90-Year-Old War Survivor from Gbarnga Calls for Humanitarian Support to Rebuild His Life

By: Edwin Khakie

Gbarnga, Bong County: Mr. Peter Kerkulah a resident of rubber factory community in Gbarnga, Bong County who believe to be 90 years old called on humanitarian to help him in anyways to help improve his life.

Mr. Kerkulah was a farmer, owning a rubber farm in Bong County. He lived a comfortable life with his wife and four children, until the war broke out in 1989.

With the outbreak of the war, Mr. Kerkulah’s life was turned upside down. His rubber farm was destroyed, his home was burned to the ground and his entire family was killed in the violence. He was left with nothing but the clothes on his back.

He was forced to flee his home and seek refuge in neighboring countries, where he lived as a refugee for over a decade. When peace finally returned to Liberia, Mr. Kerkulah returned to his home in rubber factory community, only to find it in ruins.

Now at 90 years old, Mr. Kerkulah is struggling to survive. He has no means of income and he is unable to work due to his old age. He survives by depending on the kindness of his neighbors and sometimes going hungry.

Desperate for help, Mr. Kerkulah is calling on humanitarian organizations, NGOs and individuals to assist him. He hopes to receive finical assistance to help him rebuild his life and start a small business.

“I have lost everything in the war, but I still have the will to live and provide for myself,” Mr. Kerkulah says. “I am not asking for much, just enough to start a small business and live in dignity.”

Mr. Kerkulah’s story is unfortunately not unique in post-war Liberia. Many elderly individuals like him have been left without homes, families or any source of income. They are often forgotten and overlooked in the country’s rebuilding efforts.

It is a plea for help from these forgotten individuals that Mr. Kerkulah is making. With the support of humanitarian organizations, NGOs and individuals, he hopes to be able to live the rest of his life with dignity and not in poverty.

As Mr. Kerkulah waits for help, he remains hopeful and grateful for every day he is alive. He believes that with the help of others, he will be able to rise above his difficult circumstances and rebuild his life once again.

“I have faith that there are good people in this world who will hear my plea and come to my aid,” he says. “I will never give up hope.”

Mr. Peter Kerkulah can be contacted on # 0880502204/0881112220