Talk on Liberia's war affected children

UMD Student Pugwash will host Joe Wiah, Deputy Director, Don Bosco Homes, Liberia on Wednesday, 27 February at the School of Public Policy VMH 1113 from 12.15pm to 1.30pm. The topic for Joe Wiah's talk is "From War to Peace: Education, Training and Family Reunion for Liberia's War-Affected Children."

Joe Wiah is a Liberian social worker who specializes in child protection and youth development. Mr. Wiah joined the staff of Don Bosco Homes in 2000 and has served as the Street Shelter Supervisor, Assistant Head of Child Protection Unit, DDRR Coordinator, and Coordinator of the Skills Training Program.

Don Bosco Homes was founded in late 1992, during the civil war, in response to the needs of disadvantaged Liberian children and youth. Its initial focus was to provide protection for street children. It has since been actively involved in the disarmament, demobilization, resettlement, and reintegration of Child Soldiers. Don Bosco Homes also works in HIV/AIDS, agriculture, and juvenile correction. It currently chairs the child task force on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that has started hearings of wartime atrocities and crimes. Don Bosco Homes now works in five counties viz. Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Bomi, Cape Mount, and River Cess, directly reaching about 2,000 children/youth at a time. The event is free and open to all.