Civil Society and Media Leadership Program

The Civil Society and Media Leadership Program in Liberia provided resources to local civil society organizations and independent media to engage the population in inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable development.

The five-year program was launched in 2010, with the Liberia Media Center as one of the key partners. The program shifted its focus during the Ebola crisis. By working closely with civil society organizations and media outlets, the program facilitated public health education and prevented the spread of misinformation during the outbreak through enhanced media engagements.

The program improved the skills, performance, and perceptions of Liberian civil society organizations through training, mentoring, and small-grant projects. Simultaneously, the program worked with the Liberian media sector to build capacity and professionalize both individual journalists and media outlets the aspect on which the LMC had oversight.

Under the CSML program the LMC/IREX provided intensive support including training, mentoring, small grants, and equipment to over 35 media outlets in 15 counties. Community radio stations received over $400,000 worth of equipment, including 19 transmitters.

The LMC also conduct advocacy, reconciliation, civic and voter education, Ebola awareness raising, and organizational development.