By Sampat JMB Kpakimah
The Liberia Crusaders for Peace in partnership with UNICEF Liberia, on January 20, 2026, held a one-day HACT and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse-PSEA training for its staff members.
The training focused on mitigating financial and operational risks associated with managing UNICEF resources while ensuring beneficiaries are protected from harm.
Conducted at the Liberia Crusaders for Peace headquarters on Capitol Bye Pass, the initiative endeavored to support the effective implementation of UNICEF program partnerships with LCP. In a special statement prior to the commencement of the training, the Executive Director of the Liberia Crusaders for Peace, Amb. Julie Endee, described the HACT and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse-PSEA training as a privilege and a second chance for the institution.
She said the training presents an opportunity to strengthen the organization’s systems and elevate its programming to meet international standards.
“This training is not something to be taken lightly,” Endee told participants. It is a privilege UNICEF has given to Crusaders for Peace, and we must run with it. If we fail to take advantage of this opportunity, we may not be given such a chance again,” she said.
The cultural icon urged LCP’s staff to uphold integrity, accountability, and patriotism in the execution of UNICEF-supported programs. Amb. Endee rallied those deployed to the field to take responsibility for protecting the institution’s assets, including laptops, notepads, pens, and other logistical resources, stressing that such items represent trust placed in the organization by its partners.
The Crusaders for Peace Executive Director further emphasized that protecting women, girls, and all Liberians from exploitation is a shared national responsibility, noting that safeguarding beneficiaries should not be seen solely as UNICEF’s obligation.
“We must be patriotic. It is unacceptable for any form of exploitation to occur in the field. Every staff member has a duty to ensure that communities, especially women and girls, are protected,” she said.
Amb. Endee expressed appreciation to UNICEF for maintaining the partnership despite challenges faced over the past two years. She disclosed that Crusaders for Peace will work diligently with UNICEF over the next five years, committing the organization to compliance, transparency, and accountability, including operating as a cashless agency in line with donor requirements.
From his end, Prince Nipeh, UNICEF Liberia’s Program Officer for HACT, Risk, and Compliance, and facilitator of the training, said the training strengthens transparency and accountability, particularly in addressing donor findings and reinforcing the duty of implementing partners to ensure resources are properly managed and directed toward meeting the needs of children.
“UNICEF has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. This training ensures that both staff and beneficiaries understand their rights and responsibilities under PSEA,” Nipeh stated. He stressed
that local civil society organizations (CSOs) like Crusaders for Peace are best positioned to implement such initiatives, especially in hard-to-reach areas outside urban centers.
“Our engagement spans several counties. We want to ensure that funds disbursed outside Monrovia are properly managed and that gaps related to sexual exploitation are addressed,” he noted. Nipeh reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to the five-year partnership with Crusaders for Peace, pledging continued support to strengthen systems, build capacity, and promote accountability at both national and community levels.
Speaking to Women Voices Newspaper reporter, following the climax of the training, the Assistant Programme Officer of the Liberia Crusaders for Peace (LCP), George Caulane described the exercise as both a refresher for existing staff and a valuable learning experience for newly recruited staff members.
As a participant of the training, Caulane said it strengthened his understanding of financial management and program implementation, noting that it serves as a practical tool to guide staff in meeting donor expectations. “We have our own internal reporting templates, but the HACT training clearly shows us what UNICEF expects from us. Accountability is one of our internal policies, and every staff member is responsible for delivering on their terms of reference,” Caulane noted.
He added that the training aligns Crusaders for Peace’s policies with international compliance standards, while also enhancing institutional capacity and upgrading internal systems. Caulane believes the training ultimately benefits rights holders and beneficiaries, ensuring that services are delivered efficiently and in the most appropriate and dignified manner.
He applauded UNICEF for the initiative and pledged the organization’s commitment to effective implementation, while expressing optimism for continued collaboration under the five-year partnership. The HACT and PSEA training forms part of UNICEF’s broader effort to strengthen partner compliance, safeguard beneficiaries, and ensure donor-funded programs achieve sustainable and measurable impact across Liberia.
The Liberia Crusaders for Peace and UNICEF have enjoyed collaboration and partnership over the years, dating back to 1997. With support from UNICEF, the Liberia Crusaders for Peace will work with the Ministries of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Education, Health, and the National Public Health Institute in implementing various programs across the country over the next five years.
