GBARNGA, BONG COUNTY—Eco Energy Liberia has commenced the distribution of high-quality solar-powered sewing machines to beneficiaries of its tailoring empowerment initiative being implemented through the Liberia Opportunity Industrialization Center (LOIC) Gbarnga Satellite, a move aimed at strengthening economic opportunities for rural women across Bong County.
By Nukanah Kollie / kollienukanah94@gmail.com
The machine distribution comes after several months of intensive tailoring and entrepreneurship training conducted under a partnership between Eco Energy Liberia and LOIC. The program is designed to provide women with practical vocational skills, modern sewing technology, and business management knowledge to help them build sustainable livelihoods and support their households.
Addressing participants during the distribution exercise, Eco Energy Liberia Founder and Executive Director, Nelson Papi Kolliesuah, described the initiative as a family-focused empowerment effort intended to create economic opportunities for women while improving the well-being of their families and communities.
“From the beginning, Eco Energy has been a technical institution focused on solar photovoltaic installations, model development, and implementation. We never had anything to do with tailoring before. Today, we are proud to say that at least 24 women are leaving with solar-powered sewing machines that will help them establish themselves and empower their families,” Kolliesuah stated.
He stressed that investing in women ultimately translates into investing in families, noting that women often carry a significant share of household responsibilities and contribute immensely to local economic activities.
Kolliesuah explained that the sewing machines are advanced multi-system units that can operate using both electricity and solar energy. The machines come equipped with several features, including solar charging capabilities and lighting accessories, enabling beneficiaries to continue working during the night or in communities where electricity remains limited.
Instead of giving the machines away free of charge, Eco Energy has introduced a flexible ownership arrangement intended to encourage responsibility and ensure the long-term sustainability of the initiative.
“The machines are valued at approximately US$525. Beneficiaries will be given a 60-day grace period, after which they will make an initial payment of US$50 and continue with monthly payments of US$25 for the next 19 months,” Kolliesuah explained.
He noted that the arrangement is being implemented as a pilot project to assess its viability and create opportunities for expansion in future training cycles.
“If this model succeeds, our next intake could support up to 100 women with these machines,” he added.
At the local level, the initiative is being coordinated by Rachel J. Paye, Program Manager of the Liberia Opportunity Industrialization Center (LOIC) Gbarnga Satellite. Through her leadership, LOIC has continued to provide vocational and technical training opportunities for women and young people, helping them become self-reliant entrepreneurs.
Paye commended the partnership with Eco Energy and expressed confidence that the program would continue creating opportunities for women throughout Bong County.
“We look forward to empowering more women and ensuring that they have the tools and support needed to improve their lives and contribute to their communities,” she said.
Beneficiaries who received the machines expressed gratitude and excitement, describing the opportunity as transformational.
One beneficiary, Krubo T. Mulbah of the Frog Island Community in Gbarnga, explained that before enrolling in the program she could only perform basic sewing using traditional hand-operated machines. Through the training, however, she acquired advanced tailoring skills and even designed and produced the outfit she wore during the distribution ceremony.
“I made this dress myself through the training. Before now, I could only do simple sewing. Today I can make suits, coats, and different designs. Receiving this machine is a big achievement for me,” Mulbah said.
She encouraged her fellow beneficiaries to make productive use of the machines and remain committed to meeting their monthly payment obligations.
“We should not take these machines home and lock them away. We must use them to generate income and support our families. If we work hard and make the payments, more women will have opportunities like this in the future,” she added.
Another beneficiary, Nowai Gbanyan, said the machine would provide her with an opportunity to earn income, support her three children, and pass the skill on to others.
“They brought something good to us. I will use this machine to make money, support my children, and teach them the skill as well,” she said.
For Patient Brown, the program has inspired bigger ambitions.
“My goal is to own a fashion and garment production factory one day. I want to design clothing, produce uniforms, and train other people. This program has given me the confidence to pursue that dream,” she said.
Brown further noted that the business management component of the training was just as valuable as the tailoring lessons.
“It taught us that business is not only about money but also about ideas, planning, and determination. The lessons we received will help us build successful businesses,” she said.
Another young beneficiary, Princess Akoi, described the initiative as a meaningful example of women’s empowerment and encouraged other young people to take advantage of similar opportunities whenever they become available.
The tailoring initiative forms part of Eco Energy Liberia’s broader effort to combine renewable energy solutions with livelihood and enterprise development. While the organization is widely recognized for its work in solar energy and technical training, the tailoring project demonstrates how clean energy technologies can be used to create economic opportunities for women in rural communities.
As the women return to their respective communities with their new solar-powered sewing machines, organizers hope the initiative will not only strengthen household incomes but also inspire more women to pursue entrepreneurship and vocational skills development.
For many of the women, the sewing machines represent far more than equipment. They symbolize a pathway to independence, dignity, and a brighter future powered by skills, innovation, and opportunity.
