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From the first time that Saran and I met, I knew that this partnership was going to work. It was so inspiring to meet someone who had stopped her life to begin a new chapter – one that is dedicated to helping others in need. For many months I had been looking for a non-profit organization to get involved with, and instantly, I knew this was the one for me.

I was thrown into the mix almost immediately – helping to plan FACE Africa’s first New York benefit, giving feedback on the new website design, and filling out paperwork to spread the word about FACE Africa online. I had done research on my own before joining the team, as I wanted to be prepared and be knowledgeable in regards to what it is exactly that FACE Africa does. Of course, from the get go, I knew that FACE Africa’s main goal has always been to rebuild and improve communities that were impacted during years of civil unrest in Liberia and Sierra Leone by providing access to clean water and sanitation, education and training, health and nutritional programs, and empowering women and girls. It is a mission statement whose goals are so attainable, and it is because of that that I knew I wanted to contribute towards turning these goals into reality.

However, I have to say that it was only in recent days that it finally all came together for me—that everything really clicked. Saran had sent me a case study, written by one of her father’s colleagues, about a recent trip that they had all taken to Liberia. Mr. Marc Frankel, the author of the paper, described the living conditions of the people of Joezohn Village, a small community of approximately 300 people, located about 45 minutes away from Liberia’s capital city of Monrovia.

Mr. Frankel and his group (which also included Saran, her father, Dr. Brahima D. Kaba, and others) proceeded to ask some of the villagers questions regarding their main concerns in the community. What resulted was a list of endless responses: They don’t have access to clean water, they don’t have latrine facilities (often exposing villagers to disease carrying animals and insects), they don’t have access to emergency care (the closest clinic is a three hour walk form the village – can you even imagine?). The list went on and on. One of the most striking facts is that there is only one person in their entire village who knows how to read, and she is nine years old. The fact that she is literate, and has completed the third grade makes her the most educated person in the village.

Reading the case study was eye opening, to say the least. I have been to Africa once before (Cape Town, South Africa, for one week, five years ago), so I had a first hand idea of the poverty, and the lack of basic human needs. But after reading these stories, and Mr. Frankel’s testimony of what he and his group experienced and were witness to during their trip, the reality of the situation in Liberia really became clear. I am sure that it is unfathomable to most (myself included) that we would not have a restroom to use – that we could not enjoy the simple pleasure of reading a book – or that in the case we needed a hospital and a doctor, we would not be able to get to someone in time. But, these, and so many other hard truths are the daily reality for many people in Liberia.

At the end of the day, the most inspiring part of this paper was reading that the general mood of the village was optimistic. It is truly amazing to know that people with so little can still remain hopeful that their time will come – that their lives will change, and that they will have access to the things that they so desperately need and deserve.

The message of this case study – to me – was not to pity these people, but instead, to understand how incredibly easy (and quite inexpensive) it would be so solve so many of the problems and concerns that they are facing. For example, a road that connects their village to the town (which would allow the villagers to travel easily back and forth from village to town – thus allowing them more opportunities) would only cost $1,5000 USD to build. To put it into perspective, that road could be built if just 15 people bought tickets to the upcoming FACE Africa benefit. For more information on the upcoming benefit or to purchase a ticket, please visit: http://www.faceafrica.org/pranna.htm.

Sine joining FACE Africa just a few weeks ago, I have learned so much. I am so looking forward to all that is to come, and all I have to learn and see, and all that I can do to make a difference. There is a lot of work to be done, funds to be raised, and awareness to spread. But, it is all attainable…and that just may be the most exciting part of this experience.

Until next time…!

Waiting for comments and feedback.

Thank you all
FaceAfrica Team.