In the heart of Liberia, near the Konobo Authorized Forest Community in Grand Gedeh County, Cecelia Taryee’s life was defined by struggle and resilience.

A single mother of five, Cecelia faced the daunting task of raising her children alone after their father left for a gold mining site in Grand Kru County in 2022.

With no steady income and limited support, she relied heavily on the forest—gathering firewood, foraging for food, and engaging in small-scale trading—to keep her family afloat.

But the forest, once a lifeline, was becoming increasingly strained. As resources dwindled, Cecelia’s situation grew more precarious. Poverty and uncertainty loomed, and the future seemed bleak.

Then came a turning point

Through the Community-Based Forestry and Protected Area Management (CBFM) project, supported by development partners, Cecelia’s community was introduced to Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs)—a grassroots financial model designed to empower women living around forest communities. 

These associations offered financial literacy training, a safe space to save money, access to small loans, and support for launching income-generating activities that reduce pressure on forest resources.

Cecelia was among the first to join the Varglor VSLA Group. With a modest loan, she started selling dried fish and locally crafted goods. Her business quickly gained traction, providing her with a steady income and freeing her from sole dependence on the forest. For the first time in years, Cecelia could afford nutritious meals, better clothing for her children, and school fees.

But the transformation didn’t stop there

The VSLA became more than a financial tool—it became a sisterhood. Cecelia found herself surrounded by women who shared her struggles and dreams.

They exchanged advice, celebrated each other’s progress, and built a network of mutual support. Through this community, Cecelia’s confidence grew, and so did her ambition.

Today, Cecelia is not only a successful entrepreneur—she is also the Treasurer of the Varglor VSLA Group, a role that has positioned her as a leader and advocate for women’s empowerment in her community. 

Her story has inspired other single mothers to join the movement, proving that with the right support, transformation is possible.

Thanks to the CBFM project and the VSLA initiative, Cecelia’s life has taken a remarkable turn.

Her children are in school, her business is thriving, and she now has the tools to shape her family’s future. What once seemed impossible—economic independence and a brighter tomorrow—has become her new reality.

Cecelia’s journey is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions. Through VSLAs, women living around Liberia’s forest communities are not only protecting their environment—they are reclaiming their future.

– End –