As part of its numerous services to humanity, the Christian charity group, Word of Life International (WLI), has launched an ageing program that seeks to support older folks, otherwise known as “senior citizens.”
The program is basically geared toward supporting older folks in dire need of livelihood support.
According to information, WLI provides communities with services and initiatives to support disadvantaged people, with the aim of encouraging economic empowerment and sustainability. Key to this mission is to ensure support to people with or without development disability and their families through person-centered support services.
The organization was incorporated in Liberia in 1998 as Word of Life Ministry Incorporated, and incorporated in the USA in 2002 as Word of Life International Incorporated. It amended its incorporation in Liberia in 2003. Currently, it operates as a Christian-based non-political and non-governmental international organization (INGO) accredited by the Government of the Republic of Liberia. In July 2020, Word of Life International Inc. (WLI) was recognized by the United Nations Economic Social Council (ECOSOC) at a convention held in New York, United States of America (USA).
Accordingly, the program was officially launched on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at the WLI Compound, Pipe Line community, Paynesville, with several beneficiaries walking away with assorted food items.
Speaking at the launch of the program, WLI Program Manager, Benjamin Yekenson, explained that the newly launched program is consistent with the organization’s mission and vision, which seek to endeavor into projects that will meaningfully contribute to the urgent need of the underprivileged population.
He noted that the project intends to connect all people with resources in order to restore community pride and self-reliance.
“WLI believes that all people, regardless of who they are or whatever condition they are in, seek opportunities to live a meaningful daily life. Because of such mission and vision, WLI is embarking on this project, ‘Protection of Ageing Persons/People’, and this is why we are here today,” Yekenson stated.
Rebecca K.G. Nyamndo, Focal Person of the WLI Ageing Program, asserted that the initiative seeks to mobilize and create an environment that focuses on the wellbeing of persons in the age range of 65 years and above.
In long-term, Rebecca pointed out, the program will provide for beneficiaries based on their condition, including (disability) with shelter relief and services through the integration of other charitable service providers.
“Our intent is to enable ageing persons (65 years or over) to participate and contribute to development efforts in their communities, as well as self-sustain themselves. We want them to know and be able to exercise their rights while they also observe the responsibilities of other citizens,” she mentioned.
Also, Nyamndo stated that the program aims to maintain a healthy living for the old folks, which supports social connections with the hope of providing friendly homes for them.
“We want to imbed collaboration with the United Nations, government, businesses and social enterprises to jointly develop resources, produce services and adaptable helpful models that support people as they age. The funding of this vision is largely based on cultivating partnerships that are geared toward supporting the ageing population in society and the country through the delivery of marked innovations that support elderly persons over the age of 68 years,” Nyamndo added.
Saylee Akoi, guest speaker at the launch, underscored the urgent need to cater to the older generation of the population. “The ageing people need help because they, too, have significant contributions to society. The world’s population is ageing. They are faced with mental and physical health problems and, as such, they need support,” Saylee emphasized.
Saylee, a medical practitioner, called on WLI to step up its initiative with the goal of going beyond Montserrado County, as there are many in need of similar support in other parts of the country.
“This program that you are starting here today is big; it has a wide scope than imagined. There is a need to provide homes for people in this age range. They also need medical services, and this can be done through the establishment of a clinic or a mobile clinic,” he told the gathering.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Alloycious Tokpa thanked WLI for the kind gesture extended them. “Thanks for what you have done for us today. We are ageing, and we have no means of getting livelihood. Please help us. We pray that people of goodwill come in to help you so that you will be able to help us,” Tokpa stated.
In a special message, the President and General Overseer of WLI, Rev. Dr. Kparku Sam Ndorleh, appreciated all staff and partners for the support that has led to the success of the program.
“We would like to take this time to thank and appreciate all our partners (international, state and local) as well as our hard working board members, management and staff, and the Faith Team, which directed us to reach our communities without discrimination realizing that faith and spirituality are important to all. Let’s keep up the good work, empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality,” a message from the President and General Overseer, Dr. Ndorleh, read.
Meanwhile, WLI thematic areas of intervention are agriculture and agro-processing, general construction, vocational skills training and health.