CARE International’s history in Liberia
CARE began working in Liberia in 1961, supporting school feeding programs and improving school facilities. These early efforts helped children stay in school and strengthened communities.
After a pause of nearly 25 years, CARE returned in 2008 to support communities recovering from conflict and long-term hardship. Since then, CARE has worked in nine counties, building strong partnerships with local leaders, government institutions, and community organizations.
CARE also played a critical role during the Ebola outbreak. We supported community health education, rehabilitated water sources, distributed hygiene supplies, and trained community health volunteers.
CARE and partners’ work in Liberia today
Today, CARE Liberia focuses on improving health, making the economy work for women and girls, strengthening food and water systems, and responding to crises. Our work focuses on:
Making the economy work
CARE supports women’s economic empowerment through savings groups, financial skills training, and small business development.
From 2010 to 2013, CARE and our partners introduced the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) model in Liberia. This helped communities create savings groups where members could pool money, access small loans, and support one another financially. The initiative led to the creation of Grassroot VSLA Apex, a local organization that now supports more than 200 savings groups across the country.
Health
We help women and young people access health information and sexual and reproductive health services. We also help strengthen community health systems and informed decision-making.
Food and water
CARE strengthens food security and improves access to safe water. We help families better withstand economic and climate crises by supporting improved farming methods and income diversification. At the same time, we help expand access to safe water and promote healthy hygiene practices to reduce diseases and improve household wellbeing.
Crisis response
CARE provides hygiene supplies, cash assistance, and community health support during disease outbreaks, floods, and other crises.
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are at the centre of CARE's work in Liberia. We partner with women-led organizations and community groups like the Grassroots VSLA Apex to expand opportunities and strengthen women’s voices. We support women and girls to:
- Save money and grow small businesses through savings groups
- Access sexual and reproductive health information and services
- Take on leadership roles in their communities
- Live free from violence against women and girls through prevention and community support efforts
Women played a critical role during the Ebola response by leading hygiene awareness efforts and helped protect their communities.
Through this work, CARE and our partners support communities in Liberia having more equality, opportunities, and give women and girls the chance to thrive and lead change.
For recent updates on CARE Liberia, see here.
