Acres of Hope Village of Hope: "Where New Life Begins from Sunrise to Sunset “
Acres of Hope Liberia is proposing the development of a Village of Hope to serve the spiritual, physical and educational needs of the most vulnerable children and the elderly of Liberia. God has called us to care for the “least of these,” and to glorify Him in the process. In a country that has suffered the ravages of war for more than two decades; we believe that the AOH Village of Hope can provide a refuge of healing for the spiritual and physical needs of the most vulnerable who have been left abandoned as a result of this horrific tragedy.
AOH Village of Hope will set on 100 acres just off Marshall Road in Margibi County in Liberia, West Africa. The village will be an intergenerational community from birth to 100 plus. The 100 acres of land will be divided into four 25 acres sections with a large community building in the center of the property. This building will be designed in a round fashion to represent the circle of life from beginning to end. Each quarter section of the 100 acres will be designated to a different stage of life.
Section # 1
A children’s center for newborn through elementary age children will sit on section # 1 consisting of multiple one and two story housing units. Each unit will become the home to the various ages of orphan children with a perminate matron mother assigned to each unit along with other nannies who will assist the house mother. A medical intensive care unit staffed with 24 hour nursing will also be established for special needs children. In addition, a special unit will be designated to focus on catering to the many children suffering from caustic soda injection. Volunteer doctors and nurses will work along side of Liberian medical professionals in providing the quality care each child deserves. The total number of orphans served is expected to accommodate 150 children with the ability to increase the numbers to 250 with growth. A pre-school through sixth grade along with a playground will be established on this quarter section of property.
Section # 2
An alternative boarding school for young women will be established on section # 2 with an emphasis on building community among the 16 major tribes. Each woman will have the opportunity to obtain an outstanding education through solastics, apprenticeships, gardening and community service programs. These young women will have the privilege to volunteer their time and talents both at the geriatric center as well as the children’s center. This unique approach to education will build bridges across the different tribes and stages of life while encouraging an appreciation and respect for the diverse background of each student. Ultimately the goal is to value life and promote peace among all people. Upon graduation from the school each woman will become an Ambassador for the nation of Liberia. A combination of Ex-pats and Liberian teacher will be on staff. The school is expected to house16 girls the first year increasing the numbers to 100 students over time.
Section # 3
A geriatric living residence for the elderly over the age of 60 years without extended family to care for them will be erected on section # 3. This will also include a nursing home for individuals requiring 24 hour nursing care for disabilities and chronic illnesses. Specialized geriatric medical center will offer a wide variety of goal-directed therapeutic activities such as music and art for anxiety reduction and encourage the spiritual growth of the resident. Physical therapy programs will be offered and individually designed for the development and maintenance of fine and gross motor skills. This will be the first of its kind in Liberia. The goal is to provide quality care and dignity to the aging in an atmosphere of cultural sensitivity. It is our hope and desire to bridge the gap between the generations and provide intergenerational support to the elderly while the elderly provide a vast amount of knowledge and history for our youth. It is expected we will be able to provide housing for 40 elderly individuals the first 2 years will the ability to expand to serve 100 residents in the future.
Section # 4
Multiple 2-4 bedroom units will be erected on the last quarter section for professional and supportive staff working at the AOH Village of Hope. A combination of missionaries and Liberians will reside on this section to manage and assist in the daily activities on the property. Each staff member of the community will be responsible to participate in intergenerational opportunities setting the example of “Community Family” throughout the entire village. The expected numbers of staff is 75 with the ability to grow if need be.
Community Center
A three story circular building will be strategically place in the center of the 100 acres with a round-about circling the building and 4 roads radiating out from the round-about which will divide the 4 sections equally. This building will serve as the heart of each 25 acre sub-community. The main floor of the building will be used as a worship center on weekends and a community center for any activities the four sub-communities may need during the week. The second floor will be used as offices for the village and the 3rd floor will be used as an observation tower for the entire village.
Medical Clinic
A community medical clinic will be located just inside the village on Section # 4. The clinic will be available to anyone living inside the village and to the public on selected days throughout the month. The clinic will be staffed with RN nurses and a physician during selected days. The clinic will be equipped with a consultation room, examining rooms, laboratory, and pharmacy, but will strictly be for out-patient services.
Sustainability
A second 100 acres of land bordering the property will be developed into two self-sustainable projects. On 80 acres of land, a pineapple plantation will be planted providing the village with fresh fruit and the ability to export the pineapple for sustainability. A canary will also be installed on site to provide the ability to can the pineapple. Single mothers will be employed from surrounding communities to work the plantation. This will not only provide employment for those in nearby communities, but allow the village to be a positive witness to all we come in contact with. These mothers will have the opportunity to enroll their children in the school provided by the village free of charge.
On the remaining 20 acres, an Aquaponics Farm will be erected consisting of Aquaculture and Hydroponic tanks and gardens. Tilapia fish will be grown along with vegetables in a controlled setting to provide food for the entire village. The fresh water aquaculture generates nutrient rich wastewater that can be used as a source of fertilization for hydroponic farming. In short, the waste from the fish farm can be used to irrigate and to fertilize and grow vegetable gardens. In this way, the water is used twice – once for growing fish and a second time for growing vegetables, thus the name Aquaponics! This combination allows the unique approach to feeding populations in very confined, sensitive areas. The Aquaponic farm will serve as a training center to provide education and skills to recreate self-sustainability in other communities around the country.
In Conclusion
Acres of Hope Liberia is proposing to establish an intergenerational Village of Hope. The community will exemplify a shared commitment to the value of life through serving the spiritual, physical and educational needs of the young and old “Where New Life Begins from Sunrise to Sunset”.