Our work in Liberia

Hope for a Family program focuses on education

Liberians have struggled to restore life to normal after two civil wars and political upheavals through the 1980s and into the early 2000s. Although Liberia has made significant gains, the biggest challenge it faces is restructuring.

The CFCA Hope for a Family sponsorship program has been an important partner for families on their path toward self-sufficiency. CFCA’s Monrovia project in the nation’s capital is committed to helping families create new opportunities for themselves.

In Liberia, CFCA focuses primarily on education for sponsored children. Educational benefits include assistance for tuition and other school-related needs. Students may also receive computer training and extra tutoring during school holidays.

Sponsored children, youths and aging friends also receive health care assistance, some nutritional benefits and gifts during birthday and Christmas celebrations.

Education unlocks potential

UNICEF reports that half a million children in Liberia still do not attend school, while two-thirds of the students who do attend are taught by unqualified teachers. More boys than girls are enrolled in school.

One of the best ways to build a path out of poverty is to support the education of future generations.

CFCA's educational benefits include tuition, West African Examination fees, uniforms and school supplies such as notebooks, backpacks, pens, pencils, erasers and mathematics supplies.

More than 500 sponsored children have graduated from high school, with a number of those graduates continuing with higher education.

“These children have now moved out of the reign of abject poverty because of the education they have gained," said Augustus Nelson, Monrovia project coordinator.

Setting high goals

CFCA Hope for a Family programs work to empower women and girls to make choices and set goals that help them succeed in their future endeavors.

Doris knew from an early age that she wanted to work in construction, a predominantly male field. After her infant brother was injured when the roof of their house collapsed, Doris told her mother, "I want to build houses when I grow up – houses that won't fall."

Despite the incredible odds of breaking the gender barrier, her determination and sponsorship helped her persevere. She has become one of the few female construction managers in all of Liberia.

Still, she must continue to work doubly hard to earn respect from colleagues and the general public – respect that is freely given to men in her same position.

With CFCA's encouragement and support, Doris created an opportunity to succeed in the face of adversity. She has fought not only poverty, but also prejudices. Now she is a role model to Liberian girls, showing that women can overcome obstacles to their educational and career goals.

Celebrations offer a way to connect with sponsors

Birthdays are celebrated monthly. During the celebrations, birthday beneficiaries receive a package containing various essential toiletries and a towel.

Children and the aging view the celebration and present as a way to feel connected to their sponsors, like they would feel about a family member who has sent them a gift from afar.

The annual Christmas celebration is greeted with great excitement. Sponsored members and their families spend this time interacting with other members of the Hope for a Family program.

Children play games such as soccer, table tennis, volleyball and basketball at these celebrations. They also perform dances, plays and songs for those in attendance.