In May 2008, I went on an amazing trip to the West African nation of Liberia. I went with a non-profit organization called One Bright World, a group dedicated to providing educational opportunities in countries lacking proper infrastructure.

I was inspired and moved, and I wanted to do more than just take pictures. So, currently I am sponsoring Mark Flomo (seen here with me in the center photo), an eighteen-year-old who is one of many kids orphaned and/or displaced by the recently resolved 14 year civil war that devastated Liberia.

I'm thrilled to report he passed his entrance exam and is attending A.M.E. University starting this month.

Mark currently lives at the Great Commission Orphanage in central Liberia. The children living there are all victims of the war. Sadly, many lost their parents in the war, but at least they are receiving a good education at the orphanage, up to the high school level. Mark is done with High School, unable to continue his education. He wrote me a thoughtful and moving letter telling me of his situation.

I am helping him to go to a slightly more expensive private university. Fortunately, the public University of Liberia costs only about $150 per year(!). But, in a country with an average yearly income in the hundreds of US dollars, even the less expensive U. of L. is out of reach for most, particularly the displaced kids I met at the orphanage.

I'm trying to start a college fund for Mark and others at Great Commission. The orphanage provides them with a good school through high school, taking them to the brink of receiving a higher education until they hit the brick wall of poverty — with the prospect of college frustratingly in view, but just out of reach.

My goal is to be able to send other qualified students of the orphanage to college. If you can, please donate. But even if you can't, check out this site from time to time if you're interested in my progress.

Again, colleges in Liberia are inexpensive by our standards, so even a small amount goes a long way. I'm accepting donations through PayPal, which is a secure on-line way to transfer money, or by check. If you have any questions, feel free to Contact me before donating.Thank you!
Adam Kobrin