The Niapele Project Blog

Field Updates - HapFam Begins Its 3rd Year!

editor — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 07:50:11 -0500

Hello Niapele Community!

Before I get to the update, let me introduce myself. I am Kimberly, a doctoral candidate from the University of Maryland, College Park. I will be volunteering with HapFam for the Fall semester and sending out periodic updates about the growth and challenges we see every day. I have a M.A. in Special Education and I am currently working on my Ph.D in International Education Policy, my focus being in special education and development. It is a joy to finally be in Liberia and working with HapFam!

School Nutrition Initiative - Learn about Bong County

editor — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 17:01:11 -0500

The Niapele Project School Nutrition Initiative pilot sites are located in the Fuamah and Salala districts of Bong County. As part of our commitment to supporting national and regional development efforts, our initiatives trend with the priorities identified by the government. This document, which outlines a development agenda for Bong County for 2008-2012, also offers a wealth of demographic, economic and historical information which helps contextualize our work.

HapFam News: Celebrating Successes in Inclusive Education

editor — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 23:01:40 -0500

After three years of hard, dedicated work, individuals and agencies in Liberia are beginning to recognize how HapFam's innovative model is not only benefiting children with special needs, but also their parents and their entire communities!

Currently, HapFam is finalizing a number partnership agreements with both government agencies and international NGOs.

New Liberian government and NGO reports on education and inclusion

editor — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:12:07 -0500

In keeping with our commitment to supporting development goals articulated at the national level, Niapele is keeping its ear to the ground with regards to policy developments in key areas. Two recently released documents shed some light on focus areas in education and social welfare in Liberia.

School Feeding Begins in one Niapele Partner Community!

editor — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 07:51:48 -0500

On March 8, 2012, I had the great pleasure of visiting the Mawah community in Fuamah district. Mawah is one of Niapele's pilot sites for the School Nutrition Initiative (SNI) that began in June 2011. The community has worked incredibly hard at the onset of this initiative to make it successful. Click here to read about their efforts in greater detail.

The 136 children currently attending school in Mawah will no longer face the school day with hunger in their belly. For this, they have their own parents and community to thank. It's a beautiful thing.

Bettering the lives of children with disabilities, one small step at a time

editor — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:06:48 -0600

It has not been an easy road for the Happy Family Center for Children with Disabilities. With the $300 monthly stipend they receive from Niapele, they are able to carry out programs for the students at the Center and run it to the best of their ability. Securing support from agencies and big NGOs when you're a small, grassroots operation is proving to be quite challenging.

Click to read more and learn about the Center's efforts and challenges on the road to self-sustainability

Happy Holidays!

editor — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:32:18 -0600

Happy Holidays to all!

Have you seen our School Nutrition Initiative website? If you haven't, check it out! Photos, progress reports and information about our current work in the Bong Mines area of Liberia. www.niapeleschoolnutritionchallenge.com

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and a beautiful, successful and healthy new year!

HapFam Progress Report

editor — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:22:44 -0500

Report highlights:

>> HapFam enters its 3rd year of operations in Paynesville, Liberia

>> HapFam receives Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW) small grant for general support

>> Andre Johnson, a HapFam student, was a special guest at the signing ceremony of the new Reform Education Act, which was attended by the president of Liberia

>> HapFam hires new Administrative Director

>> HapFam staff participate in 3 day training workshop

Download the report! (PDF)

Persons with Disabilities Experience Significant Challenges in Developing World: Report

editor — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:40:27 -0500

“Across the world, people with disabilities have poorer health outcomes, lower education achievements, less economic participation and higher rates of poverty than people without disabilities. This is partly because people with disabilities experience barriers in accessing services that many of us have long taken for granted, including health, education, employment, and transport as well as information. These difficulties are exacerbated in less advantaged communities.”

- WHO/World Bank Word Report on Disability

Atlanta: Drink, eat, be merry and do good on July 11 !

editor — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:20:32 -0500

Atlanta peep! On Monday July 11, come have a drink or three at Twains in Decatur - 10% of the night's total proceeds will go towards Niapele's exciting new school nutrition/community farming program in Bong county - stay tuned for announcements!