CPS Network Liberia Partners: Strategizing to Sustain CPS Work in Liberia

Participants from partner organizations concluded a two-day strategic meeting under the Civil Peace Service (CPS) -Bread for the World Partners Trimester meeting. The meeting, held under the theme: Sustaining the work of CPS Liberia and its Partners in the Face of Shrinking Donor Support, was attended by the seven partner organizations of the Network.

Highlights of Partners’ work

With presentations and key highlights from partners’ work in 2024, one of several activities during the meeting was presentations by partners on the highlights of their work, opportunities for their organizations, their wishes, and the big question for each network partner. On highlights from their work in 2024, New African & Research Development Agency, NARDA reported about collaboration with communities to flag out illicit mining in their communities; engaging communities in boundary and land disputes.  The Center for Justice and Peace Studies –CJPS noted the collaboration with the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency –LDEA to simplify the New Drug Law in Liberia. The Trauma Healing and Reconciliation Program –THRP named challenges with funding, rehabilitation of drug users, and returning migrants.

The Young Men’s Christian Association of Liberia (YMCA) highlighted collaboration and support from Network partners, and gender training for 280 young people. The Liberia Opportunities Industrialization Center, LOIC noted the graduation of trainees under its Technical Vocation Education Training (TVET) program, increased collaboration with stakeholder, and more visibility of the organization.

The Mano River Union Meeting held in Liberia in 2024, the International Day of Peace Celebration in Liberia by CPS and partners in Liberia and Sierra Leone, and partners’ collaboration and participation are some of the key highlights that stood out for the Network. According to its Coordinator, Madam Decontee E. George.

Opportunities

On opportunities, NARDA said the organization has better opportunities for collaboration with partners, given its role as an umbrella organization. CJPS noted the willingness of the government to collaborate with civil society organizations, while LOIC says it has more training sites, which puts the organization in a position to train more young people in Technical and Vocational Education.

The BIG Question

The partners during their presentations also discussed the big questions every partner has, which included strengthening partnerships with local authorities, extending vocational and TVET training opportunities to other areas with no opportunities for training, sustaining the work of CPS and its partners in the face of shrinking donor Support. Among other questions on keeping partner organizations active amidst low budget and funding.

In the face of budget cuts and shrinking donor support for program activities, partner organizations held a brainstorming session on the impact of funding cuts/shutdown on NGOs and communities, areas of tension, and emerging opportunities. Participants also explored the need for possible joint action and suggestions for innovation and action plans. Discussions were held on stronger and more effective collaboration, identifying emerging opportunities by partner organizations.