United Methodist Women's Training Center
in Monrovia, Liberia
Background
During 14 years of civil war in Liberia, the United Methodist Women established the Leadership Training Center in Monrovia in 1990 for the purpose of training pastors' and evangelists' wives. Later, dropout girls were encouraged to be trained, also.
Following the civil war which ended in 2003, reconstruction of the country by the government, NGOs and churches gave priority to increasing the capacity of women to help build a new Liberia. Education for women and health and gender equality were interconnected and were areas requiring urgent attention.
Women who had struggled to survive or who had fled the country during war are seeking skills and support in rebuilding their lives and their country. Unemployment in Liberia is 85%. The UMC Women's Training Center provides programs for young women. Some travel from distant areas in the country to Monrovia. Through education and skills training, women become better equipped to support themselves with dignity. The Center is an important part in ensuring that women are well represented in the reconstruction of Liberia. Skills acquired at the Center transform women into useful wage-earning citizens in post-war Liberia. Families of these women are benefited as well.
Programs
The school year consists of two semesters with programs and courses taught in the following areas:
- Food and Nutrition
- Arts and Crafts
- Tailoring
- Pastry
- Cosmetology
- Basic Health Education
Lack of classroom space limits class size to 15 to 20 students. Outreach and extension programs are also taken to the provinces, including Gbargna and Ganta cities.
Facility
There is yet only one small building where classes are held. This same classroom is used for staff meetings and other activities. An office, kitchen and store are also in the building.
Staff
Currently the staff consists to two missionaries and one coordinator.
Needs
- Additional classroom space
- Additional meeting and office space
- Repairs to the current building
- More sewing machines and repairs to current machines. Currently the Center has only six machines.
- An SUV for extension work
- A student dormitory for housing for women who live too far away to attend and who cannot afford rent to live in Monrovia while attending school. Estimated cost to construct a dormitory is $23,000.00