IPNEWS: The Sackor Ousmane Aid Foundation (SOFA) has conferred its first-ever Honorary Membership on Minister Mike B. Jabateh, recognizing what the organization described as his “exceptional volunteerism and dedicated service” to humanitarian efforts in Liberia. The honor was presented during a formal ceremony held in Monrovia over the weekend.
Speaking at the event, Abrahm V. Sarnor, Program Manager of the Sackor Ousmane Aid Foundation Liberia, said the foundation’s mission is anchored on four key pillars — food security, education, sanitation, and peacebuilding.
According to Sarnor, SOFA has operated in Israel for the past five years, supporting Liberians at home and abroad. Within just six months of establishing its presence in Liberia, the foundation gained formal accreditation as a nonprofit humanitarian institution.
“Our vision is to serve Liberians without borders,” Sarnor said. “Every citizen deserves access to the basic necessities of life. Today, we are proud to honour Minister Mike B. Jabateh for the spirit of service he has shown alongside us.”
He highlighted the organization’s achievements in several counties — including Montserrado, Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, Nimba, and Bong — where it has made significant interventions. These efforts include paying tuition for over 1,000 students in less than three months, providing housing for vulnerable families, funding travel for Liberians pursuing international education, supporting school renovations, paying minor prison fines to help release inmates, and distributing food and essential items to people of all backgrounds.
Sarnor dismissed suggestions that the award to Minister Jabateh was politically or financially motivated, stressing that the foundation is entirely volunteer-driven.
“We work for the Liberian people. No one, including our leadership, is on payroll. We receive support from partners and invest it back into our communities,” he said.
In his acceptance remarks, Minister Mike B. Jabateh expressed deep appreciation for the recognition and called for greater collaboration between humanitarian organizations and government agencies to address Liberia’s pressing challenges.
“I am grateful for this recognition,” he said. “We have hundreds of Liberians studying in Israel right now. When they return, they must find opportunities to contribute to their country. We need to focus more on agriculture and the private sector if we want lasting development.”
The minister also underscored the need for stronger sanitation initiatives across Monrovia and encouraged public officials to remain focused on service delivery.
“We were put here to work. Appreciation for each other is important. If we do not serve our people, everything else is meaningless,” he added.
Looking ahead, the Sackor Ousmane Aid Foundation announced plans to expand its operations to all 15 counties of Liberia, deepening partnerships with the Government of Liberia to strengthen food security, community sanitation, and access to quality education.
