Report from John Monibah
This entry was originally posted in November 2006 but has been added to explain the activities of this very worthy group:
Volunteering Like Sean Devereux
Everyone has a mission to fulfill in life. Some do it well, some don’t. Sean Devereux fulfilled his well in Liberia. Now his former students, friends, co-workers, and admirers are trying to emulate him.
When Sean Devereux (British) came to Liberia in the late ‘80’s, he came with a single mission purpose: to serve. Later on, his motto became even more concise: “While my heart beats, I have to do what I think I can do, and that is to help those who are less fortunate”.
This was Sean’s mission purpose and this he fulfilled well in Liberia and later on in Somalia. Unfortunately, he was killed in 1993 in Somalia. But fortunately he and his legacy live on in the hearts and minds of Liberians with and among whom he served.
Inspired by Sean to serve the needy, Volunteers of Sean (VOS), a non-for-profit organization, aims at reaching out to people in need and doing those things that Sean did, not in a big way but in a small and effective manner.
In line with this calling, Volunteers of Sean in early November undertook a three-day relief item distribution exercise that took the group to three academic schools and one old age home in Monrovia. Nearly 500 children, men, women, and elderly benefited. The items included educational materials (student/teachers’ packs), children’s clothing, towels, sporting materials, and sewing machines among others. The distribution exercise was the first major humanitarian effort of VOS.
The Sean Devereux Fund UK in collaboration with Save the Children UK provided the items. Prior to the commencement of the distribution exercise, the items were carefully sorted and parceled into little sacs and bundles and then stacked into cartons and labeled with the names of schools and institutions they were earmarked for.
At the Matadi Community School, VOS Chairman Catherine Roberts said: “We stand in front of you today to make a little presentation to you because we were inspired by a very young man called Sean. He worked in Liberia for little children. We have decided to continue his work because if he were alive, he would still be working for young people. Sean was a good man. So as you receive these items we want you to be good children”. Seeing the gift items, the children smiled. Receiving the items they sang and their smiles grew longer and brighter. VOS members gave out children’s clothes, backpacks, and educational materials to each individual student as the teachers stood by watching. In response, Z. Abraham Gardour, School Registrar said: “We thank you for this kind gesture, this surprise and we pray that it would continue because the needs of our students are great these days”.
The scene at Christ Foundation School on 12th Street was quite memorable as children, quite surprise of the unannounced presentations, shrieked when they received their gifts. Others clutched them tight to their breasts while some stood up holding them skyward, overwhelmed with happiness. Holding Sean’s enlarged photo, Miss Roberts said: “This is Sean Devereux. He worked in Liberia and took food to people and places where others could not go. He made children know that they have values. He advised young people like you not to fight in war”. Tennis and other little balls, educational materials, and children’s clothes were given out again personally to the children themselves. John D. Cooper the school’s principal thanked VOS, and turning to his students said: “Other people gave guns to children to kill themselves. This man, Sean, said no to that. He said you should go to school and play and that’s why his friends are here today”.
Large copybooks, teacher’s packs and swim wears were distributed at the Apostolic Foundation School on Tubman Boulevard. At the old age home, after receiving towels from VOS, one of the elderly said: “These towels cost up to $200 which we cannot afford to buy. But today we have received them free. This is the work of God. Thank you Jesus”. Earlier, VOS member Cletus Noah said: “Although Sean’s main focus was children he did not forget the old people. So we are happy to be here this morning”. Evelyn Brooks, matron of the Old Age Home, said: “Thanks for coming. We need a lot of help here such as beddings, food, walking sticks, and wheel chairs”. One elderly suddenly spoke out aloud, saying: “I need toothbrush and toothpaste, next time please don’t forget to help me with that. Another said he needed shoes for church.
Everywhere VOS went during this distribution exercise, the group realized that both students and aged stood in great need of help. They came one and they in twos and asked for things they needed dearly. One child asked for a lantern to enable her study at night. Another student, girl, asked for tuition fees.
This distribution exercise provided VOS the opportunity to discover a hidden truth: Liberia’s humanitarian needs today are nearly as great as they were during the emergency time.
Asked how relevant were the pens given to his students, Christ Foundation School Principal, John D. Cooper said: “Very important in that these pens you gave will cut down students running from place to place looking for pens especially during test times”. He appealed footballs and jerseys, the lack of which had prevented his school’s participation in league matches.
At the Apostolic Foundation School, the Principal, A. Darkpay Johnson, said: “These copybooks are very, very useful to the students as you can see them in joyous mood. Thank you very much”.
Institutions and individuals benefiting included Matadi Community School, Christ Foundation School, Apostolic Foundation School, Old Age Home, as well as community children and people whom VOS identified.
VOS had earlier planned on reaching more schools. But due to the sheer number of the needy in the school reached, the number of target schools was immediately reduced to three in order to have a greater effect. Letters of gratitude are still coming in, and VOS is also thankful to Sean Devereux Fund UK and Feed the Children International UK.
