Liberia is a small nation located on the west coast of Africa that was founded by freed slaves in 1822. The nation gained her independence in 1847, making her the oldest Republic in Africa. Liberia was marked by two tragic civil wars that lasted about 14 years, and claimed the lives of about 8% of the population, displaced many more, and shrank the economy by about 90%... an economy that hasn't recovered yet. The country was recently listed as the poorest country in the world by USA Today. But despite this history of hardship, you'd be surprised that one of the biggest traits of Liberians is sharing. Liberians are known for practicing extended family. This is not just a type of family in Liberia; it's an entire culture.

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I was born in Liberia, and throughout my life I have never seen an 'Old Folks Home'. This is not because the civil wars claimed many lives, or because Liberians have a low life expectancy. No, this is because we keep our grandparents and other relatives at home along with the rest of their family. Growing up, my house was full of family members, most of whom were aunties, uncles, and cousins. This situation was the same for many other families I knew. Some of them were even more crowded: they had grandparents from both mother and father in the house. Our situation, however, was different because when my grandparents were alive, they lived in their own house, busy raising other people's children. Yes, Liberians share so much that we sometimes share raising our children! It's quite common for children to be sent to live with their aunties, or uncles, or grandparents… sometimes even with family friends.

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For children growing up in Liberia, holidays are the best days, as members of the communities usually share food with their neighbors. With each neighbor preparing a different dish and giving out the best parts, holidays are most certainly the best days for children. Personally, I loved holidays even more than my birthday. There was always enough food to keep me smiling from ear to ear. It's important to know that during the holidays aren't the only time we share. Liberian families are known for giving each other financial support from time to time... uncles and aunties usually help pay nephews and nieces school fees; siblings usually help pay other siblings' house rent or contribute to car payment; and of course, younger family members help support the older ones. Family members in the interior also share with those in the city, and again, children love it when this happens.

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Liberians are considered the friendliest people in all of Africa. Obviously, most people would say that about themselves! However, for me this statement is certainly true. For a people with so little, it's astonishing how we share so much. Sharing is at the core of our culture, and I like to think that it's one of the things that keep us going as a people.

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With Emergi, there is a unique opportunity for anyone to become a part of Liberia's extended global family and participate in this culture of sharing. After all, we are all members of a family that stretches across the globe, and are obliged to support the future of humanity in whatever way possible. And this is possible through our Crowdfunding Campaign! Emergi is working hard towards launching the first electric kekehs in Liberia. The purpose of the crowdfunding campaign is not only to raise financing but also to increase awareness for this unique project. With your help as Liberia's extended global family member, we aim to promote sustainable transportation in Liberia.

As my grandma used to say: there is beauty in sharing!!!