Teaching Trades in Liberia

Don Craig is organizing this fundraiser.

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Hi there,
My name is Don Craig. I am a volunteer with Youth Unlimited, and I am going to Liberia, West Africa in May 2016 to teach welding to Liberian youth. I’m looking for people who will help buy the supplies and cover the costs of supplies, transportation and food for youth who come to these welding classes.

You’ve probably heard about Liberia because of the Ebola epidemic. But Ebola was not the first of Liberia’s problems. Liberia is a country in the process of rebuilding. For 14 years Liberia was home to one of the bloodiest civil wars in history. Liberia has suffered so much pain. In 2014 -2015 Ebola raged through the entire country, killing thousands of men, women, and children. I have had the privilege of traveling to Liberia and working alongside its people. It is the youth of the country that has touched my heart. So many are uneducated and unemployed.

I first got involved with Liberia because of a mission trip a few years ago, and even though I came back to Canada, I fell in love with the people. This past November my family and I were in Liberia because we’ve decided to help build a school there. While volunteering for a few weeks there, I was researching how best to help the youth. It was apparent that employable skills were desperately needed. I am a millwright (machinist) by trade and, therefore, have the skills to teach and I would like nothing more than to pass them on. The training I have, along with my years of experience, could vastly help these young people.

My goal is to return in May 2016 and begin teaching Welding. I have already been in contact with local welding shops and welders. I am looking for donations to purchase materials to teach with. I will be teaching the youth how to build a block press, a machine that is currently not even available to purchase in the country but is very much needed. (I have included a video of the machine at work below.) Afterwards, these machines will be sold and some donated to other youth who are learning to become mason and builders. Not only will I be providing employable skills but these machines will be used to benefit others in the country as well. It is a "teach a man to fish" philosophy that I strongly believe in. The money will also help feed and transport the young people who come to the classes.

I will be covering the cost of my own flight and expenses. I will also be posting regular updates to anyone who donates or is interested in learning more. The people of Liberia have touched my heart. They deserve to learn, grow, and better their lives. I want for them the same opportunities that I want for my own four children.

Thank you for your time and consideration
Don Craig