The farming group in Barkedu, Voinjama District is one of 16 groups formed by the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary to boost small businesses. Photo: Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary.
For all of us in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, the tragic unfolding of events of 2015 still walks with us. The start of the year is filled with hope and we continue to light a candle rather than curse the darkness (Rahner).
In the wake of Ebola many lives have been shattered. We have spent the past months listening, supporting and walking with those who are trying to put their lives back together again. They mourn loved ones. Children dream about their mothers and fathers and wonder why they don’t come home anymore. Recently a little six year old, Hawa, recalled in a tear-filled voice the dream of the night before. Her much loved mother visited her and tried to console her but the little one instead woke crying and desolate. She begged her father to please bring her mother back to all of them.
Hawa’s entire family were all in the treatment centre during the height of the Ebola crisis. Many died but Hawa, her twin and her Dad survived. Her twin cannot walk anymore because of terrible joint pains as a consequence of Ebola. The anguish of their father is palpable. Nevertheless he holds the family together and tries to find hope and meaning for the sake of his children. The tragic stories can never be fully told but they can be cherished.
With support from Misean Cara, we have formed 20 business groups and 16 farmers groups with eight in a group. The groups aim to boost small business and begin small savings. Many are farmers. The Ebola virus in Liberia took its toll among the male population. Hence the women are faced with farming totally alone. To address this they need to hire workers to help them farm.
The business groups will receive business management skills. The farmers will be facilitated to engage with the agricultural program in our area set up by the government. The groups in addition will have a psychosocial dimension to support them in the daily struggle of life after Ebola. In addition, we will work with the schools in the most affected Ebola towns and villages – providing a safe environment for the children for fun, sharing, talking and playing. Thanks to all of you who donated generously so that the children of Ebola affected families can go to school.
We in Liberia have been declared Ebola free twice and are currently waiting for our third certificate of freedom. However, we all know that the precautions put in place must be constantly practiced. Recently we watched the dismantling of the treatment centre in our area. It was both a joyous moment and a sobering one. Yes, Ebola is gone but there is always the sense that it can raise its head at any moment!!
We have initiated our ‘normal’ outreach programmes in the area. Our literacy centres are up and running across the three districts. Several centres will avail of skills training. We are seriously invested in the protection of natural resources – primarily land. Hence we are addressing the surveying of land and resolving boundary disputes across the districts. The in-service program for elementary school teachers is moving from the town to the villages to improve the quality of education. We continue to work with people with disabilities in the three districts and in January a class began to teach sign language, reading and writing to deaf children who have never been to school. The Missionary Sisters for the Holy Rosary is also teaching in the Catholic High School. The high school had no female teacher until this year. The school is co-ed, therefore a sister is much appreciated there.
Last year, two sisters joined our congregation in the region. We are growing and the future looks bright and the present is filled with joy!
We are deeply grateful to all our sisters for their prayer and support during this year. To you, our donors, words are inadequate to express our gratitude for your generous support to Liberia particularly during the Ebola crisis. Your support over the years made it possible for us to establish credibility with the rural community. Hence, their receptivity to us during the Ebola crisis.
Special Report by Sr. Bridget Lacey from the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary based in Lofa County, Liberia.
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