DEKAP Liberia Empowers 30 Mothers With Disabilities | News

The Destined Kids Assistance Program (DEKAP Liberia Inc.) has held a formal asset presentation and handover ceremony aimed at economically empowering 30 marginalized mothers with disabilities in Paynesville City through sustainable livelihood support.

The initiative, held under the theme “Empowering marginalized mothers with disabilities through sustainable livelihoods and economic inclusion,” was guided by DEKAP’s motto that “empowering mothers with disabilities is not charity—it is restoring dignity, unlocking potential, and building stronger communities.”

Implemented by DEKAP Liberia Inc. with support from ArcelorMittal Liberia, the program provided business start-up packages to beneficiaries to establish sachet water retail businesses designed to promote income generation, reduce dependency, and strengthen household resilience.

Each of the 30 beneficiaries received a complete empowerment package, including brand new Igloo coolers for storage and retail operations, commercial umbrellas for weather protection and visibility, and portable micro-speakers to support community marketing and customer outreach. The tools are expected to enable immediate business operations and long-term financial independence.

Speaking at the ceremony, DEKAP Liberia Chief Executive Officer Helena Wenneh described the initiative as a milestone in the organization’s mission to promote practical empowerment for persons with disabilities rather than dependency-based support.

She recounted the early stages of the program, noting that initial efforts began with limited resources and only a few partners willing to support disability-focused interventions.

“It was like back in January when we had the idea of empowering disabled mothers through sachet water retail. We went everywhere looking for sponsors. It was not easy, especially when it comes to disability issues,” Wenneh said.

She emphasized that the initiative was driven by compassion and urgency, pointing to the difficult economic conditions faced by many mothers with disabilities in Monrovia and surrounding communities.

“Some of these mothers have been pushed into the streets just to survive and feed their children. Instead of only criticizing them, we must support them out of that condition,” she added.

Wenneh further highlighted the program’s growth, noting that earlier phases only supported three beneficiaries through limited resources. However, with support from ArcelorMittal Liberia, the initiative has now expanded significantly.

“We were only able to empower three persons initially, but today God has expanded it to 30 mothers. This is a new beginning for them,” she said.

She urged beneficiaries to use the opportunity responsibly and focus on self-reliance.

“You are not going back to the streets. This is your opportunity to change your life. Disability is not an inability to have the capacity to build your own future,” Wenneh stressed.

According to organizers, sachet water retail was selected because of its low entry barriers and daily income potential, making it suitable for small-scale entrepreneurs seeking financial independence.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, several mothers expressed gratitude for the intervention, describing it as timely and life-changing amid harsh economic conditions.

One beneficiary said the support would allow her to better care for her child and reduce financial hardship.

“This support means a new life for me and my family. I will use it well,” she said.

Others pledged to responsibly manage the assets and avoid returning to street begging, emphasizing their commitment to sustaining the businesses.

Stakeholders have described the DEKAP Liberia initiative as a model for inclusive development, combining social protection with entrepreneurship to promote dignity and economic participation for persons with disabilities.

Observers also noted that the partnership between DEKAP Liberia and ArcelorMittal demonstrates how targeted collaboration between civil society and the private sector can deliver practical, income-generating solutions for vulnerable groups.