A STROKE OF SERENDIPITY

Well, 2012 happened two months ago. I neglected to wish you happy new year, not of my own volition, which would be classified as "uncouth" behaviour, but certainly one of ineluctability. I must confess that 2012 started on a hard-pressed entry (as if my life has ever been idle); notwithstanding, I dismiss any claims of denial to own up with the least amount of excuses and justification. Without further ado, I say HAPPY NEW YEAR to all my amazing fans who by the sound and spelling of my full name - hasten their fingertips to the edge of their computers to GOOGLE. Without a doubt, jubilation surmount any pre-existing fears magnetized by popularity as your visits hiked from 2,000 last year to 4,000 this month. Thank you so much! Please come again for you can rest assure that there will be at least one fresh new critical thinking every month. 

Be aware, you can search all the indexes and databases for VPF but you will not find me on social media. I respect the streaming forces behind facebook, friendsters, myspace, hi5, twitter and yelp (to name but a few), it is just not my cup of tea. I manage and maintain two blogs, and my company websites (EV Research, the Journal of Internal Displacement and EV Research Learning Institute) - that's already a "body full" - if you know what I mean. Somehow, I finally managed to fall for the TWITTER - not for personal use but for my company. Now, my challenge is getting a small fraction of Justin Bieber's 17 million fans to engage with the intellectually stimulating ideas I post. Believe me, this is not a petition, but a fact:-)! However, you are free to interpret it your way (as you always do).

So, I have completely deviated from my topic. As an "academic freak" I have been taught to always make sure that my ideas are coherent and in line with the topic's objective. Also, without completely derailing, good writers have the compunction of deciphering a "hook" at the onset of translating their thoughts into "New York Times Best Sellers". Not so fast, I'm not there yet! However, cognizant of the fact that I have not "spoken" with you since the beginning of this year, I reasoned it would be effectual to digress just a little. Enough with my detractors - let's get on with it!

It so happened on February 16th during my class, a student notified everyone of the AAAS conference which was taking place for the first time in 30 years outside of the US in Vancouver's own Convention Centre. I was kind of encouraged to attend but I had initially planned to catch up with the numerous back piled of work I had on my to-do list. Then, the next day, I got a confirmation from a good friend of mine - it was another invitation to the AAAS Annual Meeting. You know what? The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 13:1 "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established". Thus, I reprogrammed my mind to attend the Plenary Section: Science is Not Enough, mainly because of Hans Rosling. 

I am utterly intrigued by this genius' ability to translate complex scientific statistical facts into the most "laywoman" understanding (note: not "trivial" but "understandable"). I thought to myself, what opportunity to meet such great mind. I made my way down to the Convention Centre well in time to register and get seated in a hall filled with close to 2,000 people. After the event, I was not disappointed! You want to know how? At the end of the event, I manoeuvred my way to the stage only to give Hans Rosling a BIG HUG since there was no other way I could have expressed my ecstasy. And I did!

The excitement is not over yet! My friends and I kept the discussion going, only to find ourselves at a sumptuous Thai restaurant by the end of the evening. With great laughs, provocative thoughts and occasional flirts with waiters and waitresses, it was 10pm. The last order call was made and it was time to say good bye to Feb 18th 2012, never to see this day again. We said our goodbyes and I hopped on the Canada Line as quickly as I could to get home. In few minutes, I am at the Marine Drive Station anxiously tearing and opening every orifice to find my bus pass as the connecting bus approaches. While, I was frantically searching, my phone rings with an "unknown" number. I immediately rejected the call because I simply don't pick up calls from "unidentified" callers. In split second, it rang again. Well, earnestly I'm not a phone person, my phone doesn't ring for days, my only rationale was, someone has found my bus pass. My instinct was right!

Here is where the "serendipitous stroke" comes in. This lady (whom I later called my ANGEL) calls from the airport, she's just hopped on the train and there she finds my bus pass on the seat she was going to sit on. Luckily for me, I always write my name and phone number on the back, that's how she was able to get a hold of me. BUT here is the best part - I nearly boarded the bus because I could have easily explained to the driver that I just couldn't find my pass and most likely he would have let me on - partly because it's late and I'm a female. This much I know of Vancouver bus drivers (KUDOS!!!). But I didn't, and my ANGEL called just in the nick of time and within minutes we arranged to meet on the platform of Marine Drive Station as the train headed North. I ran upstairs, cold and shivery, yet patiently waited for her train to arrive.

