tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339932372024-03-20T07:08:38.136+00:00Sierra LeoneI have accepted a placement in Sierra Leone, a third world developing country located in western Africa.
The 6 month job involves assisting and training in the valuation of properties for local assessment and taxation purposes. I expect to be in Sierra Leone from November 2006 to May 2007 and hope I can keep in touch through this blog. I have been impressed with the international development agency Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) who have trained me both in Canada and in the UK.Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-70675863687974563382012-07-15T04:19:00.001+00:002012-07-15T22:52:49.992+00:00Computer Literacy Centre for Students in Bo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2116ykAReGNUuwLMLot8cnHZHYV-0T7EATkhjfWV-0cQU-Nbcm_v4jwgx-yMAgAdpspopHFddiUK4JpcBjgYq2BXPSkPLZP7T5Ffi9onFLClaudMMcu0dDYM40DdZo37uuZk/s1600/Picture+475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2116ykAReGNUuwLMLot8cnHZHYV-0T7EATkhjfWV-0cQU-Nbcm_v4jwgx-yMAgAdpspopHFddiUK4JpcBjgYq2BXPSkPLZP7T5Ffi9onFLClaudMMcu0dDYM40DdZo37uuZk/s320/Picture+475.jpg" width="320" /></a>It has been a long road but our computer learning center in Bo now seems successful and sustainable with 8 machines up and running. Importantly there is a steady flow of eager students from local secondary schools and from the local Njala University. Cost for each student is about 20c per hour. The effort to get this going in the right way was enormous, a much greater challenge than I was expecting. There are many to thank and I’ll mention them later.<br />
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The context is that in the City of Bo and in the surrounding District of Bo there are few opportunities for students to learn how to use a computer. The population totals roughly 500,000 and the average age is reportedly about 17 so there are a significant number of students. All secondary school students learn in <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3P7Ziv1c3wXwmWisTwaTPTO_z1Jqjk8oHvp6EsmFk0IIKCT7c3YpwFtf64Iyyi1FWIDtadlVFbCR1zzzqt4JhQG2JxbcfGiUBiHMaD4w3S-5hJ4yixAM4Ro2WPFufwK-AgYkK/s1600/Picture+464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3P7Ziv1c3wXwmWisTwaTPTO_z1Jqjk8oHvp6EsmFk0IIKCT7c3YpwFtf64Iyyi1FWIDtadlVFbCR1zzzqt4JhQG2JxbcfGiUBiHMaD4w3S-5hJ4yixAM4Ro2WPFufwK-AgYkK/s320/Picture+464.jpg" width="320" /></a>theory from a traditional chalkboard or blackboard where the teacher draws an image and tries to convey how the computer works. Obviously this is very frustrating for the students but there seems to be a complete lack of any computer hardware or software resources. Even the teachers lack practical training and seem to work solely from texts. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrEGJGyILnnnLkCN8hvDs7RiAVLHqXWebi-uCM58zl3yXHVYUq7n-yPBw6IVxl4BIozil6FzGDwGoDq7jPksciGR9fuvMGxADzlfJ016xDcJeTY6RlzGTjoj0MCamEYt4iNl2/s1600/Picture+466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrEGJGyILnnnLkCN8hvDs7RiAVLHqXWebi-uCM58zl3yXHVYUq7n-yPBw6IVxl4BIozil6FzGDwGoDq7jPksciGR9fuvMGxADzlfJ016xDcJeTY6RlzGTjoj0MCamEYt4iNl2/s320/Picture+466.jpg" width="320" /></a>The local Njala University has one computer room located on one it’s two campuses and with a number of ancient desktop machines. However opening times and poor availability of power means that university students lack access. </div>
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There are now two computer schools in the City where the student can learn basic skills plus the main Microsoft products. There are also a number of internet cafes that have recently been started. Even one operated by Kama Printing (see earlier Blog) where there is now a faster satellite connection. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprzzkRPk6LA_EI1B40JkXtx0WYU9RtAn3oCoMSyFFPJsdJ3dzzF1mOf7vPsc9y3VJPZwYbuLsqGqr2KqHp0f8BVEt95FwJaai1KtyQcyqZMgQ1CAZa_ao0VGUitYlnVVlbKWA/s1600/Picture+469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprzzkRPk6LA_EI1B40JkXtx0WYU9RtAn3oCoMSyFFPJsdJ3dzzF1mOf7vPsc9y3VJPZwYbuLsqGqr2KqHp0f8BVEt95FwJaai1KtyQcyqZMgQ1CAZa_ao0VGUitYlnVVlbKWA/s320/Picture+469.jpg" width="320" /></a>Clearly there are many students who perceive a need to become computer literate. Entrepreneurial business people have attempted to respond with some fledgling resources. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6YWQqUrCv-LjXzMJP_GStWfmkSG3ppm9qJI3lfDQS-TCy9TLqolmEHqkufc81ACvKj8jHqMUpWaBR_uEYdIQhZDowUc7fscJpq3-9vtsT9u4Pb_Ah0T5i2zeJN-eTefSof-I/s1600/Picture+470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6YWQqUrCv-LjXzMJP_GStWfmkSG3ppm9qJI3lfDQS-TCy9TLqolmEHqkufc81ACvKj8jHqMUpWaBR_uEYdIQhZDowUc7fscJpq3-9vtsT9u4Pb_Ah0T5i2zeJN-eTefSof-I/s320/Picture+470.jpg" width="320" /></a>However the schools have a limited number of instructors, the courses are very expensive, there are relatively few computers and there is a lack of consistent power. Internet cafes are very expensive where an hourly charge of about $2 is an average daily wage and out of reach of most students. Moreover the internet cafes lack learning programs and do not offer instructional service. <br />
