An Urgent Call to Support Child Education in Liberia

The lack of basic child education is causing many children and youths of Liberia to not realize their dreams of reaching a brighter and promising future. In Liberia, Africa and elsewhere in the developing world, many children don't have access to basic education. As a result, there is enough waste of child potentials as well as lost child hopes. This can be mostly caused by war, poverty and occasionally, social tables. In rural Liberia--a place full of limited opportunities for young people, many children spend their childhood in so-called substance farming and other hard labor practices; while in urban Liberia--an area where child trafficking is common, many children spend their childhood in street selling and other basic home works that prevent them from going to school. Besides, the act of children involved in street selling does not only limit their access to basic education, rather, it also places their lives at risk based on the fact that, on a daily basis they are often faced with the responsibility of crossing among cars and other moving vehicles or objects. Recently, I travelled to a remoted area in Liberia, where I interacted with many children while on a Church conference. Through my personal conversation with these kids, it has become clear that, majority of these young children don't have access to basic education; this situation I believe is of human interest and that there is an urgent need for everyone to offer helping hands in supporting child education, especially in Liberia, a country that has suffered 14 years of civil unrest and a long period of Ebola Crisis that forced many children to become orphans and semi-orphans, thus causing a fetal wound to the country's economy. While it is true that the government of Liberia in her own weak way, is trying to tackle the problem of child education by launching the Free and Compulsory Primary Education, the issues of deployable school facilities and poor learning environment coupled with other major constrains, still remain as great challenges hampering the educational sector of the country. These challenges are also serving as major factors impeding the process of children having access to basic education. In fact, the progress of the Free and Compulsory Primary Education has not reached many Children and other economic disadvantaged youths across the Country. In view of this, there is a great need to lend helping hands through scholarship schemes and other basic financial aid programs as it relates to supporting child education and improved educational facilities in Liberia. By this, I believe our country, Liberia, will have more educated and focused generation that will serve as one of the major driving forces behind the positive changes we want to see in specifically Liberia, Africa and the world by extension. As we wine down the curtain, I want you to be aware that, I have designed this post to draw the attention of all humanitarian individuals and organizations coming in contact with this piece of writing to know that, there is a need to take action in supporting basic child education in Liberia. Before I conclude, let me use this medium as an opportunity to extend my profound condolence to the family of the late Ma Ruth Mensah, the little girl whom I have marked with an "X" in the photo attached to this post. So, in conclusion, your own individual initiative in helping to educate a child will contribute to the brighter future of a whole nation. Remember Malcom X said "Education is the passport to the future." Many children and youths of Liberia need this passport to explore their futures. Therefore, It is time to Act for Change.

The Importance of Women Participation in Politics and Decision Making Processes

Usual practices and traditional beliefs attach less value to women in Liberia and perhaps Africa. In Liberia and maybe somewhere else in the world, some men still believe that women are of less importance to them. In addition, the opinions of some individuals describe women as not being reliable, hardworking and wise as men. This is evidenced by the exclusion of women from electoral processes in Liberia since independence in 1847 up to 1949 when President William V.S Tubman partially included them in the process.

But in reality, women are reliable, hardworking and wise as men. Moreover, the contributions of women to nation building and world affairs are very remarkable in the history of Liberia. According to Book Two of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms by Dr. Joseph Saye Guannu, “Angie Brooks-Randolph served with honor at the Department of State (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and later became the first African Woman-President of the United Nations General Assembly from 1969-1970 (pg.30).” based on this, this paper is geared toward drawing attention on how the importance of women participation in politics and decision making processes can lead to having Elections-A Key for sustaining Democracy and Peace in Liberia. In this light, the protection of women political rights, the derestriction of access to political participation (Politics and Decision-making processes) and the promotion of gender equality are few reasons that form the bedrock of women participation in politics and also, decision making processes.

First of all, the protection of women political rights is one of the reasons that support the importance of women participation in the processes of decision making and politics as well. Like men, women have the right to participate in key national and international issues. Therefore, any attempt to of preventing women from participating in politics and decision making processes is a violation of women political rights and an act of discrimination against women.

Alongside this, the derestriction of access to political participation (politics and decision making processes) is another reason that upholds the importance of women participation in decision making and politics.While Liberia is a democratic state, democracy does not support unnecessary restriction on citizens’ political participation.History maintains that ‘in the year 1980, the government of President William R. Tolbert, Jr was removed in a military coup by enlisted men of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). One of the reasons given by the men in arm for their action was the restriction placed on the access to political participation in the country.’ In this way, if Liberian should avoid historical embarrassment, it is important to continue encouraging women participation in politics and decision making processes.

