By J. Mason Kollie
LOFA – The Alternative Economic Livelihood Project for Female Zoes In Voinjama City, Lofa County is deserted, with the facility hosting the project lying in ruins and unattended to.
The project constructed with support from the European Union (EU- Spotlight) to help traditional women transition from harmful practices onto trades and vocational training as a means of change in the undertakings of traditional activities is at the moment dormant, according to our reporter in the area.
The project was completed, dedicated in early 2023, and presented to the Government of Liberia (GoL) through the then Chairman of the National Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia, Chief Zanzan Karwor.
However, since the facility was dedicated and turned over to the GoL, the center continues to be deserted, with no vocational training taking place there, as was promised during the dedicatory ceremony of the center.
Located in Vazela Town, Voinjama District seat, the facility meant for female zoes, is covered in bush, with no sign of any activity taking place there, according to our reporter who recently visited there.
Many traditional women contacted by the Rural Reporters News Network (RRNN) regarding this issue, attributed the desertion of the facility to the unavailability of electricity at the center.
“We cannot be in the building without electricity, we need security,” several of the traditional women said in a recent RRNN interview.
“We are calling on our donors and other partners to help us with electricity and other materials to start working there,” one of the traditional women, Ma. Kormassa Bowolee, a female traditional leader in Lofa County stated.
Edited by Olando Testimony Zeongar.
