‘Today Was My Last Chance To Leave... I Just Couldn't Do It'

Charity worker Megan Beare (25) from Shankill in south County Dublin, reports on the Covid-19 crisis facing thousands in West Africa for the Irish Sunday Mirror...

I had a chance to be on an evacuation flight from Liberia today – but I decided to stay.

The flight for foreigners who don’t want to be stranded in West Africa was organized by the German embassy and it is due to take off.

I had a chance to be on it, despite limited places.

My country director with Concern Worldwide, Dave Smith from Canada, explained to me early on I can leave now and be back with my parents and two brothers in Shankill within a day or two.

The Irish Embassy were fantastic too in keeping me updated on every available evacuation option going. I cannot thank them enough.

They know that I have only been here just over two months on what is essentially a volunteer position, funded by the European Union.

The airport just outside the capital Monrovia, like others in the rest of the country, is closed.

So, today was probably my last chance to leave this beautiful but incredibly poor country. However, I couldn’t do it.

WORRY

I rang my parents to explain that I am probably going to be stuck here. I asked them not to worry and they supported my decision. We keep in regular contact. I know they are concerned but also proud.

I’ve worked overseas with other NGOs before in Uganda and in India so they know I have experience and I am with an incredible team who put safety first.

We adhere to all the guidelines and I am lucky to be living in a secure and clean apartment block – but I am, of course, aware so many here are not.

I am also young and healthy. I feel that staying is just the right thing for me to do so that we can help as many as we can and to try and prevent any further spread of Covid-19.