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GEAR Foundation

Renew. Empower. Sustain. Liberia

Restoring Communities. Rebuilding Ecosystems. Redefining the Future.

GEAR Foundation works at the intersection of environmental renewal, sustainable agriculture, and community empowerment. We equip communities with the knowledge, tools, and systems they need to thrive, strengthening food security, expanding access to education, and restoring ecosystems for generations to come. Rooted in Liberia and growing globally, we build solutions that are locally driven and globally relevant, grounded in partnership, sustainability, and long term impact.

Donate to GEAR Turn Vision Into Action
Focus Areas
  • Climate Resilient Agriculture & Food Security
  • Agroforestry & Pollinator Development
  • Environmental Stewardship & Community Empowerment
  • Sustainable Economic Development & Livelihood Support
GEAR Foundation community group photo

Community led environmental action

Together with communities, we restore ecosystems, unlock economic opportunity, and build lasting climate resilience grounded in local leadership and collective responsibility.

Climate Resilient Agriculture Agroforestry & Pollinators Environmental Stewardship Sustainable Livelihoods

Where We Work

Rooted in Liberia. Growing with Africa. Impacting the World.

About

Renew. Empower. Sustain. Liberia

Restoring Communities. Rebuilding Ecosystems. Redefining the Future.

GEAR Foundation is a legally registered nonprofit based in Liberia. We work alongside communities to protect ecosystems and strengthen livelihoods through locally led programs that connect environmental stewardship, sustainable agriculture, education, and workforce development.

We focus on restoring land and strengthening food security while equipping local leaders with skills and support to build lasting, community-owned progress.

At a glance

  • Where: Rooted in Liberia. Growing with Africa. Impacting the World.
  • Who: Women, young people, and vulnerable communities
  • How: Community-led training, technical support, and practical tools

Pillar 1

Restore ecosystems

Tree nurseries, reforestation, stewardship.

Pillar 2

Strengthen livelihoods

Climate-smart farming, income pathways.

Pillar 3

Support youth & women

Skills, leadership, participation.

Pillar 4

Build local capacity

Training, tools, long-term support.

Our Vision

We envision a sustainable world where communities actively safeguard the environment and public health, steward natural resources responsibly, and empower women and young people to achieve their full potential and lead meaningful change, ensuring future generations inherit a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.

Our Mission

To protect the natural environment and advance environmental renewal and climate resilience by empowering women, young people, and communities through training, technical assistance, agribusiness development, entrepreneurship, and business support services, led by local voices and designed to strengthen sustainable livelihoods and resilient communities in Liberia and beyond.

GEAR Foundation community group photo

Community action

Community led environmental action

Together with communities, we restore ecosystems, unlock economic opportunity, and build lasting climate resilience grounded in local leadership and collective responsibility.

Climate Resilient Agriculture Agroforestry & Pollinators Environmental Stewardship Sustainable Livelihoods

Where We Work

Rooted in Liberia. Growing with Africa. Impacting the World.

Our Core Values

Restoration

We renew the land and environments where communities live, work, and grow.

Local Leadership

Solutions are strongest when shaped and led by the people most affected.

Stewardship

We care for natural resources with responsibility, respect, and long-term commitment.

Equity

We expand access, opportunity, and voice for youth, women, and historically excluded communities.

A Message from Our Founder

Why GEAR exists, and who we serve.

I was born to Liberian refugee parents and raised between West Africa and the United States. My journey has been shaped by displacement, sacrifice, and the determination to rise beyond limitations.

When I left Ghana for the United States, I carried both hope and heartbreak: hope for what was possible, and heartbreak for the life and community I had to leave behind. That transition shaped my commitment to children and families facing the same uncertainty.

In the United States, my forever chosen family and mentors gave me the support I needed to grow. Their belief taught me a lasting lesson: when people are seen, supported, and equipped, they can transform their future.

As an Environmental Engineer, I have seen how environmental decline, food insecurity, and limited access to education reinforce one another. When land fails, livelihoods suffer; when opportunity is limited, potential is held back.

That is why I founded GEAR Foundation: to connect people and planet through practical, community led solutions that restore ecosystems, strengthen livelihoods, and equip women and young people to lead lasting change.

GEAR stands for Global Environmental Advocacy and Renewal: renewal of land, renewal of opportunity, and renewal of hope for communities that are too often overlooked.

