Each year, the Liberian Community of Boston gives back to Liberia under its Metro-Boston Cares Program. The program was established in 2013 as an extension of the organization towards children, education, and healthcare in Liberia.
Last year, the organization donated 10 computers to the Esther Bacon School of Nursing and Midwifery in Zorzor, Lofa County. The year prior, they donated school supplies to children at a local school in Careysburg.
This year, the Metro-Boston Cares Project was chaired by Mr. Alphonso Freeman & Ms. Jassie Senwah. Together with local churches such as the St. Augustine & St. Martin’s Church, and community members, the organization collected enough supplies to make 300 toiletry kits for children. They partnered with Kid’s Educational Engagement Project (KEEP) to deliver those supplies.
KEEP is a Liberian charity organization dedicated to supporting the educational sector with focus on promoting reading skills and proficiency.
The organization’s works both in the rural and urban areas – targeting children from underprivileged backgrounds who need intervention the most. They focus on children ranging from Preschool to 6th grade and provide reading and other learning materials that help build their reading skills and vocabulary.
It was founder Brenda Moore’s determination and will in the face of Ebola that led the Liberian community of Boston to select the organization as its 2016 partner.
“The driving force behind the idea of KEEP was to give back and be a part of the solution. At the time in Liberia (2014), it appeared like all was dark and gloomy for the country during the Ebola crisis.”
The mission, and purpose of The Liberian Community of Metropolitan Boston is primarily to cater to the needs of Liberians residing in Boston and its environs. The organization provides scholarship to students through its Hilaria Adams Scholarship Fund, hosts annual community celebrations each July, and a kids Christmas party where toys are provided to children in the community.
Metro-Boston as it is referred to, is a registered 501 (c) (3) organization under the leadership of President Augustus Kesselly, and Board Chair Sesay Johnson. Other long serving members include Sam Tiah, Christine Harris-Idiokitas, Marie Wagner, Georgia Tiah, and James Parsons.
Information can be found on their website www.liberianmetroboston.org or by emailing [email protected]. General Monthly meetings are held every second Sunday (5pm – 7pm) at the Second African Meeting House located at 160 Warren St. Boston, MA 02119