Harper, Maryland County – July 1, 2025 – Stakeholders from three of Liberia’s southeastern counties—Grand Kru, River Gee, and Sinoe—have converged in Harper, Maryland County, for the Mid-Year Review of the Green Inclusive and Resilient Liberian (GIRL) Project. This vital initiative, spearheaded by the Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) and supported by the Embassy of Sweden through the Swedish Red Cross, is currently in its final year of implementation.
Launched in 2023, the GIRL Project began its work in just 12 communities and has since significantly expanded its reach to 45 communities across the three participating counties. The project focuses on strengthening community resilience, reducing disaster risks, and promoting climate change adaptation. It achieves this through integrated interventions spanning health, sanitation, smart agriculture, and disaster risk reduction.
Key participants in the mid-year review include representatives from essential community structures such as Mother Clubs and Community-Based Action Teams (CBATs), alongside officials from the Ministries of Agriculture and Health. The gathering’s primary objective is to assess the project’s progress, share operational challenges, and identify effective strategies to enhance its overall impact during its concluding phase.
Christopher Johnson, Head of Programs at the Liberia National Red Cross Society, underscored the significance of the review. “This mid-year review is a time to reflect on the real changes happening in our communities and identify our operational challenges,” he stated. “We’ve seen women leading community clean-up campaigns, farmers embracing climate-smart agriculture, and young people learning about early warning systems. This is what building local resilience looks like.”
The GIRL Project employs a comprehensive, integrated approach to address a wide array of community needs. These include crucial areas such as menstrual hygiene management, environmental cleaning, access to safe water and sanitation, and comprehensive health and hygiene education.
Armel Komena, Country Representative of the Swedish Red Cross, emphasized the power of grassroots engagement. “We are proud of the collaboration with the Liberian Red Cross and local authorities,” Komena noted. “The project puts communities at the center of climate action and public health preparedness. That’s where real change begins.”
The Ministry of Agriculture, a key technical partner in the initiative, commended the project’s pivotal role in supporting smallholder farmers through innovative and sustainable practices. “By introducing smart farming techniques, composting, and pest-resistant crops, the GIRL Project is giving local farmers a stronger voice and better yields,” remarked Mr. Sherriff B. Taweh, Agriculture Coordinator for River Gee County. “This is a model of what community development should be.”
Local women leaders also shared inspiring testimonials on how the project has empowered them through inclusive participation. “We used to feel left out of decision-making, but now our Mother Club is organizing health talks, menstrual hygiene sessions, and garden training,” said Madam Patience Quayee, Chairlady of the Mother Club in Martuaken, River Gee. “We are not just helping our families — we are building the future of our community.”
As delegates from Grand Kru, River Gee, Sinoe, and Maryland counties continue to reflect on the significant progress made in health, disaster risk reduction, and climate-resilient livelihoods, the outcomes of this mid-year review will critically shape the final phase of the GIRL Project. The valuable lessons learned from this initiative are also set to inform future Red Cross programming aimed at strengthening community resilience across Liberia.
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