In addition, the promotion of gender equality strongly guarantees the importance of women participation in decision making processes and politics. unlike usual practices and traditional beliefs, gender equality buttresses the reality that both men and women are equal and they must be given equal opportunity to participate at all levels of government. Moreover, Liberia is a country that supports the principals of gender equality; therefore, it is essential to create spaces for women so that they can actively participate in politics as well as decision making processes in the country.

To summarize, if Election-A Key for Sustaining Democracy and Peace should be realized in Liberia, it is important for stakeholders to recognize the importance of women participation in politics and decision making, thereby giving them the opportunity to participate at all levels of government. 

Ebola Preventive Measures

We are just a team of Peer Educators heading to the Kokoyah Road Community to carry out awareness on the Ebola virus. Abigail Flomo is the girl on the right; I am Peter N. Dolo, the boy next to Abigail. Next to me are Sonie C. Browne, Genesis S. Kolliemene, Arthur Sulonteh, Garmah Leimue and Friendship D. Gonkpalah. 

 

Introduction

Chloride and Chlorine are cardinal chemical substances recommended by health workers as possible disinfectants of the deadly Ebola virus. These are used either for regular washing hands or other cleaning-up purposes. It is a pardon to assert that, many individuals use these highly concentrated chemicals without the proper measurements. But it is good to echo that the misapplication of chloride, chlorine or any other chemical substances on the human body, places you at risk of health complications that might lead to skin cancer or early death.

In fear of this, some health practitioners have come up with the exact measurements of these chemicals. These measurements vary between chemical substances and the product solutions are used in different cases. For instance, either for washing hands or cleaning up bathrooms, offices or the materials of Ebola suspected patients.

As Peer Educators of the Gbarnga Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), a local branch of the YMCA of Liberia, we are pleased to express our profound gratitude to those medical practitioners who have exerted tireless efforts, in making sure that Ebola is kicked out of our country, Liberia, Africa and the world.

In this view, and in support of the National Strategy to Kick Ebola out of Liberia, we are of privilege to introduce to you the following steps involved in the measurements of these chemical substances (chloride and chlorine):    

Measurement of chloride Solution

 Note: There is no special container that you can use for measuring this substance.  You may decide to use a small cup, pan or any container to do this measurement. But the constant and most important thing you need to observe is that, whatever vessel you may decide to measure the quantity of chloride, that’s the same vessel you must use to measure the quantity of water. Be notified that the vessel you are using should be properly cleaned.

Measurement of chloride Solution for Cleaning-up only

One (1) cup of chloride must be diluted with nine (9) cups of water. This solution is called a hard solution and it is used only for cleaning up purposes. That is, this can be used to cleanup bathrooms, vomit and cloths of Ebola suspects or patients, as well as offices. This hard solution is harmful to the human body; therefore, always use protective gears (gloves, gowns or goggle) when handling or using it.    

Measurement of chloride Solution for Washing-hands only

One (1) cup of hard chloride solution must also be diluted with nine (9) cups of water. This is now called a soft solution and it is used for regular washing hands.

Measurement of Chlorine Solution

Note: Unlike chloride, chlorine has a particular vessel for measurement. It can either be measured using tablespoon or teaspoon. And the vessels used for measuring the quantity of water differ from that of the measurement of chloride solution.

Measurement of Chlorine Solution for Cleaning-up only

One (1) tablespoon of pure chlorine powder is dissolved in two (2) litters of water. This is another type of hard solution and it is used only for the purpose of cleaning. This hard solution is also harmful to the human body; hence, always use protective gears (gloves, gowns or goggle) when handling or using it.

Measurement of Chlorine Solution for Washing-hands only

One (1) tablespoon of a chlorine powder is dissolve into five (5) gallons of water. This is also a soft solution and it is used for regular washing hands. More preferably, you may use one (1) teaspoon of chlorine into two and half (2 ½) gallons of water; this will also yield a soft solution which can be used for the purpose of washing hands as well.

Conclusion

We are just Peer Educators and not very experienced medical practitioners. But we primly provide first aid medical information that is of help. Furthermore, we attend trainings and also conduct research on relevant health information and further provide better recommendations for our peers. Based on this, we recommend that you follow the above mentioned steps, so as to avoid future health problems that might be at your detriment.   

The Importance of Violence-free Elections

In other communities, violence has been viewed as a necessary tool in advocacy and the development of a democratic society in general. For example, the Cattle Rebellion of 1740, the Nat Turner Rebellion of 1831 and the Denmark Vesey Rebellion of 1822 are a series of violent (or planned violent) uprisings that Black Slaves in America led against their White Masters in their struggle for freedom. These acts of violence resulted in the death of both Black and White people in America. Violence in these cases did not yield the immediate results planned by black slaves. However, they paved the way for the abolition of slavery, especially in America. Another clear and perhaps better example of the rare form of violence which is to the good of a nation can be found in the struggle of the South African people against the system of Apartheid. The Black people, who made up by far the greater percentage of the population, lived under the Apartheid regime in South Africa (SA). This regime came to an end through a combination of International pressure and civil unrest spearheaded by the African National Congress (ANC). The violence (generally sabotage of key points of infrastructure) resulted in the drawing in of global attention to the disparity and inequality prevalent in SA society.