My story is proof that adversity can become impact. Through GEAR Foundation, we are partnering with communities to build a more sustainable, equitable future together, one rooted in dignity, resilience, and local leadership.

Jawalleh Deborah Promise

Founder & CEO, GEAR Foundation

Meet Our Team

Leadership Rooted in Purpose. Action Driven by Expertise.

At GEAR Foundation, our work is guided by leaders deeply committed to environmental renewal, sustainable development, and community empowerment. Our team brings together specialized expertise in environmental engineering, forestry conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and community engagement, united by a shared mission to restore ecosystems and strengthen communities across Liberia and beyond.

By integrating local knowledge with global perspective, we translate vision into practical, sustainable solutions that deliver measurable, lasting impact.

Our Leadership Team

Jawalleh Deborah Promise, Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Jawalleh Deborah Promise

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Environmental Engineer and visionary leader, Jawalleh Deborah Promise founded GEAR Foundation to address the interconnected challenges of environmental degradation, food insecurity, and limited access to opportunity. Born to Liberian refugee parents and shaped by resilience and faith, she brings technical expertise and lived experience to her work. She leads GEAR with a bold vision: to restore ecosystems, empower communities, and create sustainable systems that transform adversity into generational impact.

Amos T. Gaye, Country Director & Community Engagement Coordinator

Amos T. Gaye

Country Director & Community Engagement Coordinator

Amos leads GEAR Foundation's national operations in Liberia, overseeing program implementation and strengthening partnerships with local communities and stakeholders. Trained in Forestry and experienced in donor-funded conservation initiatives, he brings expertise in forest inventories, land-use planning, sustainable livelihoods, and Monitoring & Evaluation. Amos is passionate about participatory development, ensuring communities play an active role in shaping and sustaining environmental solutions.

Godfred D. Blayee, Program Manager & Field Supervisor

Godfred D. Blayee

Program Manager & Field Supervisor

Godfred oversees field implementation and program coordination across GEAR's initiatives. With formal training in General Forestry (Conservation) and experience supporting UNDP projects as a United Nations Volunteer, he specializes in protected area management, livelihood support, and community mobilization. His work strengthens rural resilience through practical environmental training, farmer engagement, and sustainable land-use practices.

Our Approach

We believe effective leadership is:

Community Guided

Change begins with local voices and shared ownership

Strategic

Decisions informed by research and measurable impact

Collaborative

Partnership and shared leadership at every level

Generational

Building change that reshapes futures and creates lasting impact

We do not stand above communities. We stand beside them. Together, we create solutions that are rooted in local knowledge, connected to global impact, and built to endure for generations.

Our Programs

GEAR Foundation integrates environmental stewardship, sustainable agriculture, education, and skills training to support thriving, resilient communities.

All programs emphasize sustainability, local leadership, and strong partnerships.

Beekeepers in protective suits examining plants in an agroforestry setting

Climate Smart Agriculture

We support smallholder farmers to adopt climate resilient farming practices that improve soil health, increase yields, and protect biodiversity, while safeguarding livelihoods in the face of climate change.

  • • Farmer field schools and demonstration plots
  • • Soil conservation and water management
  • • Climate-resilient crop varieties and agroecology

Flagship Programs

Farmer Field Schools

Building capacity through hands on learning

Community-based training that combines local knowledge with climate resilient practices. Farmers learn soil conservation, water management, and crop diversification to improve yields and adapt to changing conditions.

Program Features
Demonstration plots

On-farm learning sites for practical training

Participatory methods

Farmer led discovery and peer learning

Farmer field schools strengthen local capacity and create lasting change through community ownership.

Climate Resilient Crop Varieties

Adapting to a changing climate

Introducing and testing crop varieties suited to local conditions and climate stress. Supports food security and reduces dependence on external inputs.

Program Features
Variety trials

Community-led testing of adapted varieties

Agroecology

Ecological farming approaches

Resilient varieties help communities withstand drought, pests, and unpredictable weather.

Beekeepers in protective suits using a smoker in an agroforestry setting

Agroforestry & Pollinator Development

By combining trees, crops, and beekeeping, we help communities restore degraded landscapes, diversify incomes, and protect pollinators that are vital for food security.

