of the CJPS, Joseph D. Howard thanked the trainees for participating in the program, noting that they are now the light in the home and anything good in the society begin from the home. He commended the trainees for completing the program, adding, “Go as the light and remove darkness, do not beat on your wives.” He con concluded.

A trainee receives his certificate from Mrs. Asilton

The Center for Justice and Peace Studies is a partner organization of the Civil Peace Service, Bread for the World Partners. CJPS is a youth focused development organization, working extensively in supporting peaceful co-existence among community members, promoting youth participation in decision making processes, supporting the establishment and strengthening of community forest management bodies, and creating awareness on policies and best practices that enhance co-existence and sustainable development in rural Liberia.

Reverend Gbarngawoe E. Seyboe presents certificate to a participant

The Civil Peace Service – CPS is a German funded program aiming at preventing violence and promoting peace in crisis zones and conflict regions. CPS professionals in more than 40 countries support people on the ground in their commitment for dialogue, human rights, and peace on a long-term basis. The goals of the Civil Peace Service Liberia country program are: Marginalized groups are integrated to reduce fragmentation of society and natural resources are utilized for the general public, and at a local level, a dialogue is pursued between the population and the state.

Contacts CJPS @

Joseph D. Howard

Executive Director

Center for Justice & Peace Studies

Email: josephhoward.cjps@gmail.com

Cell #s: +231 886 526 151 / +231 770 103 528

WhatsApp. +231 886 526 151