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The relocation of our Refugee Orphan Home at Buduburam to Liberia is a daunting but necessary undertaking. It brings together multiple government agencies, communities, and individuals, all required to dedicate their best efforts for the sake of these precious children and youth, at least 28 of whom are part of the "Move to Liberia". This page outlines the rationale, the plan, key players, budgets, timetables, and other pertinent details to ensure a successful and timely relocation.

Why we must move to Liberia:

• We believe the best likelihood for a successful, fulfilling, self-determined life for our orphan children is found in Liberia. We know Buduburam. We know Ghana. We know Liberia. We know the children. Liberia is the best option.
• Buduburam Refugee Settlement is in the process of being closed down permanently. Virtually all social support services previously provided to Buduburam refugees have been discontinued by government and UN agencies. The future of our Orphan Home is in jeopardy if we remain.
• Our work at Buduburam has not been officially recognized by camp authorities up to this point. While we will continue to work with UNHCR, DSW, and GRB to plan for the future well being of the children, we wish to comply with the official position of these authorities that Liberians should voluntarily repatriate as soon as possible.
• The general environment at Buduburam is morally destructive, physically filthy, and otherwise not conducive to the proper rearing of children and youth, espeically adolescent girls.
• It is very difficult for a Liberian refugee to succeed in Ghana due to political, socio-cultural, racial, and language constraints that prevent access to the labor market, educational and social services, and financial support systems typically available to Ghanaian nationals.
• Our children have the right to grow up in a country where they have rights and freedom as citizens, where they are welcomed as participating members of civil society, and where they have equal opportunities for education, employment, and social fulfillment.
• It may be more expensive to sustain the Orphan Home at Buduburam than it will be in Liberia, due to the higher cost of food and supplies, education, transportation, and rent at Buduburam.
• The children want to return as long as they are kept safe, can go to school, and remain together as a group under the care of Africa Heartwood Project.

Planned Approach:

• Phase 1 - Feasibility Study: Completed March 2010.
• Phase 2 - Networking and Planning: Started March 2010, ongoing through 2011.
• Phase 3 - Orphan History Profile compilation: Start August 2010, end by July 2011
• Phase 4 - Gov't Cooperation: Start June 2010, ongoing.
• Phase 5 - Fundraising & Resources: Start August 2010
• Phase 6 - Logistics Preparation
• Phase 7 - Relocation
• Phase 8 - Establishment and Integration
• Phase 9 - Re-evaluate and Revise
• Phase 10 - Expansion
• Phase 11 - Maintenance

Key Players

• Department of Social Welfare (DSW) in Ghana
• Ghana Refugee Board (GRB) in Ghana
• LRRRC in Liberia
• Embassy of Liberia in Ghana
• UNHCR - Protection and Community Services in Ghana
• Government Ministries in Liberia: Foreign Affairs; Planning & Economic Affairs; Health and Social Welfare
• AHP Directors Staff in the United States, Ghana, and Liberia

Financial Planning

• The cost to successfully complete this relocation effort is as yet undetermined. We have, however, placed an estimated cost per child at around $2,500, which will contribute toward the following expenses:
  • Purchase or lease of land
  • Renovation or building of structures
  • Purchase of equipment (water tanks, generators, internet access, etc...)
  • Physical transportation of equipment from Ghana to Liberia by road (or sell it in Ghana and repurchase in Liberia)
  • Transportation of the children and key Liberian staff, air preferred to road transport for safety issues
  • Hire local support staff