  • • Community tree nurseries and reforestation
  • • Beekeeping training and basic equipment support
  • • Value chains for honey and non timber forest products

Flagship Programs

Community Beekeeping Program
Active Sponsored by Sarafina Elizabeth Foundation

Building livelihoods through bees: pollination, honey, and community ownership.

The Community Beekeeping Program supports sustainable livelihoods through hive construction, monitoring, and education. With 20 hives established across multiple communities, we train members in beekeeping, harvesting, and honey production. The program expands community involvement, supports honey sales, and strengthens local food systems while promoting pollinator health and ecosystem stewardship.

Program Features
Hive construction and placement

Builds and installs hives in multiple community areas so more members can participate and benefit.

Hive monitoring and care

Trains community members to monitor hive health, manage colonies, and maintain hives for strong, productive colonies.

Harvest and processing

Teaches safe harvesting, extraction, and basic processing so communities can produce quality honey for sale and use.

Community education

Workshops and demonstrations on how beekeeping works, from hive setup to harvest, so more people can join and lead.

Sales and enterprise

Supports honey sales and connects producers to local and regional markets to generate income for participants.

Pollinator stewardship

Promotes pollinator habitat and ecosystem health as part of sustainable agriculture and community resilience.

By combining hive construction, monitoring, education, and sales, the program helps communities build skills, income, and ownership while supporting pollinators and sustainable agriculture for the long term.

Community Tree Nurseries

Growing trees for restoration

Establishing community nurseries to grow native and beneficial tree species for reforestation, agroforestry, and landscape restoration.

Program Features
Nursery establishment

Site selection and propagation

Species selection

Native and multipurpose trees

Tree nurseries enable communities to lead their own reforestation efforts.

Community members in a canoe on the river, symbolizing environmental stewardship and connection to nature

Environmental Education

We equip children, youth, and community leaders with practical knowledge on climate change, waste management, and natural resource stewardship, using hands on, community based learning.

  • • Eco clubs in schools and communities
  • • Awareness campaigns and clean up days
  • • Simple, locally relevant learning materials

Flagship Programs

School Eco Clubs

Youth led environmental action

School based clubs that teach climate awareness, waste management, and natural resource stewardship through hands on, locally relevant activities.

Program Features
Student led

Youth ownership and leadership

Practical activities

Clean ups and awareness

Eco clubs build environmental literacy and leadership among the next generation.

Community Environmental Literacy

Knowledge for stewardship

Practical learning materials and workshops for children, youth, and community leaders. Builds understanding of climate change, conservation, and sustainable resource use.

Program Features
Community based

Local learning contexts

Simple materials

Accessible content for all

Environmental literacy empowers communities to protect their resources.

GEAR Foundation team in the field supporting youth empowerment

Skills Training & Youth Empowerment

GEAR Foundation invests in the next generation through leadership development, green jobs training, and entrepreneurship support tailored to the realities of young people in Liberia.

  • • Green skills and vocational training
  • • Youth leadership and mentorship programs
  • • Support for youth led community initiatives

Flagship Programs

Strategic Character & Leadership Development
Active Sponsored by Sarafina Elizabeth Foundation

Empowering leaders and building character

The Strategic Character & Leadership Development is a flagship program designed to cultivate leadership, personal integrity, and strategic thinking. We provide this program to schools, corporate teams, individuals, and through workshops for underserved communities, ensuring access to high quality leadership development for all.

Program Features
Leadership development

Equips participants with Interactive tools for effective leadership, sound decision making, and team collaboration.

Character building

Fosters integrity, resilience, and responsibility in both personal and professional life.

Structured growth tracking

Allows participants to use the Self-Progress Form to reflect on goals, track growth, and take ownership of their development journey.

Performance assessment

Provides structured feedback from mentors, peers, and supervisors through the Leadership Evaluation Form to strengthen leadership skills and team effectiveness.

Customizable delivery

Ensures the program is tailored for schools, companies, and community workshops to meet specific needs and objectives.

Mentorship and peer learning

Connects participants with mentors and peer networks for ongoing support, accountability, and shared growth throughout their leadership journey.

By combining Immersive development, reflection tools, and structured evaluation, the program empowers individuals to lead with confidence, integrity, and impact, creating stronger teams and thriving communities.

Youth Leadership Development

Empowering the next generation

Leadership training that builds confidence, communication, and teamwork. Prepares youth to lead in their schools, communities, and beyond.

