At the far end of western Liberia, in the community of Small Sawmill Town, a modest yet powerful story of transformation is unfolding—one that reflects resilience, opportunity, and the impact of well-targeted support.
Helena Flomo, a resident of the village, is has redefined what economic empowerment can look like at the grassroots level. Like many in her community, Helena once faced limited opportunities for income generation. Access to electricity is scarce, and small businesses are often constrained by a lack of startup capital and infrastructure. However, her determination, combined with timely support, has helped her turn a simple idea into a sustainable livelihood.
Through the REALISE Project’s Community Livelihood and Agriculture Support (CLAS) component, Helena received a labor subsidy of 350 USD. Rather than using the funds for short-term needs, she made a deliberate and strategic decision—she invested in establishing a phone charging business in her village.
In a rural setting where mobile phones are essential for communication, business, and access to information, but electricity remains a challenge, Helena’s initiative quickly became both relevant and impactful. Her charging station now serves as a vital hub for community members who rely on their phones to stay connected with family, conduct mobile money transactions, and receive important updates.
In a conversation with during a joint field visit. Helena said, “My husband and I decided to buy solar panel and battery for our business.”
She noted that the business is now generating more fund for her family, and helping the community. “When I received the 350 USD from the REALISE Project, I knew I wanted to do something that would help me and my community at the same time. Today, my phone charging business is not only supporting my family, but it is also helping people in this village stay connected. I am proud of what I have started, and I am grateful for the opportunity.”
What began as a small setup has grown into a dependable source of income for Helena. Beyond the financial benefits, her business has also enhanced convenience for residents of Small Sawmill Town, reducing the need for long and costly trips to Bopolu the Capital of Gbarpolu County just to charge their devices.
Helena shared her inspiring journey during a recent joint field visit by the REALISE Project team and staff from the Swedish Embassy. Speaking with confidence and pride, she explained how the support she received not only helped her start a business but also gave her a renewed sense of independence.
Her story stood out as a clear example of how targeted interventions can create lasting change when beneficiaries are empowered to make their own economic decisions. Helena emphasized that the labor subsidy was more than just financial assistance—it was an opportunity to build something meaningful for herself and her community.
Today, Helena Flomo is not just a beneficiary; she is an entrepreneur, a service provider, and a role model in Small Sawmill Town. Her journey highlights the broader impact of the REALISE Project in fostering resilience, promoting local enterprise, and improving livelihoods.