From the Field

 Transitioning to Liberia presents new opportunities and challenges for The Niapele Project and our partners.    The Liberian government and people are focused on rebuilding the nation and reducing poverty.  Thousands of nationals are returning from countries of refugee throughout the region and are working to reintegrate in their homeland.  The obstacles to progress are daunting but there is no doubt that lives will slowly improve, as hope and hard work are common characteristics of the resilient population.

The dynamics of a small NGO working on behalf of vulnerable children in Liberia differ greatly from those on camp.  When Niapele was first founded, there was a lack of structure and governance at Buduburam.  Those working in the refugee community were not monitored or regulated.  Here in Liberia, the government, the UN, numerous international organizations, and local community groups are working on issues of development.  There is great potential for collaboration within the framework of the international community and national government.  The Niapele Project is encouraged by meetings with various ministries on the role we can play on meeting some of the needs of children in Liberia.  We are eager to implement the vision of fostering grassroots change by supporting local community leaders’ projects that The Niapele Project began in Ghana.  We begin by supporting our partners’ transition to Liberia. 

One of our partners, The Carolyn A. Miller School is nearing completion of its first school year back in Liberia at their new location in Paynesville.  They welcomed over 530 students, all are benefitting from free education – a rare opportunity in this country where all schools require fees.   I visited the school and met with the eager students and enthusiastic staff.  While the school struggles with limited resources, their commitment to education is unwavering.   During the school day, most children and staff go hungry because there is no food on campus. 

Some children fortunate enough to have spending money can buy a snack outside of school grounds, but most go the entire day without nourishment.  This causes their classroom performance to suffer.  The Niapele Project plans to introduce the School Nutrition Program that was implemented at the school in Ghana, to this location by September 2009.  Starting with the new school year, each student and staff member will benefit from a nutritious meal prepared and served at the school each day.  All ingredients and supplies will be sourced locally, supporting the community’s economy.  And the children will eat so that they can grow strong, healthy, and ready to learn!

Help The Niapele Project nourish bodies and minds in Liberia!