Two hundred families received literacy materials and handwashing supplies thanks to our partner, WE-CARE, and the generous donations of FOL Member Sally Gosline Humphrey.
On April 19, 2020 Sally Gosline Humphrey, former PCV Liberia 1963-1965, contacted Friends of Liberia and asked about possibly making a donation to help with coronavirus relief in Liberia. With the help of FOL Education Committee Coordinator, Mary Gemignani, and FOL President Sarah Morrison, we set up a meeting with Yvonne Capehart and Michael Weah at WE-CARE Foundation in Monrovia.
During this conversation we learned that Liberia was in quarantine, schools and WE-CARE offices were closed and the Family Literacy Initiative (FLI) home visitors were conducting their work via phone conversations with the 200 families participating in the program. When asked about the problems these families were dealing with during the crisis, Yvonne and Michael mentioned the lack of hand washing buckets, soap and basic food supplies. Food shortage was an issue. One of the first steps WE-CARE had taken at the onset of COVID-19 was to distribute flyers demonstrating proper handwashing.
When asked if WE-CARE would be able to develop a budget to provide all 200 FLI families with buckets and food, they answered, “Of course!” The next day with the budget submitted, Development Coordinator Sally Salisbury Zelonis, PCV Group 28 Karnplay, asked Sally Gosline Humphrey if she would be willing to fund the entire project. She said yes, and WE-CARE took over.
By April 28 the purchase of 200 hand washing buckets, soap, Clorox, rice, oil, and more was well underway. In addition, WE-CARE home visitors were busily preparing instructional packets for the 200 families so they could be distributed with the buckets and not lose any more instructional time. By May 14 all buckets, supplies and packets had been distributed to all four communities where the Family Literacy Initiative and Adult Literacy Program families are located. These include West Point and Caldwell in Montserrado County, Duazon in Margibi County and Neezor in Montserrado County.
Thank you Sally Gosline Humphrey for giving this wonderful gift and helping provide our families in the Literacy Initiative with the necessary supplies to combat the virus!