Frequently Asked Questions – LOEP
Where is LOEP headquartered? As LOEP has no overhead costs, there are no LOEP funds used to maintain, purchase or use office space. LOEP has donated storage/work space in Browntown, Virginia. The Browntown location is where donations of medical and school supplies are stored and the mobile classrooms are assembled. Periodic board meetings and work sessions are also held at that location.
How does LOEP operate without overhead costs? LOEP is an all-volunteer organization that relies totally on the interest, commitment and support of volunteers to provide educational support to orphans and vulnerable children in Liberia. All costs associated with administrative activities such as office supplies and equipment, postage, printing, costs involved with transporting donated materials (excluding shipping costs to Liberia, of course), board member travel expenses within the US for meetings and travel expenses including air fares to and from Liberia, are all non-reimbursable and nondeductible expenses borne by volunteers and board members personally.
How does LOEP know what is needed for orphan schools and children in Liberia? LOEP maintains an effective needs assessment program. This ongoing program helps us know what is useful for projects in Liberia. Educational materials readily available here are not always appropriate or useful in Liberia where teaching methods, the culture and the facilities (virtually no electricity, for example) are so very different from the U.S. The needs assessment program has three components to help LOEP know how to support projects in Liberia: a. A LOEP needs assessment is completed by the orphan schools/organizations – the needs assessment document is a questionnaire that provides LOEP with details about the institution b. A LOEP volunteer or board member makes a personal visit to partner organizations in Liberia and orphan schools to meet with the directors, students and others to assess LOEP’s role and ability to serve c. The LOEP Board meets annually with LOEP volunteer educational resource consultants to develop educational support projects based on results of the needs assessments and funding availability.
Where does LOEP get the educational supplies it sends? Monetary contributions allow LOEP to purchase appropriate educational materials in bulk to make best use of limited funds. LOEP also partners with U.S. organizations to provide specific, specialized materials or equipment. LOEP identifies specialized needs based on information in the needs assessments. LOEP also accepts donations of used text books from U.S schools.
Can I donate educational materials to LOEP? Because LOEP maintains a needs assessment program, we know specifically what orphan schools and projects in Liberia can use. For example, educational computer programs are of little use because there is extremely limited electricity and no classroom computer education. To make the best use of our limited funds, we ship only what is needed and what will be useful. If you have donations that you wish to make, contact LOEP and we can let you know if your donation can be used. Quantities of new, unused basic supplies such as pencils, paper, crayons and composition books are always useful.
How does LOEP make sure that the donations of supplies are used properly in Liberia? LOEP has a most direct method of monitoring our projects. LOEP volunteers and board members make periodic trips to visit orphanages and other projects to strengthen the relationships that have already built trust between LOEP and those we serve. In addition, LOEP has developed a network of reliable volunteers and organizations in Liberia who work with LOEP to track and monitor every LOEP project. These volunteers personally receive and oversee distribution of the donations of supplies and funds. For example, shipments of medical supplies are personally accepted by a Liberian LOEP volunteer connected with the U.S. Embassy in Liberia. She delivers the supplies to the Red Cross, herself. School supplies are shipped directly to the orphan schools in care of the director of the orphanage. When the goods are received, the orphanage director e-mails LOEP to confirm that the goods have arrived in good condition and video documentation is made to confirm that the distribution is appropriate and the materials are used as intended.
What is the best way for me to support LOEP? A monetary donation to LOEP will be used in the most efficient and direct way possible to educate orphans and vulnerable children in Liberia. Send donations to: LOEP |