Country of Service Events:  A highlight of the conference will be the multitude of country of service reunions.  Friends of Liberia will have an update by Pat Reilly on FOL activities, will march together on Sunday morning and will enjoy a dinner being planned by FOL member Clip Kniffen.  Details of activities being planned by the “Friends of” groups are on the website.

 Opening & Closing Ceremonies: Selected speakers along with African dancers, Latin musicians, Indian performers, Romanian dancers, bagpipers and conference participants will open and close the conference with a bang!

 Also there will be an International Marketplace, Career Fair, Business Symposium, Global Education symposium & more!

More Information & Registration

For more information about the conference and online registration, visit the conference website at: www.rpcv2004.org.  Badges will be required for entry to all conference activities, so registration is a must if you plan to attend.  There is a Friend Finder on the conference website so that you can check to see who else has registered.  Overall conference and Country of Service activities will continue to be updated on the website.  For more information contact chicago2004@rpcv.org or 773/472-3370.
www.rpcv2004.org

Liberia Needs Our Help with Education
By Stephanie Vickers, LEAP Site Administrator

 Do you realize that no country or NGO has stepped up to help Liberia with basic and early childhood education other than Friends of Liberia?

 Friends of Liberia has been involved since 1999 in helping train teachers in LEAP (Liberian Education Assistance Project) methods. LEAP methodology believes in teachers being trained in early childhood practices, interactive teaching, hands-on teaching and using local materials to teach. This method of teaching has been shown to increase achievement, improve attendance, encourage girls to remain in school, boosted teachers' enthusiasm and morale, and increased teachers’ knowledge and professionalism.

 The Ministry of Education (MOE) has embraced the concepts of early childhood education and the methods of teaching practiced by teachers in all LEAP-trained schools. MOE has requested that all nursery through third grade teachers be trained in these concepts and methods by LET (LEAP Extension Team). LET is made up of 13 co-trainers who have been LEAP trained since 1999. In January 2004 UNICEF had plans to join forces with the Ministry of Education and LEAP to train all the primary teachers throughout Liberia. However due to financial constraints UNICEF notified us that it will not be able to partner with MOE and FOL/LEAP.

 The hope is for LEAP trainers to return to Liberia at the request of the LET co-trainers to support and help them establish a system of training and to train 40 additional trainers. The goal of this summer’s workshop would be to set in motion training of teachers and principals all over Liberia. LET’s goal is to be self-sustaining and self sufficient throughout all of Liberia.  The LEAP and LET trainers are trying to raise additional funds by writing proposals, holding fund raising activities and appealing to the membership of FOL.

 FOL can advocate for education by its involvement with LEAP/LET.  LEAP has had a strong impact on early childhood education. Liberians want education for their children, and they see education as a way to peace and rebuilding of their country. FOL can make a contribution to rebuilding Liberia. Please consider this and give back to Liberia. 

 Donations for LEAP/LET will keep these workshops happening and show Liberians that FOL will step up and support education.