Liberia: Former Lutheran World Service/World Federation boss returns to Liberia
Traditional Welcome with kola nuts by residents of James M. Togbata Community in Bong County
..Stresses Importance of Sustainable Development – By: Augustine N. Myers –The former Resident Representative of the Lutheran World Service/World Federation (LWS/WF) , Reinhard Tietze has returned to Liberia on a 2-week assessment visit and to provide Training in Development, Capacity Building and Sustainability.
Mr. Tietze who was instrumental in the establishment of the Lutheran Development Service (LDS) in Liberia before his departure at the close of 2001 has described his return visit as his continuous interest in Liberia and its people.
Group photo with rural community children and former LWS:WF Boss, Mr. Reinhard Tietze
Speaking to the Press in Bong, as part of an Assessment visit to Margibi and Bong Counties, the former LWS/WF Boss challenged Liberians to join the Liberian government and partners in development efforts.
Mr. Tietze called on Liberians to prioritize Sustainable Development in the areas of agriculture, water and sanitation.
He said the essence of his visit is in one way to see things he planted and to meet the Liberian people again, especially seeing them as happy people living at the time where there is peace and hope for the future.
Group photo with rural community children and former LWS:WF Boss, Mr. Reinhard Tietze
Mr. Tietze said another part of his visit is to contribute with the experience that he has in development work, with emphasis in Sustainable Development, making sure that the land is used in a sustainable way.
He spoke of the importance of sustainable soil management, sustainable and integrated farming, and to continue improving the fertility of the soil so that it can remain productive for future generations.
According to him, Sustainable Development is only sustainable if the land is used now and can still be useful in the future for farming activities.
Mr. Tietze said he is impressed by what he has seen, because according to him, the Lutheran Development Service (LDS) in Liberia has grown beyond what he expected.
He however said he was not surprised because LDS also has former staff of the Lutheran World Service/World Service who have brought lots of drive and ownership of development with professionalism and commitment.
Mr. Reinhard Tietze, former LWS:WF Boss, along with LDS Boss, Mr. Joseph S. Binda visiting one of the farms in Bong County
He cautioned Liberians, especially rural dwellers to embark on self-help initiatives to always sustain projects implemented by government and development partners.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Lutheran Development Service in Liberia, Joseph S. Binda said the visit of Mr. Tietze is to help improve on the works of LDS to continue serving Liberia in development activities.
Mr. Binda said the former LWS/WF Resident Representative will begin a 4-Day Sustainability Workshop for the Lutheran Development Service and the Lutheran Church in Liberia from Monday to Thursday, October 12-15, 2015.
Hand pump constructed by the Lutheran Development Service in Margibi County inspected by Mr. Reinhard Tietze, former LWS:WF Boss, along with LDS Boss, Mr. Joseph S. Binda
He said Mr. Tietze served Lutheran World Service/World Federation in Liberia from 1997-2001, and was the forerunner for the establishment of the Lutheran Development Service in Liberia, an Organization that continues to make impart in Liberia since 2002.
Mr. Binda said they are happy to have Mr. Tietze back in Liberia after 14 years, and to share his expertise and experience with LDS and the Lutheran Church in Liberia.
The LDS Boss has meanwhile reiterated his Organization’s commitment in fostering Liberia’s post conflict growth and development.
