Liberia Past Programs

EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND INTERVENTION

Returnee Assistance 2005

This program took place in Lofa County where UMCOR managed transit/way-stations for internally displaced people returning home. UMCOR continued its assistance through food and supply distribution as well as community empowerment programs and road rehabilitation programs helped people reestablish their lives following years of war.

Emergency Assistance for Residents in IDP Camps 1999-2004

UMCOR implemented projects in camp management at Fendell, Montserrado County, and Soul Clinic, Margibi County, IDP (internally displaced person) camps. The camps' population consisted of over 30,000 people, many of whom originated from Lofa County and who sought refuge from the fighting which virtually destroyed the region. UMCOR was responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day running of the camps in coordination with other implementing partners, including the areas of water, sanitation, health, HIV/AIDS and family planning, child protection and tracing, food assistance and supplementary feeding, distribution of non-food assistance, education, psycho-social activities, social services and assistance for the elderly.

AGRICULTURE

Food Security Program 2005

UMCOR Liberia assisted farmers with agricultural inputs to improve the level of food security in the area. The program took place in Fendell and Mount Barclay Camps for internally displaced people in Montserrado County and Soul Clinic camp in Margibi County. Farmers received seeds, tools, technical assistance and training in agricultural practices, including seed multiplication, crop fertilization and insect control. Beneficiaries produced a variety of crops such as melons, okra, cassava, sweet potatoes and rice.

DEMOBILIZATION, DISARMAMENT, REHABILITATION & REINTEGRATION

Skills Training 2004-2005

UMCOR provided ex-combatants with skills training, accelerated learning and small business management project. The trainees were introduced to basic skills in the various trades, a foundation from which they can continue adding skills.

The program was part of an overall peace building, reconciliation and reintegration process. UMCOR hoped to consolidate the current peace, security and stability in Liberia through this program by ensuring that ex-combatant and other war-affected populations were reintegrated into viable communities in and around Monrovia. The program was a success; out of the targeted 1,324 ex-combatants, 1,255 (95%) registered for the training. Ultimately, 946 (75%) completed the training. UMCOR views this result as well above average.