GANTA, Liberia — As Liberia continues conversations about inclusion and equal opportunities, concerns are emerging over the challenges faced by disability organizations struggling to secure basic infrastructure needed to serve their members.
The Life Is Good Disabled Organization has issued an urgent appeal to the government, humanitarian institutions, businesses, and members of the public for support to complete the construction of an office and meeting center intended to serve persons living with disabilities in Ganta.
The appeal highlights a larger issue facing many community-based organizations: the gap between disability advocacy and the practical support needed to sustain programs aimed at empowerment and self-reliance.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, Madam Abigail Gonkarnue said the group was established in 2013 with a mission to help persons living with disabilities move away from street begging by creating opportunities through skills training and economic empowerment initiatives.
According to her, the organization currently runs several vocational and livelihood programs designed to help members become financially independent. These include agricultural activities, liquid soap production, and washing soap manufacturing.
She noted that previous support from partners enabled the organization to provide training in chlorax production, liquid soap making, and tie-and-dye activities, which have since become important income-generating ventures for members.
Madam Gonkarnue disclosed that the organization currently has 75 active members and said support remains limited. She explained that GARRD-Liberia is presently the group’s only active partner, providing farming materials and occasional financial support for empowerment programs.
However, she identified the absence of a proper office and meeting center as one of the organization’s biggest obstacles.
According to her, members often gather outdoors for meetings, exposing them to harsh weather conditions. She said rainy periods have become especially difficult, forcing interruptions and creating uncomfortable conditions for members.
“We frequently meet under the sun, and when rain falls, it becomes embarrassing and difficult for our members,” she explained.
Madam Gonkarnue revealed that the project requires three bundles of roofing zinc, 20 pieces of 2×2 planks, cement, sand, spring wire, and zinc nails to complete the structure.
She further stated that construction costs remain another challenge. The contractor’s labor fee totals US$350, of which US$100 has already been paid, leaving an outstanding balance of US$250.
Despite the difficulties, she expressed appreciation to traders at LPMC Market and members of the Ganta business community whose earlier contributions helped move the project to its current stage.
She warned that failure to complete and roof the structure before the peak of the rainy season could place the unfinished building at risk.
As the organization waits for assistance, the situation raises broader questions about disability inclusion and whether community organizations working to empower vulnerable groups are receiving the level of support necessary to sustain their efforts.
