From: Tom Atlee [mailto:cii@igc.org] Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 8:54 AM To: undisclosed list Subject: Evolving into a Bigger Us with Nature Dear friends, One of the main trends in evolution is towards more inclusive whole systems -- the evolution of entities which "include and transcend" more primary entities. One popular map of this hierarchy of inclusion goes as follows: * Atoms include -- and are "more than" -- subatomic particles. * Molecules include -- and are "more than" -- atoms. * Cells include -- and are "more than" -- molecules. * Complex animals and plants include -- and are "more than" -- cells. * Societies include -- and are "more than" -- us individuals who make them up. In the last several hundred years, human societies and systems have developed and spread to global proportions. As we have collectively reached and encountered the limits of Earth and the demands of relationship in order to function, it is becoming increasingly obvious that there is no "Other" and no "Away". We are all interdependent kin, alive together here in this one planetary home. We Are All. In This. Together. Martin Luther King, Jr., declared forty years ago: We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." And people around the world now celebrate Interdependence Day <http:// www.co-intelligence.org/interdependenceday.html> instead of Independence Day. Evolutionary pressure is building to include more varieties of people, species, and living systems within our definition of "us". I recently ran across two very intriguing news items I share with you below: First, Ecuador's Constitutional Assembly is proposing that natural communities and ecosystems have rights, thus initiating the first national legal system to include rights for both human and natural communities. Second, the Spanish Parliament voted last month to grant limited legal rights to our closest biological relatives, the great apes -- chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas and orangutans, thus becoming the first nation to give legal rights to other species. Both of these pioneering initiatives go beyond laws governing animal abuse and species extinction, two earlier steps on the path. We also find new sciences like permaculture and biomimicry embodying an emerging respect for and partnership with the wisdom of nature. Some interesting videos -- which you'll find at the end of this posting -- also indicate an increasingly positive relationship with nature. This process of envisioning an increasingly inclusive and functional "us" is and will be slow for society overall. While as individuals we can realize the one-ness of all creation in an instant of insight, a society has to incorporate such a realization into the fabric and logic of its functioning as a complex system. That takes some reflection, creativity, trial and error, conflict... It is not an easy task. We've seen it with the anti-slavery, civil rights, and human rights movements even within our own species. But it is becoming increasingly obvious that rejecting our kinship with other organisms and natural systems is killing us. So our relationship with nature is now a matter of grave and growing concern. I find it useful to view this building up of such pressure in, around, and among us as a natural evolutionary process, a marker of impending transformation, part of a story that has been going on for 13.7 billion years -- a story, signficantly, that we are very much active players in. Evolution wasn't something that happened way back when, that has nothing to do with us. Evolutionary Transformations R Us. Similarly, I find it instructive to contemplate how human culture emerged into self-consciousness out of embeddedness in nature. Early human cultures honored and ritualized the human relationship, not so much with nature as an abstraction, but with the living beings, organisms, and systems of their local place and experience -- and they had (and have) a very inclusive sense of what is "alive". As human society grew more complex, breaking into interwoven functional roles and expanding into ever-complexifying civilization, our experience of nature has become more distant, abstract, materialistic, utilitarian, and our honoring of the source of Life has shifted into mystical, theistic, or Western scientific modes of engagement -- with all the resulting blessings and disasters we now see all around us. Evolution has thus brought us, step by step, face to face with the challenge of weaving vital human-nature connections newly for our more complex societies. We are about to become a new form of life. Together. Do it or die. Millions of efforts by Life to create more inclusive living systems don't work out, and go extinct. The one we're involved in demands -- and has available to it -- a much broader palette of individual and collective human consciousness than Life has ever had before -- different varieties and levels of individual and collective awareness, intelligence, wisdom, compassion, choice, etc. That's the Big Picture of the work so many of us are involved in. The impulse for inclusion is blowing in the wind. What we do with it will make all the difference in the world. Especially for the human species. And time is of the essence. Coheartedly, Tom =============== Ecuador Constitutional Assembly Votes to Approve Rights of Nature In New Constitution July 7, 2008 http://tinyurl.com/6jpepp Today, the <http://www.celdf.org/>Community Evironmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF) announced that Ecuador became the first nation in the world to shift to rights-based environmental protection. There was a time when people were considered property (slaves) and this idea is no longer generally accepted in the developed world. Yet, Ecuador is the first country to begin to codify in its Constitution the concept that nature is not just property, but has an inherent right to exist. On July 7, 2008, the Ecuador Constitutional Assembly - composed of one hundred and thirty (130) delegates elected countrywide to rewrite the country's Constitution - voted to approve articles for the new constitution recognizing rights for nature and ecosystems. "If adopted in the final constitution by the people, Ecuador would become the first country in the world to codify a new system of environmental protection based on rights," stated Thomas Linzey, Executive Director of the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund. ... Over the past year, the Legal Defense Fund has been invited to assist Delegates to the Ecuador Constitutional Assembly to re-write that country's constitution. Delegates requested that the Legal Defense Fund draft proposed Rights of Nature language for the constitution based on ordinances developed and adopted by municipalities in the United States. The Legal Defense Fund has now assisted communities in Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Virginia to draft and adopt new laws that change the status of natural communities and ecosystems from being regarded as property under the law to being recognized as rights-bearing entities. Those local laws recognize that natural communities and ecosystems possess an inalienable and fundamental right to exist and flourish, and that residents of those communities possess the legal authority to enforce those rights on behalf of those ecosystems. In addition, these laws require the local governments to remedy violations of those ecosystem rights. In essence, these laws represent changes to the status of property law, eliminating the authority of a property owner to interfere with the functioning of ecosystems and natural communities that exist and depend upon that property for their existence and flourishing. The local laws allow certain types of development that do not interfere with the rights of ecosystems to exist and flourish. In the past, I've been involved in <http://www.celdf.org/>CELDF's Democracy School programs in Seattle and written about this kind of <http://www.onenw.org/toolkit/onelist/is-rights-based-organizing-a- future-strategy-for-environmental-activism/>rights-based organizing for ONE/Northwest's newsletter. It makes good background reading on the Democracy School movement. You can also watch a lecture by <http://www.idealog.us/2006/08/thomas_linzey_l.html>CELDF's Thomas Linzey given in Seattle in 2005 on YouTube. Ecuador's efforts stand in stark contrast to what happened in <http:// www.nader.org/opinions/oe6.19.96.html>South Africa's Constitution where transnational corporations were able to push through clauses giving corporation the same rights as people. ============== WHEN HUMAN RIGHTS EXTEND TO NONHUMANS By Donald G. McNeil Jr. New York Times July 13, 2008 <http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/weekinreview/13mcneil.html> ...The environment committee of the Spanish Parliament [voted] last month to grant limited rights to our closest biological relatives, the great apes -- chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas and orangutans. The committee would bind Spain to the principles of the Great Ape Project <http://www.greatapeproject.org/>, which points to apes' human qualities, including the ability to feel fear and happiness, create tools, use languages, remember the past and plan the future. The project's directors, Peter Singer, the Princeton ethicist, and Paola Cavalieri, an Italian philosopher, regard apes as part of a "community of equals" with humans. If the bill passes -- the news agency Reuters predicts it will -- it would become illegal in Spain to kill apes except in self-defense. Torture, including in medical experiments, and arbitrary imprisonment, including for circuses or films, would be forbidden. The 300 apes in Spanish zoos would not be freed, but better conditions would be mandated. What's intriguing about the committee's action is that it juxtaposes two sliding scales that are normally not allowed to slide against each other: how much kinship humans feel for which animals, and just which "human rights" each human deserves. We like to think of these as absolutes: that there are distinct lines between humans and animals, and that certain "human" rights are unalienable. But we're kidding ourselves. In an interview, Mr. Singer described just such calculations behind the Great Ape Project: he left out lesser apes like gibbons because scientific evidence of human qualities is weaker, and he demanded only rights that he felt all humans were usually offered, such as freedom from torture -- rather than, say, rights to education or medical care. Depending on how it is counted, the DNA of chimpanzees is 95 percent to 98.7 percent the same as that of humans. Nonetheless, the law treats all animals as lower orders. Human Rights Watch has no position on apes in Spain and has never had an internal debate about who is human, said Joseph Saunders, deputy program director. "There's no blurry middle," he said, "and human rights are so woefully protected that we're going to keep our focus there." Meanwhile, even in democracies, the law accords diminished rights to many humans: children, prisoners, the insane, the senile. Teenagers may not vote, philosophers who slip into dementia may be lashed to their beds, courts can order surgery or force-feeding. Spain does not envision endowing apes with all rights: to drive, to bear arms and so on. Rather, their status would be akin to that of children. Ingrid Newkirk, a founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals <http://www.peta.org/>, considers Spain's vote "a great start at breaking down the species barriers, under which humans are regarded as godlike and the rest of the animal kingdom, whether chimpanzees or clams, are treated like dirt." Other commentators are aghast. Scientists, for example, would like to keep using chimpanzees to study the AIDS virus, which is believed to have come from apes. Mr. Singer responded by noting that humans are a better study model, and yet scientists don't deliberately infect them with AIDS. "They'd need to justify not doing that," he said. "Why apes?" Spain's Catholic bishops attacked the vote as undermining a divine will that placed humans above animals. One said such thinking led to abortion, euthanasia and ethnic cleansing. But given that even some humans are denied human rights, what is the most basic right? To not be killed for food, perhaps? Ten years ago, I stood in a clearing in the Cameroonian jungle, asking a hunter to hold up for my camera half the baby gorilla he had split and butterflied for smoking. My distress -- partly faked, since I was also feeling triumphant, having come this far hoping to find exactly such a scene -- struck him as funny. "A gorilla is still meat," said my guide, a former gorilla hunter himself. "It has no soul." So he agrees with Spain's bishops. But it was an interesting observation for a West African to make. He looked much like the guy on the famous engraving adopted as a coat of arms by British abolitionists: a slave in shackles, kneeling to either beg or pray. Below it the motto: Am I Not a Man, and a Brother? Whether or not Africans had souls -- whether they were human in God's eyes, capable of salvation -- underlay much of the colonial debate about slavery. They were granted human rights on a sliding scale: as slaves, they were property; in the United States Constitution a slave counted as only three-fifths of a person. As Ms. Newkirk pointed out, "All these supremacist notions take a long time to erode." She compared the rights of animals to those of women: it only seems like a long time, she said, since they got the vote or were admitted to medical schools. Or, she might have added, to the seminary. Though no Catholic bishop would suggest that women lack souls, it will be quite a while before a female bishop denounces Spain's Parliament....
the news posts for the sidebar
Monday, April 30, 2007
Hi, all
Another day about half over. Met with Annie, Esi, and Anastasia this am in Bentil’s office. Discussed many things, including all of you GCJ alums! Esi discussed the news that the government is taking over Manye JSS, but not the primary. However the problem? is that the gov’t won’t allow Manye to collect fees from people so they have only 30,000 cedis per child per year to work with (30,000 cedis is about $3.50 US!) What the govt does is charge for taking exams, as much as 40000 per exam, and if you don’t pass, you pay again. I guess that’s how they improve their revenue situation. The gov’t school is providing textbooks, but Manye teachers don’t like the textbooks, etc. etc. etc.
Said Hi to Bentil, too, and others who just dropped in. Then, we took off with Thani in taxi to “the site”. I’d been there at 9:30–no M Biney (MB), just a few workers kind of hanging out. I was there at 11:30 and he had just come—but that’s James’ problem. I’m not here to supervise. Meanwhile, since Annie, Essi, and Anastasia had a “car”, we of course stopped at various places, delivered 6 bags of cement to someone, etc.! But it was fun. Then we WALKED from the site to Manye, and I can vouch personally that ‘s a pretty good trail, needs a little weeding in places, but it is owned by Manaye, who have promised to clean it up. It took exactly 10 minutes, stopped twice to talk and also Anastasia didn’t have the greatest walking shoes, so we’re fine on that. It ends in a small settlement, with friendly people, a not very busy road, and there’s the school. So, I’m happy about that—I think all the kids will just scamper to school in 5-10 minutes probably.
Then I came home and have been working on James’ computer all pm. Have managed to update XP and Internet Explorer, but problems with the virus checker. (Windows LiveOneCare). It says it’s seriously in need of updating, but I can’t do it. Well, I’ll try Leif now and then and see if we can’t make a connection. Tomorrow I’ll probably get anastasia’s cmputer and bring it here to work on.
My room is fne—small, but adequate. Tomorrow I’ll walk to the site. PLEASE UNDERSTAND I CAN READ YOUR EMAILS BUT CANNOT EMAIL OUT. Also, the wireless here is not working, so I’m on ethernet, which might be the problem. LEIF: DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS? The guy here is really pretty good, but on this he can’t figure it out. I remember Susan had the problem before at the i-net cafes, but I don’t know if it ever got resolved.
Also, Rich, I think it’s fine it people just read the blog now on their own and you don’t send the emails—would be better. I’ll try to update pretty often.
I forgot to say yesterday that I had the program from Barbara’s ordination, and the K’s and I sang all the songs together—they knew all the tunes, although they were a little shaky on “ode to Joy”. Also, Charles showed up, so he’s still here. And I showed them the photo of the joyful Barbara—I’ll try to post it.
thanks Rich for updating people, but I think they can look at the blog now, which would be better. Hope all is well there. I had a sad moment at breakfast, looking at the dining area without all my friends, and also thinking about Renee, my dear cousin. How alive and wonderful she was and how I’ll miss her.
Also, I found a better spot for cell phone reception, thanks to Mike—my “place” is not good, but he showed me the “best” place.
I think we’ll have rain tonight.
Good to see everyone today—a nice welcome and time to catch up, while walking and riding around town. Mahara, if you’re reading this, they call Thani “Mr. Mahara”!!!
Love you all, Maryanne
posted by Maryanne at 9:27 AM 
Sunday, April 29, 2007
To continue…
Gifty dropped in to the K’s home and she and I and Justine spent a couple of hours discussing her work with the women’s microlending program. Diana, we gave her what came to 690,000 cedis (James waited so I could give it to her), plus the other things you sent. She seems to be getting a handle on the whole thing. She and James have agreed that she will carry out the women’s entrepreneurship part of the WCHH mission in Axim, starting with the women who met when we were there, and seeing who is really energized. She was very enthusiastic, but said it would be difficult to start at first, because she’ll have to start the groups and meet with them frequently. She was about 71 groups going, at various stages. She explained the whole process, which is a bit much to type here, but it’s a very interesting way of organizing where the group itself takes the risk (5-25 in a group) but loans are individual from 1M to 5M cedis. They pay back weekly at 14% interest which they thought was very low. She has a guy who has written a software program for her to track all this—a specialized program. I met him, but we had to rush and I would have liked to have talked with him a lot more. I also met one of hr staff members, in her office, which is really quite nice and modern looking.
Meanwhile, Frank was thrilled with Leif’s passing one of the computers onto him. I have brought Quicken to work with Anastasia, and also a copy for Frank. He can use it himself, and also to coach her, if needed. He loved the book, Suz, on digital photography, and also the Photoshop Elements that leif had suggested. He was just bubbling over with enthusiasm and energy—good to see! His Govt’ service is going well, and as a bonus he is learning the Ghanaian tax code, which can’t hurt.
James and Justine loved the fabric we sent—I’ll pass out the rest as I see people.
Yesterday, J and J and I spent about 6 hours in a meeting about WCHH, where we are going, getting me up to date, etc. It was an excellent session. Justine is getting very involved, and has good insights, esp. as to staff, and children. Very helpful. I can’t type it all out, but I’m taking lots of notes on my computr and will give the GCJ alums a “report” when I return.
