James* was a driver for foreign-aided projects, known for his exceptional knowledge of Liberia and his deep commitment to always, without fail, ensuring that every activity--whether braving swollen rivers to deliver books to schools in flooded communities, or digging trucks out of floorboard-deep clay mud to get needed supplies to villages--succeeded. He had a stellar reputation and was never without a job. Until USAID was destroyed and nearly all foreign aid projects in Liberia were canceled. With tens of thousands now out of work and an exceptionally fragile public sector in crisis, there are no jobs in Liberia to be found. As a result, James struggles to buy food and pay bills much less now pay school fees due in September and buy uniforms and books for his children to remain in school.

Many Americans do not know the history of Liberia, the country the United States created in Africa in 1822 as a place to resettle freed slaves. Still recovering after years of civil war, Ebola, and most recently COVID-19, Liberia is one of the ten most financially struggling countries in the world.

Liberia relied heavily on international development projects for jobs and economic stability. With the destruction of USAID and removal of nearly all development work from Liberia, colleagues I worked with for years--including James--are in financial crisis. This is especially true at this time of year, when school fees, costs for uniforms, and other school-related costs are hitting families.

Please consider contributing to this fund, which will be equitably distributed among the most severely impacted of these colleagues, first to cover school costs so children can remain in school and then to help cover basic costs of living.

Because Liberia is not a Go Fund Me supported country, I will have to transfer and funds outside the Go Fund Me app but will happily share all records with donors for full transparency and accountability.

Thank you, Jennae Bulat

(a concerned colleague and friend to the most amazing, generous, and dedicated people I've ever met, now struggling to survive in Liberia).

*pseudonym