At the Rural Integrated Center for Community Empowerment (RICCE), our pursuit of a just and inclusive society remains steadfast. Recently, our Board of Directors gathered for a pivotal strategic meeting, driven by the support of the American Jewish World Service (AJWS) through the “Increasing Women Participation in Natural Resource Management to Restore Traditional Knowledge” initiative. This crucial retreat underscored our ongoing commitment to empowering Liberian communities, with a focus on social and gender justice.
Our Executive Director, Madam Salome G. Gofan, presented a comprehensive summary of RICCE’s operations from January 2022 to March 2024, providing an in-depth look at our achievements, ongoing challenges, and vision for the future. This report included insights into our management’s history, project highlights, partnerships, financial health, and forward-looking strategies. The presentation opened a dialogue for board members to contribute, analyze our impact, and chart a course for sustained growth and innovation.
During the meeting, we held interactive plenary sessions that focused on refining our approach to advocacy. Our board members engaged in thoughtful discussions to assess RICCE’s impact and identified innovative paths for further improvement. Emphasizing our commitment to long-lasting change, the Board explored new opportunities to solidify our standing as a leading advocate for equitable social progress in Liberia.
In a testament to our shared dedication, Chairperson Madam Alice Kenkpen-Sirleaf lauded the Board’s leadership and dedication, recognizing the importance of maintaining strong oversight to ensure continued success. She highlighted that organizations often struggle without robust mechanisms to hold themselves accountable. Inspired by her words, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing gender equality, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and fostering environmental stewardship.
RICCE’s work in rural communities spans a diverse array of programs, including food security, gender equality, environmental conservation, income generation, and peace-building initiatives. Operating in all 15 counties, we have positively impacted the lives of countless Liberians, advocating for policy changes that empower local communities to thrive.
We invite you to read more about this milestone event in FrontPage Africa’s coverage, which highlights our Board’s strategic insights and ongoing dedication to driving meaningful change in Liberia.
As we move forward, we are excited to continue our journey, building a stronger, more equitable Liberia for all.