By Precious D. Freeman
The Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) has expressed profound gratitude to the Embassy of Sweden for providing an additional US$592,000 in funding to support the Green, Inclusive, and Resilient Liberian Communities (GIRL) Project in the southeastern region of Liberia.
Launched in 2023, the GIRL Project aims to enhance community resilience, promote climate change adaptation, and strengthen local capacity in health and disaster risk reduction across Sinoe, Grand Kru, and River Gee counties.
The Swedish Embassy, a key donor for the three-year initiative, confirmed the funding during the annual review meeting held on December 9, 2024, with the Liberia Red Cross.
The meeting served as a platform to evaluate the project’s achievements, challenges, and overall impact since its inception.
Impressed by the progress made so far, the Swedish Embassy endorsed the additional funding to facilitate the project’s expansion from 12 communities to 45 communities across the three counties.
Speaking on the development, Gregory Blamoh, Secretary General of the Liberia Red Cross, emphasized the importance of the additional funding.
“This additional funding from the Swedish Embassy is a true testament to the progress we have made together under the GIRL Project and underscores the Swedish Government’s commitment to empowering Liberian communities and building resilience,” Mr. Blamoh stated.
He added that the increased funding will enable the Red Cross to address critical needs in vulnerable communities, focusing on strengthening community structures, enhancing livelihoods, improving access to safe water, and expanding healthcare services.
“With these resources, we will strengthen community structures, enhance livelihoods, and improve access to safe water and healthcare, while building resilience against future disasters,” Mr. Blamoh added.
Mr. Blamoh highlighted that climate change remains a significant threat to vulnerable communities in Liberia. The additional funding, he noted, will provide more communities with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to adapt to changing environmental conditions and build sustainable solutions.
“By expanding our efforts, we are not only responding to immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term development,” he emphasized.
The LNRCS acknowledged the critical role of the Swedish Embassy and the Swedish Red Cross in ensuring the success of the GIRL Project.
“We are deeply grateful to the Swedish Embassy and the Swedish Red Cross for their unwavering partnership and trust in our work,” Mr. Blamoh said.
As the GIRL Project scales up, it is set to transform more communities, improve living conditions, and strengthen resilience against the adverse effects of climate change.
The Liberia Red Cross reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment through innovative and impactful initiatives.
The additional funding represents a significant step towards achieving the project’s overarching goal of creating greener, more inclusive, and resilient Liberian communities in the years ahead.
