This day marks another historic moment for the Development Education Network-Liberia (DEN-L) as Mr. Johnson Z. Kesselly officially handed over leadership to Mr. Peter S. Dolo, ushering in a new chapter for the organization. This is the fourth turning-over ceremony by the organization as the first was in May 2005 when Hon. Franklin O. Siakor turned over to Mr. Zubahyea S. Joejoe. This was followed by a turnover from Mr. Joejoe to Madam Dorothy K. Toomann in August 2010. After leading the organization for eight years, Madam Toomann turned over to Mr. Johnson Z. Kesselly in October 2018, marking the third ceremony.
DEN-L is a local non-governmental, non-partisan, secular, and non-profit-making organization established in 2000 to facilitate programmes that promote quality human development, responsible and responsive leadership, and an empowered fellowship that appreciates its gender differentness, civic obligations, and rights. Since its establishment, DEN-L has stood out in providing quality and results-based services to communities across Liberia for the last 24 years. As a 100% local organization, DEN-L has sustainably managed to stand as one of the oldest national organizations that have gained confidence from the grassroots, civil society organizations, government institutions, and development partners from its service delivery in different programs including community health, land rights, Gender and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Livelihoods/Agriculture, and other economic empowerment programs.
The turnover ceremony, held at DEN-L’s compound in Gbarnga, was attended by staff, DEN-L Board of Directors and incorporators, Donor Partners, Local authorities, family, and members of the Civil Society in Liberia.
In his farewell remarks, outgoing Executive Director Mr. Johnson Z. Kesselly reflected on his six-year tenure, highlighting the organization’s community empowerment, advocacy, and capacity-building achievements. He expressed gratitude to the dedicated team at DEN-L and partners who contributed to the organization’s success. “We have had good results. Whatever achieved during the period I led the group was the achievement of everybody”, he indicated. Mr. Johnson concluded by expressing strong confidence in the new leadership that will continue to thrive and impact the country. He further expressed his unflinching support to the new leadership for the organization’s and society’s continued good.
The official induction ceremony was performed by the Chairperson of the DEN-L Board of Directors, Mr. Yarkpazuo Z. Kolva, and the President of the DEN-L General Assembly, Mr. Dayugar Johnson. Taking the stage after his induction, Mr. Peter S. Dolo expressed his appreciation for the trust placed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to upholding DEN-L’s mission and legacy of his predecessors“ I am honored to serve in this capacity and will work tirelessly with our team to build on the foundation laid by my Boss. Together, we will strengthen our partnerships and ensure DEN-L remains a driving force for good”, he stated.
Meanwhile, Director Dolo used the medium to highlight his leadership plan to develop a comprehensive development agenda, ‘‘the Staff and Institutional Development Plan (SIDP).’ According to the new Director, in the next few days, they plan to have consultative meetings with all stakeholders including the Staff, Board, and General Assembly Members to inform the development of the document. He noted that when formulated the document is hoped to highlight short-term, medium-term, and long-term achievable results for improving staff capacity and the capacity of DEN-L within the next four years (October 2024 to October 2028). , “We envision the SIDP to have two major development pillars. Pillar 1: Staff Development- focuses on all activities related to the capacity development of DEN-L staff, and Pillar 2: Institutional Development – geared toward strengthening DEN-L’s institutional capacity to meet its overall goal”, he said.
Madam Beatrice K. Sondah, who assumes the role of Deputy Director for Programs, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of commitment, teamwork, and innovation in advancing the organization’s goals. “I say a big thank you to all DEN-L staff for the position. With my 20 years of awareness and experience, working in program areas and with different people, we will build on the existing solid foundation of DEN-L, as we strive to bring excellence in all the work we have to do.” She stated.
The ceremony was marked by solidarity messages from stakeholders including the Superintendent of Bong County, Hon. Loleyah Hawa Norris; DEN-L General Assembly President and members; DEN-L Board of Directors Chairperson and members; DEN-L incorporators; DEN-L former Executive Directors; representatives from UN Women, International Rescue Committee (IRC), ForumCIV, ActionAid-Liberia, Mult-stakeholders Forest Governance and Accountability Project (MFFGAP), National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL); Bong County Health Team; Staff; family; and many others.
As the organization embarks on this new era, expectations are high for continued impact and growth. The ceremony concluded with a reception, where attendees celebrated the smooth transition.
