By: Wellington Railey

Photo on Flickr by gbaku

Keenan Institute, a local non-governmental organization in collaboration with the Promotion of Girls Education in Liberia (PEL Advocates), have launched an intensive training program that is geared towards the empowerment of underprivileged Liberians, especially girls and women.

The program, which was launched in Central Liberia’s Bong County hopes to improve the livelihood of 500 Liberians in the areas of adult literacy, health, computer, education, tailoring, soap making, cosmetology and carpentry, as well as other vocational training skills.

The Executive Director of PEL Advocates, Relhetta J.Wreh, said it is now time to prioritize issues that are affecting women in Liberia so as to ensure their full participation toward the growth of their respective communities.

“With the confidence that our women’s economic security and rights are enchained,  Keenan Institute /Pel Advocates  is to collaborate with other partners aimed at making important progress in areas that are essential to gender equality in the development of national strategy,” Wreh said.

The education officer of Bong County Mr. Kellegbo Karpu congratulated PEL Advocates for initiating the project that would benefit the war ravaged youth of Bong County, especially women and girls. He also pledged the government’s support towards the full realization of the program. Keenan Institute began its operations in the 90’s and has since impacted the lives of over 5000 beneficiaries. It draws its support from the Global Fund for Women through Mr. and Mrs. Steven E. Ran Chase and other partners.

As the old saying goes, “When you educate a woman you educate a whole nation.” If that is true than these women have all the reason to commend their supporters for their efforts in transforming their lives.