So, here I am. I think I’ll close off now. I just found out via email that one of my very favorite cousins has just passed away unexpectedly—kind of hard when you’re sitting here so far away. But I have a lot to do here. Tomorrow, I’ll start. By the way, Mr. Elimah (sp?) called James one day and James told him I was there. He asked to speak to me and was very cordial and asked me to meet with him. So that’s a good Town Hall followup place to start, probably. The Dist. Social Welfare man wants to see me, too. Also, Chamsou is coming on May 10 for three days! So, that’s great news. And according to what Patrick told James, “two white ladies” showed up at the site last week!! Who, I wonder? I’m curious. I asked James if Patrick had asked where they were from, but evidently he was too flumoxed by this unlikely event to get any facts.
So, James has turned over to me all receipts, account books, etc., and tomorrow pm i will start to work on that, and hopefully in a few days, when I’ve figured out things, I’ll start to work with Anastasia. WCHH Board will probably meet soon, before Chamsou comes.
Enough for now. Thank goodness I’ve connected. I admit to feeling a little guilty about enjoying water and electricty—gifts from God. I did kind of go back to my early farm days, when we carried all out water, etc., but it takes a while.
Did I mention it’s HOT here?? Yes, it is, but it’s good to be here, to connect again, and feel so much support for our project from the King to all I meet. So, next time. Love you each and all, whoever is reading this! Maryanne
posted by Maryanne at 10:49 AM
To resume…
James and Justine were upbeat, positive, and their usual optimistic selves. This in spite of nearly no electricity going on for months now, and no tap water at all for the last nearly 4 weeks. Daughters Elfrieda, and Maureen, and nieces Edna and Linda, carried water from the tap across the street into the house for 2-3 hours day—on the head pans. The amount of work created by this situation is really daunting. Ravyn’s headlamp and wind-up flashlight were an ENORMOUS hit. I wish I had brough a dozen. They immediately put them to use. Justine is baking 100 loaves a day about in her gas oven downstairs, but when it’s dark, she can’t, but last night she baked them with the headlamp on. I helped some. She is making a delicious “tea bread” that she’s able to sell readily. We delivered them around to shops and they were gone in minutes. So that’s going well, as is her mining uniform business.
James can get internet in spite of all this, if his battery is charged, but there’s something wrong with his computer. We tried to run the virus checker, etc., but no luck. I took it with me to Axim. The wireless is down here (I’m on ethernet now), but when it’s up I’ll start plugging away at it, proably with Leif’s help.
On Friday I was surprised to learn that we were going to a durbar! It seems the vice president of Ghana himself, a Muslim by the way, was coming to Nkroful to dedicate a development project—turning Nkforful SS into a science and technology high school!! Much investment! Gifty’s husband is THE HEADMASTEr, so this was great. Anyway, our lower Axim Trad. Council people were there and I was very warmly welcomed. I was invited to wear “the cloth”, but I declined because it was so terribly hot, and I didn’t want to draw a lot of attention to myself, either. There was not only our own little group, of the King and council of elders and thier wives, etc., but also about 12 other trad. councils plus all the elccted officials from Mr. Elimah on up to the VP himself. AND, Marcus Garvey, the son of Marcus Garvey was honored. A good day of lots of pomp and circumstance, warm welcomes, dancing, drumming, etc. I’m going to post so I won’t lose this.
posted by Maryanne at 10:39 AM
Hi all.
Whew. Finally I’m at an internet connection, but it’s none too good, so we’ll see. I arrived in Ghana almost a week ago, and was met by Frank and James. Went to Quass Hotel, and next morning headed for Sekondi. I’ve been with James and Justine in their home until this morning, when we came to Axim, and I’m now in the NEW internet/business center at the ABH. Sadly all the staff we knew, but Mike, are gone. I think there’s a story, but Mike won’t tell me—all new people–nice but new. Michael Biney, James, and Sammy the carpenter just left. They spent the morning with the king, Mr. and Mrs. Abbey, and worked out the rest of the contract with Mr. Biney taking over. The touchy business of finishing off the roof, etc. is left, and Biney is an expert, as his carpenter in roof joining, etc., so it’s for the best. He is very enthuastic about the building. I hosted a lunch at the ABH hotel just now for Michael, James, and Sammy, as a way to welcome the new contract, etc.
The hotel now has solar hot water panels next to many of the huts. Anyway, I’m going to post this, to make sure I don’t lose it, and then I’ll go back to other news.
Maryanne
posted by Maryanne at 10:33 AM
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Re-entry… and some photos!
Many of us are back, adjusting to the re-entry, reverse culture shock (gleaming bathrooms with hot water, showers and consistently flushing toilets, for example)… while Leif, Rich, Jerome, Louise, Tom, Barbara and Diana continue to enjoy further exploration of Ghana.
What an incredible journey! Filled with inspiration, learning, challenges and amazing successes… We’ll be writing insights, lessons, etc. over the next weeks…
This is just a short message to upload a few photos:
**the orphans: what a thrill to meet them (at our introduction to the lower king of Axim) — and dance with them! The Board of the Western Christian Heritage Home will have to take on the daunting task of identifying those in greatest need, as the number of applicants exceeds the capacity of the orphanage.
**the mattresses: US delegate Jeannie raised the funds for these greatly needed mattresses for the hospital — now patients can rest in comfort to recover better.
**the orphanage worksite: we enjoyed a great (though very hot and sweaty) day of work on the site with North American and Ghanaian delegates plus a number of the women from the town. By the time we left, the second story was well under way.
**Town Hall: an extraordinary day of inspiration and empowerment, with over 150 diverse voices heard from townspeople, envisioning the desired future for Axim and exploring the challenges that need to be dealt with.
posted by Maryanne at 1:03 PM
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Tuesday, Kumasi
Let’s do some quick catch up,
Saturday:
Barbara G spoke with Womens Aglow group here, and Maryanne went with her.
Others went for wade in water to get into a boat that took us to the island with the Axim light house. Most climbed to top of light house for a grand view back to Axim and out to sea, and watched the fishing boats ride the waves in and out of the bay. James K really gave of himself as he carried Jerome from land to boat to load, off load on island, and then reverse back to mainland. What a gentle soul we’ve seen in James K.
Afternoon to Nzulezu Village. Took over an hour bus ride, then an hour row boat ride with heavy oars, to reach the village that is built on stilts in the water. Then hour boat ride back, and long bus home.
Sunday:
Rich spoke at a Methodist church in town, and several delegates went to hear.
Delegates coming and going, starting to pack.
Jerome visited a family at the hospital, as the wife had been in car collision north of Axim and had double amputation of legs. He went to give hope since he’s here and doing fine after his own amputation.
Closed the GCJ time in Axim with circle and speaking highlights with each other. The King of Lower Axim came to bid us farewell and thank us fo all that had been done with the orphanage, the town hall meeting, all the help given throughout Axim community. He passed out our certifiates for the American delegation with our Ghanaian names they’d given us the Saturday before and made us honorary citizens.
Closing dinner was a huge baracuda fish — very good!
Monday:
Back on American time now, departed hotel about 5 minutes late, rather than our typical waiting 1/2 hr or more to start things in Ghana time.
Bus to Takoradi, where James K, Barbara and Susan P were at SKYY news station for interview for TV. We’d already learned that the prior Saturday celebration with Lower Axim King and chiefs had been on national TV showing all the hospital mattresses that Jeanie had spear headed as a sub-project for this trip.
While the three interviewed, most of us stood in line exchanging anything we had for Ghana currency at Foreign Exchange.
Lunch with Catherine R from Bellingham who’s living north of Cape Coast and runs a travel agency there to support an orphanage with funds; and then on the bus again.
On to Kakum National Rain Forest — and a walk on the canopy walk high in the trees.
Arrived into Kumasi last night at hotel about 10:30pm. The drive north to Kumasi in the evening was filled with a long and wonderful electric storm show off in the sky to west. Arriving at hotel, we all worried about bus clearing the entry with the luggage on top. The security guys outside said not to worry. Then we heard a “crunch”, and ended up backing out. Thankfully not our luggage, but it had go the ladder at back of bus. Alll were tired, and went quick to bed. Rumors this morning of Tuesday is that somehow Tom and Louise got the hotel’s honeymoon suite last night, though we were all supposed to have similar rooms.
Annie and Anna Esi came with us from Axim to be with us in Kumasi.
Tuesday:
Breakfast of a tasty omelette, toast, jam, oatmeal, and the coffee or milo that we drink.
Group split into 3 groups for market morning.
One group met up with Elizabeth and Charlotte, who live in Kumasi, relatives of friend back in Seattle. How wonderul that Charlotte guided the one group through market for purchases before going to palace museum. This market is like none other in world. Huge! so many stalls of small 1-2 person businesses. Food, meat, clothing, fabric, jewelry, shoes, household, just goes on and on. Tight quarters also, as most opted out sooner than the alloted whole time because of claustraphobia. Of the world travelers in our group, none had seen or experienced anything like this market.
Tonight after dinner we meet Charlotte Abaka, a Ghanaian woman who is highly regarded in areas of Human Rights, and helping Liberia with trying to stabilize and set up infrastructure. She is representative to UN for Liberia from Ghana.
Then we lose Jerome and Rich who head north tomorrow, and Anna Esi and Annie back to Axim.
Best to all, and prayers. And especially family and friends back in Washington State where the internet news shows there is record rain and rivers flooding.
Signing off,
Diana blogging for the group.
(Sorry for any typos — difficult keyboard here.)
posted by Maryanne at 9:06 AM
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Greetings from Axim Sat evening, 11/4
Blogging for the group’s big day is Diana.
Dear family and friends,
Breakfast started here at hotel with Administration of secondary school coming to breakfast to award and give gifts to Jackie J and Jerome C for their work in the secondary schools here this week. About 4 came from the school administration to make the presentation. How great it was to see our current and retired teachers in the delegation honored.
Susan H had organized through Bentil that we be able to go into the water with boat this morning. So most of N. American delegation went, and some of Ghanaian delegation who were in a boat for the first time in their lives. We left the Axim beach, wading into the water to get to the boat and on it, with lots of little kids around playing in the water. Headed to Bebo Ayeze Island out in the bay where the Ghana Ports and Harbour Lighthouse sits. We saw trees with bird nests, hanging upside down, and yellow birds flying around. Some said from canary family. Most of us climbed the very steep 3 flights of curved stairs to top of light house for magnificent views and pictures. One could look back to the Castle of Axim which had been used to house slaves before deporting them. In between Bebo Ayeze Island and the castle, there was a small island that we learned earlier was where the slaves were led to through a tunnel to be put on boats, never to return again. In more current years, that castle has been used for some administration offices. We also could see the colorful flags on boats flying as boats road waves in and out to the sea. (We saw their catch later on when on the beach.)
Upon returning to the beach, we waded through the water again to dry sand, and there was a porpoise that had been caught — by accident. A tuna had been on the line, and the porpoise had gone for the tuna and swallowed the hook. Around the beach, the catch of the day was being distributed, and women cutting up some fish. The meat looked like a wine color of red.
While on the boat trip, Barbara G and Maryanne W went to Women’s Aglow meeting where Barbara spoke this morning. They reported a good session with the women.
After lunch, all but two of us in Amercan delegation and most in Ghanaian delegation headed by bus to Nzulezu village. To get there, we rode about 1 hr, then had to canoe via canals and a lake, paddling about 1 hr, 4 or 5 of us to a boat. This village is well known because it is on stilts in the lake. Once there, we walked the “main path” above the water with their housing and school rooms along the way. Primary education is done there, older goes out somewhere to school. Protocol always means you visit the chief, and tell him of your visit. Our Ghanaian friends gave the chief a bottle (probably gin), and then translated some history the chief told us about. Originally the people here were from Mali, elsewhere in Africa, and came here and settled to avoid war. Intermarriage occurred over many years, and now they call themselves Ghanaians. Returned via the boats, and more paddling (and these paddles are of very heavy wood!) and got rained on. Here in these boats a few of our new Ghanaian friends from Axim in the delegation came, and it was also their first time in boats, hanging on tightly, and first time to Nzulezu.
Arrived back at hotel about 7:30pm, it gets dark here at 6pm being on the equator. Full moon tonight is shining brightly. Then all ate dinner, and Jerome led the group in a “talent show night”
Tomorrow Rich will be giving the sermon at a Methodist church. Others are going to various churches and spending their last day in Axim. The Monday morning departure early will come too soon. Sunday evening the District Executive is coming and hosting a banquet at our hotel restaurant for our last night together.
How can it be that we leave Axim on Monday? So soon!! We’ll all cherish tomorrow and our last visits with folks here. Monday will be drive to Kumasi via lunch with Barbara G’s friend in Cape Coast.
Dennis, our psychiatrist and hence, Dr., has helped arrange help for Ablema, the young 13 year old girl with eye problems. About 6 months in Cape Coast with treatment and lodging with Dr. there should cost about $500 USD. We hope to get enough to help the family make this happen.
Signing off for the evening, Diana, blogging again today to help share with family and friends back home.
posted by Maryanne at 2:12 PM
Posting this Saturday mid-day from Axim Ghana, Delegate Diana.
I see you’ve not had much to read the last few days, so I will try to fill you in.
Wed. 11/1, we all worked at the orphanage site, clearing land, carrying scrap wood to piles, gravel, sand, and water for mixing cement to lay rest of second floor. The women of Axim responded to call for volunteers and came with their pans which carried gravel, sand, and water when placed on their heads. A few of us tried, but it was tough. The best were Jeanie and Suz who got right in line and carried the heavy contents.
Ravyn, Jeanie, Susan, and Barabara went to check out sanitation in schools. The condition is one of which they discovered no water or running toilets. This inspired Ravyn for the Engineers without Borders project she will be proposing.
Thurs.
Off to Anna Esi’s village, called Okonu, and Susan H. and Jeanie gave presentations to adults in community, in a borrowed school room. Presentations on hygeine to help control infections and HIV/AIDs where many were pleased to receive free condoms. JJ and Mustafa did the translation and JJ’s second career might be an HIV/AIDs educator instead of journalist…. Louise filmed while there, and we had all the school kids who wanted to shake every hand of the few of us Obrunyi who had come. Returning by bus we stopped and had coconut cut for drink, and then cut to eat. About 7 or 8 coconuts cost 8000 cedis, which is about 80 cents.
Afternoon was part one of gender dialogue, men with men about what it is like to be a man in the world. Women with women. This was rich in the women’s circle as our Ghanaian delegate women broke culture norm to not share deep secrets. What these women have been subjected to is something all must raise up and encourage them. Part 2 was continued on Friday afternoon
Evening at beach for dinner and entertainment from local dance and drumming group. Wow can they move! Leif had his eye on a big drum, one shaped like a torpedo, wondering if he could get one home.
Friday
About 9 or 10 delegates went with Mustafa to his Muslim village. Spent a few hours there. Our delegates had to dress more conservatively to go there. Especially shocking for those who went was to observe the women in the village contained behind a thick cloth barrier, as they weren’t to be seen by the men. This fueled the Gender dialogue Part 2 when men and women came togerher in the afternoon.
In the a.m. Diana visited the Women’s training institute in Axim. They learn dressmaking, hairdressing, catering, batik, and more. Fees are about $80 for 3 years, enrollment at 70, can handle 120, but many can not afford to go to the school. With the hairdressers, I offered to let them touch my hair, and they eagerly accepted the offer; They were so suprised and said “It doesn’t feel like ours.” Found a computer room of 20 computers, 10 worked, were 16 MB ram, and using Windows 95. Abysmal. Need to get more current equipment here for them, and share with the secondary school a few kilometers away.
Friday a.m. Mahara and Dennis worked with Concerned Elders Assocation — teaching them more conflict resolution tools. Mahara will follow up during her 6 week stay past our departure.
Friday evening the delegates made dinner together. We’ve been eating Ghanaian food, and now people shared food they wanted others to try. Amercians did: stove top chicken dressing, macaroni and cheese, matzo balls and chicken soup, dried apples, and more.
Jackie and Jerome were awarded this Sat a.m. at breakfast an award and appreciation gift from schools for having taught there. How grande!
Better post before I lose what I wrote– these computers are slow.
