Sunday, March 4, 2012

Ni hao Liberia

So I've moved home and enjoying life back in Ottawa. Now that I've been home for all of five months what else would I do than apply for something interesting. I work for Shaw, and they have partnered with Journalist for Human Rights on what Shaw has titled "The Shaw Africa Program".

What does all this mean? I have no idea. Ok I have some idea. What it means so far is that I will be joining Global Edmonton's Laurel Clark on a 22 day trip to sunny Liberia, Africa. We will be mentoring Liberian Journalists, as well as filling some stories for Global National.

What would you like to know about Liberia? Picture a sunny West African nation just emerging from a 14 year civil war. The former leader, Charles Taylor is currently on trial in the Hague for his role in the death of over 250,000 of Liberias citizens. The verdict is do late April.

3.7 million people, 15 provinces in this lovely coastal country. Was a popular place with Viktor Bout, alleged arms dealer (think Lord of War movie). A number of highly communicable diseases are widespread including tuberculosis, diarrheal and malaria. 85% of the population live below the international poverty line. The country was founded by freed American slaves in 1847, as the Republic of Liberia. But enough of me quoting Wikipedia.

I will do my best, to update this new blog as I get more information about when I leave etc. For now enjoy the elephant in the background.