About SHIFSD Liberia
24 Years of Practical Help for Self-Reliance
From a group of determined refugees in Ghana to one of Liberia's most trusted community development organizations — this is the story of SHIFSD.
Our Story
The Self-Help Initiative for Sustainable Development (SHIFSD) is a refugee-inspired, nonprofit organization based on Christian values. Originally established in the Central Region of Ghana by a group of Liberian refugees on November 11, 2000, SHIFSD was born from a simple but powerful belief: instead of waiting for help, we would create our own path forward.
Registered with the Government of Liberia on May 30, 2005, SHIFSD repatriated in August 2008 and eventually settled at its own premises — the SHIFSD Multipurpose Youth Training Center in Johnsonville, Monrovia. The organization is duly accredited as a national NGO (MFDP/NGO/Acc# 531871651).
Today, SHIFSD operates across seven counties — Montserrado, Nimba, River Gee, Maryland, Lofa, Bomi, and Cape Mount — serving over 700 direct beneficiaries annually through three strategic pillars: Climate Smart Agriculture, Education & Livelihood Skills, and Financial Sustainability.
At a Glance
- Founded
- November 11, 2000
- Headquarters
- Johnsonville, Monrovia
- Accreditation
- MPEA/NGO/AC#0369
- 2024 Beneficiaries
- 700+
Our Vision
SHIFSD envisages a society free of illiteracy and poverty.
Our Mission
SHIFSD exists to alleviate poverty through access to alternative sources of education and entrepreneurship.
Our Core Values
Integrity
We communicate challenges to communities and donors in a timely manner.
Justice
We treat all staff members and stakeholders in a respectful, fair and honest manner.
Transparency
We remain open in the management of programs, answerable to communities, donors and partners.
Participation
We value consensus building and shared leadership.
Diversity
We strive to accommodate and respect people of diverse backgrounds and affiliations.
Our Journey
From refugee camp to community catalyst — two decades of impact.
Founded in Ghana
Established by Liberian refugees in the Central Region of Ghana on November 11, 2000 — born out of a spirit of self-help.
Registered in Liberia
Officially registered with the Government of Liberia on May 30, 2005 as a non-profit, non-governmental organization.
Repatriated to Liberia
Founders repatriated and eventually settled at the SHIFSD Multipurpose Youth Training Center in Johnsonville, Monrovia.
Holy Hands Institute Launched
Established the TVET institution, now training youth in vocational skills with graduates working at LEC, LWSC, and more.
28.1 Acres Acquired
Acquired farmland in Kpytuo Town, Nimba County for climate smart agriculture demonstration and agri-business.
700+ Beneficiaries Served
Expanded reach across 7 counties with 722 youth trained, 150 women in VSLAs, and $6,092 saved in community groups.
Leadership
Guided by experienced leadership committed to community transformation.
Jeremiah T. Burgess
Executive Director
Founding member and visionary leader who established SHIFSD in a Ghanaian refugee camp. Over 24 years of community development leadership.
Board of Directors
Governance
Providing strategic oversight, constitutional governance, and accountability in alignment with SHIFSD's mission and core values.
Program Directors
Implementation
Leading program delivery across education, agriculture, and financial sustainability pillars across all operational counties.
Our Partners
We are proud to collaborate with organizations that share our vision for a better Liberia.
EDC
Leaders In Teaching (LIT) Project partner — youth education and workforce development across Montserrado and Bong Counties.
All We Can (UK)
Supporting adult literacy (REFLECT methodology), VSLA programming, and entrepreneurship training in Lofa and Nimba Counties.
Mission Alliance
Collaborative partner in community development and capacity building initiatives.
YOCEL
Youth-focused partnership supporting education and livelihood programming.
Brown Marital Trust
Funding the new 14-classroom Holy Hands Institute building for expanded TVET education.
Stichting INITIAT
International partnership supporting SHIFSD's institutional development goals.
SHIFSD Institutions
Three entities working together toward a common mission.
Hummingbird Academy (HAC)
Applied Knowledge is Power • Est. 2016
Accredited academic school running from Nursery to Senior Secondary (Grade 11), serving 381 students with 16 dedicated teaching staff at the SMYTC campus.
Holy Hands Institute (HHI)
Meeting Needs and Healing Hearts • Est. 2016
Accredited TVET institution graduating over 1,000 trainees in welding, auto mechanics, cosmetology, and electrical — many now employed at LEC, LWSC, and other national entities.
LightUp The Bible Ministries (LBM)
Discover What The Bible Really Says
Registered Christian ministry serving as the spiritual arm of SHIFSD, providing faith-based support and community upliftment.