Diana, writing for all,
posted by Maryanne at 4:24 AM
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Greetings from Axim —
Dinner tonight is on the beach with a bonfire — celebrating a great day with the Axim community. This was the “Town Hall” day, where we facilitated a large scale change intervention to assist the town in gaining energy and inspiration to deal with it’s problems.
I hope someone is posting the blog today for us, though I’m contributing this before I sign off from computer.
The Ghanaian and N. American delegations were in full action today, facilititating the large group through the Town Hall process we’d established. Much thanks to Susan P, Mahara, and Dennis with the Ghanaian folks, Bentil and Old Soldier for their work.
The day was co-facilitied by Susan Partnow and James Kainyiah — masters together working the people. I’ll leave the day’s activity to be posted by the blogger of day, though I will tell you from my perspective it was an energizing day to see the things they need to do here, and ideas they have.
Music used throughout day was fabulous, you can’t help but get up and dance the Ghanaian beat.
Tomorrow we work on the orphanage — yeah!
Blessings,
Diana
posted by Maryanne at 10:22 AM
Monday, October 30, 2006
Blogging today for all is Diana from Seattle —
Even before sunrise, the day was eventful, and continued on throughout the day.
During the late night/ early morning, we heard loud thunder clap and rain pour down. The rain was not like at home in Pacific Northwest where the downpour occurs and moves on through, it instead just kept going for a long time, lulling many back to sleep.
So what happened here today? We’ve just wrapped from a circle this evening where we heard from many about things today.
– Jackie returned from a overnight stay with Dina in her Ghanaian home and reported a great experience. The two together can be seen laughing a lot together and having a good time.
– School visit: Jackie & Jerome, and from Ghana, Dina and J.C.
Three classrooms were brought into one room where 60 children ended up, some sharing three to a seat. Jackie provided a social studies session, Jerome taught about the continental drift. Jackie and Jerome enjoyed seeing Ghanaian delegate J.C. in action as a retired educationist (who actually also taught at the same school as Jerome when he lived in Ghana for 9 years in the past.)
– Computers: Bentil & Frank from Ghana, Leif and Tom
Leif and Tom spent time with Bentil in his office “downtown Axim” and now 3 computers have been set up. Frustrations seem to exist more in technology area about needs for stuff than for expertise. Power went out in Axim, and the guys went for a trip to Takoradi to search for some equipment needed.
– Nursing college: Jeanie, Susan H., Ravyn joined by Mustafa, Ghanaian delegate
All waited early to be picked up, then ended up with “taxi” arriving at the nursing college after the designated time. Ah, this time thing, definitely a cultural difference. The person who was to pick them up was surprised to see them because she was getting ready to drive to take them to the college. The students were split into two groups. This way both groups were manageable and got to be with both Jeanie and Susan for the information. Jeanie taught infection control and Susan H. talked about HIV/AIDs with the students where she enjoyed the students being open and telling her about AIDS in their culture.
-Women’s workshop: Gifty, Anna, Annie, all from Ghana, and Diana, Tom and Susan H,
Workshop to start at 9:00am, 60 written special invitations to specific women. None there start time. Ah, Ghanaian time….. by 9:10 we had a few and began singing and dancing in circle started by Gifty, and aided by Mahara and Susan P who had come to see the start. The women enthusiastically start singing and dancing. I wish we had recording equipment. In the King’s Palace room we were using, the voices sounded wonderful, full of life & smiles were infectious.
Gifty was a master facilitator speaking in Fanti (spelling?) language and shared wisdom about time management that made an impact on the women who at end of day said they were seeing their time as an asset now and they’d use it differently.
Tom had brought a chorker video from the US about smoking fish. It was watched with interest by the Ghanaians, affirming they were doing something good since they saw it on the computer screen, and lead them to have much discussion.
Anna and Annie were the great women of Axim for us — when lunch was late, they set out to find the caterers and what was occuring. Lunch arrived 1.5 hrs late. (That power outage in Bentil’s office that sent the guys to Takoradi had impacted the caterers, so food didn’t arrive until cooked, after the power came back on.) When the food did arrive, all were hungry, and wanting food. However, the 60 invited had grown to 130++ attending. As concern and arguments grew about receiving food, especially for those intended, I could see this was getting out of hand fast. How does one repeat the 5 fishes and 7 loaves? This was a question in my mind. So with Gifty’s help, the group was quieted and I spoke with her translating. Said something like this: “As I spoke this morning, we are women of the world called to solve problems together, and we can, no need to argue. We’re sorry the food arrived late, and thank you for waiting and being here. however this is what we have. We as women can solve the problem. We can share so all get some.” I offered my own lunch out to make sure they ate and said 2 or 3 could have it together. Rest of food distributed, with harmony and all was worked out. This story got around to many of the delegates who were amazed at how the “almost battle” was ended. A reflection of my own is that this shows us that in our world where we have imbalance, some with food and some without, that if we all pull together, we can help each of us to participate in taking care of all.
I was called on to speak with the women more than planned, on short notice. It turned out fine, and the message sent through me from Spirit was perfect in the a.m., and got reinforced settling the food issue at lunch.
In the afternoon the women received accurate HIV/AIDS info from Susan H, translated by James (JJ, our journalist). This had it’s comical moments as Susan led the presentation and JJ tried to convey the information. A missed Kodak moment was when both were in front of the room demonstrating how to use a condom.
Some of you may wonder what the women took away from day. Here’s a snapshot of their thanks: for the accurate HIV/AIDS info; for learning they don’t have to stay away from people with AIDS and they can go near them, (which is great since our orphans designated for the orphanage are parentless mostly due to AIDS); will treat their time differently and use it wisely; will not take/spend money from the income in business until all bus. expenses are paid; and one who said she learned that when her husband didn’t fish and bring back fish for her to smoke, she could learn to do it herself and go fish.
Sometimes the session felt very chaotic, then to hear their learnings, I knew Spirit was working.
Our videographer, Louise Wilkinson, started with the women’s group and then set off on a schedule to make it to some of the other happenings today. We missed her at dinner tonight as she is trying to get over a cold — something that most of us from N. America have come down with while here.
James, our journalist from Ghana, was called into action numerous times to be a translator. A fine job done!
Prep for Town Hall tomorrow: Susan, Dennis, Mahara, and from Ghana, Bentil, and Old Soldier;
All spent some time in afternoon working last minute things out especially given the experience of how the women’s session had started and was going. Lessons learned applied quickly for the next day. A big one tomorrow is coming for Axim to focus on it’s future and what they can do for themselves.
Maryanne and Barbara were finding themselves in many places, and especially enjoyed sitting in on the women’s session in late afternoon, hearing some singing, and seeing the master duo of Susan and JJ with the HIV/AIDS presentation.
If I’ve not mentioned someone, forgive me — I’ve tried to pick up the highlights from a day that had us scattered all over.
And since this is my first blogging time, I’ll add a few extra comments:
People are so hospitable. The children are magnets, or maybe we are, as if they find us, and with camera, they hang on. Food is wonderful. Heat and humidity, well, I’ll save that for later.
Signing off as my timelimit runs out and not time to check typing….
Good night from Ghana
Ablema Mensah Diana from Seattle
posted by Maryanne at 1:40 PM
Sunday, October 29, 2006
This is Jeanie and Suz before supper on the 29th. Saturday was a big day, huge day actually. We had received Ghanaian dresses/gowns for the women, and shirts/shorts for the men. We dresssed in these for the day. They were green with hands (helping hands) and 8 inch circles with GCJ in them. We gathered in Lower Axim at the King’s Palace for the Dur Bar. There was dancing with the children while we were waiting for the events to begin. We noticed that the local press was there with TV cameras! And some of the orphans that will live in the orphanage when it is completed were also there.
A group of traditional dancers preceded the King and their attendants. Jeanie was asked to make a formal presentation of the 60+ mattresses to the King. All of the mattresses were stacked against the inner wall of the palace “courtyard”. The King then presented the mattresses to the hospital along with all the glasses, and other medical supplies that we all had brought.
Susan was asked to talk, while Maryanne disappeared into the King’s chambers. She came out to a fanfare of drums, dressed in traditional dress and shoes, braided fabric headress, with cloth laid down before her as she walked. She sat on a stool, with her feet on a goatskin, and was honored as the “Queen of Development”, a very honorable title and position. It was great!
The rest of us each were given water, then liquor(Schnapps), and then given a Ghanaian name by the King.
We went back to the hotel for lunch and Mustafa was there with his family – his wife and 2 children. Selma, the 5 year old daughter, and Suz spent the rest of the day hand in hand.
We all went by bus for the Essiama (the hot, crowded bus), visited Dina’s school, and the Bonwire harvest festival to celebrate the end of hunger. Steven’s wife was also along as were several people who have worked GCJ in Ghana. We danced to the drums and walked along the beach. Then back for dinner and rest after a long day. Louise had spent the day filming all of the events. Tom showed us a DVD on smoking fish in Ghana. We are learning a ton!
Sunday – a more relaxing day. Some of us found a shortcut trail to Axim which takes a lot less time than the bus and take us through a very friendly neighborhood. After breakfast, many of us went to church, and Rich gave a sermon at the Methodist church. Some of us went to lunch at Ankroba Beach Hotel hosted by Mr. Addae-Mensah, a gentleman who taught at UW on a Fullbright, and now has a son at UW as well. Afterwards some went to delegates houses to visit.
Some of us are dealing with colds and fever, but most are healthy. Jackie spent the night at Dina’s house. Ravyn finds that walking on the shortcut is very enjoyable. Jerome is still telling bad jokes and just went into the sea for a great swim. Both Suz and Jeanie are looking forward to teaching classes tomorrow and for the rest of the week.
Time for dinner. Hope you are all well. See you soon!
posted by Maryanne at 9:34 AM
Friday, October 27, 2006
to continue…all the delegates were thrilled by the opportunity to get out into the community and into working environments. We have wonderful Ghanaian delegates—women and men. They are open, articulate, participating fully in circle time, and sharing their culture, ideas, struggles with us and we with them.
This afternoon will be special, because we will be formally received by the King of Lower Axim. This area is under a traditional/democratic combination situation. It will be a formal audience together with a meeting with the various department heads in whose organizations we are working. We’ll try to get a blog out on that. Tomorrow a Durbar is planned where they mattresses, computers, and books will be accepted and dedicated. For that, we all will have to wear African clothing, which they are making as a gift for us (big secret, don’t tell). The orphanage is coming along very very well. Today a truck is coming from Takoradi with a load of materials. The second floor walls are almost finished. The town is buzzing I think with all the activity going on. Speaking of the town, we’ve been touring is, meeting in it, walking through it. Poor. Yesterday, JJ, our journalist delgate from Accra, walked all over town looking for a newspaper and found not one. But the children look reasonably OK, people are very very friendly, very dignified, not shy particularly. We’ve learned some Fante phrases. We toured the slave castle—what a sad experience for all of us, North Americans AND Ghanaians. But now we are looking to the future, and honoring the past but not letting it control us. Well, enough for this time. The food is delicious—we all love it from both cultures. The internet connections are very iffy. The hotel is reasonably comfortable, and the staff is doing everything to make us welcome. The Catholics have let us use their bus for a reasonable daily amount. Rich will be preaching in two Methodist churches the next two sundays—has met with the Methodist minister here. More maybe tonight. Thanks to all who are reading this, following our journey, wishing us well, keeping us in your hearts. We feel we’re in a living learning laboratory here, and are so incredibly fortunate to be in this spot at this time. Medasi.
posted by Maryanne at 2:02 AM
Did we mention it’s hot and humid? Did we mention the fantastic ocean, good fish? We met the District Executive (mayor) who welcomed us and promised us protection while we are here. We are most grateful to the many officials who have extended the warm Ghanaian welcome to us and assured us of their interest and desire to leave “without incident”, as Exec. Ellima put it.
Yesterday Jeanie, Suz, JJ and Mustafa spent the afternoon at the hospital. They saw the situation with the mattresses in the children’s and women’s areas, and we so grateful that we have been able to have 56 mattresses manufactured in Accra to replace those. They will be arriving tomorrow. Jerome, Jackie, and Dine visited two schools. Jerome reported classrooms with absolutely no equipment, esp. the science classrooms. He will be teaching a science class next week. The gov. is putting the effort into primary education, and the secondary schools need a LOT of help. Leif, Frank, and Tom visited the school’s computer lab (Pentium 1, Windows 98) and also paid a call on Ghana Telecom offices in town. There is a promise of a new switch of some kind and internet possibility soon. Meanwhile the rest of us planned the Town Hall for next week, and the women’s entrepreneurial workshop. We are completely integrated with our Ghanaian delegates now, and working in pods on various projects. What a fantastic cross-cultural experience (and challenge). \more in a minutes. out of minutes
posted by Maryanne at 2:02 AM
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Gcj’ers and friends-
All North American delegates arrived in Accra airport as planned! We had a reasonable night’s sleep. Nex morning, we had a “country briefing’ from Dennis Weller, the Deputy Director of USAID in Ghana. He was terrific–gave us much factual information about the country and US AID efforts esp in horticulture and some energy projects. After a quick lunch we visited the Archelogical Museum at U. of Ghana-Legon Campus–a university of about 37,000 students. We visited the Kwame Nkrumah memorial site—a beautiful area and monument honoring the father of Ghanaian independence. There we joined a small group of Ghanaians who entertained us with drums and taught us more about dancing! fun. We finished the day with a good Ghanaian meal and to bed.
Yesterday was the long drive from Accra to Axim, stopping along the way to visit the Cape Coast Slave Castle and Museum-beautifully and respectfully narrated by our tour guide. Then a brief visit with the Western Regional Minister, a position equivalent to our governor. We were warmly welcomed—he promised a visit without incident and expressed his appreciate for our efforts. Then on to Takoradi, and JamKay, James’ factory where we met some of the Ghanaian delegates and took on some of the mattresses into our extremely crowded bus!
Finally, we are at the Axim Beach Hotel, have met all the Ghanaian delegates and at this very moment we are engaging in our first “circle time.”
The beach is beatiful, the weather hot and humid, the hospitality warm and very friendly. We made it! Now to engage in the journey of mutual respect, friendship, projects. All is well!!
posted by Maryanne at 4:26 AM
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Hi GCJer’s and Friends,
Hilight of our day yesterday, was a visit to the King of Nzema (the Paramount Chief), his retinue, and members of his assembly. It was an unexpected visit, and we each were asked to speak, according to particular protocols. Nana Kaku Bulu 11, James, reminded us today how he started with his hands behind his back and head down, until he had the sense that we were being well received. We had kept them waiting for over an hour, and they recounted our transgression, but forgave us. We noted how they were straightforward and frank. In the end, it felt cleaner.
Today we met with many of the delegates and board members. Jeanie – you have the deputy director – a delightful young woman – nurse. Jackie – you have a strong, friendly business manager as a teacher. There is a teaching strike on now.
We had the clear experience of cultural differences in communications and it was enlightening and interesting.
Time is about to run out, so I had better post.
Off to Accra to continue arrangements tomorrow.
It is wonderful to be here. Looking forward to the whole group joining us. Great Ghanaian delegates!
posted by Maryanne at 3:54 PM
Today is Thursday. Yesterday we shopped some in the morning for supplies–water, etc in Takoradi, briefly visited James’ factory, and then drove to Axim. The countryside got lusher, more tropical. Lots of palm and rubber trees. Axim main street is narrow, crowded with people. We went directly to the room to the King of this area of this area, who is also on the WCHH Board. This was quite a formal ceremony. We were seated, and he and his retinue entered. Great respect was shown to all, and we were formally welcomed to Axim, not just as visitors, but as “one with us”, which you can imagine we appreciated very very much. James introduced us and each of us spoke about our project, our hopes, our activities, etc. It lasted perhaps an hour. Each person in the room was introduced. Mr. Bentil was there, Miss Frances Polly, the woman who chose which children to enroll in school, Stephen our civil engineering partner, and others. All were welcoming. Afterwards, we mingled briefly outside the room, looking directly out over the Atlantic Ocean. Although we were quite nervous and hoping we would not do something really rude, in James’ estimation all went well.
