Liberia FORECAST Project
Liberia FORECAST Project
Focus on Results: Enhancing Capacity Across Sectors in Transition
In partnership with the government of Liberia, the Liberia FORECAST Project (Focus On Results: Enhancing Capacity Across Sectors in Transition) a USAID/Liberia funded project, based in Monrovia, held an Open House on Friday, February 20, 2009.
Attendees / Invitees included various international donors (AID, UNESCO, WHO), multiple ministries, INGO partners, local NGOs and associations and public/private institutions working in the areas of education, health, economic growth and democracy/governance.
The Open House began with an informal time for invitees to meet and visit the office before launching into formal program opened by the Chief of Party, Rebecca R. Cusic. She introduced the overall objectives and major activities of the project. The guests were then entertained by an exemplary mini-drama of the “FORECAST Steps” to capacity building, taking them from a real Gap, to the Options available to fill the gap, which require well thought Action Plans in the work place, which are accompanied by Advice and Monitoring for Improved Performance in a Unit or Department) The mini-drama followed with words of experience from a returning participant, Joseph Gbassie.
The USAID Mission Director, Pam White, reinforced the importance of building Liberian capacity and how the real and complex needs in the country merit the attention of all sectors and in particular to assist the mid-level professionals. With the goal of Liberia becoming a shining star, it takes more than a few motivated individuals, but a pool of skilled and committed leaders. Her speech led directly to the introduction of the Minister of Planning and Economic Affairs, Honorable Amara M. Konneh.
His motivating speech focused on the importance of Liberians’ taking advantage of the opportunities for capacity building not only for themselves but for the country as a whole, a country that once was an ideal location for people to enjoy. All Liberians have suffered from the war and it will take Liberians of all walks of life to rebuild. At the same time, Liberia needs help and needs to take advantage to not waste the opportunities that the international community has to offer. He gave emphasis, however, that a crucial aspect of the project is its ongoing capacity building of local institutions to take over when the project closes down.
The Open House continued with a buffet lunch and pleasant networking into the afternoon.
The project aims to fill post-war institutional performance gaps by building the capacity of mid-level professionals at the national and county levels. The project works with specific units or departments within select ministries, public institutions, NGOs and other partner institutions when implementing capacity development activities. The goal is to upgrade technical skills and improve efficiency and effectiveness both short and long term.