Liberia’s only cement factory, CEMENCO Corporation has donated several bags of 25kg rice to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital and the Redemption Hospital as part of its cooperate social responsibilities. AL-Hilal Medical and Surgical Clinic and Mawah Health Center also benefited from the gesture.
The donated Liberian rice is produced by the Community of Hope Agriculture Project (CHAP).
Speaking during the donation ceremony on Friday, May 24, 2024, the Managing Director of CEMENCO, William Gaignard said CEMENCO is against malnutrition for which he sees the donation as a sustainable solution.
Mr. Gaignard “Our institution is firmly committed to the fight against malnutrition, a scourge that particularly affects vulnerable population in our country.’’
Aware of the crucial needs for food, particularly rice, expressed by several hospitals and health centers, Gaignard disclosed that CEMENCO decided to take concrete measures to provide aid.
He said CEMENCO’s objective is to promote and enhance the work of Liberian farmers, who produce rice of exceptional quality.
“By promoting the recognition and distribution of this rice throughout the country, CEMENCO not only help meet immediate food needs, but also support the local economy and strengthen long-term food security,’’ he stated.
He indicated that CEMENCO is implementing several initiatives including the distribution of quality rice to health centers.
“CEMENCO has decided on an action to provide locally produced rice to hospitals and health centers with critical needs. This approach makes it possible to respond quickly to food emergencies while supporting local producers,’’ he further stated.
According to him, CEMENCO is launching a promotion campaign through its FB and partnership with the Community of Hope Agriculture Project (CHAP) SRI to publicize the quality of Liberian rice throughout the country.
The CEMENCO Boss pointed out that this campaign aims to raise consumers’ awareness on the importance of buying local rice.
In response, the beneficiaries thanked the Management of CEMENCO for the donation, describing it as timely.
They expressed joy for the donated Liberian rice because it could not have come no better time than now when they are in need.
The recipients, who spoke individually for their respective institutions, promised to use the donated rice for the intended purpose.
For his part, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Community of Hope Agriculture Project (CHAP), Robert Bima thanked CEMENCO for purchasing 200 bags of the Liberian rice from his company.
Mr. Bima described CEMENCO Chief as someone who was truthful to his words when they met during the launch of the Global Hunger Index Report.
Mr. Bima said during their interaction the CEMENCO Boss expressed interest in getting rice from his company.
He said his company has been boosted with the purchase of the 200 bags of rice by CEMENCO.
Since its establishment, CEMENCO has over the years contributed to several institutions including hospitals and schools.
