The 2011 graduating class of Cestos High School has decided as a class project to undertake the construction of a palava hut. This palava hut will be used for students to gather and discuss issues pertaining to the school. The cost of the project is estimated at $1,500 U.S. The 29 students in the class had to contribute $500 Liberian each. Donations from sponsors so far have amounted to $500 U.S., bringing the total amount raised to about $800 U.S. As senior class president, Ogache … [Read more...]
Access Denied; Girls Higher Education
Minnie Wah wants to go to college. But it's more likely that as a girl she'll end up in the local school in Cestos that teaches girls simple trades. That school is right behind Cestos High School. Forum for African Women Education is a trade school where girls go to learn skills such as pastry, tie-dye, sewing, and cosmotology. "I have been in Rivercess from my birth but I have not seen any girl leave from here to go to Monrovia to attain university," said the school … [Read more...]
Pursing Education
Kennedy Koloh worries about leaving his family to go to college in Monrovia, but his wife supports him if he can find the money. If he does leave, he will send for her and his two children to be with him. “I really want to pursue my education,” he said, “but I’m finding it difficult.” Monrovia is five hours away. Right now he can’t make the move, casino because he doesn’t have the money to enroll at the University of Liberia. If he gets there, he’ll have to pay $70 U.S. per … [Read more...]
Education Delayed, But Not Denied
Benjamin Menyongar is finally a high school graduate this summer. Now the 30-year-old from Cestos City wants the same for his three children after passing the West African Examination Council (WAEC) test. Benjamin suffered through 14 years of civil war and was abused by rebels who forced him to work for them. It delayed his education and ultimate dream — to go to college in Monrovia. That is a particular difficulty for Liberains who live in rural areas, far from the city. Benjamin returned … [Read more...]
Kindness Nehwon
“The story telling was kind of new to me, because what we do here is we only collect stories that deal with the politicians. To really go to the common people and get their stories is something we don’t really do here. People in Rivercess are very friendly. They are willing to talk to people, to explain their stories. The students were kind of sorrowful because they have only one high school. So, so, sorrowful. And talking to them most of them want to continue their education to go to college. … [Read more...]
Finals
At Rivercess High school, graduating seniors celebrate the completion of their final exams. This year, 27 of 29 students passed the West African Examination Council, which determines whether nbso online casino reviews or not one may proceed to university. Most students apply to University of Liberia, one of the only two universities in the country. Without a viable host connection in Monrovia however, it’s impossible for students to financially support themselves. Most remain in Rivercess. … [Read more...]
The Radio is Coming to You
During our sojourn to the seaside town of Cestos, capital of Rivercess County, we launched the Soundbooth, an audio documentary project modeled on NPR"s StoryCorps. The idea is to have two people very familiar with each other - a mother and a daughter, a teacher and a student, a pair of friends - interview each other on a story or topic relevant to their lives. StoryCorps has been doing this for a while, and has a great archive of American stories, told in conversational, intimate style. We"re … [Read more...]
Rivercess
Cestos City is located 180 miles Southeast of Monrovia. A seven hour drive on dirt roads through remote rainforest, the county’s capital sits where the River Cestos meets the Atlantic Ocean. In the early morning groups of school kids online casino begin their long journey to class, arriving in boats from across the water, then walking two miles down the only road in town. … [Read more...]
Local radio is key to Liberians’ stories
We began this week by spending two nights in Cestos, the capital of Rivercess County. One of the aims of the Together Liberia project is to give greater voice to people in communities outside of Monrovia. The print media here in particular seems to concentrate mostly on big-city politics. I have yet to see a single story on life outside of the nation’s capital. It might just be that I am not reading widely enough, but I don’t think so. I am trying to talk to as many journalists as I can, and … [Read more...]
On the road to Rivercess …
We were told the drive to Cestos, in Rivercess County, should only take about three hours. It's roughly 180 miles. But I should have know better. Always double times and add some more. In the end, it took close to seven hours to travel to Cestos. The road was paved for half the distance. The other half was like being locked inside a pinball machine, bouncing around in the back of the van, trying to keep my head from slamming into the door. But the sights were good along the way. Here are a few … [Read more...]