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Recognising this significant gap for a student computer literacy center, the idea was mooted with Chris King and Maada Fobay who operate a resource center called One World Link close to the town. The building is one of the best in the City.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jac-TzcPYHnpJuu-u4yPkvr31bPjqY6gbfhaurRJEn5HPUrzfJ6IB1x_bnpJdI2WjVjFq-2VEibqNx-v7zeQ1gGmpXuB8zTKhrSsehFkYWwf3JsCGB2V1UTYtEaN0BRp2DCk/s1600/OWL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jac-TzcPYHnpJuu-u4yPkvr31bPjqY6gbfhaurRJEn5HPUrzfJ6IB1x_bnpJdI2WjVjFq-2VEibqNx-v7zeQ1gGmpXuB8zTKhrSsehFkYWwf3JsCGB2V1UTYtEaN0BRp2DCk/s320/OWL.jpg" width="320" /></a>They both appreciated the idea and were prepared to offer a secure room on the main floor and without any rental charges. A previous attempt at a learning center involving Kama Printing failed since Kama moved and lacked the space at the new location.<br />
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Altus Group in Toronto responded to the idea by generously donating 14 laptop computers. My friend Sandy Mandel donated 2 more. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhj6q9KPC-jW6r-hoc4IDr7R2mS7SV5t1nsd86XQu1qzTYEaohIviq9VxcV_kjqy9OnOHZ2C6ZJKHGuQW9CE0uaoQsskeP8zBfwNJRjSGNPxjRi92XqJcLSLbpYG9QdtClhIbm/s1600/Picture+476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhj6q9KPC-jW6r-hoc4IDr7R2mS7SV5t1nsd86XQu1qzTYEaohIviq9VxcV_kjqy9OnOHZ2C6ZJKHGuQW9CE0uaoQsskeP8zBfwNJRjSGNPxjRi92XqJcLSLbpYG9QdtClhIbm/s320/Picture+476.jpg" width="320" /></a>These were shipped to Freetown where the valuable cargo was the subject of some “shrinkage” and the remainder required some cash before they could be released. However the process would not have been possible without the efforts of Altus’s Bob Van der Linde and VSO “superman” Bernard N’Gaiwa. Overall we were left with a total of 8 working laptop computers.<br />
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The computers had to be completely set up with software and this tedious expert task was completed by VSO volunteer Sunil Varun, a very kind, enthusiastic and generous fellow from Delhi. Self teaching software was purchased online for the popular Microsoft products. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedQkf7LdGQOAIjzA13UexUKWrabjxyCVD3P9wRgVWTE8hS80-fzXRpLIaCJMBTHb57BGITazzhtE0fXCjbevgRsZekg2gDh61tetDSYF8O4mKVB1ES1XXyYeyjhH2su4kALfq/s1600/Picture+474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedQkf7LdGQOAIjzA13UexUKWrabjxyCVD3P9wRgVWTE8hS80-fzXRpLIaCJMBTHb57BGITazzhtE0fXCjbevgRsZekg2gDh61tetDSYF8O4mKVB1ES1XXyYeyjhH2su4kALfq/s320/Picture+474.jpg" width="320" /></a>An excellent basic computer skills course was obtained from a VSO medical advisor who previously worked for the National Health Service – highly recommended and the schools most popular course.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvWEC31hM13gHwYnU8y-zATeKu7nZMp4f8RZxyGSM7ZqPdjChJULymnn2ZJvx6oPJLm0A4CvQVelozyQimSl3Z_TGT6nI8sD1zwnSWH8DDKrEtx-RauJBOx5Xqcw4nk4or21J/s1600/Picture+477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvWEC31hM13gHwYnU8y-zATeKu7nZMp4f8RZxyGSM7ZqPdjChJULymnn2ZJvx6oPJLm0A4CvQVelozyQimSl3Z_TGT6nI8sD1zwnSWH8DDKrEtx-RauJBOx5Xqcw4nk4or21J/s320/Picture+477.jpg" width="320" /></a>Someone to manage and run the center was a significant role to fill and both Sunil and I interviewed candidates requiring both marketing, business and some basic computer skill. Mohamed Bah was selected and is now assisted by Francis Lahai. They were both given basic training in bookkeeping, care of computers and marketing. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCDytpnWPnUV1Y4MxMCTH_d4B2VdZIH_0YEgXbwKAIaI8MV6PAud5GB9KfcfNLx08FAoIF_KfJz1MUQpdZq0HH72iUdYoeZs0fHUKh_-_jy9NfwuUGqGZUlou939a1AyAaUXt/s1600/Bindi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCDytpnWPnUV1Y4MxMCTH_d4B2VdZIH_0YEgXbwKAIaI8MV6PAud5GB9KfcfNLx08FAoIF_KfJz1MUQpdZq0HH72iUdYoeZs0fHUKh_-_jy9NfwuUGqGZUlou939a1AyAaUXt/s320/Bindi.jpg" width="273" /></a>Their compensation is linked directly to the amount collected less the costs of fuel and maintenance of the standby generator. Overall management responsibility is taken by the two local Municipal Councils operating in the area and they were incentivized by providing a service to their constituents at a limited cost. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLuUxmXc4b_IisVyMzHLh4jx39CfRDOIPbdoinrjDm4_9dqKCZh8mHVXUdJYu4e0rXjE35g9Hbisqe_PrzurpFEqZ0F8Kq1VhT9lTnpeH4N16g_1xfjZ8nnAMnz9m9Z7KQhhO/s1600/Picture+473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLuUxmXc4b_IisVyMzHLh4jx39CfRDOIPbdoinrjDm4_9dqKCZh8mHVXUdJYu4e0rXjE35g9Hbisqe_PrzurpFEqZ0F8Kq1VhT9lTnpeH4N16g_1xfjZ8nnAMnz9m9Z7KQhhO/s320/Picture+473.jpg" width="320" /></a>Both Councils were also attempting to persuade people to pay a new property tax and the computer school amenity provided a service to offer. Bo District Council Deputy Chairman Joseph Bindi, and Bo City Chief Administrator William Alpha are now strong supporters and have taken ownership of the Center. The key objectives and responsibilities are set out at the bottom of this article</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">There are many to thank and a few are as follows</span></h2>
