Liberians United for Haiti
16 February 2010 at 00:50 Karen Buxton 13 comments
Karen Buxton, KF10, Liberia
The Liberians United for Haiti Relief Concert took place last weekend at one of Monrovia’s large outdoor stadiums. “Please give to Haiti! We know what it is like to have nothing, so let us give to a country that has just been devastated,” cried the Master of Ceremonies. The boisterous crowd raised their hands and cheered in approval.
(Photo courtesy of John Briggs, KF10)
Several thousand Liberians attended the relief concert to show their support of earthquake stricken Haiti, and they raised nearly $3,000 USD. With Liberia being the 20th poorest nation in the world and having an average annual income of $362 per person, I saw the concert as a noteworthy sign of the transitions currently in progress. The 14-year civil war, which officially ended only seven years ago, resulted in one tenth of the population losing their lives and left the country in ruins. Poverty and corruption are still rampant, with 80% of the population below the poverty line. I believe an event like this speaks to the generous and empathetic character of Liberians, and it was inspiring to see this kind of support for another country in need. Liberians are rebuilding their lives, and the benefit concert for Haiti was a particularly poignant reminder of just how far Liberia has come in recent years.
When reading statistics, the situation here can sound absolutely bleak. For example, according to the CIA World Factbook, unemployment in Liberia stands at 85%. When I first heard this statistic, I thought – how can that be possible? How is unemployment defined? Does this statistic really mean that 85% of Liberians are not working and therefore have no income? Having been here for two weeks, I can easily answer this question with a resounding no! The streets are filled with lively vendors selling everything from deep-fried plantains with spicy pepper sauce to cell phones to baguettes to West African hip-hop and reggae CD’s to fresh pineapple and bananas. There is a sense of hope that is tangible, and far more than 15% of the population is working hard to make a living in Liberia. I can see that people are eager and even desperate to work, and Liberia has a special opportunity to get on its feet.
So what does all of this mean for microfinance in Liberia? The entrepreneurial spirit is clearly alive and well, and so the timing is right for microfinance to play a significant role in Liberia’s post-conflict economic development. Liberians are even feeling empowered now to give to others in need, and I have been touched and moved by what I’ve seen in my two short weeks here. Much more to come from this remarkable country!
Karen Buxton is a Kiva Fellow in Monrovia at the Local Enterprise Assistance Program (LEAP). Click here to learn more about LEAP. Join the LEAP Lending Team!
Entry filed under: Africa, All, blogsherpa, Liberia. Tags: Africa, Haiti, Karen Buxton, KF10 (Kiva Fellows 10th Class), liberia, Local Enterprise Assistance Program, microfinance.
1. Rochelle Sherbert | 19 February 2010 at 19:53
The idea that the Liberians are actively supporting Haiti is humbling to this American.
2. iddbirmingham | 18 February 2010 at 10:20
That is so amazing and inspiring! My own money went to Oxfam, but I’d also suggest Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres), the Red Cross, and UNICEF as good and reliable organisations.
3. marydear | 17 February 2010 at 20:09
totally amazing that they looking beyond themselves and thier struggles and helping Haiti – thank for your post
4. Required reading « a year in the life | 17 February 2010 at 03:29
[...] Also, on a recent benefit concert to raise money for Haiti: “We know what it is like to have nothing, so let us give to a country that has just been devastate… [...]
5. Karen Ettinger | 16 February 2010 at 16:47
wow, your blog is great ( and I loved your email as well ). Those children are so beautiful. Your writing is so full and very informative as well as I can tell you are already into fulfilling their needs. I feel a book at the end of this ride.
6. Ryan Little | 16 February 2010 at 13:58
Wow! It is clear that helping others in need, even if it is just a little help, goes a long way. Liberians are an inspiration to everyone throughout the world and thank you for sharing such an incredible story with us Karen!
7. Judith Coley | 16 February 2010 at 12:42
I’m touched and humbled by your story of Liberians fund raising for Haiti. Looking forward to hearing your impressions and progress with LEAP in Monrovia.
8. Rochelle Sherbert | 16 February 2010 at 11:41
This is such a beautiful endeavor. Thanks for your description of daily life- love the story of waking to school girls singing! Happy to hear of your re-location which sounds cooler, if not more safe. Interesting challenge with basic organization- and seems obvious now that you mention it. Of course you have so much to bring to them considering your background with AHA.
Here?-SUNLIGHT, CHERRY BLOSSOMS, CLEAN AIR, MARVELOUS MARIN!
9. Sasha | 16 February 2010 at 10:27
WOW Karen, it almost brought tears to my eyes reading about the benefit concert. I love your story about there being no traffic lights; I can totally imagine how hectic and loud it must be! Sounds like walking through the streets would be so exciting too, with all the vendors (and horn honking of course). I look forward to hearing more!
10. Vincent Reginalds | 16 February 2010 at 09:59
Just over a month ago, Haiti was devastated by an earthquake – over 2 million desperately in need of food assistance to rebuild their lives. The World Food Programme was there before the quake, and they’ll be there afterwards. If you want to help you should go to: http://wfp.org/crisis/haiti or text FRIENDS to 90999 to make a $5 donation.
11. Marcelle | 16 February 2010 at 09:22
Thank you for writing this inspiring blurb on the Haiti Relief Concert in Liberia. That is truly exceptional. Your stories and pictures make me miss West Africa so much! There is a certain level of liveliness and innocence that is not necessarily found everywhere in Africa. For instance, I loved your pic of the phrase: “even wars have limits.” It reminded me of the signage in Ghana–check out this example: http://www.globalmamas.org/Products/4671-joes-hair-that-talks-the-vibrant-sign-culture-of-ghana.aspx
12. Suzy Roninson | 16 February 2010 at 07:01
Wow, it is so beautiful to hear of such compassion among people who have so little to share. And the LEAP program is just as inspiring, I honestly want to go out and help someone out today (in my own little way)! Hip Hip Hurray for LEAP!!
13. david oglaza | 16 February 2010 at 01:32
I think this is an excellent and wonderful piece that people in poor countries are raising huge sums for other less fortunate people. Well done Liberians you should be proud!