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Our Story
About SHIFSD
From a group of Liberian refugees in Ghana to a nationally recognized NGO transforming communities across seven counties — this is our journey of resilience, purpose, and sustainable impact.
How It Began
Born in a Refugee Camp, Built for Impact
SHIFSD was founded in 2000 by Jeremiah Burgess and a group of Liberian refugees in the Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana. Driven by a shared vision to rebuild their war-torn homeland, they began planning for the sustainable development of Liberia.
After returning to Liberia, SHIFSD established its headquarters in Monrovia and expanded its programs to seven counties, working alongside communities to implement sustainable agriculture, education, and livelihood programs that empower families to lift themselves out of poverty.
Read the Strategic Plan 2024–2028Our Purpose
Vision & Mission
Our Vision
A resilient, self-sustaining Liberia where communities thrive through sustainable agriculture, quality education, and economic empowerment.
Our Mission
To empower Liberian communities with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to achieve food security, educational excellence, and financial independence through participatory, sustainable development.
What Drives Us
Our Core Values
Sustainability
Building programs that endure beyond external funding through community ownership and self-reliance.
Community Participation
Every initiative is co-designed with the communities we serve, ensuring relevance and lasting adoption.
Accountability
Transparent governance, rigorous reporting, and ethical stewardship of every resource entrusted to us.
Innovation
Embracing climate-smart techniques, digital tools, and creative approaches to development challenges.
Equity & Inclusion
Prioritizing women, youth, and marginalized groups to ensure no community is left behind.
Partnership
Collaborating with local and international organizations to multiply impact and share knowledge.
Key Milestones
Our Journey
Founded in Buduburam Refugee Camp, Ghana
Registered as NGO in Liberia; began field operations
Launched Climate-Smart Agriculture program
Expanded to 7 counties with EDC partnership
Established 28.1-acre demonstration farm
Reached 1,187+ direct beneficiaries
The Team
Our Leadership
Jeremiah Burgess
Executive Director & Founder
Board of Directors
Governance & Strategic Oversight
Program Managers
Field Operations & Community Engagement
Partners & Supporting Institutions
We are especially grateful to All We Can (AWC) for providing multi-year unrestricted core funding — powering our institutional stability and our Climate-Smart Agriculture work in Nimba County. Programme-specific support from Mission Alliance underwrites adult literacy across 30 communities in the Zorzor and Salayea districts of Lofa County.