First Night in Liberia

It’s almost a joke. I haven’t even seen Monrovia yet, but I’ve just returned from the opening party of Liberia’s first luxury resort, which also happens to be spitting distance from the intern house I’m staying in.

Also in attendance was the President, Governor of the Central Bank, Chief Justice, Ambassadors from the United States and China, various Ministers, Ambassadors, and heads of pretty much every major company in the country.

This was my introduction to Liberia. At first I thought it was a little ridiculous to be attending such a lavish event on my first night in Monrovia. But what’s even more ridiculous is that there I was, mingling with these people. After just a year of grad school, I’m actually completely comfortable engaging on development issues with anyone. I chatted with the Chinese Ambassador. I joked with the President and General Manager of Buchanan Renewables and Buchanan Energy, two arms of one of the most exciting private companies in the country. And I met the managing director of Liberia Telecommunications Company. Turns out we think very similarly about technology investments in Liberia. It’s good to know I’m on the right track.

But there was something else striking about last night. Children from the high school performed traditional Liberian dances for the President. Mid way through, they stopped dancing and started talking -- one at a time. And this is what they said.

“My name is Michael, I’m ten years old, I’m in third grade, and I want to be a teacher when I grow up.”

“My name is Ellen. I’m fifteen years old, in third grade, and I want to be a nurse when I grow up.”

“My name is George. I’m nineteen years old, in fifth grade, and I want to be a businessman when I grow up.”

The disconnect between age and grade was striking, a stark reminder of what this country has been through. And where it’s going.