ABOUT LICOSA INC
The Liberian community of South Australia Incorporated (LICOSA Inc.) was established in the year 2002 purposely to preserve our national identity and most importantly our rich cultural values. Liberians in South Australia at the time were about 12 adults and 7 children. There was a strong sentiment that the Liberian community was going to grow. Mrs Augustina Thomas became the first Chairperson of LICOSA.
Currently, there are over 400 Liberian families living in South Australia. Women and children are in majority. Many Liberians arriving to South Australia have come to through the Australian government offshore humanitarian entrant programme. Few Liberians have arrived under the family reunion programme recently. We have come from the background of 14 years of brutal civil conflict. The senseless war left behind a stigma; destruction of lives and infrastructures, instability of the social fabric of society, infliction of unhealable wounds and traumas, separation from families and love ones, most importantly the war undermined our self-esteem and sense of belonging.
The main aims and objectives as outlined in LICOSA’s constitution are:
- To protect and promote the interest of Liberians in South Australia.
- To maintain unity and cordiality among Liberians in South Australia.
- To work co-operatively with public and private migrant and refugee services providers.
- To foster healthy relations with existing community organisations.
- To effectively abide by the laws of Australia.
- To facilitate the active participation of Liberians in community development programmes.
- To work in partnership with Liberians in other states in Australia.
LICOSA has evolved since it foundation in 2002. We acknowledged the great contributions and the tireless efforts of the past administrations under Mrs Augustina Thomas, Mr. Ibrahim Jabateh, and Mr. Thomas Gaye. Their human sacrifices and passion for the Liberian community has helped sustain LICOSA. There has been a positive image and profile of the Liberian community among CALD communities and service providers. One of the objectives of creating our own website is to reach out to the wider Australian community.
There are many activities happening within the Liberian community. We have a vibrant and determine Liberian women’s group. The main objective of the women group is to empower our women by building their capacities, self-esteem and sense of belonging. The group creates an environment to eliminate social isolation, adjust to the Australian way of life and laws, and provides opportunities for employment and career path for Liberian women.
The youth group meets regularly on Saturday evenings at Enfield Community Centre. We want to reduce youth idleness, find means of empowering the youth and increase youth participation in community development.
We have a spectacular culture dance troupe. Our dance troupe has performed at several International Women’s Day and community events and was part of the Marion Learning Festival last in 2007 and Rundle Mall Multicultural Show. The Troupe performs a series of dances that portray Liberia’s rich cultural heritage. The cultural troupe train once every fortnight.
The Liberian soccer club is one of the best in South Australia. Majority of the boys in the soccer club play in the SA amateur league and show their talents overtime in other soccer clubs.
Every Liberian is invited and is free to join any of the listed groups not only to socialise but to contribute their expertise and to also learn new skills.