Ta ta ta dum dum dum da da da her train finally arrives. She's on the second car in her beautiful white winter jacket as she had instructed. I stretched out my hand as the doors slide opened and reached out for my pass. I jumped, laughed and blew kisses at her as the doors glided. I kept waving at her as her beautiful smile and gesture vanished slowly into the dark underground tunnel. This same angelic image is etched on my memory forever even as I playback the scenario in my mind this moment. Later I would connect with her to express more gratitude. Not because I couldn't buy another tickets for the remainder of the 11 days in the month, but because I have come to value (not obsessed with vanity) everything I own in life. Unlike some who may have wealth handed down to them; I have to work for everything I've ever known to own in life. So, it means a lot to be responsible and take very good care of whatever I own. Nevertheless, in instances like these, when my human nature gets the better part of me, I am ever so grateful for ANGELS. 

The same happened to my Sister-in-Law over the Christmas holidays when she and my two beautiful nieces were visiting from California. So excited to take the skyride up to Grouse Mountain to play in the snow with the girls, she forgot her phone on the bus. Can you believe it? Yes, we picked up her phone in tact, 3 days after from Translink Lost and Found? Vancouver has its bouts like any city across the globe, but sometimes I want to say, it is the most expensive city in North America but with honourable people!

WHAT THE "FRACK" IS GOING ON...MERRY NEW YEAR & HAPPY X-MAS

How is everyone holding up? I hope you're taking some time to enjoy your holidays... For me every day is a working day so holiday is only a concept:-). But you know what? I happened upon this really cool song - I think you should check it out, it's called the "Fracking Song"? What better way to spend the holiday than spreading the message. I can hear someone saying, "get a life Veronica". Ha ha ha but I do have a life, in fact the most fascinating anyone could ever dream of. Anyways, I wish you a wonderful 2012!!!

 

PEACE ON EARTH GOOD WILL TO WOMEN:-)

STOP LOOKING TOO FAR...IT'S RIGHT HERE

You know I'm out of words. The stereotype is "not in Canada". It only happens "there", in "third world" countries. We are too "rich and civilized"! Well, try telling that to the people of Attawapiskat. Canada is an illusion (hey don't bite yet...slow down). I know it's "better" here, oh excuse me "racism is less in Canada", and immigration laws and policies are fantastic. Wait a minute! why should there be any allowance for racism, discrimination, exclusion, oppression, imperialism, and "royalty"? Well tell me it's part of the human condition (I know, I know, I know). But of course then, you must stop pretending that it's only Africa that these issues happen. It occurs in our backyards every day. living in a country where 90 per cent of the time people are in doors and 5 per of the time in their cars; leaving little or no accommodation for community building and sense of belonging, it's tough. Well, if you do get to meet an aboriginal, it's almost like a special honour because their stories and existence is so far removed from "royal throne" of Canadian parliament, supreme courts and edifices of authority. Well, I am trying to make a point, but I guess I'm not good at it so, here you go:

Red Cross workers arriving in Attawapiskat with aid | CTV News

It's interesting the amount of racist and discriminatory comments out there amongst Canadians about this situation. Rather than thinking about the root causes of the problem they are locked down in "forced relocation", "$70,000 has been provided for each person since 2006", "where did the money go" "ask the Chief 93 million is a lot of money", "imposing Western lifestyle and urbanization on this community" etc. Why don't you just ask the inhabitants of Attawapiskat what do they really need and for once stop this imperialistic, racist and paternalistic attitude. Gosh, what a world - sometimes. It just hurts!!!! Well, maybe Serena and her sister can help steer us toward hope in dealing with this systemic issue rather than resorting to "quick fix".

GOING BACK TO MY ROOTS

Ask me what it feels like going back home where there is no electricity or tap born water after living in the West for over 10 years? I'd say it is very difficult. But ask me, how do I feel about going back to my roots, I'd say GREAT! You want to know why? Because Liberia/Ghana/Africa is my home. No amount of challenge, frustration and struggle can ever deter me from fulfilling my moral obligation. That is, contributing my quota to engineer social change on the continent. Thus, the story is about picking to my heels to Liberia and Ghana for 4 consecutive weeks to teach, research and do business

My joy knew no bounds as I stood before fellow Liberians at Cuttington University's Graduate School of Public Health and Buduburam Refugee Camp's Christian Center for Leadership Development and Counseling to impart knowledge and skills for sustainable development. Who knew that after all these years, I will be returning to the refugee camp I once received ration at - but now in the capacity of the Director of Flowers School of Public Health Sciences and Science to deliver the keynote address to 141 graduants of CCLDC? Well, I'm still trying to be the change I want to see in the world. See Ghana Daily Graphics of November 17, 2011.

