Impact Player of the Week

NATIONAL RED CROSS SOCIETY (LNRCS) - INPACT PLAYER OF THE WEEK

The Liberian National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) which started in 1919 by a joint resolution of the National Legislature has been providing humanitarian Assistance to people within the 45 thousand square miles of the country, during disaster and conflict periods.

In 1959, the LNRCS became the 82nd member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movements, the only African society at the time.

Since then, the LNRCS has developed itself into a high profile service delivery entity in four core areas of operations, namely, humanitarian values, health and care, disaster management and organizational development.

In responding to the need of victims of disaster and conflicts over the years, is the much needed assistance the LNRCS continues to receive from its international partners – the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, as well as the Liberian Government.

As the National Society join other Red Cross Societies the world over, this May to commemorate the 145th anniversary of the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, ELBC has been retrospecting the entity’s achievements; and most especially its five year strategic plan for 2008 – 2012:-

Under the Humanitarian values, the LNRCS has constructed the Child Advocacy and Rehabilitation (CAR) centers in Brewerville, Montserrado and Zwedru, Grand Gedeh counties to address the issues of war affected children, child labor and abuse, while the health care focused on health and hygiene promotion, first aid, HIV/AIDS, STI awareness and the provision of water sanitation.

Its disaster management contingency planning is highlighted as a major instrument for mitigating the effects of disaster.

Instructional and community capacities are built to manage the impact of disaster by reducing the underlying risks and ensuring effective preparedness and response as well as food security.

Moreover, the organizational development of the LNRCS focuses on capacity strengthening in terms of financial management, human resource development, and logistic management systems that decentralize the operations of the LNRCS at all levels.

Meanwhile, according to the Secretary General of the LNRCS, Daniel Clarke, the entity has defined six critical issues under its five year strategic plan.

These issues are volunteer Resource Management, Resource Mobilization, Decentralization, Disaster Management, Gender Diversity and Communication.

Mr. Clarke said this year’s anniversary celebration of the world Red Cross and Red Crescent month will be focused in the distribution of relief activities, clean up campaign, youth interaction through sports among others.

The LNRCS operates in all 15 counties in Liberia and has a staff of 139, in different programs and some volunteers.

He said with support from the Liberian Government and all of its international partners, the LNRCS will remain committed in meeting the humanitarian needs of the Liberian people.