Then we drove up the dirt road to the orphanage. It is looking really good—a nice substantial building. It was too dark to take pictures, but we walked through it, and kind of marveled at what has already been accomplished.
Finally, in complete exhaustion, we went to the Beach Hotel, where we had a meal, met with the manager for some time trying to work out the details for the group, etc. The location is beautiful, but somewhat far from town. Today we will work out details here, meet with all the Ghanaian delegates that can come, meet with other leaders in the pm, including WCHH Board members, look over other possibilities in town for restaurants, etc. and then back to Takoradi. Tomorrow we plan to go back to Accra to wrap up arrangements there.
posted by Maryanne at 1:24 AM
Monday, October 16, 2006
Hi from an internet cafe in Accra, Ghana. We had an emotional meeting at the airport with James, and Kumi’s entire family. James waved a few magic waves and we were through customs before we knew it. On to the Ford Foundation and a good sleep!
Now, we just finished a meal—we were brave and following James’ good advice, had all-Ghanaian dishes, and it was DELICIOUS! In the process we found a good restaurant to take the whole group to! What a day! We have agreed that perhaps never in our lives have we in one day encountered so many friendly, helpful people. We tried to deliver letters to various ministers for Dr. Joe, and a few of our own as well! We’re figuring out the money—it’s not easy to think in the hundreds of thousands for a simple meal! We bought supplies, including two printers for use in Axim. We most of all enjoyed the sights and scenes of people engaged in their ordinary workday, in traditional or modern dress. We saw so many small entrepreneurial businesses. We met Barbara’s banker friend who generously helped us get a good rate for some of GCJ’s hard-won dollars.
And yes, there were some plumbing glitches, and an unexplained traffic jam, and it did get pretty hot and humid in the middle of the afternoon, but these are minor details at the end of our first day. Thanks to James, all went well and we are ready to take on tomorrow!! We’ll send more details in the next few days, depending on our internet access, which seems a bit dicey.
posted by Maryanne at 12:43 PM
Thursday, October 12, 2006
And after we danced, and ate, and wished each other well,
we received a special blessing from Marilyn to send us on our way to Axim
May you be peaceful and joyful
May you have courage and passion
May you be open to new experiences and learnings
May you develop meaningful friendships and partnerships
May you return safely and forever expanded,
ready to continue your contributions to our planet.
Thank you for what your are doing.
Your work is no small thing,
but is part of a larger energy helping to make our world a better place.
posted by Maryanne at 5:15 PM
Learning how to dance “Ghanaian” at the GCJ Ghana Project Send-Off Party!!
posted by Maryanne at 4:54 PM
Monday, October 09, 2006
Here’s a picture from last month of the progress being made on the orphanage in Axim: soon we’ll see it for ourselves and add our own sweat-equity to the project.
Excitement is building as we finalize packing and preparations. We hope you will join us at the great send off on Wednesday evening at University Heights Community Center in Seattle! We begin at 7 pm. The dance lesson will be awesome. See you there!
— Susan Partnow, Executive Director
posted by Maryanne at 9:57 AM
Sunday, October 08, 2006
This is the first message on the GCJ Ghana blog.
Wednesday night, Oct 11, we will have our send-off party, with food, music, Ghanaian dance lessons, and well-wishes from the GCJ family and friends. One week from today (Oct 15) Barbara, Susan P, Maryanne and James will rendevous at the Accra airport.
posted by Maryanne at 11:50 AM
«Previous Page 1 2 3 4 5
Saturday, May 12, 2007
News Flash! Today the GCJ Ghanaian alums decided to host a Town Hall Followup to be held on third Tues in July, probably in the new WHH facility!
posted by Maryanne at 11:06 AM
Monday, May 07, 2007
Good evening,
Another excellent day. Spent the am working on James’ drafts of job descriptions, including one for the responsibilities of the Board. Not real exciting, but we want drafts to give to the Board on Wed.
In pm, we (Esi, Annie, Anastasia and I) went out to the Nursing Institute. There we met John, first of all, who introduced us to Patricia Odot and Sabina Bilson. They were most cordial. P and S gave us a very good review of the public health aspects of our children’s home—not just sanitation, but hygiene in general, medical examinations, nine vaccinations for children provided free by gov’t, need for bednets and general malaria prevention actions, inspections by various officials, requirements, etc. I will type up a formal report for Board and Esi. Anastasia took good notes—we’re practicing on doing the various duties of her job. The computer we brought for the Nursing School is not well—they sent it to be repaired because the charger is not working. The question is whether to order one from the company. Hmm. Does anyone have any wisdom on this that I could pass on to them? They seemed unsure if it was the battery that couldn’t be charged, or the actual charger. Are we sure it was ok for 240?
We also discussed water—they are for the pipe method. Annie is starting to think that way, too, although she still likes bore holes, because once they have them, they have water forever, power or no power to run the pumps. But, the public health nurses were pretty adamant that we should use the pipe, if at all possible, and have a polytank to store water for washing, garden, emergency, etc. Barbara, Bo emailed me the Mercer Is. Rotary “World Committee” is still reviewing our request for funds for the polytank and stand. Could you perhaps give him a call? I can send out emails, but laboriously only via the webmail site. # is (206) 275-0426. He has the pro forma invoice, description, etc.
While rendezvousing at Bentil’s and just before leaving for Nursing school, who should appear but Constance! She’d heard I was in town. She said at least 10 women wanted to meet with me to report on what they’ve been doing with what they learned in the women’s workshop!! Isn’t that terrific?!! So, she’s going to set it up and let me know. I told her about the DVD I have about the charcoal out of coconut husks, and they want to see it. Thank goodness I brought the little RadioShack portable speaker for my computer. I hope it all works. Where’s Tom when I need him, or Jeanie for nursing stuff, or Diana for women, or … where are you all anyway?? I could stand a little help, if you don’t mind…if at least a few of you could interrupt your busy, busy schedules….
Then back to my “office”—could do worse than working out of #13, overlooking the Atlantic!! We can’t use Word, Excel, etc., yet, because we’ll wait until Frank comes with the “real” disks. We don’t want to just get the 60 day trials going, only to have to redo the activation when he comes because hooking to the internet is a real pain. But, we started in with Quicken. Today we got all the deposits entered for the bank statements we had. One was missing, which Patrick will get tomorrow—Anastasia should be able to do that, but James hasn’t given the authorization for her, yet. We’ve decided to pretend the currency system is already done and the Ghana Cedi is in place (10,000 will equal 1 after June 30, I believe) so that the whole of 2007 will “work” decimal point-wise. She did very well. Had to be taught how to “round up” and “round down”, but basically she loved it. She wants shirts designed with the WCHH logo, etc. and asked if I thought Americans might buy them too. I said I thought maybe about 15 would (did I hear a “yes” just now…?). This because it’s the “in” thing here—workers are all getting shirts alike—here at ABH everyone wears “the shirt” every day, including managers, etc. They talk about “their team” now, too. And the bigger companies, like the port at Tema, have special shirts for Fridays, etc they told me. All the shirts seem to have the Ghana color scheme of yellow, green, red, and black. The only thing missing at ABH seems to be customers—we had quite a few but now they’ve thinned out. Too bad—it’s just such a nice place.
Then, just as I was walking Anastasia to the taxi stand, who should appear but Benard from the Ghana Water Board, who Ravyn and I had met before!! He had come up to email Ravyn and also to see if I was here. The network is percolating, I guess. We talked briefly about developments on the water stuff. He said the World Bank is getting involved, but not in the “main” town of Axim, where the need is so great. He needed to go, but we agreed to meet with Stephen at their office on Thursday or Friday, and with my map. So, I will before them review the school notebook with Ravyn’s notes before that. Thank goodness you gave it to me, Ravyn!
And some more learnings: Old Soldier wants Hillary for Pres because he thinks America needs healing and therefore a woman will be best. Anastasia also wants Hillary, because if we get a woman maybe Ghana will, too. She and I are learning internet searching by finding contact info for Oprah, because she wants to invite Oprah to our dedication (I explained the concept of “long shot” to her!). There are a lot of one-man boats out there line fishing (in open ocean)—for some reason I hadn’t seen them before. Seems dangerous, but they say not when the water is calm.
I put out the word that I will not ride in a taxi without a seat belt. They not only get the seat belt working, but rather elaborately wipe it off with a cloth and the seat, too, for good measure, and they circle me a lot, hoping that I succumb, I guess, and will need a ride. And I haven’t mentioned the weather, but succumbing would be entirely a natural thing. It is hot, and very. very wet. I think it’s worse than before—it’s fairly dry in the morning and by about 7:00 at night, there’s water on the tables, but it hasn’t rained. In picking up Old S yesterday, I heard a call and it was the Queen Mother herself in her very ordinary house, cooking a meal outdoors in front for her grandchildren, including beautiful twin girls, that she proudly introduced to me. A happy humble, very basic woman I think, with piles of wrapped kenke around, etc. She told me Mahara said her food “smells of Africa” and gave me some to smell. I asked her what her responsibilities were: she said anything the king asks. She said she also has land, and if anyone needs it, she will give, even to me. Barbara, she would make a good interviewee for you, I think. And at church Sunday, we “Amas” (all the people born on Saturday) won the offering! The custom is to dance up to the offering basket with your birth day mates, and you do this several times. It’s kind of a contest to see which birth day mate groups contribute the most. Hmmm…I threw in 10,000 (US $1 but quite a lot here). Do you suppose….?
Annie told me they tried to teach the children how to sit in circles and “share” when they had the Easter party, but instead of the 50 or so they had in mind, 600 children showed up! Forget circles!! Justine was there and said it was really fun, but a madhouse. Finally one of the young guys came and just put on some music, loud, and everyone danced and had a blast. They had chicken meals, which the adults broke apart with their bare hands to try to have enough. Justine said it was a “loaves and fishes” day. They are new to all of this and learning as they go.
Didn’t go to the site today. Just too much else going on. Tomorrow, Manye School, then James is coming to work on site and Board stuff, and A and I will continue to work on the financial recordkeeping.
And yes, the sunsets are gorgeous, the magic is here on this bluff over the ocean. Did I mention how much fun this is?
Goodnight. Next time…Maryanne
posted by Maryanne at 2:06 PM
Sunday, May 06, 2007
These are our kids that were at Manye the day I visited. Many were not there—it was the first day of the new term. Annie can’t WAIT to get them into the facility so she can make sure they go to school every day. I met each of these kids, matched their names to my little photo album, gave them a letter from my wonderful book group friends, and in general it was a great day. We were yelling “bozo”. One of the teachers practiced with us, and then took this shot.
posted by Maryanne at 10:38 AM
Hi all,
Below is yesterday’s—Esi, Annie, and Old Soldier just left. I went to church with Esi and Annie—to the Catholic church. Really nice service, and I appreciated that Father Paul summarized his sermon to me, during the service, in English. Great music. Esi spoke a few times during the service—she’s really a gifted speaker, I think. She also introduced me and mentioned WCHH which I appreciated. I spoke briefly with Father Paul and both extended the invitation James had asked me to extend for him to join the WCHH Board, and also asked him to contact Jerome with a specific project with objective, problem that would be solved, bill of materials, costs, etc. He laughed and said he would, and that he knew Americans always wanted all the details. Yes, we do!!! Then I brought the three of them back here for lunch and a good talk about many things, esp. politics, water in the community, etc. It was fun, a day of rest and relaxation which I was really feeling the need for, and informative, too. Such great people—we call ourselves “the four old soldiers.”
Here are my notes from yesterday. The power was down, the internet finally came up, but so weak a signal that I couldn’t get anything, so. Here you are:
First THE HIGHLIGHT DAY OF KUNDUM IS OFFICIALLY SEPT 15. WE WILL PROBABLY HAVE A DEDICATION FOR OUR FIRST BUILDING THE 12TH OR 13TH. We’ve having a WCHH Board meeting on Wed., and I will try to get the dedication date nailed down, but Kundum is for sure, per Bentil..
I’m typing this off-line and hoping it will paste. My internet bill has been mounting. Finally got the “office” computer updated—107 updates. The power failed 7 times and I think Leif is a total hero for getting the UPS battery gadget in place! It took 13.5 hours to just to do the updates! I am now the Update Queen of Axim. To celebrate, we are going to have a durbar, and we will incinerate every Windows 98 and earlier computer within 50 miles of Axim. We will put the ashes in a fancy Ghanaian coffin, go down to the beach, and head it to America. Kind of a spiritual home for the souls of obsolete computers and perhaps the most appropriate moral resting place for the hazardous waste therein. Watch for it!!
The day started with a call from John A at 5:40 am, asking about how it went with my journey to find “veronica buckets.” He was disappointed I hadn’t see the biggest one, but I think I get the idea. It’s a little bit challenging to wake up and appear engaged over veronica buckets at that time of the day! He’s very energetic and passionate, though, about his work. So who was I to complain?
Then came the perfect breakfast, which I have discovered: koko (sour maize porridge), fresh pineapple juice, and Milo with a touch of instant coffee.
About internet–today the ABH got wireless back. The 35? km radius is not yet in place, but Jonas and James talked today about a signal sharing deal, so…moving right along.
Today James and I went to WTI, met Hajara (first time for us to meet), and had a nice little ceremony with the three “scholarship girls” — Elizabeth, Gifty, and Matilda — that Diana is sponsoring. They all three want to do catering, but they may change their minds when they see the options. James discussed the practical aspects of catering with Hajara and the girls, per Diana’s comments that the restaurants need people with practical hands-on cooking experience and not just theoretical. We made it into a nice little ceremony with the certificates Diana had made, and the check for whatever $645 is in cedias at 9100. Diana, James had not passed on the earlier wire to Hajara, because he thought it would be nice for me to give it all at once. James giving a little speech of welcome and encouragement, and Hajara and the assist. head mistress weighing in as well. Hajara was wearing her “HIV/AIDS avoid unprotected sex” t-shirt. We also visited the computer lab, which inspired the above comments. 20 computers, Here are the models: IBM 433x/s and Dell 425s/NP. Anyway, also gave Hajara pens and your package Diana. She was extremely pleased with the whole thing, I thought. She gave me costs, etc. for the girls for a three-year stint, which I’ll share with you later, Diana.
After WTI, on to stop in at the government resident of Mr. Ellimah, the mayor. Wasn’t sure whether or not to thank him for the barracuda, so I kept quiet. James said we were just dropping in, but he did come out wearing his GCJ shirt, so…it must have been planned. He was very very cordial. We sat on his little covered area, overlooking the town and with ocean view. He said the British had built the place as the governor’s house, and chose a good vantage point. We discussed the Town hall results, and I think he was a little surprised, and maybe slightly amused, when I hauled out the thirteen pages of notes which I have been carrying around for days in case such a meeting should happen. ! I told him I was aware already of two achievements: the lights on the boat problem has been solved according to many reports (people are sort of reporting to me as I walk around town…) and believe it or not, the streets are being tarred! Of course, I’m sure it was in the works long before our visit, but I brought it up that it was one of the top priorities that came out of the meeting. And this is true: main street, the street by Bentil’s office and the other one leading from the castle are or are being tarred. The dust is really controlled a lot by this! It’s amazing. The only drawback, which I brought to his attention, is that the taxi drivers are even going faster, and people have to be even more vigilant. I suggested perhaps thinking about speed bumps. I thought that was about enough of suggestions from me. We discussed the WCHH building project, and he was very positive. Said the town is growing rapidly in that direction, and it’s a good addition to facilities. I asked him about that—growing rapidly??? He said yes, and I didn’t prob too much. I brought up my two main concerns: water and the road to the WCHH facility. But he assured me the pumping station at the turn-off is close enough that a pipe will do it, and indicated they would fill in the road with gravel until it was permanently fixed, because of the new residents going in up there. I hope he’s both right and sincere. He thanked us and, like the king, said he appreciated our practical modest approach. I told him that a friend (Barbara, your friend James B) had suggested cataloging the native plants, esp. herb types, as a possible labor-intensive cash crop. He told me who to contact. Meanwhile, after we left, who should knock our own car window but the very guy who handles the “Parks and Gardens” facility, so I think Mr. A had called him to flag us down.
