The merry merry month of May

So ticket has been bought. Thanks to JHR. More info about what jhr is available here, http://www.jhr.ca/en/ . Leaving May the 3rd, for Toronto, then Brussels, then Monrovia. Before all that though will be 3 days in Toronto learning what I've got myself into with training by Journalsits for Human Rights.

May is the beginning of the rainy season, oh joy! looks like it rains every day in the afternoon or all day. Highs in the 3o's with humidity and lows of 24 and high humidity. The disease that you can choose from; Malaria, Yellow Fever, Dengue Fever, Typhoid Fever, Cholera, Hepatitis, your usual parasites, Meningococcal Disease, Schistosomiasis, and Rabies. I've gotten the usual raft of jabs with the exception of Rabies. It was over $600. (Mental note, stay away from wild dogs.)

Some facts about Liberia; 4.1 Million people, 99, 067 sq km, English is the major language, 29 African languages, Major religion is Christianity followed by Islam and Indigenous beliefs, life expectancy for men is 56, women 59, main exports; diamonds, iron ore, rubber, timber, coffee, cocoa. Thanks to the BBC for that information.

Look for the next update around the time of my training. April 17th- April 20th.

Ni hao Liberia

So I've moved home and enjoying life back in Ottawa. Now that I've been home for all of five months what else would I do than apply for something interesting. I work for Shaw, and they have partnered with Journalist for Human Rights on what Shaw has titled "The Shaw Africa Program".

What does all this mean? I have no idea. Ok I have some idea. What it means so far is that I will be joining Global Edmonton's Laurel Clark on a 22 day trip to sunny Liberia, Africa. We will be mentoring Liberian Journalists, as well as filling some stories for Global National.

What would you like to know about Liberia? Picture a sunny West African nation just emerging from a 14 year civil war. The former leader, Charles Taylor is currently on trial in the Hague for his role in the death of over 250,000 of Liberias citizens. The verdict is do late April.

3.7 million people, 15 provinces in this lovely coastal country. Was a popular place with Viktor Bout, alleged arms dealer (think Lord of War movie). A number of highly communicable diseases are widespread including tuberculosis, diarrheal and malaria. 85% of the population live below the international poverty line. The country was founded by freed American slaves in 1847, as the Republic of Liberia. But enough of me quoting Wikipedia.

I will do my best, to update this new blog as I get more information about when I leave etc. For now enjoy the elephant in the background.