In a bid to strengthen grassroots development and enhance the effectiveness of non-governmental organizations across Liberia, the head of the Joseph Nyuma Boakai Foundation (JNB-F), Jackson K. George, held a high-level roundtable meeting on Friday with nearly 20 local NGOs to discuss future collaboration and national engagement strategies.
Held in Monrovia, the gathering brought together 27 representatives from civil society organizations and marked the first formal engagement between the JNB Foundation and local NGOs since George assumed leadership of the charity last year.
During the session, George outlined key strategic priorities of the foundation, which are aligned with President Boakai’s Six-Pillar- National Agenda.
Chief among these priorities are the creation of a centralized national database of NGOs, the development and interlinking of websites for participating organizations, and the hosting of joint annual retreats and periodic nationwide seminars.
“We envision a stronger, smarter network of civil society actors working in sync with government to empower our communities,” George said, emphasizing the need for local organizations to play an active role in national development, particularly through public education and awareness campaigns.
A significant portion of George’s address focused on promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); a concept he noted is underutilized in Liberia.
He said the foundation will facilitate engagements between NGOs and corporate leaders to encourage private sector support for community-based projects.
Touching on a broader societal issue, George advocated for a cultural shift from dependency to contribution on the basis of mutual cooperation.
He emphasized the importance of instilling “social responsibility” among Liberians, particularly the youth.
“It’s time we move away from the mindset of always expecting to receive, and instead begin asking how we can give back,” George urged.
He proposed that students benefiting from government’s scholarships be required to complete voluntary community service as a way of fostering civic responsibility.
To illustrate his point, George shared a personal story from Odessa’s Town, a village near Hindi in Bong Mines, where he recently faced resistance from locals when he proposed building a hand pump.
Despite the health and convenience, the water project would bring, residents initially demanded US$800 in labor fees.
George declined, insisting that as beneficiaries, the community had a duty to contribute their own labor.
Following a community meeting and appeal to their sense of civic duty, villagers agreed to provide the manpower.
“This is the kind of mindset change we’re talking about,” he said.
“Development must begin with a willingness to serve and to see value in contributing to your own progress.”
Following George’s presentation, the meeting transitioned into a lively question-and-answer session, where participants provided feedback and raised concerns.
Many commended the foundation’s inclusive approach and pledged their commitment to the shared vision.
Friday’s roundtable marked a renewed chapter in civil society engagement under the JNB Foundation, with participants optimistic about the potential of a unified approach to local development.