While other individuals perceive violence as a necessary tool in society, especially in electoral processes, I believe that it is more detrimental in that it causes chaos for a nation. In this light, the necessity and importance of violence-free elections is absolute, but only, I propose, when the necessary mechanisms are in place for truly fair and democratic elections. However, the securing of lives and properties, the maintenance of international respect and dignity and the continued legacy of peace and stability are some reasons that highlight the importance of violence-free elections in Liberia. Without maintaining a strong desire in our country for fair and democratic elections, our country will forever struggle to emerge from the shadow cast by our brutal and terrible civil war.

First of all, the securing of lives and properties strongly supports the importance of violence-free elections. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides in Article 3 that “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person.” Also, it is the economic right of every individual to own property. But in Liberia, we went through 14 years of civil crisis that led to the violation of human rights by destroying many lives and depriving people of their properties. Based on this, if violence-free elections should aid in sustaining democracy and peace in Liberia, it is necessary to create awareness amongst citizens on the devastating nature of violent elections, thus drawing their attentions to the benefits of violence-free elections.

Secondly, the maintenance of international respect and dignity is another reason that buttresses the importance of violence free elections. For instance, Liberia lost in international respect and dignity when she conducted the most fraudulent world elections in 1927. That is the number of voters were more than the total number of registered voters in the country. Therefore, if Liberians prioritize violence free elections, it is also necessary to put mechanisms in place for ensuring truly fair and democratic elections. By this means, Liberia will promote the maintenance of international respect and dignity.

In addition, the continued presence of peace and stability is a paramount reason that upholds the importance of violence free elections. It is often said that “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Meaning, for every violent act carried on in the electoral processes of a nation, there will inevitably be a build-up of scar tissue; pain and loss upon the psyche of our County. Alongside this, no investor wants to pump money into a war zone; so, if Liberia maintains a peaceful and stable society, it will encourage greater numbers of international investments that will contribute to development in our country.

To conclude, elections in nature do not guarantee peace and stability in any nation. So, as Liberians gear toward another electoral era, it is salient to embark on violence free elections for the securing of lives and properties, maintenance of international respect and dignity and the sustenance of peace and stability.   

The Hazards of Riding on Motorcycle in Liberia

After the civil crisis in Liberia, many youths became vulnerable; the lives of young people became boring and crime rates started to increase in the country. After a while, the livelihoods of youths started to improve and crime rates started to decline gradually, when motorcycles were introduced into Liberian society. I believe that, the objective of introducing motorcycle in Liberia is to create income for war-affected youths as well as making transportation easier for post-war Liberians. Currently, motorcycle riding in Liberia is a business that serves as a major source of income for many youths. However, some motorcyclists (numbers on the rise) have now altered the way in which I think of this industry within our society by involving themselves with negative activities that are often devastating.

While I am still a great lover of motorcycle riding in Liberia, my friends have stopped asking me if I want to ride on a motorcycle. However, the perpetuation of violence, the intake of illicit substances, the practice of excessive speed, the misuse of various traffic lights, the refusal of helmet usage and the act of dishonesty practiced by some motorcyclists are reasons for which I rather walk than ride on a motorcycle.

It is not my intention to conclude that, the attitudes revealed by motorcyclists in Liberia show them to be bad people; what I do intend is to draw attention to the fact that the majority of motorcyclists in Liberia are engaged in negatives activities.

The use of violence amongst motorcyclists is a great issue affecting Liberian society. Between the years 2009 and 2010, motorcyclists in Gbarnga City and other parts of Bong County led a rebellion against the police force in the city. This violence resulted in the burning of the Ganta Parking Police Station and even the burning of the Liberian Flag. More recently, motorcyclists in Monrovia burned a commercial bus because one of their friends was involved in an accident with that particular vehicle which resulted in his death. Based on the negative reaction to the situation by other motorcyclists, the Liberian government embarked on a policy that prohibits motorcyclists riding on major streets in Monrovia. I do not intend to bore you with full details of these instances, but rather, to provide evidence that supports my opinion that the most clearly visible, negative aspect of some Liberian motorcyclists is violence.

Alongside this, some motorcyclists are involved in the intake of illicit substances (drugs and alcohol); the unpleasant smells of marijuana, cane-juice, palm-wine and other intoxicating substances are the daily perfumes of some motorcyclists. Like me, other passengers riding on motorcycles feel very uncomfortable with these unpleasant smells.

