Join us as we explore the story of Jude and Naomi Nwachukwu, a dynamic couple dedicated to transforming development and localizing efforts in Liberia. Since co-founding MCLD Liberia in 2020, Jude has been at the forefront of community-led development in Liberia. Naomi has also passionately championed the cause of young women, most recently by bringing Operation Be You to Liberia.
A Vision for Change
Jude’s journey in development began long before MCLD Liberia’s inception. A former classroom teacher and pastor, Jude’s vision for MCLD is clear: to be a leading force for sustainable development that amplifies marginalized voices and fosters resilient communities.
Reflecting on the challenges faced since MCLD’s founding, Jude notes, “It’s a ladder that we need to climb step by step.” A significant milestone was achieved in 2021 with a grant from The Hunger Project, which allowed them to secure 150 acres for agricultural development, reinforcing their commitment to reducing hunger and poverty.
Meanwhile, Naomi has seen the gap in resources that reach women and young girls. She has been fighting to make sure that the youth of Liberia are able to access education.
Building Resilience Together
For both Jude and Naomi, their work is driven by a profound desire to uplift their community. Jude emphasizes, “The drive to make an impact keeps me going. When I see people struggling, I feel compelled to help them become self-reliant.” He recognizes the importance of skills training programs and agricultural education in breaking the cycle.
Naomi echoes this sentiment through her work with Operation Be You, which she launched in Liberia in 2022 after discovering a gap in resources for women and girls. The initiative aims to empower young females, especially single mothers, by offering skill training in areas like sewing, baking, and interior decoration. “Empower a woman, empower a nation,” Naomi asserts, highlighting the ripple effect of supporting women in their communities.
Photos from Operation Be You’s activities
Jude envisions MCLD Liberia as a leading force for sustainable development, amplifying voices, and creating resilient communities. He highlights the unique unity within MCLD and the spirit of being a changemaker, advocating for the voiceless and striving towards sustainable development goals. Jude is motivated to transform the communities he is part of, citing, “The hardships people face motivate me to find ways to help them become self-reliant.”
Overcoming Challenges Together
Both Jude and Naomi face significant challenges in their work. Naomi faces the everyday struggles of inadequate funding for education and poor learning environments. “We have a lot of challenges, but we cannot give up,” she states, motivated by her faith and the incremental progress she sees in her community.
Jude, on the other hand, cites financial constraints and unemployment as major barriers, which hinder MCLD’s ability to implement programs. Yet, he remains optimistic, advocating for a return to agriculture and self-reliance.
A Unified Mission for the Future
Looking ahead, both Jude and Naomi envision a future where their efforts lead to a more educated and empowered Liberia. Jude hopes MCLD will serve as a platform for collective action for other civil society organizations, fostering collaboration and sustainable development. “Our goal is to create resilient communities and a better environment for all,” he explains.
Naomi shares a similar vision, stating, “In my ideal world, the children of Liberia would be more advanced and educated.” She emphasizes the importance of improving teacher salaries and school conditions as a priority for Operation Be You in the coming years.
Conclusion: Together for Change
As Jude and Naomi continue their work, they embody the spirit of collaboration and resilience. Their partnership not only strengthens their individual missions but also serves as a beacon of hope for many in Liberia. Through their work, they are not just advocating for change in Liberia; they are actively creating it, one step at a time.