Dear Dr. Braich DDS - MOSA Director,

As I have shared with you in the past, I was born in Liberia, West Africa; and in 1990, was fortunate to escape the civil war, making South Florida my new home. Following 14 years of civil war, Liberia is now one of the few places in the world where children are less educated than their parents.

It is estimated that 50% of the population in Liberia is less than 18 years and most of them have never been to school, - they have been fighting most of their lives, and the only skill and experience they have is using a gun.

Now peace has been restored in Liberia and a democratically elected government is in place, the capacity to mobilize human resource to run public institutions, such as schools and health facilities remains a big challenge for Liberia. The task to pick up a generation of war traumatized children and adults is colossal. The country faces enormous challenges in rebuilding the health sector.

Current access to health care services stands only at 40%. As you know, my family has spent the last three summers in Liberia, and before embarking on our journey, we would receive all medical care and preventative dental services because those services are non-existent in Liberia ... dental care in Liberia is limited to tooth pulling.

Here is where you and MOSA come in...

My family has decided to live in Liberia and be an active part of the rebuilding process. I plan to continue with my teaching profession in Liberia and spend my time in working in local villages. My duties there will span from helping families learn how to survive on the meager resources available, and establishing primary schools, and advocating for basic health services.

I want to invite you and MOSA to consider working alongside me in Liberia. My experience with you, your organization and your staff has led me to believe that your passion for providing great health care is not limited to your work in the United States. I know that the war victims of Liberia deserve of the excellent health care that I have become so accustomed to living in America and that it will be a dream for preventative dental care and improved medical services to be available in Liberia.

Please consider avenues to help Liberians during these critical times. Your expertise is greatly needed in this region of our world.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Flah-Kiahon