Letters for Liberia: 15,000 microfinance loans and counting

La Jolla, CA - After a very quiet and mindful morning followed by a long walk by the sea, I am musing on our one human family – and how diverse our realities are.  I doubt anyone in Liberia began their day as I did.  That is one of the reasons I am so committed to completing the documentary film HOPE. This is the 10th year that the Foundation for Women has been operating in Liberia.  It has been an extraordinary experience getting to know and love the people of this West African nation.  Our impact has been tremendous – more than 15,000 microfinance loans to women in more than 250 communities around the country.  And more recently, microfinance loans to nearly 100 low fee independent school operators to enhance the education reality for the children of Liberia.  All very impactful.

​As with anything impactful, the energy is not one way.  We have been inspired by the tenacity and resiliency of the human spirit found everywhere in Liberia.  Extreme poverty.  Senseless civil war.  Ebola.  The country and people of Liberia have experienced it all.  Yet there is faith and hope and love.  That is why we produced the post-Ebola film ONLY LOVE  giving the people of Liberia the opportunity to share their personal stories of survival and tragedy. 

Now we are producing another film, HOPE.  This deeply personal sharing by a medical doctor, a Liberian leader, an Ebola survivor, and a young female, soon-to-be attorney and advocate for young girls is pure inspiration.  Hope is present in the face of dire poverty, terrible destruction after years of war, and tremendous death and fear due to Ebola.  Amazing.
 
We must complete this film; hence we have launched a Kickstarter campaign - please go to Kickstarter to view the trailer.  And please join our campaign.  We all have so much to learn from the Liberian people.
 
With love and gratitude, Deborah