By By Danlette G. Washington
Humanitarian and diaspora community leader, Madam Comfort Itoka recently led a humanitarian mission through Gyabolanders & Friends–US Inc., a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to education, women’s empowerment, and community development in southeastern Liberia.
As part of the mission, Mrs. Itoka visited the National Girls Orphanage in Grand Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire, where she donated food supplies, school materials, cleaning and laundry products, and reusable menstrual hygiene kits. The donation was made possible through financial contributions from family members and friends in the United States.
“Wherever I travel, I make it a point to visit an orphanage and provide support based on their needs,” Mrs. Itoka said.
The humanitarian mission later continued to southeastern Liberia, where Gyabolanders & Friends–US Inc. has invested for years in educational and community development initiatives. The visit focused on assessing the impact of ongoing projects, engaging with community members, and providing additional support to school children, women, and vulnerable populations in communities across Maryland and River Gee Counties.
Over the years, the organization has implemented several projects, including the construction of a solar-powered school, renovation of a local high school, production of student and teacher furniture, construction and furnishing of a Women’s Empowerment Center, donation of a marching band set, establishment of a computer laboratory through laptop donations, and the continuous distribution of educational supplies.
Founded in the United States, Gyabolanders & Friends–US Inc. works to promote educational, social, and economic initiatives while preserving the spirit and heritage of Gyaboland. Through its ongoing humanitarian programs, the organization continues to bridge the gap between the diaspora and local communities, creating opportunities for education, empowerment, and sustainable development.
During the visit, Mrs. Itoka and members of her team inspected completed projects and met with community leaders, educators, students, women’s groups, and residents to assess the impact of the organization’s work.
The delegation visited S.G. Mooney School, where students received drawstring gift bags filled with educational and personal items. Similar distributions were conducted at the United Methodist School, where reusable menstrual hygiene kits were presented to ninth-grade girls.
Moreover , at the Garraway Central High School, the organization donated six laptop computers to support student learning and help strengthen technology education within the school system.
Mrs. Itoka noted that plans to provide school supplies and hygiene materials to every student were affected by delays in the arrival of donated educational materials shipped from the United States.
The visit also included tours of schools, churches, and community facilities supported by the organization. Local residents highlighted the positive impact the projects have had on students, families, and the broader community.
Throughout the visit, residents welcomed the delegation with traditional ceremonies, community gatherings, and expressions of gratitude for the organization’s longstanding support. Many noted that the projects have helped improve access to education and created opportunities for future generations.
One of the most memorable moments came during a farewell celebration organized by residents of Gyaboland/Garraway Beach. Community members gathered for a day of fellowship, cultural performances, traditional drumming, and the presentation of certificates of appreciation recognizing the organization’s contributions to the area.
Community members expressed appreciation for the organization’s continued commitment to improving educational opportunities and empowering young people throughout the region, and maintaining strong ties with their homeland and investing in projects that directly benefit residents.
For Mrs. Itoka, the mission reaffirmed the importance of giving back and ensuring that future generations have access to the resources and opportunities needed to succeed.
“Our goal has always been to invest in people, especially our children and women, and to create opportunities that will have a lasting impact on the community,” she said. “Seeing the progress and hearing from the people we serve reminds us why this work is so important,” she concluded.
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