Dr. Nick's

 February 22, 2014

"Dr. Nick's" with new roof, Oretha, her oldest son, and assorted children

Another project looms in my Liberian menagerie. This one is financing and advising the construction of a small store on the property of one of the organizers of the Wolekemah Women’s Organization. Her husband abandoned her five years ago after she worked paying for his schooling by selling donuts, leaving her with 10 children, no money ,a very sick child, and a partially completed shell for her dream business.  Although she has a third grade education and is illiterate, she managed the canteen at the university.  She still continues to get up at 4:00 am to make and sell donuts to pay for her kids education and keep them all in her barren and unfinished house. How can I refuse not to help?

Being the major financial backer, I have naming rights, thus “Dr. Nick’s”, a name I am known by around here. The slogan is “No Excuses”, my classroom mantra. Colors are red and lime-green. The store is to sell cold beer, soda and staples with tables outside for people to relax in a more private setting behind her house.