Population Caring Organization (PCO)

“Care for the future’’

Developing peaceful communities in West Africa…

What is PCO?

humanitarian NGO founded in 2003 dedicated to improve well-being of West

Africans, especially Liberians and Ghanaians

working to empower Liberian refugees in Buduburam to reconcile their war inherited differences and to rebuild their lives.

PCO Programs

• Peace and Reconciliation• Community Peace Cell• Tribal leaders forum• Vocational and life skills empowerment• Primary education to refugee children

Peace and Reconciliation:The Peace Cell Project

A gathering of neighbors to discuss issues relating to their well being as a community

Key goal: promote peace and healing through community dialogue and communication

Peace and Reconciliation:Tribal Leaders Reconciliation Forum

Brings together elders and leaders of the ethnic groups of Liberia Engages in discussion forums, workshops, and traditional peace festivals Key goal: generate their commitment to genuine peace and reconciliation in Liberia

PCO Refugee School Program

Established and run by PCO in Buduburam Provides free quality primary education to refugee children whose parents cannot afford school fees Taught 733 students and provided 6-8 hours of classes since 2004

Refugee Mothers Vocational Skills Training Center

Empower s war- affected mothers who can’t support themselves and their families.One-year course to provide skills in sewing, literacy, peace education and women’s health Sends their children to the PCO Primary School.  Upon completion, mothers join PCO Women’s Cooperative to produce quilts and clothing

International Volunteer Program

Since 2003 hosted over 209 volunteers from 17 countries.

Maximizes effective use of volunteers while providing a fulfilling experience

Volunteers make the free and quality services PCO provides to needy people of Budumbura possible

Provided free quality education to 733 Liberian refugee children

Empowered 398 most needy Liberian refugee women with vocational skills and little businesses

Engaged and empowered 2,188 community members and leaders with peace dialogue that led to reconciliation in Buduburam

Engaged over 266 tribal leaders, opinion and community leaders into reconciliation forum, workshops, and traditional peace festivals

Achievements

Constructed and turned over to the community, the first multi- purpose youth center in Caldwell, Liberia

Hosted 209 international volunteers from Europe, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea.

Developed an elaborate national peace program to be implemented in Liberia.

Achievements

Future plans of PCO Seek funding and

technical supports for current programs

Consolidate presence of PCO in Liberia by constructing the Foundation Community

Establish a national framework for deeper reconciliation among the ethnic groups of Liberia through the national tribal leaders reconciliation project