2024 #THISISOGDEN Calendar Raises Money For West African Community
Proceeds from the 2024 #THISISOGDEN Calendar will go toward building two bridges that support a rural African community.
You may be wondering why there’s a post about Liberia, a poor country in West Africa, on a website dedicated to Ogden, UT. I have a goal to raise the money needed to build two bridges in rural Bong County that will provide better access to and from this community. Through each sale, I will put the profits toward the construction. My goal is to raise $10,000. With your help and your purchases, I know we can do it. Now let me explain the “why” behind this project.
In 2018, I was fortunate to travel to Liberia, a West African country that has been ravaged by civil wars, political unrest, and the Ebola virus, all within the past few decades. This experience helped me realize that any time I feel inconvenienced by construction projects on Harrison Boulevard or bothered by a popular local restaurant being closed down to make room for a national chain car wash, these inconveniences and annoyances would be considered a major blessing to people in Liberia.
During my time there, I had the opportunity to meet Esther Ricks, a strong African woman who, after leaving Liberia due to political unrest, raised her family in the US and later decided, along with her husband, to return to Liberia and start a school deep in the African jungle to serve the community of Bong County. It's an extremely rural part of Liberia, with about 10,000 residents who are mainly farmers. It is one of the poorest regions in one of the poorest countries in the world.
Esther, standing in the courtyard of Francis S. Keleekai Technical Institute. It’s named after her late husband.
Just six months into setting up the school, Esther's husband, Francis S. Keleekai, passed away, leaving the task to Esther. The thought of quitting most likely never entered Esther's mind. She continued building the school in honor of her husband and to provide this impoverished area of Liberia with what they needed most—a school. Today, the Francis S. Keleekai Technical Institute employs over a dozen teachers and educates nearly 400 students.
A classroom of students of the FSK Technical Institute
Over the past several years of communicating with Esther, I have asked her about the school's needs, and there are many. However, Esther, being the amazing woman she is, thinks beyond the school and has told me what would benefit the entire community—the construction of a few concrete bridges. In the photo above, you can see one of the main "bridges" into the community. After every rainy season, members of the community must repair these bridges to keep the main road open for the residents of Bong County. When I asked Esther why the bridge maintenance fell on her, she simply said, "If I don't do it, who will?"
FSK Technical Institue
Esther wanted me to share that school is becoming self sufficient. On the school grounds there is a palm farm, where countless palm nuts are ready to be harvested. The agriculture students harvests the precious nuts of the palmyrah tree. Then the students take the nuts to be made into the precious palm oil which their community requires. To be able to transport our products to the market, they need a reliable bridge and to be able to process it in the modern way, we need to invest in an oil processing machine in the near future. Esther says it is only through such investments that her community can thrive.
Now in her 70s, Esther wonders if she'll ever see the day when there will be better access to the school she has built and the entire community of Bong County. That's where we come in. With every purchase of this calendar, the proceeds will go toward the materials and construction of two crucial bridges along the road to Bong County, Liberia. As mentioned before, my goal is to raise $10,000 through the sale of these calendars this year. I will keep everyone updated on the progress via our Instagram account (@thisisogden) throughout the year. From our great Ogden community to Esther's, let's build bridges—figuratively and literally.
“Quality Education For All”
If you would like to donate directly to the Francis S. Keelekai Technical Institute, visit https://www.fskfoundation.org/donate. Any amount helps with the administrative costs and operation of the school.
#THISISOGDEN's 2024 Calendar Contest is Live - Show Off Your Ogden Pride!
Introduction
Ogden, Utah, is a city with a rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful scenery. It's no wonder that so many people are proud to call it home. And now, you have the chance to show off your Ogden pride by participating in #THISISOGDEN's 2024 Calendar Contest. This exciting event is your opportunity to capture the essence of Ogden and share it with the world. So, grab your camera and get ready to showcase your best shots of this vibrant city.
The Contest is Simple
To participate in the #THISISOGDEN 2024 Calendar Contest, simply take photographs of Ogden's landmarks, people, and events. You can submit up to three photographs. The deadline for submissions is February 18, 2023, and public voting will begin on February 19, 2023. The winning photographs will be featured in the #THISISOGDEN 2024 Calendar, which will be available for purchase mid 2023.
Why Participate in the Contest?
There are many reasons why you should participate in the #THISISOGDEN 2024 Calendar Contest. Here are just a few:
Show off your photography skills: This is your chance to showcase your talent and creativity to a large audience. Whether you're a professional photographer or just love taking pictures, this contest is a great opportunity to share your work with others.
Celebrate Ogden: The #THISISOGDEN 2024 Calendar Contest is a celebration of all things Ogden. By participating, you're helping to spread the word about this wonderful city and its many attractions.
Win prizes: Of course, one of the biggest benefits of participating in the #THISISOGDEN 2024 Calendar Contest is the chance to be featured in the 2024 calendar and 2 copies of the calendar. There will be up to 13 winners total.
Tips for Taking the Perfect Shot
To ensure that your photographs are the best they can be, here are a few tips to help you get started:
Plan your shot: Before you start taking pictures, think about what you want to capture and how you want to frame it. Look for interesting angles and perspectives, and consider the lighting and background.
Be creative: Don't be afraid to try new things. Experiment with different techniques, such as black and white or selective color, and be creative with your compositions.
Use proper equipment: A good camera can make a big difference in the quality of your photographs. If you don't have a professional camera, don't worry. You can still take great shots with your smartphone or a point-and-shoot camera.
Edit your photos: After you've taken your photos, take some time to edit them. Use photo editing software to adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation, and remove any blemishes or distracting elements.
Conclusion
The #THISISOGDEN 2024 Calendar Contest is your chance to show off your Ogden pride and share your love of this amazing city with the world. So, grab your camera and start taking pictures. Whether you're a professional photographer or just enjoy taking photos, this is a great opportunity to showcase your talent and creativity. The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2023, so don't wait. Start taking pictures today and enter the #THISISOGDEN 2024 Calendar Contest today!