EPISODE 1- INTRODUCTION- GET TO KNOW YOUR HOST!

Welcome to the ‘Voices Under the Palaver Tree’ podcast which explores local issues in Liberia, raising awareness one conversation at a time. Come listen to the stories of resilience, the people behind them, and the experiences that matter. 

Hi! My name is Naomi Nanette, the host of this lovely podcast! A little about myself: I’m Canadian and currently completing a three-month internship in Liberia. My family immigrated to Canada when I was quite young from Mauritius. Some fun facts about me:  I have a rock and sea shell collection, as well as a community fish tank back home with catfish, shrimps, and snails, that my lovely mom is taking care of while I’m away. In my free time, I love singing for fun, discovering new music, going for walks, and spending time outdoors. 

Top of Le Morne Brabant: Mauritius

Back in Canada I am currently completing my undergraduate degree in geosciences. I have always had a love for the environment, spending time in nature, and the outdoors. This passion has inspired my goal of becoming a geoscientist and has motivated me to spread awareness about environmental issues and sustainability. The image on the left was taken while I was hiking Le Morne Brabant in Mauritius, a place with both a powerful but tragic story. For many years, runaway slaves would seek refuge on the mountain's cliffs. According to local legend, when slavery was abolished in 1835, officials and police officers climbed the mountain to inform those who sought refuge that they were finally free. However, seeing uniformed men approaching, the slaves believed they had been found and would be forced back to slavery. Instead of choosing to be captured, many are said to have leapt from the cliffs to their death. It is a beautiful but tragic tale showcasing the human desire for freedom.

Now you probably are wondering, what am I even doing in Liberia and why? Myself and 9 additional lovely interns from Canada have come to Liberia on an International Youth Internship Program associated with Empowerment Squared for 3 months. During our time we have been immersing ourselves in the culture, supporting research on mental health and substance abuse, and also been working on our passion projects, which for myself is this podcast. If you see the picture on the left you’ll see 8 lovely interns in orange who are currently in Ghana, and 10 lovely interns in blue ( one of them myself), here in Liberia!!

While in Liberia, I have noticed that many environmental issues and conservation efforts receive limited attention both locally and internationally. I also realized that before working here, all I knew about Liberia was limited to its history of civil war and popular culture references such as the song Liberian Girl by Michael Jackson. I wanted to create a space that could help bridge this gap, spread awareness of local environmental and social issues, and share the stories, perspectives, and experiences that often go unheard. This vision led to the creation of ‘Voices Under the Palaver Tree’. 

I’m really looking forward to seeing how this podcast and passion project for myself will flourish. Please show me a clear heart, I need ya loyalty!!!! 

-Naomi :)