Stepping off the plane in Monoriva, the captial of Liberia, I can remember smelling the rubber and palm oil in the air and being overwhelmed with gratitude. I was fortunate to be one of the first participants in the North Minneapolis V3 and WWLLC Reciprocal Learning Exchange Program. This program provides youth leaders with the opportunity to visit other countries, learn their culture and participate in their traditional community practices. The overall goal is to provide future leaders with the tools and resources to take action and unify communities across all borders.
Being a Liberian native but born in the USA, my 3-week experience was incredibly enriching and transformative - it provided me with unique insights into Liberia’s approach to education and youth engagement. Since this was my first time visiting Monrovia, Liberia, I decided to share six lessons that I learned during this journey.
1. Cultural Immersion
From the moment I arrived in Monrovia, I was welcomed with warmth and hospitality by the local community. I had the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the Liberian culture, experiencing their day-to-day life, and savoring the local cuisine - I can still taste the rich flavors of the fufu and chicken soup. During my trip I was also able to participate in some of their community rituals that has been around for generations and still very sacred to them. This cultural immersion enriched my understanding of Liberia’s people and their way of life.
2. Educational Insights
The core purpose of this program is to engage with the education initiatives in Liberia. I had the privilege of visiting local schools learning about their curriculum and collaborating with their educators. It was enlightening to experience the challenges and successes of their education system firsthand. It gave me a deeper sense of appreciation to be able to learn more about their education system and experience the importance of how education fosters positive change.
3. Youth Engagement
As I reflect on my entire experience, I confess that interacting with the Liberian youth was the highlight of my journey. I can vividly recall their enthusiasm, resilience, and determination – it was beyond inspirational. While there, I also engaged in various discussions and workshops focused on youth empowerment, leadership development, and community involvement. Participating in these interactions highlighted the potential young people hold to drive positive change in their communities. Young people are truly the leaders of our future.
4. Community Impact
While volunteering at local community outreach programs like the Liberia Career Pathways I was able to learn how impactful training and development is towards the youth and community as a whole. I had the opportunity to contribute to initiatives like community cleanup, distribution of essential supplies and books to the local prison, leading discussions on health and wellness, and entrepreneurship workshops. I felt a genuine sense of fulfillment and pride in making a positive contribution towards the communities I served in.
5. Friendships and Connections
Through my experience I was able to build relationships that will thrive beyond my time in Monrovia. I was hosted by the We-Care Foundation, Liberia and really connected with Turvon, my technology intern counterpart or co-host. We shared similar interests in music, sports, and spoke about our plans to impact the world in a positive way. I now consider Turvon as my “brother from another mother”. While visiting Monrovia, Liberia I was also able to reconnect with my father in person for the 2nd time, it was needed; being able to gain knowledge and wisdom from our in-depth conversations was life-changing. Being able to witness the respect the community has for my father was inspiring. These connections have expanded my perspective globally and encouraged me to think bigger. The connections I formed with the local community and program participants are going to last a lifetime. I plan to nurture these relationships on a personal and professional level to contribute towards creating more opportunities in Liberia for our youth.
6. Personal Growth
Though I am a Liberian born in America I only knew of what I have been told about Liberia from television. Being able to experience the country my family comes from allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, adapt to new environments, and embrace diverse perspectives. It fostered personal growth, resilience, and a greater sense of global citizenship.
To sum up my experience
My three weeks in Monrovia, Liberia, were marked by personal and educational growth, cultural immersion, and meaningful connections. Some of my most memorable moments are exploring Monrovia's vibrant markets and experiencing the natural beauty of Liberia's landscapes, I have countless memorable moments that I will treasure for a lifetime. The V3 and WWLLC Reciprocal Learning Exchange Program not only expanded my knowledge but also deepened my appreciation for the power of education and youth engagement in effecting positive change. It was an experience that will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors and continue to inspire me to make a difference in the world.
Wokie Weah has a deep understanding of youth development, education administration, and organizational development at the local, national and international levels.
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