My name is Monya Konneh, a friendly and curious traveler, and researcher. My passion is improving global health through the One Health approach- connecting people, animals, and the environment.

I love meaningful conversations, sharing stories, and learning about how communities around the world deal with health, climate, and everyday challenges. I have worked with universities, NGOs, and research teams across West Africa, and I’m always excited to meet people with different perspectives.

When I’m not working or researching, I enjoy traveling to new places, trying local food, exploring nature, swimming in a pool, listening to music on a beach and partying/clubbing. I speak English, Krio, and Mende, and I’m always happy to teach you a few words!

Looking forward to connecting, sharing cultures, and making memories 🌍😊

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I’m on Couchsurfing because I believe the best way to understand a place is through its people. I love meaningful conversations, sharing cultures, and learning how others live, think, and connect with the world around them.

As a traveler and researcher from Sierra Leone, I’m always curious about local experiences beyond tourist sites; the food, the routines, the stories. Couchsurfing gives me the chance to meet kind, open-minded people, build lasting friendships, and explore the world with a human touch.

Whether it’s sharing a meal, exploring your city, or just chatting over tea, I value every connection.

Interests

I’m passionate about traveling, meeting people from different cultures, and learning how communities live and solve everyday challenges. I’m especially interested in global health, climate change, One Health, and social justice.

Outside of work and research, I enjoy:
• Listening to traditional and Afrobeat music
• Exploring nature, cities, and the nightclubs
• Trying new local foods and street dishes
• Visiting markets, museums, and cultural sites
• Reading books on development, history, and personal growth
• Talking about life, values, and dreams with people from all walks of life

I also enjoy learning languages, sharing cultural stories, and taking part in anything that brings people together.

• partying
• movies
• music
• sports
• swimming
• football
• jogging
• research
• relationships
• reading novels
• people and their stories
• travelling and meeting new people

Music, Movies, and Books

🎵I enjoy good music especially: Afrobeat songs, Hiphop, R&B, Ragge, and Sentimentals.

🎬I love watching interesting movies, especially crime scenes, action, fantasy, reality TV shows, romance, documentaries, and Sci-fi movies.

📚I enjoy books that challenge how we see the world. I read a lot on public health, global development, economics, and African history, but also love powerful stories that explore human connection and resilience.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Traveled across Sierra Leone and parts of West Africa (Liberia, Guinea and South Africa) staying with locals, sharing meals, stories, and laughter and realizing that the most powerful part of any journey is the kindness of strangers and the friendships that grow from it.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: I can share insights on African cultures, One Health, and general life in Sierra Leone. I also enjoy teaching local languages like Krio and Mende, and I’m happy to help with English too.

Learn: I’m always eager to learn about different cultures, languages, local health practices, and how communities around the world adapt to change. I also want to improve my cooking skills with new recipes from every place I visit. 😊

Share: I love sharing stories, experiences, and a good home-cooked meal. I can bring you a small gift or share photos from Sierra Leone. Most of all, I love sharing time and good conversations that leave lasting memories.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share stories from Sierra Leone, insights into African culture, and experiences working in health, climate, and community development. I would love to teach you some Krio or Mende phrases, and we can chat about life across different parts of Africa.

I enjoy sharing traditional Sierra Leonean music, and I can introduce you to local instruments, rhythms, and songs. I also have a passion for local crafts and handmade items, I would be happy to show you some or even bring a small handcrafted gift from home.

Whether it’s cooking a Sierra Leonean meal, talking about global issues, or just enjoying good conversation, I’m here to connect, learn, and share respectfully.

Countries I’ve Visited

Guinea, Liberia, South Africa

Countries I’ve Lived In

Liberia