Beneficiaries of Nenikpoma Skills Defend Initiative

3 Mins Read

ADNews-Bong, County: Several beneficiaries of Nenikpoma’s livelihood skills training program in Bong County have accused the organization’s former program director, Isaac Holder, of wrongfully collecting money from trainees and engaging in behaviour they described as “criminal.”

By. Jangar Boimah Johnson

Nenikpoma is a non-governmental organization established by Lofa County native Mrs. Youngor Barco Cole to empower young people and women through livelihood skills training across Bong County.

Speaking with the Afric Daily Newspaper in several communities, beneficiaries said the program has significantly improved their lives, enabling many to provide daily meals and support their families through new vocational skills.

Holder recently appeared on a local radio station in Lofa County, where he claimed that the program initiated by Mrs. Cole was “fake” and never offered any legitimate training in Bong County.

Beneficiaries dismissed Holder’s allegations as “baseless and untrue,” urging him to stop spreading misinformation about an organization they say has played a vital role in transforming their lives.

Residents praised Mrs. Cole for her commitment to empowering vulnerable women and youths through hands-on vocational training.

Ma Yamak Kollie, a beneficiary from Boannah Town, said the program has been life-changing, especially for women who are the sole providers for their families.

“The organization helped us gain skills that allow us to care for ourselves and our children,” she said. “More than 50 women in Boannah Town benefited from the training in areas such as liquid soap production and tie-and-dye, contrary to what Isaac Holder claimed.”

Kollie added that the training was free of charge. According to her, beneficiaries were fed during the one-month training and each graduate received L$500,000 to start a small business.

“Holder’s accusation that we paid money is false. We did not give the organization anything. Instead, they supported us from start to finish,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Madam Alice Yarkpawolo of Goll Farm, expressed disappointment in Holder for what she called deliberate attempts to tarnish the reputation of an organization that has trained and empowered more than 300 women and youths.

Yarkpawolo said her group received L$1 million upon graduation to help them start their businesses. She labeled Holder “a criminal” and urged the public not to take his statements seriously.

She added that the skills she gained from Nenikpoma have enabled her to sustain her family since completing the program.

Residents accused Holder of attempting to damage the organization’s reputation for personal gain and called on the public to disregard his claims that Nenikpoma has had no positive impact in Bong County.

Many beneficiaries praised Mrs. Youngor Barco Cole for her humanitarian efforts and urged her to remain focused on supporting less-fortunate communities despite what they described as “distractions” from individuals like Holder.