Sannoyea District, Bong County – Hundreds of women and young people in Lower Bong County are set to benefit from a major life-skills and empowerment initiative launched by the Rural Empowerment Skills Training Program of Liberia (RESTP-L).
The program officially kicked off its first phase on Saturday, February 21, 2026, with an orientation session in Kpotolomah Town, Bonkomu Clan, Sannoyea District. The initiative seeks to equip participants with practical, income-generating skills including soap making, liquid soap production, chlorine preparation, and other small-scale business activities aimed at promoting self-reliance.
Speaking at the launch, RESTP-L Executive Director Isaac Holder described the initiative as a broad-based training program centered on research, development, and hands-on skills instruction across various districts and counties in Liberia.
Holder expressed appreciation for the warm reception from host communities and extended gratitude to Prince Kermue Moye Sr. for supporting the initiative through the provision of chemicals and other essential materials. He disclosed that multiple teams have been deployed to conduct training sessions in Kpotolomah and surrounding towns and villages, with full classes scheduled to begin on Monday, February 23, following the orientation.
According to Holder, RESTP-L plans to expand the program to other parts of Lower and Upper Bong, with the goal of empowering residents through sustainable livelihood skills.
“If you teach a man how to fish, you have given him everything in life,” Holder said, emphasizing the long-term value of practical knowledge over short-term financial assistance.
He also announced that due to the overwhelming turnout, additional training centers would be established to accommodate more participants. He projected what he described as the “biggest graduation in Lower Bong” at the conclusion of Phase One.
Speaking on behalf of the women, Madam Kruah Singbaye expressed gratitude for the opportunity and assured organizers that beneficiaries would take the training seriously.
She noted that many women in the area face significant challenges, including raising children alone after the loss of spouses. She said the skills gained would help them better support their families.
“We are thankful for what you have brought to us. What we learn today will support us tomorrow,” she said.
Clan Chief Jerry Kollie of Bonkomu commended Senator Moye and his team for what he described as consistent efforts to empower citizens beyond political seasons.
He urged participants, particularly women, to remain committed to mastering the skills being taught.
“Money will finish, but knowledge will remain,” Kollie emphasized.
Also speaking at the event, James Janteh, General Secretary of the Unity Party’s Bong County Chapter, praised the Senator’s continued support for grassroots development and described the initiative as beneficial not only to Sannoyea District but to the entire county.
Enoch Morris, Administrator of C.B. Dunbar Hospital, thanked local leaders for embracing the program and encouraged participants to remain dedicated throughout the training period. He noted that practical skills such as soap and chlorine production could provide steady income and help ease household financial pressures.
Morris further pledged support by committing to purchase a significant quantity of products during the graduation ceremony.
The RESTP-L initiative is expected to run through July 2026, with organizers expressing optimism that the training will significantly expand economic opportunities for women and youth across Lower and Upper Bong County.
