In Liberia, about 1 in 3 girls are mothers by the time they are 19. Patience Brooks gave birth to her first daughter at 14. Here in Patience’s neighborhood, caregiving is an exercise in community. 

The children huddle together around Patience as she takes care of her neighbors’ children.

‘Once upon a time…’ Patience begins; “TIME,” the children reply, then quiet into listening. Later, they tell  their own stories - about kings and queens, forests and magic creatures.

At home, Patience puts her daughter Marta to sleep.

‘I sing to forget the baby’s Pa,’ she says.