The Liberian Women Initiative was founded in 2003 in Minnesota by group of strong well-meaning Liberian women who saw a need to provide services for the women in the community. Over the years it has transported rice and other food items to targeted groups in Monrovia and its suburbs, and conducted literacy programs in the Liberian community. The organization is financed through membership contributions and the good will of sympathizers and supporters.
Dr. Wesley looks on as a woman asks her question
LIWIM has also embarked on series of programs to help young women in the community stay out of trouble that youths face daily in the community. The kickball program which started with about three or four girls now boasts about 20 or more girls. This report covers two aspects of activities of the Liberian Women Initiative; the group’s work with young girls at the Zanewood Elementary and the forum with Dr. Patricia J Wesley.
A member of the kickball team introduces Dr. Wesley
The organization is presently running Youth summer program for young girls in the community. The program is expected to bring junior and senior high school community girls in Northwest Hennepin County together to part take in activities such as kick ball games, poetry and essay writing workshops and other activities that will divert their attention from the street and bad behaviors.
Ben Browne and Doris Parker Chat at Zanewood Elementary Sports Pitch
Speaking to Bushchicken senior editor recently at one of the organization’s kick ball practice sessions in Brooklyn Park, the Executive Directress, Ms. Doris Parker emphasized the organization’s mission to empower Liberian women and girls to become decision-makers in society. She also used the opportunity to call on women in the community to get involved doing positive things that will help improve the image of the community.
Georgette emcees with crutches
One of the organization’s goals is to promote a healthy recreation for girls and their families during the summer vacation, keep participants engaged in productive activities as an alternative to crime, drugs or violence, and develop leadership skills through mentoring so they can build the needed self-esteem and self worth.
In a related development, Dr. Patricia Jabbeh-Wesley, a Liberian poet, author and English professor at Penn State University was the guest of LIWIM recently. Dr. Wesley, a survivor of the senseless war in Liberia spoke to women at the Brookdale Covenant Church in Brooklyn Center on the topic “The role of Liberian Women in Transition.”
Monsio Sayeh poses for the BC Camera
She emphasized the importance of women being able to get involved in activities in their community by helping each other cope with societal problems. She also encouraged women to take advantage of the good will of America and to re-invent themselves if needs be. The Penn State Professor is presently touring states to document the experiences of Liberian women for her new book. Her tour is being paid for by Penn State University as a research program.
Dekontee Koffa, "I will raise the bar"
Speaking earlier at the program was the newly crowned Ms. Liberia-Minnesota, Ms. Dekontee Koffa who said she hope her tenure will set the bar high for other young women who will come after her. “As Ms. Liberia-Minnesota, I want to undertake projects that will benefit the community.” We cannot afford to just pick young women from the street weeks to the pageant only because we want to have Ms. Liberia, she added.
Also speaking at the occasion were Ms. Madia Martin, Liberian lawyer, journalist and Screen Writer, and Mrs. Marie Hayes of the Board of Directors of the OLM.
The program ended with a question and answer period during which time several women asked Dr. Wesley several questions about her life and times and mainly how she balanced her family life with her professional life.
The question and answer period which was reminiscent of an Oprah like show saw women almost in tears as they expressed their appreciation for her visit and for taking the time to talk. Dr. Wesley also stressed that Liberian women have to tell their stories so that it would not be forgotten. She mentioned that women from other war torn countries had all told their stories and Liberia should be no exception.
Dr. Wesley, who read one of her poems, captivated her audience with her readings. She described scenes and lapsed into Liberian parlance and accent much to the amazement of the audience.
The program which started at about 5pm, ended at about 10 pm. Mrs. Georgette Gray and Doris Parker both who were limping due to injuries from the kickball practice were present. Georgette was the MC for the program.
No comments:
Post a Comment