By Precious D. Freeman
The Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) has successfully concluded a two-day induction training in Gbarnga, Central Liberia, aimed at enhancing leadership skills among newly elected regional and local leaders.
The event brought together 35 participants from Grand Bassa, Lofa, Nimba, Rivercess, and Bong Counties.
Held under the theme, “Strengthening Leadership and Collaboration for Effective Governance and Management,” the training focused on empowering new leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to lead effectively within the LNRCS framework.
This initiative is part of a broader national effort to build stronger leadership across Liberia’s counties.
The Central Liberia induction is the second of its kind, following a successful training session held in Southeastern Liberia in March 2025.
These training programs are critical for orienting leaders who emerged from the local elections held in October 2024, where 92 individuals were elected, 93% of whom are new to their roles.
With such a high influx of first-time leaders, the LNRCS has recognized the urgent need to address critical knowledge gaps in leadership, governance, and humanitarian coordination.
The Gbarnga session provided a foundational understanding of the LNRCS structure, policies, and humanitarian principles to ensure a unified approach to community service delivery.
The induction also emphasized the importance of collaboration between regional leaders and local communities.
Facilitators guided participants through scenarios that highlighted conflict resolution, team building, resource management, and community engagement, all of which are essential for effective humanitarian leadership.
Speaking at the close of the training, LNRCS Secretary General Gregory Blamoh praised the participants for their dedication and encouraged them to serve with humility, integrity, and a commitment to Red Cross values.
“Our success at the community level depends on strong, knowledgeable, and committed leadership—and this training is a key step in that journey,” he said.
Participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting the value of being equipped with leadership skills before assuming full responsibilities in their respective counties.
“This training has given us clarity on our roles and how we can support our communities better,” said one of the participants, Abel Toe.
The training also featured peer exchange sessions, allowing experienced leaders from the southeastern cohort to share insights and challenges faced since their own induction.
This exchange fostered a sense of unity and underscored the need for continuous support and mentorship across counties.
In addition to leadership development, the training addressed operational planning and accountability.
LNRCS emphasized the need for transparency in decision-making and prudent resource management, particularly in times of humanitarian crisis.
Moving forward, the LNRCS has committed to continuous engagement and support for these leaders, including follow-up training, performance monitoring, and resource sharing.
This ensures that the momentum gained during the induction is sustained over time.
The Gbarnga training marks a significant milestone in LNRCS’s ongoing efforts to decentralize leadership development and improve community resilience.
By equipping local leaders with the right tools and mindset, the organization aims to strengthen humanitarian responses and promote good governance at the grassroots level.
As Liberia navigates both longstanding and emerging challenges, LNRCS’s investment in leadership development positions it as a driving force in building resilient, well-governed, and empowered communities throughout the nation.
