Imagine living on the run for 14 years.
You fled your hometown to get away from the fighting—spending months, possibly years in a refugee camp. And the violence comes again… A band of armed young men descends upon your community, looting, raping, and killing. You and many others grab children and run…to the next camp or settlement. And the nightmare begins again.
Though it’s difficult to imagine, millions of Liberians have lived this horror ¾3, 4, or 5 times in the past 14 years.
Help Put An End To The Nightmare
The bloody civil war has brought pain, devastation and hopelessness to 3.2 million people. 80 percent of Liberians live on less than $1 per day. The child mortality rate is the fifth highest in the world.
In July, President Charles Taylor stepped down and peacekeeping forces arrived. But violence continues — leaving many Liberians in uncertainty and fear.
Estimates suggest one-third of the population-more than 1 million people—have been displaced during past several months. They’re living in makeshift camps¾such as the one outside Monrovia’s sports stadium, holding 40,000 people. Tens of thousands of others are staying in schools and universities, or on the streets. Currently, 70% of the country can’t reach humanitarian assistance.
Episcopal Relief and Development has already advanced emergency aid to help people on the brink. We’re working with the Diocese of Liberia to provide food and basic supplies to people in and around Monrovia. ERD is also partnering with Church World Service to distribute canned meat, blankets, health kits, and medicine boxes to the most vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly in and around Monrovia.
“The Episcopal Church of Liberia is one of the country’s best hopes for the future,” declares Dr. Henrique Topka, President of Cuttington University College. “The Church here has been instrumental in education, health care, and economic development. Once we have peace again, we can strengthen our leadership and begin to rebuild our country. But we will need your help.”
