The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has completed the distribution of wheelchairs and crutches to individuals living with disabilities (many of whom are students enrolled at various public Universities and Community Colleges) in the southeastern counties of Liberia. The initiative, titled “Lifting the Disabled from the Ground,” was implemented under the leadership of Director General Hon. Peter L. Solo and Deputy Director General for Operations Hon. Christian K. Cooper. This project coincided with the NLA’s annual nationwide distribution of food and non-food items, which also supported over 500 charitable organizations assisting persons living with disabilities, orphanages, hospitals, and public welfare institutions across all fifteen counties in Liberia.
During the official launch at Zwedru Central Park in Grand Gedeh County, Hon. Solo underscored the importance of this program in fulfilling the NLA’s commitment to community upliftment. He emphasized its alignment with H.E. President Joseph Nyumah Boakai Sr.’s ARREST agenda and the NLA’s five-year strategic plan, which aims to enhance the welfare of individuals living with disabilities and promote sustainable development. In expressing gratitude to the government for its steadfast support, DG Solo announced plans to construct schools dedicated to persons living with disabilities in the southeastern region, marking this area as the first to benefit from such an initiative. He also assured that hospitals would obtain vital medical supplies for individuals in need.
Leading the distribution efforts in Grand Kru, River Gee, Grand Gedeh, and Maryland Counties, Hon. Christian K. Cooper remarked, “We are here today to present these wheelchairs and crutches to you on behalf of the NLA. For many of you attending school, mobility has been a challenge. These aids will greatly assist you, and we look forward to doing more.” Hon. Cooper highlighted the Authority’s dedication to supporting physically challenged students by not only providing wheelchairs and clutches, but also extending educational assistance through the NLA’s Education Empowerment Project (EEP), which helps defray registration and transportation costs for eligible students attending public Institutions of higher learning in the country.
He emphasized that the initiative aims to enable students with physical disabilities to participate fully in academic and campus life, thereby enhancing their independence and prospects for success. The emotional responses from beneficiaries echoed the impact of this initiative, with many expressing reliefs after years of limited mobility due to the lack of assistive devices.
They extended their heartfelt gratitude to the government, led by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, for the continuous support and dedication shown through the NLA’s relief efforts.