By: Edmund C. Gbarwee, Nimba D-9 TV Public Health Reporter, ceo@onenimbahouse.com, nimbad9tv2018@gmail.com, +231778070604
Nimba County, Liberia: – The United Nimba Citizens’ Council (UNICCO) stands as a beacon of hope and progress for Nimba County and the Liberian Diaspora. Since its inception in 1979, this organization has been at the forefront of championing the 17 global goals, with a particular focus on quality education, health, and poverty eradication.
Founded as a student organization, UNICCO has evolved into one of the most proactive diaspora organizations dedicated to fostering development in Liberia. The organization’s resilience and unwavering commitment were particularly evident during the Liberian civil war, where it served as a critical voice amid the conflict that claimed approximately 250,000 lives and devastated the nation’s infrastructure.
Despite the challenges, Liberia, with its abundant resources and a population of just over 5 million, is on a path to recovery. UNICCO plays a pivotal role in this journey, consistently contributing to the nation’s development.
In 2019, under the leadership of then-President Dahn K. Dennis, Vice President Elaine Blaton, National Project Director James Wuo Harris, and National Board Chair Nathan Biah, UNICCO launched the “UNICCO December to Remember” Home Coming Day program in Ganta. This event marked the beginning of the UNICCO Women Empowerment Center (WEC) project, known as “UNICCO-VILLAGE,” spearheaded by Chair Nancy Yini.
During a visit to Liberia, National Project Director George Flomo and Liberia Country Representative Edmund C. Gbarwee engaged with the citizens of Domahpa. The community pleaded for the construction of a school to prevent their children from walking several miles to attend school, a journey that had already resulted in tragic accidents. Flomo assured the elders that he would present their request to National President Samuel T. Gee, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to supporting local needs.
In March 2024, UNICCO organized a Home Coming for Development event in Saclepea. Before heading there, the Minnesota Chapter, led by President Victoria Sendolo Zulu, Board Co-Chair Gonpue Wehyee, Vice President Bernice Yeiah, National Board Co-Chair Isaac Karto Jr., National Project Director George Flomo, and Former Project Director James Wuo Harris, along with National Vice President Nenseh Mccabe, stakeholders, and elders, broke ground for the Domahpa School Project.
With the determined efforts of UNICCO Liberia Country Representative Edmund C. Gbarwee, Joseph Y. Dolo, Janice Cooper, Mezea Domahpa, and the citizens of Domahpa, the project has reached 90% completion within two months. The Minnesota Chapter’s funding of US$6,000 and support from the Domahpa community have been instrumental in this progress. By September 2024, students in Domahpa are expected to attend classes in their new school building.
“We never knew that this project would be this fast as we thought UNICCO was joking, but we are grateful to the team for a job well done,” said Paramount Chief Domah.
This new school building will significantly reduce the risks faced by children commuting long distances and will provide a safer and more conducive learning environment.
The success of this initiative underscores the collective effort and commitment of the Domahpa community and UNICCO’s unwavering dedication to improving lives through education and community development. As the new school year approaches, the children and parents of Domahpa eagerly anticipate the opportunities that their new school will bring, marking another milestone in UNICCO’s legacy of positive impact.
