And learn about a youth driven surf tourism revolution.
Join us in Vancouver on September 15th and September 20th for Universal Outreach's event, Kewpunha: West African Waves and the changing tides of surf in Liberia.
You'll get a special preview of Universal Outreach's economic development initiatives in Liberia, outside of our long term focus on beekeeping, honey and coconut oil production. Through these surf movies and candid videos with surfers, you'll meet the passionate, quickly growing surfing community of Robertsport who turn to the ocean for fun and sport and, very soon, purpose and income.
When we first arrived in Liberia, there were two local surfers, Alfred and Benjamin. Fast forward 14 years and over 50 kids and young adults now call surfing their passion. Robertsport is traditionally a fishing town with few other sources of income available. This new group of surf focused young adults have a deep respect for the people who fish and even greater respect for the dangers of fishing. Although they are often spotted helping to haul fishing nets, they also envision a different source of income coming from that same ocean - surf tourism.
We've been working with the surfers and their mentors to create a plan of action to develop a surf tourism-based business. A registered not-for-profit surf association is in place; the Government of Liberia donated a piece of land and a small group of donors banned together to raise funds needed for building the surf tourism infrastructure. This beachfront surf clubhouse will soon be home to all things ocean-related.
UOF is overseeing the construction project and assisting the association in moving its vision forward. The next step is to get a cohort of surfers into hospitality school and a business start-up program. While this is happening, the various tourism offerings— equipment rentals, lessons, camping, snorkelling, canoe tours—will get established and fine-tuned. This business will not only create jobs for the youth in Robertsport, but it will be an opportunity to develop new skills and business acumen.
UOF's Liberian surf film event will transport you to Liberia through two beautifully crafted surf films. You'll be introduced to Liberia's history, surf culture and community as well as the youth's vision for a better tomorrow. We'll share the award-winning surf film, Sliding Liberia, chat about the film and listen to Liberians as they speak to their life in Robertsport. The night will close with a second award winning film from Sierra Leone, Big Wata. Fantastic prizes will be on hand, so you don't want to miss out!
Date: September 20, 2021
Location : VIFF Centre, Vancouver, BC
Time: Doors Open at 7 pm and the show starts at 7:30
Tickets: $18
Purchase tickets online at: Eventbrite Vancouver
Date: September 15, 2021
Location: Canmore artsPlace
Time: Doors Open at 7 pm and the show starts at 7:30
Tickets: $15
Purchase tickets online at: artsPlace Canmore