19/07/2026
NCD Concludes Week-Long Leadership Training; Disability Leaders Pledge to Champion Inclusion and Transform Their Communities
MONROVIA, Liberia – The National Commission on Disabilities (NCD) has successfully concluded a six-day intensive Training of Trainers (ToT) Leadership Capacity Building Workshop, with participants committing themselves to becoming ambassadors of positive change and champions of disability inclusion across Liberia.
The week-long training, held from July 13–18, 2026, brought together Heads of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPWDs) and NCD County Coordinators under the theme, "Promoting Inclusion, Healing and Peaceful Communication, and Personal Empowerment among Persons with Disabilities."
Throughout the training, participants received practical knowledge and leadership skills in a wide range of areas, including psychosocial support, nonviolent communication, entrepreneurship, disability-inclusive practices, positive attitudes, healthy relationships, personal development, leadership, and strategic priority setting. The sessions were designed to strengthen their capacity to lead effective organizations, advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities, and promote inclusive development at the community level.
At the close of the workshop, participants expressed profound gratitude and appreciation to the leadership of the National Commission on Disabilities, headed by Acting Executive Director, Apostle Dr. J. Aaron Wright Sr., for initiating what they described as a transformative leadership program.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, several trainees pledged to return to their respective counties and organizations as advocates for change, committed to breaking barriers and challenging negative stereotypes surrounding disability.
They reaffirmed that "disability is not inability," emphasizing their determination to use the knowledge and skills acquired during the training to contribute meaningfully to Liberia's development and support the Government's ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
“We are overwhelm with joy for us to gather here at the National Commission on Disabilities office and be trained as leaders of OPWDs and County Coordinators. This is the first of its kind since the commission was founded in 2005. We appreciate the current administration of NCD, through Apostle Wright for sharing with us this great knowledge & skills we have gained over the last six days. Be assured that we will not be the same after this training. We are now ambassadors of disability change. Patricia Kamara, from Bomi County asserted.
As part of the closing ceremony, the National Commission on Disabilities presented a Certificate of Completion to all participants in recognition of their successful participation and dedication throughout the six-day training.
The Commission encouraged graduates to translate the knowledge and practical skills acquired into meaningful actions that will strengthen disability advocacy, organizational leadership, and community empowerment.
Participants also received Certificate of Participation from Equip Leadership Liberia, facilitated through the Beyond Success Leadership and Personal Growth Programme by Dr. John C. Maxwell, in recognition of their successful completion of the three-day leadership and personal development component of the workshop.
The Training of Trainers initiative forms part of the Commission's broader strategy to establish a sustainable network of qualified disability leaders and trainers across Liberia. These leaders are expected to spearhead leadership development, promote disability rights, strengthen Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, and encourage self-reliance and community-based advocacy.
The National Commission on Disabilities believes the initiative will significantly enhance the leadership capacity of disability organizations, foster stronger collaboration among stakeholders, and promote peaceful communication, inclusion, and empowerment. The Commission remains committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities are equipped with the leadership skills and opportunities necessary to participate fully in Liberia's social, economic, and national development.
Presenting the certificates on behalf of His Excellency President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., Ambassador William N. Massaquoi of the Ministry of State congratulated the participants for successfully completing the intensive training. He challenged them to become agents of change who will break down barriers limiting the participation of persons with disabilities and serve as catalysts for building a more inclusive Liberia.
The successful conclusion of the workshop marks another milestone in the National Commission on Disabilities' ongoing efforts to strengthen disability leadership, promote inclusive governance, and empower persons with disabilities to become active contributors to national peace, development, and prosperity.
