Who We Are
The National Association of Kpelle and Kpelle Speaking People (NAKKSP) is a community‑driven organization formed to bring together Kpelle and Kpelle‑speaking people across Liberia and the diaspora. We exist to protect our language and cultural heritage, promote quality education, and ensure that Kpelle communities are fully included in national development.
From rural villages to urban centers, Kpelle people have contributed significantly to Liberia’s history in agriculture, local governance, peacebuilding, and culture. Yet many communities still face barriers in education, access to information, and participation in decision‑making. NAKKSP was founded to help close those gaps through coordination, advocacy, and practical programs that respond to local needs.
How We Started
NAKKSP grew out of informal meetings among community leaders, educators, youth, and professionals who shared a common concern: the gradual loss of Kpelle language and cultural practices, especially among younger generations. These discussions highlighted the need for an organized platform that could connect Kpelle‑speaking people across counties and abroad.
Over time, these conversations turned into action. A core group began to design community outreach initiatives, document cultural practices, and promote Kpelle language use in schools, churches, and community events. With support from partners and elders, these efforts were formalized into the National Association of Kpelle and Kpelle Speaking People.
What Drives Us
NAKKSP believes that language and culture are not just history—they are active tools for empowerment. Our work is guided by three core pillars:
- Cultural Preservation: documenting Kpelle stories, songs, proverbs, and traditional knowledge, and sharing them with the next generation.
- Education & Literacy: supporting literacy in both Kpelle and English, and encouraging young people to see pride and opportunity in their identity.
- Community Development: working with local leaders, women’s groups, youth, and partners to respond to practical challenges in health, livelihoods, and governance.
Where We Work
NAKKSP’s members and partners are spread across multiple counties where Kpelle is spoken, including Bong, Lofa, Nimba, Margibi, and Montserrado, as well as Kpelle‑speaking communities in Monrovia and the Liberian diaspora. Through these networks we are able to share information, coordinate events, and mobilize support quickly when communities call on us.
Looking Ahead
Our long‑term vision is for Kpelle and Kpelle‑speaking people to be confident in their identity, connected to their culture, and actively engaged in shaping Liberia’s future. We are working towards:
- Stronger Kpelle language materials for schools and community groups;
- Regular cultural festivals and exchange programs across counties;
- Increased participation of Kpelle communities in local and national decision‑making;
- Partnerships with government, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations.
We invite community members, leaders, and partners—both in Liberia and abroad—to join us as we continue to write the next chapter of our story together.