Also, was flagged down by OLD SOLDIER! He was happy to see me and will come to see me at ABH after church tomorrow. I’m going Catholic tomorrow, with Esi, so I can connect with Father Paul to both invite him to be active on the WCHH Board, and also with Jerome’s request to put together a specific need and accompanying budget.
Back to Mr. A because I also brought up the water situation in the town and our desire to extend water availability. He said the good news is that the World Bank is going to do a major water development project to encompass the town (Ravyn, do you hear the drums pounding?). But, he also said that perhaps we could get some help in some very poor Muslim neighborhoods, or mixed Christian/Muslim that are pretty far from town center, and won’t get water for a while, even though World Bank is funding it. They have to start with existing pipes and build out. Anyway, he said on Monday he would get someone to contact me and give me details. I told him that might be something we go work on through Ravyn etc. Conversation ended with Mr. E saying he’d come to the ABH with more info on this. A good meeting, I thought. He said he had the Town Hall notes, and seemed pretty familiar with the contents, considering his position, etc. I told him I’d heard him speak briefly at the durbar in Nkroful, which seemed to be something positive for him.
Anyway, then to pick up a bunch of chicken and rice lunches for the workers and then to the building site. The far part is completely done now as to walls, windows, etc. The masons and plasterer were working today. The walls on the Manye side are just about at full height–I’d say two more rows will do it. James seemed pleased, but he is pushing, which I’m glad to see. He said he will come on Tuesday to make his presence felt.
Then we went out to Lou Moon for lunch, which was about half as good as lunch at the ABH—I wasn’t very impressed. It’s a nice resort, with a really nice beach, but I like the ABH better, in terms of view. It’s run by a Belgian guy who has designed it himself.
Wanted to say I met Henry and Veronica Tetteh. I think he is a pastor who does literacy work. They knew Mahara, and he mentioned her “strength”, and by the way he flexed his muscles, I don’t think he was referring to spiritual strength! “My God,” he said, “she walked miles! “
I forgot to say earlier that Esi is on the Board of Advisors for Manye Academy, so that is good for our kids.
My goal in the next couple of days is really to prepare for the Board mtg. I have a lot of concerns about going forward, plans, responsibilities, etc.
So, dear readers, another chapter. Oh, BTW, Patrick has formally discussed with Esi, Annie, and Anastasia that in his opinion the “Christian” should be dropped from WCHH! They are in complete agreement, Esi esp. because the headmaster of Manye is Muslim and expressed his concern, she said. They approached me, but I told them they’d have to petition the Board and make their wishes known to all of us. I’m personally entirely positive and Rich and I campaigned for this at the get-go, but….the wheels turn…. And speaking of Patrick: I’ve heard lot about death and funerals, which I’ll share when I get back. Most of our folks seem to have had multiple funerals since we left. I made the unilateral decision to “help” Patrick with some extra food and water, etc. which he seems to really appreciate, because in my judgment, the funeral thing is just too complex for us to get involved in. It’s just basically a family thing and I kind of feel it’s better if we don’t get directly involved in it because it’s really complicated and we inevitably would not be fair to all, or get it quite right. Hope that’s OK with all of you,.
Goodnight for now! Maryanne
posted by Maryanne at 10:23 AM
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Hi all,
Didn’t get to this last night, so I’ll try to summarize. Yesterday I did meet with Awulae (aka the king) for a while. Annie, Esi and I delivered the fabric to Mary his wife, and he invited us in and talked for quite a while. He thanked GCJ for our efforts, and also said a lot of people come talk,talk, talk, but we do and it’s “wonderful.” He was very positive about Mr Biney coming on board as our contractor, and let me know he had something to do with that decision. So, a good man, who is trying to do a good job. He said he was going up to the site at 5:00 after work to have a look. I shared my big concerns: water and road condition. He said there is a pumping station right at the junction, but it will need a pump. We went searching for standpipes today and found a couple, but we want our own so we don’t have to pay someone else. He didn’t address the road condition, and since we’ll be meeting again with Board, I didn’t press. He did acknowledge, though.
Pretty much all the rest of day was spent on James’ computer, which after about 7 hours, and help from Leif over the phone, etc. I got completely updated, etc. What a stretch…Thank goodness we really have quite good ethernet connection here.
John and his friend dropped in (John from Nursing Inst). It was great to see him. He told me about “Veronica buckets” (more below). All is going well for him. I showed him and his friend some photos etc. from my “Ghana Best” folder.
This morning Esi, Annie, Anastasia and I went to Manye School. We met about 17 of the kids. It was really fun. They just started the new term yesterday, so all was kind of relaxed. Quite a few of the teachers came out, too. I rallied “our” kids because I had a small photo book with their pictures and names, and I called out the name and the child came up and I greeted him/her, etc. So shy, but enthusiastic, too. I’ve got to post a photo tomorrow. I don’t have the photos downloaded–just ran out of time. Maybe tomorrow night. I gave them the “letters” from the book group, which they LOVED! In fact, it was a bit of a problem, because at that very moment, a bunch of “other” kids came running up, swearing they too wanted letters. One boy even came up and whispered to me he too was an orphan. But when I said, are you really? he smiled sheepishly and said “no”. So, I got all of the “others” and their teachers together and took a whole bunch of photos and showed them, etc. until they kind of forgot about the letters. Then, two teachers and and four of us all of us tramped on the path up to the “home”. We now are building a “home”, not an orphanage. This is because of Ghana’s official registration, which requires all children in an orphanage to be TRUE orphans—both parents died. And WCHH has a more encompassing mission, so, it’s better. There are only five real registered orphanages in Ghana, but many officially designated “homes.” As Susan P taught us: SHIFT! 🙂
I need to clear up something—Manye Academy JSS is actually not becoming a goverment school—Esi called me to correct herself. The government is taking its teachers out of Manye JSS and it is actually becoming completely private.
Then, we went chased around trying to find the “veronica buckets” John had urged me to go see. These are handwashing stations, and he thinks we should have these at the home and also Manye school. We finally found some after walking approximately 250 miles to the district offices, etc. etc. and finally—at the hospital. I took some photos. They are really simple affairs, very much like a “cooler” we might have to carry water or punch or something to a picnic. But they are using them here for hand sanitation. I’ll try to post some photos.
Anastasia and I went back to the hotel and worked together on the HP recovery process for 5-6 hours. Whew. We got it done, though. Leif, could you hear us cheering ourselves?? We will need to go on internet to get the virus checker done, software registered, etc., but what a stretch. She drove and I watched–she is very good. I think James, et al have made a great choice in her. Well-trained, very very enthusiastic, skilled, good language skills, and has worked in some offices before. She’s about 25 or so.
Tonight I celebrated getting these computers in working order with an avocado salad and 1/4 of a glass of Jonas’ “NEW” water—he dug a well 150 feet deep and claims it’s the purest safest water in Ghana. So, I tried it. It tasted really good—we’ll see. If I’m unavailable for a few days…. Also, the salad was a bit risky, but…you can’t eat palaver every night. Also, there was a minister there with his wife, and had heard about our place being possibly for conferences, and asked me if possibly he could bring some kind of group there for a conference! I nearly hugged him—he can pay for that, and we can get revenue. I gave him my card and James’ info.
Tomorrow Anastasia and I will load Quicken, and start working on that. We went through the whole petty cash thing conceptually today. She has worked with an accountant some, as a secretary, so I think she gets it. I think I’ll wait to hook to internet to update, register, etc. the newly loaded computer until Frank comes with all the disks, etc.
Other news: Looks like Mercer Island Rotary is still in the game for the polytank and stand. The king says Michael will make the money “stretch” better than anyone else could. You can eat the insides of a nice little yellow ball right off bushes and it’s delicious. You can lay a cassava branch on the ground and when it rains it will grow and that’s how you get new cassava plants. Avocado trees are 30 feet high here. You can eat the leaves of cassava as well as the root. Fertilized cassava does not make good fufu. You can retired with a pension here at age 60, per John’s friend who is in charge of pensions in Nzema East. Dr. Boakye wants a cold room for his bodies—50,000,000 cedis. It seems they’re stacking up some. Also two air conditioning units at 15,000,000 each–URGENT. He thanked me fulsomely for our mattresses and waved to the wards as to where they were, but I was after veronica buckets and didn’t stop to look.
Hope all of you are well. Goodnight for now. Maryanne
posted by Maryanne at 1:58 PM
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Hi all,
First to continue with yesterday….I had to stop because I was simultaneously working on James’ computer and Leif and I got into a long “help” session, so I broke off.
To follow up on the costs of school—it gets murkier. The 40,000 per test is actually per subject, so if you have 4 subjects, it’s 160,000 — and if you don’t pass, you have to take it again and pay again, if you want a certificate. Maybe this does make sense in a poor country. They are striving for provide every kid through Junior High School (note name change), and so the child is educated and can read and write. They may not have the certificate, but they do have the skills, so….
Also, about meeting with Anna and Esi yesterday. I told them Leif’s news on his marriage, and they got up and danced a little dance for him and Sue and said “IT HAPPENED IN GHANA!” Then I told them about Barbara’s ordination, and they got up and sang the “presence” song Barbara taught out—a very beautiful song, Barbara—call me one of these days and sing it to me.
Anastasia is the new office person. She is SS, and secretarial training. She has taught computers. Seems very on top of it. Involved with kids, very interested. She lives in Takoradi, but is here and is learning Nzema, but knows Fante. She seems very on top of things, but I only spoke briefly.
I also wanted to say the newest computer lab/internet cafe plan is to have a learning lab at the Home and cafe downtown where it’s very accessible, and they’ve identified a building for that. So, that will generate more income. Jonas here at ABH is again discussing his 35 kilometer radius internet access system he is planning, and why don’t we share? I need to connect him and James more formally on that. But, it does seem to make sense to have a cafe downtown, because the Home is a bit far out, but OK for classes, etc. Both are envisioned to be self-sustaining. Details? Well, they’ll come to us, I guess, as God provides.
Also, there is a lot of energy here. The Ghana@50 celebration is ongoing, and there is a lot of patriotic pride. Lots of Ghana cloth like Jeanie’s @50 dress. And the staff here, for example, all have very sharp red-gold-green-black outfits (like the flag). The VP said at his speech in Nkroful that Ghana would be a middle-income country by 2015—we’ll see, but people really whooped and hollered at that. Also, they are quite positive about President Bush. He has done a lot for Ghana, they say, with the Millennium Grant, and they are proud and tell you often that it’s because they have “good government.” I remain silent, because it’s not my job to represent the USA in Ghana—that’s what we have an Embassy for.
The solar hot water system here is terrific—it’s too hot actually, in the shower. I had to mix with cold! Really terrific. I think Jonas is looking into lights, too. He and I had a talk last night about computers (price is dropping very rapidly for good used computers–Pentium 4’s at least). They are “cheap”, now he said, and he nevr buys anything in Europe anymore except for a few specialty items. He has spruced up his computer systems here a lot—nice new looking refurbished on in office, with a staff person who uses it a lot. He also said he’d meet with me again on solar power—electric lights type. He has a lot of info and wants to install, I think, here at ABH.
Bentil’s two adopted boys passed JSS—now for SS.
OK, now for today…I walked to the orphanage from ABH. Patrick walked with me. It took an hour (twice as long as the mighty Mahara reported, but we had to stop and talk a lot. I spent about 45 minutes on the site today. They were working hard. When I showed up, one guy said “work hard!!” So I took his picture! I was heartened a lot by the progress. They have two more rows (two cement block layers, one might say) to complete on the top story walls and then comes the roof. The floors, walls, etc. are looking really good. Mr. Biney was not there—he was buying materials they said. He is trying to get the concrete companies to give us wholesale prices, since the price of cement is just outrageously inflating by the day. I’ll put up photos if possible. They really seemed pretty energized, and I don’t think it was just because of me. One poor woman is lugging water in her headpan the last part of the road. She gets it from the storage tank about one-third the way down. What a job. Big smile every time though—how is it possible? But I must say I had this feeling that we might really do this…breathe deeply, Maryanne. Stay cool and calm!
I did investigate the water pump right at the bottom of the little rough road up to the site, right on the main road, so to speak, at the turnoff. That can provide us water I think—a little vague in terms of the Fire Dept etc. etc., but step at a time. Also, there’s an Areeba tower right there, and a TIGO one a bit off. I’m pressing James to please follow up with Kassapa on their tower—I hope the Areeba one is not too close. It seems like a great “high point” for a communication tower. They don’t have one yet, I have determined from my many sources….:)
I also lugged the office computer to the hotel (I didn’t…Patrick and taxi driver did..) and I have Leif’s recovery disks, so I’ll see what I can do. I simply can’t work at the office—people are just streaming in. After that Patrick and I got a case of water. Then he and I had a good chicken/rice dinner here at the hotel—we were both totally exhausted and starved. I gave him a couple of waters. Oh, Diana, we stopped at Philomena’s place—Patrick’s girlfriend — Philomena Ute(?) Quam is her full name. And when P left ABH hotel he had all your fabric, patterns, placemat, etc. with him. He seemed really pleased.
The woman who talked to the “two white women” told me it was a man and a woman, young like her and Patrick (Patrick didn’t talk to them). I asked her if she thought they were Americans and she said she thought they were from London. She said they said nothing, asked the directions to the home, and that the man’s name was “David.” Hmmm.
Tomorrow we’re meeting with Mr. Eyesson, the director of social welfare—we being Anna, Esi, James and me. Earlier before that, James, the King, and Patrick are going to meet and go over finances. We are going to meet with Mr. E so he can describe for me with them listening, exactly the difference between a “home” and an “orphanage.” It seems there is a registration process, and they have registered as a “home.” More on that later. Esi is sort of acting as chief linguist for me, which I appreciate. Smooths the way. She has been asked to serve on the Board of Manye Academy since the kid are there. That’s really great, I think. I’m also going to try to find out what the actual estimate is for how many kids are not in school that should be in school, and what is involved. And, I went over the Town Hall notes just now and marked all the items that seems “social welfare-ish”, and I’ll try to bring them up.
I’m going to play it safe and post this before I try some photos, just in case the whole thing comes crashing down.
Oh, BTW, Ravyn, the wind-up flashlight is just a Major Major hit! Do they come in headlamps, is the question? Justine thinks she can sell that at the mine in Tarkwa where she supplies overalls, if headlamp style. Also, they want embroidered monogram type company name on uniform and there is only one such machine in all Sekondi-Takoradi. She had to wait one month to get her patches monogrammed for the mining company—so if you happen to see a good used monogram machine (the kind that embroiders the name on a patch and then you sew the patch on the uniform) tell Nate and get one over here, pronto! She figures there’s an opportunity there.
🙂
posted by Maryanne at 8:32 AM
Thursday, August 09, 2007
TOWN FORUM HELD AUGUST 7, 2007 in Axim
Congratulations to the Global Citizen Journey Ghanaian delegate alums (shown in planning meeting in photo) who on August 7, 2007 successfully hosted a followup Town Forum! By all accounts the meeting was a step forward for the folks of Axim. The District Chief Executive gave the opening remarks. Attendees from various sectors in the commnity attended, including representatives from the Christian Council, Fishmongers, Fishermen, Traditional Council, Market Women, Assembly Members, N.E.D.A., Farmers, Urban Council, Opinion Leaders, Secondary School Leaders, G.N.A.T., Health, and G.P.R.T.U.
According to one of the conveners, community participants openly shared their views, opinions, and concerns. Topics included the condition of the roads, sanitation and water, education, the condition of the Axim Landing Beach, and the use and sustainability of the new orphanage/community learning center.
Thanks to the first Town Hall meeting, held back in November, 2006, hosted by North American and Ghanaian Global Citizen Journey delegates, the local people were familiar with the process this time around, and according to particpants, the meeting went smoothly and was very helpful. Plans are afoot for another meeting next year as followup.
posted by Maryanne at 3:10 PM
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
WE RAISED THE ROOF!!!
