Laymah Kollie
With strong backing from the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), the Joint Civil Society Anti-Corruption Initiative (JOCSAI) on September 3,2025, convened a one-day training session at the Book Before Boys office, aimed at strengthening grassroots voices in the national fight against corruption.
The training brought together 30 representatives from 15 community-based and civil society organizations across central Monrovia, including Citizens Against Corruption, Book Before Boys, Let’s Care Africa Foundation, and the Center for Exchange of Intellectual Opinions (CEIO).
Speaking at the opening, Siafa S. Kamara, Coordinator of JOCSAI, emphasized that the session was designed not just for participation, but to inspire active involvement in combating corruption.
“Today’s activity is intended to increase your capacity as civil society and community-based organizations to help institutions in fighting corruption both at the community and national level. We want you to go back as integrity champions in your homes, organizations, and communities,” Kamara said.
Participants engaged in a series of interactive presentations covering key topics such as understanding corruption, Liberia’s anti-corruption laws, and the intersection of gender and corruption.
The sessions highlighted the need for evidence-based advocacy and the importance of mainstreaming gender in anti-corruption efforts, given that women are often disproportionately affected by corrupt practices in health care, markets, and other public services.
The initiative, supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) underscored the role of local voices in amplifying calls for transparency and accountability.
As part of the training, Organizers urged participants to transform the knowledge gained into practical action, ensuring that anti-corruption advocacy resonates at the community level and beyond.
Meanwhile, The one-day training forms part of a broader effort by JOCSAI and its partners to build a network of grassroots integrity champions who will promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in Liberia.
