LIBERIA: Most Memorable Event in 2014

…Oxfam Liberia Empowers WASH Media Network – By: WASH R&E “Media” Network – The year 2014 will be remembered on the basis of several events, but the most memorable event is the empowerment of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Reporters & Editors Network of Liberia.

Vehicle donated to the WASH Reporters & Editors Network of Liberia by Oxfam Liberia

Vehicle donated to the WASH Reporters & Editors Network of Liberia by Oxfam Liberia

Reviewing documents of the vehicle (L-R), WASH R&E Chairman, Augustine N. Myers and Oxfam Liberia Country Director, Salifu MM Sledge

Reviewing documents of the vehicle (L-R), WASH R&E Chairman, Augustine N. Myers and Oxfam Liberia Country Director, Salifu MM Sledge

Oxfam Liberia Turns over the vehicle to WASH R&E "Media" Network

Oxfam Liberia Turns over the vehicle to WASH R&E “Media” Network

The International Charity, Oxfam Liberia during the year under review within the WASH Sector, donated a 4-door Toyota Hilux pickup to enhance the operation of the WASH Media Group.

The donation is in recognition of the professional and robust style of WASH Journalism by the Media Network.

According to the Country Director of Oxfam Liberia and Chairman of the Liberia WASH Consortium, Salifu MM Sledge, the donation of the vehicle is also aimed at buttressing the good work which the Group has been doing over the years.

Mr. Sledge said it was befitting on the part of Oxfam to empower the WASH Media Network, as the Group professionally endeavors to inform, educate and equally play an advocacy role in the WASH Sector of Liberia.

He described the WASH Reporters & Editors Network of Liberia as a strategic partner in the WASH Sector, especially in the areas of WASH Media Coverage, Reportage and Advocacy.

According to him, it was befitting to provide the vehicle to expedite the activities of the Group in the interest of the WASH Sector.

Mr. Sledge, who is also Chairman of the Liberia WASH Consortium said the donation comes from all the partners in the Consortium as a source of inspiration for the Group to continue to follow up on issues affecting the WASH sector.

Receiving the keys of the vehicle from the International Charity Head, the Chairman of the WASH Reporters & Editors Network of Liberia, Augustine N. Myers expressed thanks and appreciation to Oxfam Liberia for the donation.

He described the gesture as a challenge and another form of motivation for the Group’s members across the country, stressing that WASH Journalists now have to double their efforts and maintain a more professional and proactive media Focus on the WASH sector.

Mr. Myers said with the vehicle, WASH journalists will certainly have easy access to other parts of the country, following up on issues in the sector.

He commanded Oxfam Liberia, assuring that the WASH Media Group will remain committed and will continue to ensure that the voice of the voiceless is amplified and heard, and action taken.

The donation of the vehicle has indeed buttressed efforts of the WASH Reporters & Editors Network of Liberia, and was considered timely as the vehicle continues to be helpful in following up on WASH issues.

The vehicle has also been instrumental in ensuring vigorous media coverage and reportage on the Ebola outbreak across Liberia, focusing on water, sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).