An international researcher explains how MAF flights help her to investigate the legacy of an isolated people group.
Megan Crutcher, an archaeologist and historian affiliated with Innovative Education International, has been conducting an extensive study of the Kru people in Liberia’s Sinoe County.
Recognised for their skills, the Kru have a rich history which has stretched across the world. It is this story that Megan aims to bring to the forefront through her project, which relies on flights to the region with MAF.
“The Kru are one of the 16 tribes in Liberia. They were working on European ships across the Atlantic, in the Indian Ocean, the Pacific,” she said.
“There are Kru people found as far as Liverpool in the United Kingdom, Namibia, India, South Africa. And so, the Kru who really originate from right here in Sinoe County, their history is very global.”
Megan’s work involves conducting historical and archaeological studies in Sinoe County, focusing on exposing, and preserving the heritage of the Kru people. The project has garnered significant support from both the local community and international partners.
The Kru are one of the 16 tribes in Liberia. They are working on European ships across the Atlantic, in the Indian Ocean, the Pacific.
The critical role played by Mission Aviation Fellowship in enabling the research activities in Greenville, a farming community, where Innovative Education International is located.
"Without MAF, it would be very difficult to transport a lot of the equipment that we need to use for archaeology as well as myself and anyone else from IEI or from our partner organisation," she said. “MAF has really made it possible to take as many trips to Greenville as I've been able to do.
“I'm always impressed with the speed, professionalism and just the overall experience.
“I think with MAF, it compares with commercial airlines in the US. And so, I'm grateful for that, especially as someone who suffers from motion sickness. I've never been motion sick on a MAF flight.”
The project has received a lot of interest from the local community, particularly the elderly. However, Megan and her team are keen to involve younger generations in preserving and promoting Kru heritage.
“We've had a lot of support and interest in our project here in Liberia with the Kru history,” she added.
“We've gotten to speak to a lot of elderly folks and community members, but we're especially looking for young people to get involved, for students to get involved.
“So, if you're Kru, Grebo, or Bassa and you want to know more about your heritage and your history, it's yours. You should take ownership of it and get involved in making that come to life today.”
Megan hopes that through this project, the rich history of the Kru people will be made accessible to all, fostering a greater appreciation for their contributions to the world.
I think with MAF, it compares with commercial airlines in the US. And so, I'm grateful for that, especially as someone who suffers from motion sickness. I've never been motion sick on a MAF flight.