The GCJ Ghana North American alums made a MIGHTY effort to RAISE THE ROOF on the orphanage!! We raised more than $3000, enough to buy the needed 256 aluminum roofing tiles, and nails to DRIVE THEM HOME!! Thanks to all who donated items, bought items, hauled stuff, lifted stuff, and gave us so much encouragement. We appreciate it.
If you missed it, you can still use your shoulder to hoist the water polytank into place, or get some ceiling panels in the kids’ section. Or you can help pay our faithful carpenter his due! Maybe nails are your thing. GO FOR IT with a donation to Global Citizen Journey, via the web site at http://www.globalcitizenjourney.org/ or mail to Global Citizen Journey, 4425 Baker Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107. (Make sure you indicate “GHANA PROJECT”)
Our “Western Heritage Scholars” thank you!!! (These are the kids who will be moving in soon)
posted by Maryanne at 7:24 PM
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
May 28
Hi all. I’m back in the US, but the work goes on. Most of the building materials for the roof have been purchased. Because of the delay in work due to our Boeing grant check being impounded by customs, we will need more money to finish. During that time, cement escalated in price by about 25%, due to power outages.
On my last day, James and I visited Produce Buying, American Embassy, Ministry for Women and Children, Ghana Commercial Bank, and West Africa Trade Hub office. We also contacted Ghana Bauxite, but the person we needed to see could not receive us. All of these contacts were positive, and the companies indicated interest in helping us with funds. They have requested formal requests from James as Chair of the WHH Board.
The aim is to have kids living in the facility by Sept when the new school term starts. If you’d like to help furnish and equipment the facility (bunk beds, gas cookers, industrial strength oven, etc.), please visit the www.globalcitizenjourney.org website to make a donation. We need help of any kind. The items can easily be purchased there. They are making a mighty local effort to find or buy items, but it’s difficult for them when it comes to these large items.
We have 19 kids enrolled in Manye Academy and have received their first school reports. Some are doing quite well, but most are very much behind due to irregular or no school attendance until now. They are receiving tutoring. We will be looking for adult volunteers, either locally or “visiting” to help give them a boost between terms, after school, etc. We have one child enrolled in Morning Star Academy, because she is doing extremely well there, likes the school, and so far wants to stay there.
I have the life stories of the kids now—I’ll add details in an upcoming blog. Suffice it to say that Annie and Esi have done a good job (difficult) of selecting the truly needy kids.
Other news: a fellow who designed the computer lab for another learning center in Central Region is putting together a plan for our Learning Lab. We already have requests from local establishments to provide training for their staffs. Also, when I left Axim, the satellite internet connection was working quite well, thanks to hours of work on the part of two technicans who came all the way from Kumasi to work on it. We will probably be able to share the signal coming to Axim Beach Hotel.
We have a “good enough” accounting system in place, now, using Quicken software. Almost all receipts have come in, and we are very close to matching inflows/outflows. This has been a big accomplishment for Anastasia, our Admin. Assist., and for the whole Board, actually. It’s not easy to do in what is, essentially, a cash economy. Patrick, our logistics guy, has done a terrific job of keeping records. He is also a district assemblyman, and deserves this position because he is a leader and conscientious man.
On my last day in Axim, I attended the Anglican Church with Old Soldier. It was a funeral Sunday (most are), and almost all were dressed in white and black. The women’s dresses were really stunningly beautiful, I thought. The Ghanaians are experts at designing beautiful fabrics, and making simple but exceedingly beautiful dresses. Their cultural pride is evident at these gatherings. There was a visiting choir—and the entire congregation sings well, too, in parts, etc. Beautiful. Now I’m dreaming of a choir festival in our new facility in Axim—hmmm. Sometimes dreams happen.
More later…Maryanne
posted by Maryanne at 4:19 AM
WHH Orphanage/Community Learning Center Construction with King of Lower Axim Inspecting
posted by Maryanne at 4:12 AM
posted by Maryanne at 4:05 AM
May 19
Today was another good day. Yesterday I was exhausted and just kind of hid out at Axim Beach. Typed up a report for James, and also a report about care of children from the public health folks, etc. I am particularly proud of the bookkeeping system we’ve set up; Patrick and all have really done a wonderful job of keeping receipts on all purchases, and Anastasia has caught on quickly to Quicken software. We’re doing it all in “new” cedis, because the currency will be converted in about two months. Today we went over all the Quicken data, and made fixes. Then Justine came about 6:30 which was fun. She stayed with me overnight.
We walked down to the Palace and at 8:57 am arrived, to find Constance and four others WAITING for me! The meeting was supposed to be at 9:00 sharp, and so it was. But the king came in and ordered the room swept, so that had to be done first. About 20 some were there—I have names and occupations for each, and good info. I realized that I was expected to train them in something. Gulp. I thought what would Susan P do, being the resourceful type. So I put them all in a circle, got a stone, and asked them to each introduce themselves, and speak about what was going well. This worked great—they each got up and recounted what they’d learned before and how were applying, if they’d been there before. Time management, quality, keeping records, selling something completely different, selling to a school, low profit margins to increase turnover, etc. So, this was great. I have more detail—thank goodness for Justine and Anastasia who spoke Nzema, and more or less took over. It was terrific—really. They are EAGER for Diana and Gifty to return, are interested in learning more, getting entrreprenship, more capital, etc. very good. A great nucleas. Then, I found out later some Upper Axim women were upset they weren’t invited—but I didn’t do the inviting—Constance did. I assured them they would be invited next time. A great day.
Then the king invited Justine and me for lunch, so we had lunch there—-fufu, smoked fish, light soup.Very good. I’m getting good at using the right hand to eat (with the hand, not fork, etc.). We had red wine!! But the family ate in another room, so Justine and I just sat together and chatted and ate. Then a wild ride with him to the site, where we went over everything. Looking very good. I got quite a lot of info about chief things, land issues, etc., too from him. Mary is such a nice person. He is giving them two weeks to finish. Well¦maybe…
.
Then to the Beach Hotel for meeting with Esi, Bentil, Justine, Anastasia. One name came up: Axim Asomdwee Heritage Home (asomdwee is “peace” in Nzema) We voted unanimously, but have to consult James and Awulae. (Note: in the end the Board decided finally on “Western Heritage Home”). They also decided to try to raise the furnishings themselves—I think, Ravyn, they’ll probably not make it on the gas stoves, oven, bunk beds, etc., but they marked an “L” next to everything that can be donated locally in their judgement. This is terrific, and something VERY new for them. They are going to write letters to everyone imaginable asking for support, and take people to visit the site. Bentil will take the guys tarring the streets, and get them to grade the road. Things are moving. The interesting thing is that they said this has never been done in this town before (asking for donations, etc.) They are brave to step out like this.
Then the colors came up: cream and chocolate are OK, but they want COLOR! This is Ghana, after all!! So, big discussion about blue and green with cream and chocolate, no, yellow, no., I just enjoyed it. Who knows what it will eventually be! They want to make “the cloth”, too. I assured them we’d buy 15 shirts at 120,000 each ($13.00).
Then, back to my room to dismantle the computer to return to the little WHH office in Bentil’s building. Anastasia took charge. Each person got into Thani’s cab, and held part of the computer on his/her lap. Carefully. They all went down to the office together to put it back together. She was just beaming. Leif, you would have loved it.
Then, I just sort of collapsed down at the beach area on a lounge chair. What a day! James is coming tomorrow for a funeral. I’ll go to Anglican Church with Old Soldier, and then to Sekondi. I have tentative appts with Coca-cola, Ghana Bauxite, US Embassy and Produce Buying.
So, since I may not get to an internet connection again until I get home, I’ll sign off from Axim. I’ll catch a flight 9:00 at night on Wed. See you all SOON!! Good luck to the BHam folks at church tomorrow—I wish I were going to be there. It will be great.
So, good night. Love you, Maryanne
posted by Maryanne at 3:59 AM
May 16
To review: Jerome, Dina and Frank have done the basic registration, will do the forms in June, and the student will go to school in Sept when the term starts. Dina has the money. All is OK on that front. Please let Jackie know.’
We are meeting tomorrow to figure out the next strategy for the building. Things are going well, although yesterday the masons didn’t show up which annoyed everyone. Today the paint color was decided: cream and chocolate. Basically, the guys deferred to Anastasia who had strong opinions. They want it to be spectacular, and so it will be.Basically did receipts and training in reports, etc. today.
We have the final, final bank statement, checkbook, and the last receipts, so tomorrow we’ll polish it off. Going well.Kids are in school and attending regularly. Got the invoice for 2nd term today, (esi did) but there was an error in it, so back it goes.
BARBARA: women’s meeting won’t be until Friday, per Constance. We went to her stand today. Bentil is looking for a place to meet, which seems hard to come by.
Anastasia can’t wait to “market” the new building as a meeting place. She is dynamite. 🙂 The young guys around Axim are definitely aware of her…interesting. I’ll report on that at some other point. She has the bank manager around her little finger because she has mastered the new currency—she did the entire Quicken file in the “new” currency, so it will all be consistent. He was so impressed, he gave her a special poster that is supposed to go only to “big” outfits, such as the Social Security and Insurance Administration.
Lots of discussion about the building: should they put the roof up? or finish the floors first? Everyone has an opinion, but the contractor, who presumeably knows what is best, will do what he will do. It sprinkled a bit today which kind of set everybody off on the roof business.James is coming tomorrow; Justine on Friday to be with the women’s group. Anastasia will go to the women’s group, too, to help us, take photos, notes, and generally be helpful. She’s very excited about it. She will be a good network person for Gifty to get to know.
posted by Maryanne at 3:58 AM
Annie and neighbor girl making “real” African fufu for our dinner (served in a ball in groundnut soup, with smoked fish)
May 15
Diana for you: I have good photos of Hajara, girls, etc which I’ll forward to you when I get home. I have also read all your “idea” emails. The people here have a pretty full plate right now—and I don’t think I should introduce something new right at this time. The girls and Hajara herself really appreciate your scholarships—a chance for them to learn a vocational skill.
Leif: I talked to Ghana Telecom again today. I have more info, but I think I’ll wait until I get back to discuss thoroughly with you. I’m not quite finished with my fact gathering. Went to a lot of places today, and have a few more interviews on that subject ahead of me. Also, I laid the CPU on its side today and it took the CD immediately, so…just to make sure the vent on the top side is not covered. When I got back to the room, A had covered it with a booklet, so tomorrow I’ll go through that with my more “stern Mom” approach.
Barbara: I went to the “special gardens” today, and learned through a guy who just happened to be there and was willing to interpret that the plants are from various places in the world, not from “our” forests/jungles here. So that will be a more complex project. Please just give this much to BHam James who was interested in my findings on that. He is interested in what local wild herbs/plants etc might be cultivated and used. Note that Essie stepped on a nail, made a poultice of a leaf and ginger, put it on a hot stone, and in two days, it was fine. Hmmmm.
Also, please tell BHam James that according to the contractor (M Biney) the site is perfect for solar application. He actually went to Accra to talk to somebody about it. So…
Susan P: I got them to fill out surveys—they’re input seems a bit sketchy, but I’ll forward them to you.
Went to the site today. The roofing materials have almost all been delivered. The last row of concrete is being added to the “near” side. Probably as soon as tomorrow they will begin the roofing. Today they were treated the wood with preservative. Many of the doors have been hung and swing easily and also lock. They are starting to think about the color of paint–they want it to be “spectacular”, per Patrick! I can’t wait to see what they choose. When I thanked Patrick for his incredible vigilance and work, he got quite emotional. He really loves this project.
Today Anastasia finished entering all data, deposits and receipts, from inception until the last we have. She’s doing a terrific job. I noticed some anomalies which I’ll work through with her tomorrow. Then on to how to make reports, how to backup, and how to download and file photos.
I had a great and “real” African dinner made by Annie and Esi last night—they said at the meeting (as they call it) we had Ghanaian ingredients, but not made and served exactly like they like (which is why the Ghana GCJ meeting notes included Gifty’s comments about our not eating “good Ghanaian food”. They were outside, pounding the fufu (very very good—cassava and plaintain mixed) with fish and sauce and rice in case I didn’t like fufu. It was fun. They love being “real Africans”, and said “doesn’t it smell like Africa?”
With luck Constance will gather her women tomorrow. She’s working on it. I hope it comes off—even if only a couple. I let her know I’d like to talk just to her, if others can’t join.
Hot again today…more typical. The cool spell is definitely passed us.
Enough before I get cut off. Love you whoever you are reading this…Maryanne
posted by Maryanne at 3:55 AM
May 13
Hi all. I’m going to paste below my notes of Friday and Sat.because I could not send them out earlier.Today internet seems to be working. Jonas is back and apologized to me for all my troubles, and said a guy is coming tomorrow. We’ll see.Rich, I’m sending this to you, too, to forward if the other one doesn’t work. Anastasia sent me a text message for mother’s day—nice of her. I was sitting next to her working at our data, and my phone beeped and here was a nice message from her. She’s a sweetheart.
Today I attended the Methodist church with Bentil and Anastasia. The music was terrific, the sermon preached by a lay woman in the absence of Pastor B. All in all a wonderful day. I was asked to “bring greetings”, but I used most of my time to discuss the goals/etc. of WCHH, etc. Decided to greet briefly, and use my remarks time to do a little PR work. After church, who should zoom up his motorcycle but John Abugri. Now that the streets are tarred, I see more bikes and motor cycles—not loud ones, but small quiet ones.
Annie, Esi and Anastasia came up to ABH with me, and we worked all afternoon on getting the details recorded on each WHH Scholar—family situation, why they need a home, current situation, etc. They just left, and I’m going to relax a little. Many extremely sad stories—they have done a good job of selecting truly needy kids, I think.
Here’s Friday and yesterday’s:
I just spent half an hour getting into the Netmail service, composing, only to have it all disappear somewhere when I tried to send. I
I really enjoyed Chamsou and Lo. They are really good, gracious, gentle, caring people. She joined in our meetings, although she knows little English. Really great folks. Of course, I invited them to connect with us when/if they/he is in Seattle area.
Well, that’s off my chest. Now on to the good news. Yesterday was a good day—we started off with Chamsou (Boeing rep) and I and Lo, his wife, going to the building site at about 8:30. We spent about half an hour looking at everything, taking photos, etc. He was positively impressed, had a lot of questions. The workers are making really good progress—working hard and skillfully. Mostly it’s the masons and plasterer now, but Michael says on Monday they’ll start the roof. He is anxious because of the long delay and the rains are coming. Michael has the solar all worked out—says using the roof is just major unnecessary expense. If we install, we will put on a stand, like the Hot Water systems here at ABH. Plenty of proper exposure, he says.
Then back to ABH for the WHH Board meeting. Good meeting. Discussed name change but took no action yet, decided to go for water pipe AND bore hole, agreed that a Polytank is an absolute necessity, discussed a less expensive fence, etc. Then we joined Chamsou and went over to the Dist Chief Exec office to meet with Mr. E., all but one of the elected assembly members, some other officials. Patrick is an assembly man so he was there, too, kind of for both them and us. James went over the whole plan, blueprints, status, etc. They were very receptive, very positive. Felicia (from our gender dialog) is an assembly woman and also works at Manye Academy, and was a very positive advocate. She said the Assembly members should finish off the playfield behind Manye, and asked for support for that. They were all very enthusiastic about the whole project, I thought. Very very positive. It was really a great feeling. They, too, gently suggested taking the “Christian” out of the name, because they want it to belong to the whole community. James is following the proper route and will bring it to a vote at next Board mtg.
