A four men delegation from the Canadian Steel Workers Humanity Fund (SHF) led by Mr. Douglas John Olthuis is expected to visit Liberia as guest of Camp for Peace Liberia from November 16 – 17, 2016. Other members of the delegation include Ms. Anita Jolanda Vlaar, Adam Nichols and Mr. Armindo Carreiro DeMedeiros. The Canadian Steelworkers Humanity Fund is a registered Canadian Charity which currently supports the work of Camp for Peace Liberian in the area of education, empowerment and Rehabilitation of Liberian Youths. While in the country, the delegation is expected with visit the Bowker Washington Institute in Kakata, Margibi County and the Lutheran Training Institute in Salayea, Lofa County. They will meet with students and teachers as well as community leaders.
The visit aimed at creating connection and getting a better understanding of the social and economic conditions of the students. It is anticipated that the visit will present an opportunity for the students and community leaders to outline the challenges facing them. The SHF is also in partnership with the Liberia Labour Congress. As part of this international partnership, the delegation is expected to also travel to Yekepa, Buchanan and Harbel to interact with other trade unions on bilateral issues and challenges affecting labor and trade unions in Liberia.
It can be recall that the Liberia civil war took a heavy tour on the country social, political and economic facets which led to the death of approximately 250,000 people. Many suffer displacement and other forms of abuses including rape, harassment and humiliation. Majority of those affected were the youth. They were the principal perpetrators, but at the same time victims of the civil war. Today, most of them feel alienated and frustrated as a result of their exclusion and marginalization by society. They continue to struggle the periphery of poverty because of their lack of skills and former education that would make them marketable and useful citizens in society. The SHF through Camp for Peace Liberia has for the past two years sponsored a substantial portion of the targeted youth through an integrated psychosocial program.
It is our hope that through their visit the team will reaffirm their solidarity and continue support to these marginalized and devastated youths who need relevant skills to meaningful contribute to peace, reconciliation and development in Liberia.
0