With the formal end to 14 years of civil war in August 2003, LCIP began in March 2004 as a key element of the United Nations Mission in Liberia’s comprehensive disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, and repatriation (DDRR) program for ex-combatants. The project’s goals included employment generation, social reconciliation, and infrastructure rehabilitation.

LCIP provided vocational training and social services to more than 37,000 war-affected participants, and they have performed 4 million person-days of work rebuilding roads and community infrastructure in 8 counties.

The DDRR phase, which completed its activities in June 2006, had three main components:

• Psychosocial Counseling and Reconciliation – This component included community-based counseling and reconciliation activities conducted in conjunction with employment programs as well as public awareness and reconciliation services. A sports program, in particular soccer, for all participants and communities was a key psychosocial activity to engage communities and build peace between ex-combatants and war-affected persons.
• Employment Generation – This was the central effort to create jobs and employment opportunities through reconstruction activities for ex-combatants and war-affected persons.
• Formal and Non-Formal Education – LCIP used its reconstruction component to create or enhance access to formal school and accelerated learning programs, associated on-the-job training opportunities, and vocational and skills training.

LCIP was also engaged in the repair of critical infrastructure identified by the Government of Liberia. The infrastructure components were selected to have an impact during the first 150 days of the new President’s time in office and to assist the government in improving the country’s economy, educational systems, and level of governance. [MAC IQC]


LCIP Success Stories

Artisans and Apprentices Learn Basic Business Skills in Liberia

Baking Their Way Into Business