Finally, the DCE looked at everyone, and said “This is our baby. We need to support it. We will provide the water pipe and fix the road”! Well, people clapped! He didn’t mention “when”, but this is good news, nevertheless. Also, Annie told me today he’d promised both a pipe and borehole, so, if that happens, we’ll be in good shape. When we left, our WHH people were ecstatic. The Dist Chief Exec said he’d come to see me at the hotel. Later that evening, one of the staff came to get me and two of the DCE’s assistants were here saying he regretted he could not meet me that evening (which I hadn’t quite caught on was the plan, but I would have been happy to host him). I thanked him for the barracuda, after the meeting, and he laughed! James said he thought he’d had to go to the Regional Minister to get it approved. Not sure if that is true. He also said that at least one of the Assembly members should serve on the WHH board. I’m hoping maybe Felicia will, but James will know which one to choose. I think Father Paul will also come on board.
Ravyn, it was at the Board meeting described above, which was in full swing when you called, and we’d all just promised not to answer our cell phones. I really was so sorry, but I really couldn’t talk then. Maybe it was just as well, since I have included a lot more info since I talked to you.
Then, on to the ABH where we WHH people met for another 3 hour w/Chamsou. Michael Biney, the contractor, also joined us. Chamsou had a lot of questions which the WHH people answered very forthrightly. In the end, he said he thought it was a very good project, he was very impressed by the quality of the facility, and like them, he has concerns about its distance from town but he feels they addressed it, and he really liked the relationship in distance from and also the nature of Manye Acad. He said he’d like to help us more, and gave us (me esp.) info about applying for a grant for 2007! He said he preferred to work with our US organization because we’d gone through the Boeing process for being a trustworthy, reliable organization, properly registered, etc.(rather then WHH directly—so they very formally requested me to represent them and follow up, etc) So, he and I talked more later. Since the grant money was available only two days before I’d left for Ghana (having cleared three banks), it’s a little hard to say exactly how we used what we have, but we of GCJ need to report on the Boeing website by June 6 as to progress, and then write a new grant request. He stressed having a plan, knowing your outcomes, etc. He was positively impressed by the Board, I think, as to the quality and focus. Well, they were very happy about the whole business. He mentioned working together on infrastructure over 3-4 years!
After all that, I tried to send out email or blog or something, but no…the African Internet God was not with me/has utterly abandoned me, I guess.
So, then comes this mammoth thunderstorm—lightening, thunder, pounding rain, high waves, etc. When it subsided, I ventured to the restaurant and joined Chamsou and Lo for a light supper and of course, the storm resumed, leaving us in the dark. Thanks for headlamp, Rich—worked great—we dined by headlamp light, and the staff all wanted to know how it worked, how much it cost, etc. It was amazing how that little light lit up the whole area, really. This went on most of the night, back and forth. And today was actually “cool”–as in Washington State type temperatures, but much more humid. But a relief. And just to make sure, Florence left two sheets for me tonight in case I get cold–not much chance of that!
Today another surprise. I happened to notice the calendar in the office had “April” up and a photo of the Skagit Valley! I said to the receptionist that it was a photo of my own home valley. She was amazed, and then said that on May 7 another guest, a guy, had mentioned that it was HIS home valley and he was amazed that they had it! Of course, she is new and didn’t know us from before. Of course, since this was Ghana, they told me name, description, parts of his conversations, etc. He is Michael O. from Anacortes. I have heard of Michael—he does development work—but have not met him. Unfortunately, we did not connect, even though I’m in room 13 and he was in room 14! I noticed two young-ish, nice looking guys around, but… I’ll call him when I get back. The staff is appropriately somewhat flabbergasted by this event, with two of us from the same spot. They see very few Americans, after all, as compared to Europeans and Africans, and from the same place?!
Then, Frank showed up. Yesterday he had worked on the office computer and got all the activations done from the Trial Software to the real stuff, a few more updates, and loaded Encarta. The half hour internet part of the task took five hours and cost me 150,000 cedis. He also sent you all an email, I believe. This is “reality” at this time; I’m not sure why. Last week everything was working quite well with the Ethernet. They blame it on the weather, but…. Today he came a bit early and helped me get ready for the GCJ Ghana alum group. We had a little time and he pumped me with “computer†questions—Leif had told him, he said, to learn all he could from me. Well, I tried to share whatever knowledge I might have. Tonight I just refused to pay for half the time Sammy seemed a little crestfallen, but I told him if you go to a restaurant and don’t get anything to eat, it’s not fair to make the person pay. He agreed.
Leif, you are doing a wonderful job coaching Frank. He is so motivated, so grateful, and, compared to when I was with him last fall, so MUCH more knowledgeable—it’s just so great to see. He will keep the administrator password and told me he has no money to donate to WHH, but he will donate his abilities and time to help Anastasia as she needs it. That is just so great.
Frank and Patrick were on time; Gifty came about 1.5 hours late. Annie and Esi were 2.5 hours late. But, nevertheless, Dina, Gifty, JC, Patrick, Bentil, Annie, Esi, Frank and I were there. James and Justine were doing a motivational talk at a SS. JJ is 7th day Aventist and Sat is not good for him. Mustapha is the new Deputy Head master at a private SS in the middle of the country and couldn’t come. Steve was at his Mother’s funeral. Highlight was the 45 minute discussion going through items in the Town Hall notes. Finally, I suggested very gingerly, that perhaps they might consider….holding a public Town hall Followup meeting. They were a bit skeptical, but I could tell they wanted to do it. I suggested that if they would find it helpful, perhaps Barbara could assist them since she’s been trained in Appreciative Inquiry, and would be here in Sept. That seemed to galvanize them—they were determined to go ahead on their own, without our help. They didn’t feel they need training. They have also experienced AI with a USAID program and know how to do it. They decided right then and there to do it themselves (nothing to do with you, BJG just more or less got them focused on what they wanted to do—this is rheir baby). And they decided to do it BEFORE we come, on the third Tues. in July. Then the ideas just came flowing out—finally Gifty insisted on a talking object to keep the discussion reasonable! They really got their collective juices going. They more or less planned the whole thing right then and there, right down to who would do what and when, including where to find cardboard for writing on. I said I still have some magic markers in my suitcase, and will leave all of them. Frank took a copy of the Town Hall Notes on his thumb drive, and Bentil offered the paper to print copies for each GCJ person, plus Constance and a couple of other women they will ask to help. They agreed to invite all who had been there before and aim for 100 people, and hold it in the new WHH building if it’s ready. I was spellbound. I suggested that we North Americans might help a little bit with expenses if they think it would be helpful. They said they’d let me know! This may or may not end up being the most perfect AI session, but it will be a perfect Town Hall Meeting!!
Then another big surprise. At the beginning of the meeting, JC rather formally introduced me and welcomed me. Then, according to the agenda, I had to make a speech. So, I briefly summarized some happenings, including the new journeys being planned for Burundi and Nigeria in 2008. Then, I was knocked off my feet by JC saying that he would like to be a delegate to Burundi, to join the non-Burundians part of the delegation there!! They all concurred that this would be exactly what they want to happen. They are serious. SUSAN, CAN WE POSSIBLY MAKE THIS HAPPEN? I think it would be great. I realize it would be a bit of a stretch with training, etc., but he’s such an insightful, articulate, intelligent, and warm guy, that I think it would work. And he is trained already, one might say. I suggested that since Burundi is poorer than Ghana, perhaps they would have to assume some of the expenses, just as we had to for Ghana, which is poorer than the US. That didn’t seem to phase them too much”in fact, they agreed! I guess we’ll need to think about it, but really, this is a terrific development, in my opinion. (The airfare will be a problem for them, I think.) I told them that the latest I’d heard was the possibility of working together on a well/borehole as the legacy project, which they thought was a great idea—they are well aware of the Hutu/Tutsi situation, and they just want to be involved—Africans working together one said (can’t remember who) put it. He asked me to find out how he could apply.
Patrick spoke eloquently about how, as assembly man, he goes around his district each morning and urges all the children to go to school. He is really a motivated man. Just a terrific guy.
Not only Patrick’s father, but also Stephen’s mother, and Bentil’s mother (Aunt actually, but assumes mother position when the biological mother dies) have died in the last week. Bentil’s brother also died this week, and a couple of Gifty’s cousins recently.
Well, you’ll get the minutes from Frank at some point, so I won’t go into everything. I used the some of the gift money from you guys to buy a nice lunch (including Dina and Gifty’s sons), and I would say we had a really good meeting and a good time. So thanks for the help, esp. Diana, and we enjoyed the chicken and fried rice a lot. I told Gifty I would wire her money as soon as I get back and know for certain what has cleared the bank on our end. She was fine with that.
Jerome, Dina and Frank have seen to the young man’s college. They have helped him do all the registration paperwork, and in June he will have to do more forms. Dina has the money and she and Frank assured me they will pay for him when he starts in September, which is the start of the new year. He had to wait until then to start.
That’s about it. I’m zonked, but kind of hyped–hence this long conversation. Had to talk to someone!!. I’ll try to get this out sometime tomorrow. I will meet Bentil at the Meth. Church tomorrow. Time to sing a little!!
Maryanne
posted by Maryanne at 3:41 AM
DEDICATION OF WESTERN HERITAGE HOME CHILDREN’S HOME AND COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER IN AXIM GHANA
Definitely, definitely, this was the HIGHLIGHT of our journey!! What a day!!
First, we must acknowledge the heroic efforts of so many workmen and women who put in so much effort to get the building ready for the dedication. We especially honor and appreciate the dedication and energy of Patrick K, the WHH Logistics Specialist, who has overseen the work, purchased most of the materials, spent his day on the building site and even sleeping there on occasion to protect the construction materials. Patrick is also an elected District Aseemblyman, and is a dedicated community leader. In the days leading up to the event, the electricity had failed numerous times, and three terrazo machines (two from Takoradi) broke down because of the inadequate electrical current. Terrazo machines are essential “cement polishing” machines which prepare the floors in this humid climate with a hard polished surface. This is necessary for cleanliness and to prevent mold.
Meanwhile, workers were painting the building, cleaning up the site, hauling in chairs from “somewhere” (we suspect we owe a VERY big thank you for the Catholic Church and Father Paul and Esi Biney, Church President). When we all arrived at the building, we were ushered inside by proud WHH staff members in their beautiful blue and brown patterned WHH “cloth” outfits, made especially for the event. The conference room on the 2nd floor had been transformed into a clean, spacious room, complete with a beautifully appointed head table covered with a white cloth and flowers. The WHH Scholars arrived in their Manye Academy uniforms, with Mr. Browne, and Felicia, the Nursery School teacher, and our own Mustapha, himself a teacher and headmaster, helping them to find seats, etc.
Those of us associated with GCJ and WHH Board and Staff members had lovely blue and brown Ghanaian style shirts and dresses, with cloth specially designed for the occasion.
Other distinguished guests arrived: the King and Queen Mother of Upper Axim; the Queen Mother of Lower Axim and her sister, the Acting Queen Mother; Father Paul of the Catholic Church; Father John of the Anglican Church; Mr. Kojo Armah, the member of Parliament for this region; Mr. Joseph Elimah, the District Chief Executive; and many friends and family members, including the two women, mother and daughter, who were the water carriers supplying water with their headpans to the workers over the months of building. And of course, our WHH Board members, led so capably by Mr. James Kainyiah and his wife Justine, who are the visionaries and leaders on the ground. Other Board members present were Miss Frances Polley, Father Paul, Mr. Isaac Bentil, Mr. Joseph Quansah, and Awulae Attiburukusi. They were joined by GCJ Ghanaian alums, Gifty Asmah and her husband, the Headmaster of Nkroful Secondary School, Stephen Kwabia and wife Deborah, Frank Cudjoe, Esi Biney, Annie Essien, Dina Cobbinah, Mustapha Abdullah, and Francis “Old Soldier” Nokoe. Our friend from Bellingham, Kathryn Roe, who has a program supporting secondary education in the Cape Coast area, also honored us with her presence. As you can imagine, this was also a wonderful reunion for all of us GCJ Ghana Project alums, North Americans and Ghanaians.
The King of Lower Axim, Awulae Attiburukusu III, our friend and WHH Board member, officiated. The dedication was conducted by the Archbishop of Metropolitan Accra, a native son of Axim. Barbara and Maryanne attended the Catholic Church the day before, where Father Buckle preached about children and encouraged the congregation to care for all the children of Axim. His Mom, the mother of twelve children all of whom are educated, still lives in Axim, and we were honored to meet her as well.
Esi Biney was the master of ceremonies. James Kainyiah gave the opening remarks. Anastasia Amoo, WHH Administrative Assistant, gave the closing remarks. Ann Essien presided over the dedication of the veronica buckets.
Best of all, the children who will soon call the WHH facility home and some of their temporary guardians were there. Several older children participated in the ceremony. The Catholic Band played festive music—kind of an Africanized version of our New Orleans type of music–gay and upbeat for sure!! (After all, where did this music originate???!!!) Everyone was dressed in traditional cloth—a colorful and celebratory atmosphere!
I believe all of us there felt a kinship and partnership that goes far beyond our respective national borders. We did indeed feel a global connection centered around the care and love of children and what we adults can accomplish if we come together in a spirit of understanding and sincere desire. For a little while, we forgot about the bad phone connections, the electrical breakdowns, the lack of internet connectivity, the communication challenges exacerabated by wide cultural differences, the economic disparities, the heat and humidity, and all the other obstacles we have collectively faced. We just allowed ourselves to bask in our mutual feeling of accomplishment and our collective determination to continue step-by-step, not quite knowing where the future will take us, but having faith in ourselves and God that we will together find our way.
posted by Maryanne at 11:15 AM
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Kundum Festival in Axim
Kundum is an annual festival of the Ahanta people, whose traditional center is the city of Axim. What a week!! The drums beat furiously, wonderfully. The rhythmic complexity is astounding. Families reunite around the “family homes”, with traditional Ghanaian food, music. Everyone is dressed in traditional clothing—esp. the women with their colorful batik dresses.
Let me tell you a little about the Kundun festival in Axim. It’s one of the larger ones in the country. For 4 weeks, the drums move around and get closer and closer to Axim. At the beginning of the week, heads of families, and kings request that anyone holding grudges in the community come forth and reconcile with their opponent. Thus many rifts are healed. The next day everyone cooks, and anyone can walk into to anyone’s house and eat. There is a day of remembering and mourning the ancestors. There is a day of killing of a fowl, 4 goats and more drumming and cooking.
On the high festival day, the royals – the co-director of our project was one this year – the first white person ever to be so honored — all arrive at the palace about 10 to dress and await the parade. 3 Of us went elsewhere to be dressed in royal cloths. Maryanne was carried in the palanquin as the development Queen of Axim (Nkosohema). Thus did Axim honor and thank our GCJ group for our work in Axim during this past year. We walked behind her. It was quite an affair – colorful, rhythmic, joyful. We ended up at the field and listened to speeches and music and dancing, and then it was back into the palanquins in what seemed a bit like a rodeo. The carriers danced back and forward and bounced the palanquins quite a bit. Some of the more experienced riders stood up and cheered them on. It was very colorful! Finally we ended at the palace for dinner. It actually reminded me a bit of Mardi Gras. Not surprising – where did Mardi Gras come from? What a day!
All in all, it is a time of peace, reconciliation, remembering the departed, generosity and celebration of life. A good thing, I think. Although some Christian missionaries tried to stamp it out as pagan, and current Pentecostal churches pan it, others are now being more tolerant. (text by Barbara G)
posted by Maryanne at 9:50 PM
MANYE ACADEMY SCIENCE PROJECT
We’re back from Axim, Ghana, with seven of us GCJ Ghana alums plus one grandson spending three weeks in Ghana. Alas, no internet access so no opportunity to update this blog while we were there.
As reported earlier below, we brought with us 7 suitcases, of about 50 lbs each, of elementary/junior high level science supplies and equipment for Manye Academy — microscopes, measuring instuments, charts of all kinds, resources for teachers, etc.
