For many years, MAF has worked alongside the Sisters of the Holy Family, supporting their passion to provide healthcare and schooling to people in hard-to-reach areas of Liberia.
Story by Rachel Gwole George
“Without MAF being here, especially during our tough days, getting medication to different counties was a challenge,” said Audrey Taire, a Liberian Catholic nun who has dedicated much of her life to serving people through medical training and education.
“MAF has always been there for us.”
Audrey works with Sisters of the Holy Family, an organisation whose work has often been strengthened by MAF’s aviation services, especially when the nation’s roads were impassable.
“We cannot put dollars or cents to the impact MAF continues to make, not just for the Sisters, but for health institutions and religious communities serving disadvantaged people,” she added.
MAF has always been there for us.
The Sisters operate schools and hospitals in the counties of Harper and Greenville where nursing students are able to carry out their practical training.
MAF supports this work by flying in medical supplies and transporting many of the organisation’s staff.
In Harper, the grid electricity supply remains unstable, often leaving buildings at the Sacred Heart Girls’ Boarding School in darkness.
“Because of the constant power outages on that side, students have to study in the dark,” Audrey said.
The Sisters recently worked to install solar panels to provide reliable lighting for their facilities in Harper.
“These solar panels are going to help with improved security when the place is so dark,” said Audrey, who tried to ship the consignment of solar panels by road.
“They went by road and three panels got damaged. We had to replace them. That was a waste of funds we did not plan for.”
To help complete the project safely, MAF stepped in to transport the remaining solar panels by air to Harper, ensuring they reached their destination without further risk.
“We cannot find the words to express our gratitude for their timely intervention,” Audrey said.
Johnson Nyenewah joined MAF several months ago as a bookings officer. As a Liberian aware of the transport difficulties in the nation, he highlighted the value of supporting Sisters of the Holy Family with flights.
“The Sisters are deeply involved in providing essential services such as education, healthcare, and spiritual support, especially in rural areas where access is limited,” he said.
“MAF values this partnership because it helps extend the reach of humanitarian and development efforts. MAF needs to fly the Sisters of the Holy Family because many of the areas they serve are remote and difficult to access by road, especially during the rainy season.
“Air transport ensures that they can reach these communities quickly, safely, and reliably. It also allows them to carry supplies, respond to urgent needs, and continue their work without delays.”
MAF values this partnership because it helps extend the reach of humanitarian and development efforts.
For Sister Audrey, a simple moment like the flying of a few solar panels serves to show the importance of reliable partners like MAF who help make their mission possible.
As the sisters continue serving communities through education and healthcare, Sister Audrey hopes the partnership with MAF will continue for many years.
“We are not ready for MAF to leave Liberia! May they continue their generous mission.”