Program Features
Workshops

Interactive sessions and activities

Mentorship

Ongoing support from leaders

Leadership development builds confidence and capability that lasts a lifetime.

Our Impact

GEAR Foundation is in its early stage of growth. We are building a foundation for long-term, measurable impact on people and the planet, and we will update these metrics as we verify results through monitoring and community reporting.

Early-stage metrics — updated as projects scale.

What we track

  • Farmers trained in climate-smart practices
  • Hives installed / supported and beekeeper participation
  • Trees planted and survival rate over time
  • Youth participation in eco-clubs, skills training, and leadership activities
  • Community engagement sessions and follow-up actions

How we verify

  • Attendance logs and training registers
  • Photo documentation (before/after and activity evidence)
  • GPS points for sites, nurseries, and planted areas
  • Community sign-off from local leaders where appropriate
  • Periodic follow-ups to confirm outcomes (e.g., tree survival)

Impact metrics (early stage)

25+
Farmers trained
5+
Communities engaged
60+
Youth participants

Stories of Change

Farmer, Bong County

“Before the training, our land was eroding and yields were low. With new practices, we have healthier soil, better harvests, and we are planting trees along our farm boundaries.”

Youth Leader, Montserrado

“The eco-club taught us how to manage waste and protect our river. Now we organize clean-up days and our community is cleaner. I want to become an environmental advocate.”

Beekeeper, Nimba County

“Agroforestry and beekeeping changed our lives. We earn from honey and our trees protect the soil. GEAR Foundation gave us the training and equipment to start.”

Community Leader, Grand Bassa

“Environmental education brought our village together. We now understand climate change and work as a community to protect our forests and water sources for future generations.”

How We Measure Impact

  • • Simple, community-friendly tools for tracking changes in land use and livelihoods.
  • • Regular feedback from participants, community leaders, and partners.
  • • Alignment with national policies and global frameworks like the SDGs.

Placeholder – monitoring and evaluation frameworks, reports, and dashboards can be linked here.

Get Involved

Whether you are a government official, donor, partner organization, or individual volunteer, there is a role for you in advancing environmental renewal and community resilience with GEAR Foundation.

  • • Collaborate with us on climate smart agriculture, agroforestry, and youth initiatives.
  • • Support program funding, capacity building, and knowledge exchange.
  • • Volunteer your time or expertise locally or remotely.
Volunteer With Us Explore Donation Options

For Government & Regulators

Partner with GEAR Foundation to pilot and scale community based environmental initiatives that align with national policies and climate commitments.

For Donors & Grantmakers

Support evidence based programs in climate smart agriculture, environmental education, and youth empowerment with clear reporting and accountability.

For Volunteers & Community Partners

Join local initiatives, offer technical skills, or host knowledge-sharing sessions. Your experience and commitment can help communities thrive.

News & Updates

Follow updates from the field and behind the scenes as GEAR Foundation grows. We’ll share progress, lessons learned, and community stories as they happen.

Early updates — more stories coming soon.

Launching Climate-Smart Farmer Field Schools

GEAR Foundation is piloting farmer field schools that combine local knowledge with climate smart agriculture techniques in rural Liberia.

Placeholder post – add full article link, date, and author later.

Youth Eco-Leaders Program (Pilot)

A cohort of young people is being trained to lead community clean-ups, awareness campaigns, and tree-planting drives.

Placeholder post – include testimonials and photos as they become available.

Building Partnerships for Environmental Renewal

GEAR Foundation is engaging ministries, NGOs, and international partners to co-design scalable environmental and livelihood solutions.

Placeholder post – add MoUs, project announcements, and donor features here.

Social Enterprise (Coming Soon)

As we grow, we plan to develop mission-aligned products (such as honey and agroforestry goods) that help support livelihoods and sustain program work.

What to expect

We’ll share updates here when products are ready for launch, including how proceeds support community-led programs.

  • • Community-produced honey and hive products
  • • Value-added agroforestry products as supply chains mature
  • • Transparent reinvestment into training, tools, and local program delivery

Get updates

Want to be notified when our social enterprise launches? Send us a message through the Contact section.

Contact Us

Reach out to learn more about our work, explore partnerships, or express interest in volunteering.

Liberia Office Location

GEAR Foundation
Todeyville Community, Zwedru City, Grand Gedeh County, Republic of Liberia

For Partnerships: [email protected]