Request: A few magazines

To say there are very few resources in the school I am teaching in would be an understatement.  There is no electricity.  There is no science library (yet).  And no library (yet). 

None of my students have used a computer before.  And, when it came up, I had to explain what the internet was as well as "Google". 

But more importantly, there is no reading material available.  No books or magazine or newspapers.  High school students, who are expected to take a national (and, indeed, West African) exam that assumes the kind of vocabulary one needs to do well on the SAT, have nothing to read. 

In a class of 50 students, perhaps one will have a grammar book.  And there are no books for sale in Barclayville.  Literally no books for sale.  And no magazine or newspapers.  "Reading material" includes notes written on a chalk board, signs on buildings, and maybe a Bible (maybe...)  Teachers who have the opportunity to travel two to three days to Monrovia, purchase their own books to use in classes.  (And there is no ability to make photocopies of material for students.) 

My contract here is short - six months.  I have no disillusions about my impact; I'm not building a library.  But the small contribution I may be able to make is providing the students with some reading materials.  Examples of what English language articles look like. 

Perhaps you can help? 

I (and the other teachers at the school) would be very grateful if you would consider sending a few magazines you've received at your home.  Stuff you've already read is fine.  News, sports, nature, etc.  Nothing too advanced (i.e. Foreign Affairs).  Aim for a 6th - 9th grade reading level.  Something comparable to Time or Newsweek would be great.  The idea is for teachers to have materials to refer to and students have the opportunity to read articles, identify grammar, and find new words. (If you have stuff for little kiddies, I can deliver that to the local elementary school.) 

Here's how to do it: 
1.  Select a few magazine. 
2.  Put them in an envelope (maybe one of those flat bubble wrap ones that probably hold 5 magazines). 
3.  Address the envelope. 
4.  Bring to post office and pay postage. 
5.  Let me know it is on the way, so that I know to look for it.  (Note:  Please don't send anything past June 1st - I depart at the end of July and want to ensure everything is delivered to the school prior to my departure.) 

Kendra Gray
C/o US Peace Corps
PO Box 707
Monrovia, Liberia (West Africa)

Thank you! 

P.S.  If you want to send something else, please consider a small (i.e. softcover dictionary).  Nope, no dictionaries available either...

Pakistani Hospitality in Liberia

This update is brought to you by the Pakistanis.  Because tonight, in Barclayville, I had dinner with the three top personnel at the local Pak Batt (Pakistani Battalion) in Barclayville and the head of the local mission was generous enough, when he heard I didn’t have internet set up yet because the USB stick I have wasn’t working, he offered to let me try his to see if it works better.  Success!  Now I know what I need to get online.  And I owe him a big “thank you”! 

Bigger picture, I learned tonight that the UN decides which countries will be deployed to what regions of the world.  Pakistani was assigned to Liberia.  Ergo the many “Pak Batts” in the country.  The one in Zwedru and Harper have canteens that are officially open to various NGOs (and Peace Corps).  With very tasty Pakistani food. 

I stopped by my local Pak Batt today to say “hello” to those in charge and introduce myself, learn what they do, learn more about the UNMIL helicopters (which pick up/drop off on Tuesday), etc.  In the process, I learned that they have a small canteen and that I was able to eat there for the usual $3/dinner.  One of the personnel invited me this evening, and several hours later, I was learning about the Pakistani mission here (and explaining about Peace Corps) over a tasty meal of chicken soup, chicken and chic peas, and sweet rice.  Yay!  J 

There are many cultures that pride themselves on their hospitality towards strangers.  Georgia, Liberia, and, yes, Pakistan.  An invitation to dinner, the offer to charge electronics, and allowing me to borrow an internet stick for the evening… 

First shots of Monrovia

(View of Westpoint Region of Monrovia, taken from atop abandoned hotel)

 

(View from atop abandoned hotel)

(View of masonic lodge, from atop abandoned hotel)