Daily Graphic Newspaper, November 17, 2011

PROUDLY LIBERIAN

When you are very sensitive (I guess because you are born in September - so my Mama says) you hurt a lot! Because, when your history and identity is tied to slavery where the oppressed becomes the oppressors - the shame it generates catapults you to a position of simultaneous regrets and acceptance. You mutter on a daily basis, you criticize and you end up shunning your own (most times) because the worse happens - a bloody civil war that lasted for 14 years claiming 250,000 lives and forcing many into the state of protracted displacement, refugeehood, undocumented status. You are beaten, raped, and abused in all shape, form, size and colour. Yet, you get so mad (I mean really ANGRY) when outsiders only see the negative side of your culture, your people, your society, ecetera ecetera - you know like VBS TV Guide said "Liberians eat human flesh"?

Then, on October 7, 2011 you wake up to the most beautiful news ever ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF AND LEYMAH GBOWEE two distinct Liberian women takes away the most prestigious honour in the world. Then you begin to wonder - so good things do come out of Liberia/Africa. And as a matter of fact, some African countries, (Liberia, South Africa and Botswana - to name but a very few) have made historical strides which makes topics such as "feminism in the Western world" a mockery sometimes. Because on the one hand, these societies claim to be more progressive, civil and respectful of women's rights yet, are so far removed from the realities of most African women.

Well, there's not much to say but for the first time in my life, I feel PROUDLY LIBERIA - so emotional! CONGRAT MA ELLEN, SIS LEYMAH and my friend TAWAKKUL KARMAM!!!!

60 MILLION GIRLS - I WAS PART OF THAT NUMBER

Yes, it's only 18 years ago that I was being counted as one of several million refugee girls around the world who had no access to education. Then one day my luck shine only because my Mama - as poor as she was -  forbid me to follow boys (OH YES SHE DID) and put my "head in my books". See Mama is the toughest disciplinarian I have ever known in my life. My siblings and I often reflect on her "no-nonsense" disciplinarian style - most times we crack up with endless laughter. BUT back then it was no joke - I'm not kidding you. Many days, like any normal teenager, I bickered with her wondering why she was so tough on me. One day, I had the audacity to say to Mama that she's not my real mother because if she were, she won't treat me with such ironed fisk. Mama just laughed and said - "go find your real mother." Of course, she is my biological mother - it's taken me some three decades plus to really appreciate her fully! I bless every day in my life to have her - all that I am and have become, I owe it 100 per cent to Mama.

I am very much aware that I'm veering off but you see, you must realize that my story is never mine but rather seamlessly interwoven with that of my Mama's. So, if you are in Montreal, Quebec area come listen to my mother's story lived through me. Visit 60 Million Girls for more details.

EDUCATING LIBERIAN CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS

If you are an extremely hard working person you will feel my excitement! You know the feeling you get when you have spent sleepless nights completing your "side jobs" because daylight wouldn't permit you? YES! The picture on the right hand side of this post explains it all.

It started two years ago when the Good Citizen Project (GCP) was started with my fellow Liberians McAnthony Keah and Dan Brown. I was asked how and what can I contribute? I instantly thought about writing children's books to educate them about human rights. GCP loved the idea and we instantly dubbed the Volume - Human Rights Series. Soon after, I happened to make my first trip to Liberia - 18 years after I left. And though I have no experience with writing children's books, there was no shortage of stories in Liberia. From the Ministry of Education to small villages across the counties, I watched, observed, and wept - not just for my poverty stricken past but that even after some three decades plus children are still in such impoverished situation in Liberia. I keep asking why and what can be done to ameliorate this concern?

I returned to Canada and instantly put pen to paper. Miatta & Kiazulu Wants to Have a School in their Village was the result. Yesterday, I held for the first time, the 21 page colourful glossy print. Published by First Choice Books, it begins with Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights "Everyone has the right to education" and Article 28 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child "...governments should make primary education compulsory and available free to all". This story highlights Miatta and Kiazulu's conversation as they journey to school miles away from their village. 

As this is the first of GCP's Human Rights Series, we look forward to ensuring that every child in Liberia has a copy to the book. It is our long-term goal that through GCP, children in Liberia/Africa will become good citizens, leaders and human rights advocates. Watch this space for more information on how to obtain a copy of Miatta and Kiazulu Wants to Have a School in their Village.

This post will be incomplete without saying thanks to the person behind the beautiful coloring - Frederic Jacques Carrasca, the Illustrator. Merci beaucoup mon ami - nous l'ai fait!
Paix!!!