Please come to Liberia! If you want to make a real difference in the life of a child whose life has been uprooted by war, then you must join me in Liberia. I am overwhelmed by the need for good teaching for students who haven't had regular opportunities to go to school. Most students are very eager to learn but are struggling with many basic concepts.
There are so many challenges before these students. When my classes end at 1:45 p.m., often the campus is deserted. Unfortunately, some teachers don't show up for class. Some students have gotten into the habit of leaving school after recess (11:30 a.m.) and going home. There are few extracurricular activities to keep the students involved in safe, positive activities.
Many of my students are in their 20s and have dreams of going to college. But students here often are supporting themselves and living on their own (or with extended family members). They try to sell goods (food items, clothing, flip-flops, etc.) to make extra money to pay their rent (about $5 a month) and their school fees (most schools in Liberia require entrance fees).
The new school semester begins in September and ends in December. You'll be home in time for Christmas! And you don't need to be a professional teacher, by the way. You have something that most Liberians do not have—an education. And that is such a gift that I take for granted so often. But just on the basis of having a college degree, I am seeing how much of a difference I can make in the lives of the students here. By serving as a volunteer teacher in Liberia, you will be able to bless many children's lives and give them a gift that will empower them and change their lives forever.
Email me for more details, or leave a comment on this blog.
Christina, do they take the same summer vacation that we do? I would love to come, but I feel a strong need to be stateside right now. Any chance you'd need teachers next summer or something? Or would school be out of session. I'll definitely keep this in mind...
Posted by: Tiffany | May 11, 2009 at 07:20 AM