Tubman Boulevard, 540 Community, Congo Town, Monrovia – Liberia
Paynesville, Liberia – December 19, 2025 – The Foundation for Research, Education & Empowerment (FREE Liberia), in collaboration with the Liberia Institute for “Growing” Patriotism (LIGP), the Angie Brooks International Centre for Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace & Security (ABIC), and Cuttington University, successfully conducted a transformative One-Day Liberia Trauma Relief Cluster Training at the Liberia Learning Center in Paynesville.
Guided by the theme “Healthy People Build a Peaceful Nation,” the training formed part of the Rev. William R. Tolbert III Chair for Peacebuilding, Mediation, Conflict Resolution, Reconciliation, and National Unity—launched by President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. in May 2024. This initiative continues to strengthen Liberia’s peacebuilding pathways and contributes significantly to the Sustaining Liberia’s Peace Agenda.
The training brought together more than forty-five participants from diverse backgrounds, including representatives of government institutions, civil society, community groups, and security agencies. Participants spent the day reflecting on the nature of trauma, how it affects individuals and communities, and the importance of emotional well-being in peacebuilding and national development. They examined the impact of trauma on mental health, explored practical ways to regulate emotions and replace harmful thoughts with positive affirmations, discussed strategies for preventing violence and countering hate speech, and reflected on the role of responsible citizenship in maintaining peace.
The opening session set a strong and inspiring tone. Rev. Fr. Terry M. Quoi welcomed participants and spoke about the legacy of the Sustaining Liberia’s Peace Initiative championed by the late Rev. Emmanuel Bowier. Dr. Charles Gbollie, CEO of FREE Liberia, outlined the purpose of the training, noting that national rebuilding requires inner healing just as much as it requires physical reconstruction. He emphasized that trauma relief is an essential foundation for unity, stability, and long-term peace.
Reflections from other national leaders further enriched the occasion. Dr. Romelle A. Horton, President of Cuttington University, spoke on the responsibility of institutions to nurture a peaceful future. Hon. Olubanke King-Akerele, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Executive Director of LIGP, underscored the role of civic responsibility and national pride in sustaining peace. Madam Henrietta Tolbert, representing the Tolbert Family, also delivered a moving reflection on intergenerational healing and the importance of carrying forward Liberia’s peace legacy with purpose and humility.
A particularly powerful moment came through the formal opening statement delivered by Madam Christine N. Umutoni, United Nations Resident Coordinator to Liberia. Drawing from her experience as a survivor of the Rwanda genocide and the hardships of life as a refugee, she spoke with deep sincerity about the importance of healing and emotional resilience. Her testimony reminded participants that trauma need not define a person or a nation, and that with compassion and unity, communities can overcome the effects of violence and rebuild stronger together. Her message resonated widely and encouraged participants to see personal healing as a national responsibility.
Throughout the day, facilitators—including Dr. Charles Gbollie, Mr. Emmanuel Yarkpazuo, and Madam Ollie White—created spaces for dialogue, personal reflection, and shared learning. Participants described the experience as eye-opening, practical, and empowering. The training concluded with the presentation of certificates, group photos, and renewed commitments from attendees to share the knowledge gained and extend healing practices within their communities.
FREE Liberia and its partners expressed deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the Paynesville training. The event follows the highly successful Kakata Trauma Relief Cluster Training held just a month earlier, where more than 120 participants attended. Together, the back-to-back trainings demonstrate the growing national demand for emotional healing and trauma-informed peacebuilding.
Special appreciation was extended to the Minister for her leadership and passion for a trauma-free Liberia, to President Horton and Rev. Fr. Quoi for their support and hospitality, to Madam Umutoni for her powerful testimony, and to the Tolbert Family for their enduring commitment to peace. The Liberia Learning Center was recognized as an ideal environment for this important work. Gratitude was also conveyed to the dedicated FREE Liberia facilitators and team members whose professionalism and compassion made the training impactful.
FREE Liberia announced that a post-training report and documentary highlights will be shared in the coming week, followed by announcements regarding upcoming trauma relief activities in additional communities across Liberia.
The training closed with a shared conviction: a peaceful Liberia depends on emotionally healthy people, and the future of the nation will be shaped by the resilience, responsibility, and unity of its citizens.
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