How It Began:
In May 2014, our executive director led a team of three representatives from Gathering Together to Zorzor City. One purpose of the trip was to m
eet with the mayor, the commissioner, and other authorities in Zorzor to discuss the building of the playground. Upon receiving the news of our intent, they were very happy and they told us that they had two locations for the building of the playground. They needed to discuss which area was more assessable and safer for children. After two days of deliberation, they finally decided on the site and informed us.
The Process:
Gathering Together will buy and ship the playground to Liberia, and provide technicians to build the playground. H.E.L.L.O. is responsible to clear the container from the port and transport it to Zorzor. In collaboration with the people of Zorzor, H.E.L.L.O. will clear and prepare the land for building and provide a secure location for the playground parts and necessary equipment until the building of the playground is completed. 15 to 45 volunteers will help with the clearing and construction.
History Of Gathering Together:
Gathering Together is a non-profit organization based in the United States. Its mission reads, “Joining people together to establish and multiply channels of blessings for those in need – both physically and spiritually.” Gathering Together has a goal of building playgrounds in each of Liberia’s fifteen counties—a dream of Ian Olson, an eleven-year-old-boy, who believes that every child must not only have the right to play but the means to play. In February 2013, Ian, then ten years old, led a team of volunteers from China (including his best friend and their mothers) to build the first playground in Kakata, Bong County, Liberia.
H.E.L.L.O., along with the people of Zorzor, Lofa County, is very grateful to be the second recipient of this generosity. 