22 August 2006
The Global Call for Action against Poverty Liberia National Coalition (GCAP-LINC) has intensified its advocacy campaign against poverty in Montserrado County, targeting several communities and learning institutions.
According to a statement under the signature of Eddie Jarwolo, Program Associate said the campaign began with two forums: "Budget" and "GEMAP." It brought together over 60 participants from local NGOs, CBOs and students from various learning institutions, three resource persons from the Business College of the University of Liberia as well as Budget Director Augustine Ngafuan.
The one-day debate and dialogue on the Budget was held at the Gender Ministry while the second edition which took place at the offices of the Press Union of Liberia brought together civil society representatives on the Governance Economic and Management Assistance Program (GEMAP) and representatives of civil society organizations. It was aimed at discussing the implementation of the GEMAP, thus generating alternative options that are people-focused and provide information to civil society that could influence policy to eradiate poverty in Liberia.
At the end of the GEMAP forum facilitated by Negbalee Warner and Christian Peah, the statement said participants developed immense interest and requested representatives on the GEMAP to conduct monthly briefing for civil society membership.
GCAP-LINC declared last week "The Week of Action" during which four community interactive forums were held in West Point, Caldwell, New Kru Town and Clara Town, with over 300 participants. At these participatory forums, participants expressed concern on the workings of GEMAP especially its ownership, and the lack of information on the implementation of the Program; after each of the forums participants said GCAP-LINC was the first group that have provided them adequate information on the implementation of GEMAP, they however recommended that this initiative be extended to other communities nationwide. GCAP-LINC distributed civic education t-shirts and posted banners in each community at the end of the forums.
The week of action interactive forums were facilitated by GCAP-LINC Desk Officer Ms. Patience Coleman and Mr. Dan Saryee, Sr GCAP-LINC National Coordinator.
Next week, GCAP-LINC will launch its advocacy campaign in rural Liberia, firstly targeting three counties - Margibi, Bong and Grand Bassa.
This campaign will be mostly to consult and identify active member organizations that would establish a network in rural Liberia to facilitate GCAP-LINC rural program activities. GCAP-LINC program is currently sponsored by a grant from OXFAM-GB.
Meanwhile, GCAP-LINC National Coordinator, Dan T. Saryee, Sr. has noted the serious need to increase public awareness on the GEMAP and its activities.
He emphasized that the socio-economic development of the marginalized majority population in Liberia largely depends on the implementation of sound, people-centered policies by government and its international development partners.
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