Why Manye Academy? Manye is the school which 20 of our orphans attend. The school has welcomed the group of children the WHH Board has selected to live in our children’s home, and receive assistance in education. The Director, Mr. Browne-Umar, is trained in science himself and wants to improve science education in his school. Maryane visited the school in May ’07, and discovered that although the school and teachers have both a school goal and a goal set by the Ghana Dept of Education to improve science education, there were virtually no supplies or equipment with which to carry out the learning in the Ghana Science Curriculum. Thus was born our “science project”. Working with Mr. Browne during the summer, we enlisted the help of many friends, and local Northwest Washington teachers (thank you!) and pulled together a basic collection of teaching aids. This represents our “thank you” to the leadership and staff of Manye for their acceptance and dedication to education for all children, regardless of prior educational deficiencies.
The school put on a colorful and moving dedication, complete with student color guard and drill team and all students present in organized formation in their beautiful blue shirts! What a welcome!!
We were especially honored that Professor Nokoe, the school’s owner, was present. Prof. Nokoe is also the Acting Chancellor of Ghana’s University for Development studies, and has extensive scientific training himself, holding a PhD in Biometrics from the University of British Columbia.
Some of us with science training and interest worked with the teachers in workshops designed to review the materials and explain the workings of the microscopes, etc. We also met with Manye students, and Suz did an HIV-AIDs workshop with the students. Professor Nokoe hired a bulldozer to build a playfield for use by the school and also our Western Heritage Home Scholars, as they are known by the Manye staff and students. Our team walked the path through the little settlement and up the hill from the school to the WHH Facility. The school looked great—it had been fairly recently painted blue, the school color, with the blue shirts on each student matching the blue. We sensed the pride and dedication of students and staff.
Now for some speedbumps before and after the school, to protect the children who have to cross the busy street from the speeding vehicles—a constant danger in this area. Indeed, one of our group witnessed a tragic traffic accident on the highway just outside of Axim in which a four year-old boy was struck and killed by a truck. The newly paved streets are a great improvement in holding down the dust, but now the traffic dangers have increased.
posted by Maryanne at 3:48 PM
Friday, August 24, 2007
PACKING UP!!
A group of 7 GCJ Ghana Project Alums are returning to Axim in September. While there, we’ll take in the Kundum Festival, a traditional gathering of the local Ahanta people, whose traditional center is Axim. Watch this Blog for photos!!
AND more importantly, we will particpate in the dedication of Western Heritage Home. We’ve worked long and hard on this building and we are looking forward to dedicating it and seeing it put to good use. We’re hoping the children can be moved in in mid-September. Next goal is to raise funds to finish the second floor, put the community learning center’s conference area to good use and develop the computer learning lab.
Meanwhile, Mr Browne-Umar, the Manye Academy’s Executive Director is focusing on deveoping the science program at his school. Since the school has so warmly embraced our children — our Western Heritage Home Scholars –, we have decided to pitch in and bring science equipment and supplies not readily available for purchase in Axim. Jerome, Suz, Jeanie, and Rich (shown), and Tom have gathered six suitcases of science equipment and supplies. Thanks to so many friends, esp. teacher friends, for their generous help. Mr. Browne-Umar is organizing an orientation and workshops with the teachers and work to coordinate these materials with the Ghanaian Dept of Education’s science curriculum.
posted by Maryanne at 2:42 PM
Wow, the ROOF looks GREAT
The Western Heritage Children’s Home and Community Learning Center building is getting there. We’re still short funds to finish off the second floor, but the first floor is just about finished, and will soon be ready for children to move in.
posted by Maryanne at 2:38 PM
You are welcomed to join the list-serve and go to the site where you will find many useful documents:
TO ACCESS DOCS ON LIST-SERVE:
-Go to https//:lists.riseup.net
-Join if you have not already (to create your password)
-once you enter with your password, click on agraconcern, in left hand column
-click on “Shared Docs” folder
-click on articles you want to read/download
To add a document,
-click on “expert mode” at top
-scroll down under existing docs to:
Upload a file inside folder SHARED
-browse to find article you want to add
-Publish to add it to the list
Paying Attention to Agricultural Developments in Africa
LATEST NEWS:
African Farmers & Environmentalists Speak Out Against a New Green Revolution in Africa
Oakland, CA: A new report from the Oakland Institute, Voices from Africa: African Farmers & Environmentalists Speak Out Against a New Green Revolution in Africa, issues a direct challenge to Western-led plans for a genetically engineered revolution in African agriculture, particularly the recent misguided philanthropic efforts of the Gates Foundation’s Alliance for a New Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), and presents African resistance and solutions rooted in first-hand knowledge of what Africans need.
The report finds a lack of accountability, transparency, and stakeholder involvement in philanthropic efforts such as AGRA. “Despite the Gates Foundation’s rhetoric of inclusion and the claim that their investment in agricultural development benefits the growing majority of the world’s poor who rely on agriculture, a leaked Gates Foundation confidential report on their Agricultural Development Strategy for 2008-2011 actually emphasizes moving people out of the agricultural sector,” said Anuradha Mittal, Executive Director of the Oakland Institute and the editor of the report. “Their intention is to reduce dependency on agriculture, but their strategy report does not specify where or how this new ‘land mobile’ population is to be reemployed,” she continued.
AGRA claims to be an “African-led Green Revolution,” and features Kofi Annan at the helm as its chairman; however, African civil society has rejected the idea that one man can speak on behalf of over 50 countries and 680 million people. It is also not apparent from the foundation’s Agricultural Development Strategy report whether–or how–the Gates Foundation consulted with African farmers before launching their multi-million dollar development strategy for the continent. Some of the foundation’s external advisors have long partnered with biotech companies: for example, Ruth Oniang’o is featured on Monsanto’s website claiming that there is an urgent need for food biotechnology in Africa, and Gates Foundation potential grantee Calestous Juma has urged the G8 to put biotechnology on the agenda for for Africa and discard the application of the precautionary principle because it interferes with the development of new technologies.
“Africa does not need dumping of food aid by rich countries that destroys local efforts to produce. Not the imposition of industrial-style agriculture based on chemicals and ‘high-yielding’ seeds, with the paradoxical outcome of greater production of a few food crops accompanied by even worse hunger and environmental degradation,” said Diamantino Nhampossa, a contributor to the report and Executive Coordinator of the União Nacional de Camponeses (National Peasants Union) in Mozambique and member of the Via Campesina’s International Coordinating Committee for the Africa Region.
The battle over genetic engineering is being fought across the world, between those who champion farmers’ rights to seeds, livelihood, and land, and those who seek to privatize these. While promotional campaigns for technological solutions to hunger regularly feature a handful of African spokespeople who drown out the genuine voices of farmers, researchers, and civil society groups, there is widespread opposition to genetic engineering and plans for a New Green Revolution for Africa. Voices From Africa is based on the essays and statements of leading African farmers, environmentalists, and civil society groups, and brings to light the real African perspectives on technological solutions to hunger and poverty on the continent–and the solutions that the people on the ground believe would bring true development.
The increase in hunger resulting from 2008’s steep increase in food prices has been used to make a case for increasing agricultural production through technical solutions such as genetically engineered crops. This “poor washing”–the spurious claim that technology will address the needs of the hungry–and “green washing”–the claim that this technology will help address the threat of climate change–conveys a false sense of need. Voices from Africa clarifies how solutions to hunger and environmental degradation require a paradigm shift that values local and traditional knowledge and biodiversity, opens policy space for developing countries to craft their own solutions, and allows for agriculture and trade policies that protect local and regional markets for small farmers, pastorlists, and fisherfolk. “The way to fight poverty in Africa is to embrace the proposal of food sovereignty that comes from the movement of peasants, indigenous peoples, migrants, women, and rural communities,” said Mr. Nhampossa. “Food sovereignty puts those who produce, distribute, and consume food at the heart of food systems and policies, rather than the demands of markets and corporations.”
Other voices featured in the report include: Mariam Mayet, African Center of Biodiversity, South Africa; Nnimo Bassey, Environmental Rights Action, Nigeria; David Fig, BioWatch, South Africa; Mukoma Wa Ngugi, BBC Focus on Africa Magazine; Makhathe Moahloli, Katleho Moho Association (KMA), Lesotho; Zachary Makanya, Participatory Ecological Land Use Management Association (PELUM), Kenya; and Gertrude Kenyangi Kabusimbi, Support for Women in Agriculture and Environment (SWAGEN), Uganda.
Voices from Africa:African Farmers & Environmentalists Speak Out Against a New Green Revolution in Africa is a publication of the Oakland Institute (www.oaklandinstitute.org), a think tank for research, analysis, and action whose mission is to increase public participation and promote fair debate on critical social, economic, and environmental issues in both national and international forums.
Download a copy of the report athttp://www.oaklandinstitute.org/voicesfromafrica/pdfs/voicesfromafrica_full.pdf
Meet the Authors at http://www.oaklandinstitute.org/?q=node/view/501
Read other reports and policy briefs on the global food crisis at http://www.oaklandinstitute.org/?q=node/view/489
News reports
Unmasking the New Green Revolution in Africa: Motives, Players and Dynamics, by Elenita C. Daño for Third World Network, Church Development Service (EED) and African Centre for Biosafety
Gates hopes his money can help poor farmers, by Tom Paulson for the Seattle PI
Gates Foundation’s agriculture aid a hard sell, by Kristi Heim for the Seattle Times
African Agriculture Needs Green Growth, by David Cronin for Inter Press Service News Agency
Sent by The Gates Foundation (funder of AGRA):
BBC Online ‘Boost for Africa Green Revolution’
The Seattle Times “The Fuel of Food”
Financial Times “Local Knowledge Reaps Rewards”
AFP ‘Africa in Spotlight at UN Food Summit’
New Times (Rwanda) ‘Increasing Africa’s Food Security’
Rockefeller Foundation Website
Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa
Gates Foundation on Agricultural Development
Gathered from AGRA Watch (grassroots group concerned about AGRA)
Pitfalls of Agra in Boosting Food Security, by Mukoma wa Ngugi
Ten Reasons Why the Rockefeller and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations’ Alliance for Another Green Revolution Will Not Solve the Problems of Poverty and Hunger in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Join the AGRA Watch listserve for updates and more documents.
Paying Attention to Agricultural Developments in Africa:
Acknowledging the serious problems created by the ‘first’ wave of Green Revolutions which industrialized agriculture, brought expensive fertilizers, debt, terminator seeds and loss of small farmers to India, Asia and the United States back in the 70’s and beyond, GCJ and other Seattle nonprofits have been concerned to hear of plans to bring a Green Revolution to Africa.
Since we are located in the same community as the Gates Foundation, which is funding AGRA (Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa), along with Rockefeller, we are well positioned to take action as good global citizens. We are delighted to serve as a catalyst in helping to create dialogue between the Gates Foundation and an ad hoc group (AGRA Watch) created by the Community Alliance for Global Justice (CAGJ).
The Principles of the Earth Charter
“We stand at a critical moment in Earth’s history, a time when humanity must choose its future. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future at once holds great peril and great promise. To move forward we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms we are one human family and one Earth community with a common destiny. We must join together to bring forth a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace. Towards this end, it is imperative that we, the peoples of Earth, declare our responsibility to one another, to the greater community of life, and to future generations. […] We are at once citizens of different nations and of one world in which the local and global are linked. Everyone shares responsibility for the present and future well-being of the human family and the larger living world. The Way Forward requires a change of mind and heart.”
Values and Principles for a Sustainable Future
I. RESPECT AND CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY OF LIFE
II. ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY
III. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE
IV. DEMOCRACY, NONVIOLENCE, AND PEACE
I. RESPECT AND CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY OF LIFE
1. Respect Earth and life in all its diversity – and interdependency
2. Care for the community of life with understanding, compassion, and love.
3. Build democratic societies that are just, participatory, sustainable, and peaceful.
4. Secure Earth’s bounty and beauty for present and future generations.
II. ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY
5. Protect and restore the integrity of Earth’s ecological systems, with special concern for biological diversity and the natural processes that sustain life.
6. Prevent harm as the best method of environmental protection and, when knowledge is limited, apply a precautionary approach.
7. Adopt patterns of production, consumption, and reproduction that safeguard Earth’s regenerative capacities, human rights, and community well-being.
8. Advance the study of ecological sustainability and promote the open exchange and wide application of the knowledge acquired.
III. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE
9. Eradicate poverty as an ethical, social, and environmental imperative.
10. Ensure that economic activities and institutions at all levels promote human development in an equitable and sustainable manner.
11. Affirm gender equality and equity as prerequisites to sustainable development and ensure universal access to education, health care, and economic opportunity.
12. Uphold the right of all, without discrimination, to a natural and social environment supportive of human dignity, bodily health, and spiritual well-being, with special attention to the rights of indigenous peoples and minorities.
IV. DEMOCRACY, NONVIOLENCE, AND PEACE
13. Strengthen democratic institutions at all levels, and provide transparency and accountability in governance, inclusive participation in decision making, and access to justice.
14. Integrate into formal education and life-long learning the knowledge, values, and skills needed for a sustainable way of life.
15. Treat all living beings with respect and consideration.
16. Promote a culture of tolerance, nonviolence, and peace.
Learn more: www.earthcharter.org
Background: The Greening of Global Citizen Journey
When you think about it, there’s hardly an issue more global or interconnected than climate change. The green house gases we each emit disperse around the globe, and the effects of climate change leave no community untouched. GCJ has at its heart many issues—pollution, oil and resource use, human rights, economic development, global justice—which are also fundamental issues of climate change. As global citizens, we realize that we need to view our actions in relation to how they affect our world’s climate, and so we are committed to interweave the “Green Team” into everything we do. The Green Team is just at the beginning stages of discovering how to incorporate carbon offsetting into GCJ, beginning with our travel and our journey projects. We intend to offset the carbon emissions from our air travel by investing money and sweat time directly into climate-smart projects in communities where we build relationships. We have far larger aspirations, too. We’d like climate thoughtfulness to become part of who we are and what we do at all levels, from the hands-on aspects of our Journey projects to our cross-cultural dialogue when abroad to our messaging and activity here at home. The newly formed Green Team is working on several approaches to this:
- Develop our ecological responsibility and sensitivity by minimizing our carbon footprint. beginning with the travel we engage in for our Journeys.
- Identify ways to ensure that the projects we build are as green as possible.
- Begin exploring how to set up a carbon offset program that is relationship based, where we invest carbon offset funds in the local community where we are working (for example, the Niger Delta, Burundi and Ghana).
- Develop educational materials for our website and offer training and resources for other individuals and organizations who are interested in becoming greener.
If you have technical expertise in renewable energy or the carbon cycle, green ideas from past journeys or simply a passion about the environment, think about joining the Green Team and helping us bring ideas to life. Email Morgan Ahouse, our Green Team leader: Morgan (at) globalcitizenjourney.org
Resources:
Earth Charter
The Earth Charter is a declaration of fundamental principles for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society for the 21st century. It was created by global civil society, endorsed by thousands of organizations and institutions, and serves as a call to action and a motivating force inspiring change the world over. GCJ is committed to the values and principles it expresses for a sustainable future. Learn more about the Earth Charter.
Agricultural Developments in Africa: AGRA WATCH
Acknowledging the serious problems created by the ‘first’ wave of Green Revolutions which industrialized agriculture, brought expensive fertilizers, debt, terminators seeds and loss of small farmers to India, Asia and the United States back in the 70’s and beyond, GCJ and other Seattle nonprofits have been concerned to hear of plans to bring a Green Revolution to Africa. Since we are located in the same community as the Gates Foundation, which is funding AGRA (Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa), along with Rockefeller, we have felt called to engage as global citizens. We tried to create a dialogue between the Gates Foundation and an ad hoc group formed by the Community Alliance for Global Justice (CAGJ) to monitor AGRA and were disappointed to find the lack of openness or sustained interest in dialogue from the Gates Foundation. We share growing concern about their ties to the biotech/chemical industry and their lack of listening to the grassroots and voices of Africa. Learn more about AGRA.
“Building the Global Community through Grassroots Connections, Bridges of Peace”
About | Contact | Get Involved
4425 Baker Ave NW, Seattle WA 98107
© 2018 Global Citizen Journey
+1.206.310.1203 | info@globalcitizenjourney.org
All donations to Global Citizen Journey are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law
