2010-2011 fellow
Teachers and parents in Congo Town in Monrovia say since the arrival of the female Indian peacekeepers in Liberia, children’s views of women are gradually beginning to change. The female peacekeepers came to the country in 2007. Their job is to guard the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the President’s residence. But, the UN Gender Advisor…
At least four rape cases are reported at health clinics in Monrovia every day, according to rape counselors. This rape epidemic means many girls are suffering physical and emotional trauma that will haunt them for the rest of their lives. But, one local organization called Touching Humanity in Need of Kindness, or THINK, is giving…
It has been more than a year since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its final report. Among the recommendations was the setting up of a war crimes court. Thousands of people died in the country’s 14 year civil war while human rights abuses were committed across Liberia. But is our country really ready for…
Children as young as ten are selling sex for as little as 5 Liberian Dollars, the equivalent of 3 US cents. They are using their bodies to pay for food, clothes and school fees – according to the NGO, Women’s Aid Incorporated. It says poverty is driving children onto the streets. Prostitution is illegal in…
Children are being rented to beg for blind people on the streets of Monrovia. That’s according to the Montserrado Super Intendent. Grace Kpan says although some of the kids may be related to the blind person, she fears in some cases the children may be rented. She says she is concerned about the number of…
It is break time at the Victory Chapel School in Congo Town. Children dressed in their royal blue uniforms with bright yellow and white trim fight to get under the shade of the only mango tree in the yard. It is the start of the dry season and the scorching sun will soon be almost…