Another discouraging attitude of motorcyclists is excessive speed. On highways, in cities, school zones and other places, there are specific speed limits. However, motorcyclists often ignore specific speed limits and embark on excessive speed without taking into consideration the type of area(s) involved. The most troublesome results of this problem are horrible accidents that often yield the deaths of motorcyclists and their passengers.

The misuse of various traffic lights on motorcycles is about a puzzling situation. I expect motorcyclists to be up to date when it relates to the usage of various traffic lights on their motorcycles; every light on a motorcycle has a specific time to be used. For instance, there are lights designed to be used at an intersection/a junction to indicate one’s direction, while others are designed for emergency use only. But, it can be frustrating, puzzling, and even life-threating to see motorcyclists using these lights incorrectly and unnecessarily.

Moreover, the refusal of several motorcyclists to use a helmet is a primitive attitude that does not suit a modern society. The first warning on every motorcycle reads “Always wear a helmet.” Helmets are very important in motorcycle riding. They help to protect the head, especially in the times of accidents. Even though, police serve to protect lives and properties, but I am often irritated whenever I see compassionate police cautioning anti-helmet motorcyclists, who, deserve punishment for their law breaching behavior.

In addition, the act of dishonesty practiced by countless motorcyclists is the most harmful practice in business. I noticed this when I asked some individuals about their opinions regarding the relationship between motorcyclists and their passengers; I received so many discouraging responses. Due to inadequate space and time, I would like to mention one answer that I got from one of the respondents who happens to be a student. According to this individual, he woke up one morning and got ready for school. He had only $ 50.00 Liberian Dollars as his to and fro transportation fare, with nothing left to even buy cold water at recess period. That morning on his way to school, he was unfortunate to come in contact with an unjust motorcyclist who took him on campus. He felt very discouraged in that this unjust guy demanded him to pay $ 40.00 for $ 15.00 Liberian Dollars distance. Business requires reputable individuals; it is a shame to see dishonest people operating in the business world.

In conclusion, this composition does not intend to undermine motorcycle riding in Liberia, but rather to identify problems hindering the operation in the country. It is necessary for relevant stakeholders to design polices that will enhance motorcycle riding in our society. For example, the necessary ministry with the aid of other local counties authorities would design polices that will regulate transportation fare in various parts of the country. While other agencies in collaboration with traffic police would put necessary mechanisms in place to ensuring that traffic motorcyclists are free of intoxicating substances. By this means, Liberia would have a vibrant motorcycle sector that will positively contribute to transportation in the country.

By Peter N. Dolo

The Importance of Youth Participation in Decision-making and Politics

Young people in Liberia are often viewed in a negative light. Many older members of the community believe that youths are only interested in violence and criminal activities. At the same time, other older and visionary community members believe that youths are future leaders. In reality, Liberia has a vibrant and committed youth sector, who, given the right support can pave the way for a brighter future for the country.

In this light, I strongly oppose those negatives perceptions by drawing your attention to the importance of youth participation in decision-making and politics. If democracy should be a government of the people, for the people and by the people, then it should demand the full participation of all citizens in decision-making and politics, regardless of age, sex, religious background, social status etc. Based on this, the maintenance of peace and stability and the development of youth leadership skills are reasons that account for the importance of youth participation in decision-making and politics.

Firstly, it is often said that ‘’Violence is the voice of those who feel unheard.’’ Therefore, Youth participation in politics and decision-making is important in that it helps to maintain peace and stability in a nation. If youths are involved in decision-making processes, they will feel important in society, thus preventing violence by professionally engaging in critical national issues. Article 11 (section 1 and section 2 a&c) of the African Youth Charter declares that “Every young person shall have the right to participate in all circles of society as prescribed by laws. While state parties shell promote active youth participation in parliament and other decision-making bodies and thus ensure equal access to young men and young women in decision-making and in fulfilling civic duties.”

On the other hand, it is important for youth to participate in politics and decision-making because it helps to develop youth leadership capacity for future leadership positions. Many adults seem only interested in getting a good job with the objective of enriching their lives, thus creating vulnerability for youths by excluding them from decision-making and politics. Yet, at the same time, they continually complain that youths are not developed enough to take on current leadership positions. If so, how will they develop? In this light, if youths should be considered as future leaders, then it takes time to provide them with the opportunity to fully participate in current politics and decision-making processes so that they may develop the necessary skills required to become future leaders.

In conclusion, youth participation in decision-making and politics is important in that it helps youths to develop future leadership skills; thus making them to feel important in society and also promoting the maintenance of peace and stability in Liberia. Meanwhile, if elections should be a key for sustaining democracy and peace in Liberia, then it is necessary for government to encourage the full participation of youths in the process of decision-making and politics.

by Peter N. Dolo