3rd November 2025
Bishop James Boye Caulker has returned home with assertive hope following his participation in a Partnership in Development Competence Seminar held at Creed Lodge, Margibi County, Liberia.
The seminar model developed by Digni, one of the key funding partners working with the United Methodist Development Office (UMDO) in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Zimbabwe, serves as an annual platform that brings together partners funded by UMC Norway and Digni to assess progress, share experiences, and address challenges across the various project countries.
Speaking during the event, Bishop James Boye Caulker commended Digni and the United Methodist Church in Norway for their continued efforts to restore hope and love among the people of the United Methodist Church in Sierra Leone, particularly in the poorest and most vulnerable communities.
According to him, the Partnership in Development Project has significantly improved the lives of people in marginalized communities, making them more resilient and self-reliant.
He further highlighted the positive impact of the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Response Project implemented by UMDO in the Moyamba District. Noted that the project has helped increase school enrollment among children, empowered women and girls to feel safer, and transformed men and boys into champions against GBV. Communities, he added, are now taking ownership of local initiatives and speaking up for their rights on all key steps toward empowerment and sustainable development.
Speaking on behalf of Digni and the United Methodist Church in Norway, General Secretary Anne Forster reaffirmed their full commitment to working with UMDO and the Sierra Leone Episcopal Area to change lives and transform communities.
She closed by saying Digni has approved a new five-year grant for UMDO and announced plans to organise regular training sessions on Knowledge Management for UMDO staff to enhance efficiency and learning.
