Liberia
Volunteer in action
Liberia
The 14-year civil war in Liberia affected all aspects of society, displacing thousands of families, disrupting the economy and destroying critical infrastructure. Following the war’s end, the country has struggled to repair socio-economic conditions, with 54% of the country still in poverty. Since 2010, Shelter for Life has implemented projects that include: public infrastructure reconstruction of bridges, latrines and roads; shelter and settlement services; access to finances through micro-grants; and vocational training in agricultural practice and business.
Our Work:
- Funder: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- Duration: 2010
Shelter for Life (SFL) International is an important Nonprofit Organization based out of the U.S. We currently have several, international humanitarian projects. Our work focuses on Sustainability, Shelter, Infrastructure, Resettlement, & Relief. In this video, SFL partners with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to erect 400 shelters for Ivory Coast refugees in Solo Town, Liberia.
Within northern Iraq, water issues are paramount with chronic problems of increasing demand and impossibly difficult supplies. In the early 2000’s Soran District in particular was flooded with returnees from Iran, placing great stress on water resources. Many families were generally unaware of how their behavior affects the environment and hence the linkages between poor health and pollution were rarely understood, leading to poor health practices and outcomes. SFL provided emergency services to over 5,250 people over 2004-2005, but longer term plans were required.
To address the major water issues in Soran, our team initiated a comprehensive and sustainable water solution project that sought to provide a permanent, reliable and clean source of water to the families of Soran Town. This involved construction of large-scale water systems, including pipelines, pump systems, water tanks, and establishing school awareness programs about public health.
165,000 individuals provided sustainable access to water; 130 schools provided training in water catchment pollution and safe rubbish disposal
Liberia
The 14-year civil war in Liberia affected all aspects of society, displacing thousands of families, disrupting the economy and destroying critical infrastructure. Following the war’s end, the country has struggled to repair socio-economic conditions, with 54% of the country still in poverty. Since 2010, Shelter for Life has implemented projects that include: public infrastructure reconstruction of bridges, latrines and roads; shelter and settlement services; access to finances through micro-grants; and vocational training in agricultural practice and business.
Our Work:
- Funder: USAID Food for Progress, through OIC International
- Duration: 2010-2012
In partnership with OIC International, our team implemented a Food-for-Work program as a part of the USAID/OICI HANDS (Health, Agriculture, Nutrition, Development and Sustainability) program. With a focus on agricultural market development, our team developed vocational training and micro-grants initiatives, as well as provided food to community members in return for working on projects that benefited the community. This included: road rehabilitation and infrastructure reconstruction work programs, small jumpstart grants, intertwined with extensive agricultural training, mentoring and coaching, followed by the distribution of $100 micro-grants.
Micro-grants given to 422 farmers; 123 community members employed through the food-for-work program; 6 new shelters, 2 bridges and several latrines constructed.
