Tentative itinerary May 2009
4/30 Group leaves JFK, New York to Brussels (American Airlines)
5/1 Depart Brussels in a.m.; arrive in Monrovia in evening (SN Brussels)
5/2 Orientation, Welcoming Celebration Dinner (Saturday night in Monrovia)
5/3 Travel to service project sites
5/4 – 5/9 Service Projects (see below for details)
5/10 – 5/17 Travel to PC towns or continue service
5/15 – 17 Liberian Studies Association Conference
5/18 – 21 Group activities in Monrovia area
5/21 Closing Celebration in Monrovia
5/22 Leave Monrovia in p.m. for Brussels
5/23 arrive JFK
FOL has planned their trip for about three weeks in May 2009, to coincide with Liberian Studies Association’s annual conference, which will be held in Liberia this year. The trip is being planned modularly, so that those who leave together from New York might have the advantage of a group rate. Varying dates of return from Liberia may be possible with the group rate.
Early discussions with American Airlines/SN Brussels suggests the above tentative itinerary. Many of the more than 60 people who have indicated interest in the trip so far have indicated an interest in doing some service work while in the country. This option is planned early in the three weeks to insure maximum participation. By week two, travelers may feel ready to plan those trips to special areas of Liberia, either alone of in sub-groups.
In Mid-May, the Liberian Studies Conference will welcome any who are interested in a more in-depth look at Liberia today. FOL and LSA share many members who may be interested in the activities of both groups.
Trip planners are currently negotiating with Monrovia hotels for any group rates that might be available. Watch this space for more information.
Service projects:
FOL members are developing service opportunities for that first week in country.
Stephanie Vickers, president of Friends of Liberia and long-time administrator of the Liberian Education Assistance Project, is networking with educators in Liberia to set up some capacity-building activities with Liberian teachers and traveling educators and librarians.
Jim McGeorge, FOL membership coordinator and former PCV in Lofa, and his wife, Pat, a former nurse at Curren Hospital, are working with the Ministry of Health on a project for those with medical expertise.
Mike Waite, a former PCV forester in Tapita, is in communication with environmentalists in Liberia about possible short-term work for those with interest and expertise in forestry or community development for conservation.
Jim and Lyn Gray, former PCVs who now live in Liberia, are helping to make these connections and looking for other opportunities for short-tem service for those with special expertise they may want to share.