Celebrating 49 years of ECOWAS: Empowering orphans and students in Liberia through Unity and Education

The Office of the Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission in Liberia commemorated the 49^th anniversary of ECOWAS under the theme “Enhancing Regional Unity, Peace and Security” with orphans and students in Barclay Farm, Margibi County, District #2.

The 49^th anniversary was a departure from the usual celebrations. As an ECOWAS of the People, the Resident Representative Office in Liberia sought to take the celebrations to the less privileged in society. In collaboration with the ECOWAS Volunteers Program, Interns from the ECOWAS Young Professional Program, and the National Financial Manager of the West African Health Organization in Liberia, celebrated with orphans and students of the Bendu M. Van Elementary and Junior High School in Barclay Farm, Margibi county (D2).

As the 49^th anniversary coincided with the Menstrual Hygiene Day, awareness raising on menstrual hygiene was a key aspect of the day’s activities. Both girls and boys were educated on the myths and negative mindsets in relation to menstruation. As part of the activities, training on making reusable sanitary pads would be implemented during the week.

In remarks at the event, H.E. Josephine Nkrumah, Resident Representative stated that the theme of the 49^th   anniversary is a reflection of the current challenges confronted by the sub-region and a reminder for community citizens to collectively work together towards unity, peace and strengthen security. She further urged students to forge unity and peace in their daily activities to build a better sub-region.

The Resident Representative Office with the ECOWAS Volunteers donated food and non-food items to the orphanage, to support the dire need of orphanage, as well as, including sanitary packages to girls at the event. A donation of text books, exercise books, clothing, detergents and food in the amount of $5,000 United States Dollars was made to the orphanage.