August 10 Virtual Tea Time Recap
Thank you for attending! Here is your free replay of the September 10, 2024, Virtual Tea Time. Paul Ostrow summarized today’s event with two words--hope and patience because Liberia’s internet delayed the start by 30 minutes.
Hosts
1) Heather Cannon, Co-Founder & Executive Director of USA
2) Kelvin Fomba, Co-Founder & Director of Liberia
Introductions
Introductions started in the US and then in Liberia. Everyone was asked to share their name and what brings them joy.
Donna Cannon, UDS Supporter: enjoys springtime because it is a renewal of life.
Paul Ostrow, UDS Board Member (Treasurer): bringing people together who want to do good things in a common mission.
Heather Cannon: doing this work and making a difference when giving young people an opportunity to learn.
Kelvin Fomba: good people bring him joy and they make him happy.
Elizabeth Johnson, 8th Grade: the people around her and talking with them.
Patience C. Gbatar, Event Decoration President: education because when one is educated, they can impact knowledge on other people.
Konjay Mardeh, 11th grade & Event Decoration: people who talk and educate her.
Favor Morwu, 10th Grade & Event Decoration: likes to help people.
Prisca DV Tokpah, Event Decoration: helps people overcome obstacles.
Manfred Gibson Jr., Assistant Computer Instructor: imparting his knowledge to others, and Kelvin being his role model.
Zack T Tate, a Computer Student: learning new things.
Lawrence Freeman, 7th Grade and Computer Student: loves learning from his teachers.
Blessing Boe, 9th Grade & Electrician Students: learning new things and helping people.
John Yorpoi, Electrician Student: is focused on his electricity studies.
Clockwise from upper left: Prisca DV Tokpah, Favor B. Morwu, Konjay Mardeh, Patience C. Gbatar, Elizabeth Johnson, John Yorpoi, Manfred Gibson Jr., Lawrence Freeman, Zack T. Tate, and Blessing Boe. Kelvin took the photo.
Guest questions
Donna asked what keeps you in school learning? Do you have to go or choose to go? Prisca answered, "I don't have to go, because once you have to go, which means someone is at your back pushing you to do things you don't want to do. But if you choose to go then you do it willingly. So, I choose to go." Kelvin polled everyone and they all answered they chose to go.
Paul asked, what do students need or want to make their learning more productive? Kelvin answered that UDS gives students hope, because of their daily struggles. UDS is their second home because they find joy in the walls of our school. Kelvin would start with a dormitory to provide stability since some families can’t support them. Many students need to sell in the street to help their families. UDS does what it can, but it is not always enough.
Paul then asked the students what gives them hope for Liberia’s future. All the students answered education. Prisca added what gives her hope is her determination and hard work.
Clockwise from upper left: Prisca DV Tokpah, Favor B. Morwu, Konjay Mardeh, Patience C. Gbatar, Elizabeth Johnson, John Yorpoi, Manfred Gibson Jr., Lawrence Freeman, Zack T. Tate, and Kelvin Fomba. Blessing Boe took the photo.
Students Questions
Prisca first wanted to know the names on the Minnesota side, so we were reintroduced. She then asked how long we had been part of UDS. Heather explained she is the co-founder and has been with UDS since the start. Kelvin explained Donna is a long-time supporter and helped with our first five-year lease. Paul shared he has been a board member for two years, and head of the budget & finance team.
Prisca’s third question what are UDS's goals? Heather answered we want to modernize our training, supply the right training materials and equipment, and continue to grow and help people achieve self-sufficiency. Paul added that celebrating all the students will generate more support for the students and Liberia.
Manfred started by thanking everyone to be part of the tea time program. He wanted to know the benefit of being part of the tea time? Heather responded it allows the supporters to meet the people they are helping. And both sides get to ask questions, learn from each other, and build relationships. Paul added that we share these videos with others.
Zack first wanted to thank everyone for supporting Liberian Youth. He then asked what are the future plans to help other young people who deserve this opportunity? Will we decentralize or expand to other areas? Heather answered and said she loved his questions. She explained we want to do that, but need to update our strategic plan. His question reinforced why we need to get the young people’s feedback for our plan. Once we have a plan, we need people to help us fund our programs. Paul loved his question for thinking of others. He added that each student is a powerful example of what success means and how it will enable others to support young people.
Patience buttressed Zack's question and said we should not be centered at UDS in Monrovia, but expand to the rural counties. She appreciated all of us because this was her first time, and liked it a lot.
Heather shared that Kelvin and she met with a vocational school to build a sister relationship. Paul added that youth in the US don't have resources or support to access education and training. They share the same challenges and goals you have.
Patience asked if we loved the conversation between them? Everyone said yes. Heather explained that this is her favorite. She said we don't pre-vet the questions and this is one of the most transparent events.
The next Virtual Tea Time will be in October.