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SCRIPT:
(Locator: Monrovia, Liberia)
David Worlobah (War loo buh) is teaching the deaf. This is the first
formal education these students have ever had.
In Liberia, where needs are many, teaching the deaf is a low priority.
But David focused on this when he was assigned as a United Methodist
missionary in Monrovia.
David Worlobah/United Methodist Missionary: “These are people who want
to develop and give their hope, to develop some hope for the deaf.”
He scoured the neighborhood around the church headquarters, and quickly
found a dozen young people who had never been to school before.
One of those was 21-year-old Neeko Dawasa, who was shining shoes on the
street in front of David’s classroom. Neeko spends part of his day
earning money to support himself and his brother, and part of it
learning from David.
Before meeting David, Neeko didn’t even know how to make change. In a
year’s time, he has learned that, and more.
Neeko Dawasa/Deaf Student: “School is good because I learn
communication. I learned signs.”
David says his students must have the ability to communicate. He is
already worried about what will happen to this program after his mission
ends. In the meantime, he continues to teach and make a difference to
those who might otherwise be forgotten.
TAG:
The program, called Hope for the Deaf, serves many people who have been
displaced due to the recent civil war in Liberia. There are also
refugees from neighboring countries, Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast. It is
estimated that about 20% of these people are hearing impaired.
Hope for the Deaf receives funding from the United Methodist church. You
can donate by contacting the
Advance for Christ.
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