After the civil war, many Liberian youth found themselves at the margins of the society, struggling to get by. Some, like Peter Fayah and David Gibson, survive by relying upon “the grace of God.”
Many Liberians whose limbs have been amputated join the amputee soccer league. While they’ve gained much fame and recognition playing soccer, some of them still live on the streets and beg for money.
Liberia's civil war brought together those who once fought for Charles Taylor. Despite being marginalized after the war, the group has formed strong relationships that can lead to reintegration.
Liberians who fled the country as a result of the 14-year civil war had to undergo medical examination upon returning to Robert International Airport in Monrovia, Liberia's capital.
Although the UNHCR's official repatriation program is over, 65 Liberians who went into exile because of the 14-year civil war were given the opportunity to come home.
It was a day of connections in Liberia for Pulitzer Center grantee Ruthie Ackerman. She met with relatives of Liberians who fled the 14-year civil war and are trying to make a living in Staten Island.
Four Liberian brothers have grown up on opposite sides of the ocean — two in Staten Island and others in Liberia. But they prove that opportunities and challenges exist in both communities.
Two Liberian friends are former child soldiers who used to fight for opposing sides. Never formally demobilized, both live on the streets of Monrovia, begging for money and food to live.
Junior Tucker is Isaiah and Kenje Tucker's brother. While his brothers live in Staten Island, Junior stays In Liberia, where he shares the story of difficulties living in the U.S.
Peter and Jion are two young men who are friends today but were former child soldiers who fought on opposing forces during the civil war. Jion lost his left leg, while Peter lost his right arm.
Most of the Liberian youth in Staten Island haven't been back to Liberia since they fled during the war. And all are curious as to what the country looks like now.
Kenje, a Liberian living in the U.S., was arrested for drug possession. Now, spending time in jail, Kenje says he doesn't want to be a drug dealer, but it's the easiest way to make some fast cash.
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