Bong County: ForumCiv, partners conduct joint monitoring visit to Naama community
By Edwin N. Khakie
As part of a three-day Joint Project Monitoring initiative, ForumCiv Liberia and members of the Programme Steering Committee (PSC) conducted a field visit to the Naama community in Bong County on Wednesday.
Bong County, June 16, 2025: The monitoring exercise is a core part of ongoing efforts to assess the impact, challenges, and progress of activities implemented under the Our Land Program in partnership with the Justice and Peace Commission (JPC).
The monitoring delegation comprised a broad coalition of stakeholders, including representatives from the Office of the Bong County Superintendent, the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Bong County Civil Society Council, ForumCiv staff and interns, and other local implementing partners.
During the visit, the delegation engaged local community members and stakeholders, who provided firsthand testimonies about the transformative effects of the program. A key highlight of the discussions was the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) scheme, which residents credited for fostering economic empowerment—particularly among single women and low-income earners.
Antonette Kessele, a local resident and VSLA participant, praised the program for creating accessible financial opportunities.
“The low interest rate allows us to repay at a pace we can manage,” she said. “It’s helping many of us, especially women, to build better lives for our families.”
The team also reviewed the strides made in land rights awareness and governance. Community members reported that through comprehensive training provided under the Land Rights Act, they now have a deeper understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities concerning land ownership. This has led to increased community engagement, with local residents—especially women—taking proactive roles in educating others and advocating for equitable land access.
“We now understand our rights and responsibilities when it comes to land,” said Korto F. Wolokollie, a community mobilizer. “And we are helping others understand too.”
The Naama visit marks the beginning of a series of community monitoring engagements across Bong County. According to ForumCiv and its partners, the goal is to document success stories, identify implementation gaps, and reinforce collaborative efforts toward inclusive, rights-based rural development.
“This exercise is not just about oversight—it’s about listening, learning, and working together to promote inclusive, rights-based development,” said Asa David Chon, Country Director of ForumCiv Liberia.
The joint monitoring activity is expected to continue over the next several days, with visits to additional communities benefiting from interventions under the Our Land Program. The initiative reaffirms ForumCiv’s and its partners’ commitment to promoting gender equality, sustainable land governance, and community-driven development throughout Liberia.
