Liberia


 * Past PO Participants write about Liberia:**
 * G. Gerhardt** (2011) - [[file:projectoverseas/G. Gerhardt Liberia 2011.pdf|G. Gerhardt Liberia 2011.pdf]]
 * J. Newton** (2012) - [[file:J. Newton.pdf|J. Newton.pdf]]
 * C. Arche**r (2012) - [[file:C. Archer.pdf|C. Archer.pdf]]
 * Newspaper Article** (2012) - [[file:Liberia Newspaper Article 2012.pdf|Liberia Newspaper Article 2012.pdf]]

> UN troops are visible throughout the country, maintaining peace and stability.
 * Tips from G. Huczek (TL 2010):**
 * **Temperature -** The equatorial climate is hot year-round with heavy rainfall from May to October with a short interlude in mid-July to August. Humidity can be very high, so maintaining good hydration is essential.
 * **Climate -** Liberia has a tropical climate with two wet seasons in the southeast and one wet season from May to October for the rest of the country. The climate is characterized by constant high temperatures and abundant rainfall. High humidity is common during the wet season and the prevailing winds are the NE and SW Monsoons as well as the Harmattan which is a dust laden wind from the Sahara Desert. Tornadoes are also common during the wet season. Average annual precipitation in Monrovia is 4,150 mm (163 inches) and average temperature ranges are from 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit) to 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit) all year.
 * **Currency -** Liberia is a cash-based economy. Travel with US currency. One US dollar (USD) is worth about 70 Liberian dollars (LRD) (as of March 2010). Liberia has an informal economy, with many street vendors. Some may be very persistent; they are just trying to make a living. Cash transactions are done in US dollars, with Liberian dollars given as "change".
 * **Accommodations -** There are some very good hotels in Monrovia. The rates are high, but many are well-secured and offer good food and safe drinking water. The 2010 team stayed at the Golden Key Hotel, and would recommend it highly. (Occasionally it does run out of water, but otherwise it is a very safe, well-run hotel.)
 * **Electricity -** Liberia is switching to 50Hz. Both 120V and 240V outlets can be found. It is recommended that you test the voltage of an outlet before plugging in appliances. You may need a voltage converter. Some hotels use plug-ins that allow you to use a 2-prong North American plug without a voltage converter or an adapter.
 * **Standard of living -** Liberia continues to suffer from poor economic performance due to a fragile security situation, the devastation wrought by its long war, its lack of infrastructure, and necessary human capital to help the country recover from the scourges of conflict and corruption. However, Liberia is now one of Africa's fastest growing economies, due to progressive political leadership and the resilience of Liberians to look forward to a better future.
 * **Transportation** - Transportation by road near Monrovia is very good. Only in remote areas is there a need to travel in 4-wheel drive vehicles. Travel by motorcycle alone or as a passenger is not recommended.
 * **People -** The population of Liberia consists of sixteen distinct tribes, with 95% of the population of indigenous origins, which include the Kpelle, Bassa, Gio, Kru, Grebo, Mano, Krahn, Gola, Gbandi, Loma, Kiffi, Vai, Di, Belle, Mandingo and Mende. The remaining 5% are repatriated slaves known as Americo-Liberians.
 * **Entertainment** - Good beaches, outdoor markets, sight seeing ... Football matches at Samuel Doe Stadium are worth seeing. Blue Lake, Lake Piso and the Firestone plantation also are worth seeing.
 * **Food -** The grocery stores offer a wide variety of goods, including imported items. The Exclusive Superstore, near Monrovia, is recommended. If you plan to shop there several times, ask the manager for a store discount. You should be able to negotiate at least a 10% discount on purchases.
 * **Etiquette -** Liberians are very warm, hospitable people. Learn the Liberian handshake. It is difficult to master but important to know.
 * **Teaching** - Become familiar with the C-level certification program. The teacher training uses the modules in that training program. If possible, visit the University of Liberia (Fendall Campus) and the regional teacher training institute at Kakata.
 * **Education -** Aged 25 or over and having attained: no formal schooling 87.1%, incomplete primary 4.8%, primary 1.5%, incomplete secondary 5.1%, higher 1.5% (1974). Literacy; literate population aged 15 or over 547,800 or 39.5% (1990).
 * **Religion** - Mostly Christians which account for 68% of the population. Over 18% of the population follow local native tribal beliefs and 14% are Muslims.
 * **Other:** Malaria is widespread in the country. Anti-malarial medication is necessary.

Liberia: Complete Curriculum Guidelines Part 1: Note - it is split into four, due to file size restrictions 1 of 4 - 2 of 4 - ' 3 of 4 - 4 of 4 - Part 2:
 * Curriculum (Syllabus):**

A Brief History of Liberia (2006) http://www.ictj.org/static/Africa/Liberia/BriefHistory.pdf
 * Documents and Articles**
 * Photos**

UNICIF - Advancing Girls' Education in Liberia - [] New School Life in Monrovia - [] Return to Liberia - The Streets of Monrovia [] Monrovia Liberia Market Drive - [] Driving in Monrovia - []
 * Videos:**