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• Jane Knight and Chris King and Maada Fobay of One World Link www.oneworldlink.org.uk<br />
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• Joseph Bindi, Deputy Chairman of Bo District Council<br />
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• Mayor Wusu Sannoh of Bo City Council<br />
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• William Alpha, Chief Administrator of Bo City Council<br />
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• Altus Group – Mitchell Smith who provided technical help and Bob Van der Linde who helped with the shipping process.<br />
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• Sandy Mandel who donated computers<br />
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• Sunil Varun who contributed his time, computing expertise and business skills<br />
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• Jorge Boos who donated peripheral equipment<br />
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• Bernard N’Gaiwa who was a key to the release of the computers in Freetown and a persistent friend<br />
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• Ruth Finlay a constant friend who helped out with the set up and with encouragement<br />
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• Andrea Robinson who donated the basic skills training software <br />
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<h2 style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Student Computer Learning Centre</h2>
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Objective</div>
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• The centre is to be available for students in Bo District and Bo City so that they can learn common software and essential computer skills.<br />
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• The centre is to be stocked with computers loaded with appropriate self teaching software<br />
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• The centre is to have the use of a generator<br />
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• The centre is to operate on a non-profit basis <br />
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• A modest affordable charge is to be made for the use of the computers<br />
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Operating Committee</h3>
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• The Operating Committee is to appoint, dismiss and direct the manager <br />
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• The Operating Committee is to comprise Alfred Maada Fobay from OWL, Joseph Bindi from Bo District Council, William Alpha from Bo City Council and Augustine Robinson at Rada<br />
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• The Operating Committee is to meet as needed or at the request of the Manager<br />
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Manager Responsibilities</h3>
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• To maintain opening hours for students initially from 4pm to 9pm Monday to Friday and Saturday, 10am to 1pm<br />
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• To keep the room clean and to dust each computer, leaving the laptops closed while not in use.<br />
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• To keep all equipment secure including computers and generator<br />
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• To maintain a daily log book of each student visit with hours, charges paid and type of software used together with student name, address, school or institution and phone contact.<br />
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• To charge students the modest fee agreed by the Operating Committee initially at Le1,500 per student per hour<br />
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• To permit student use of memory sticks after scanning them of viruses<br />
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• To update virus protection on a regular basis<br />
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• To maintain and fuel the generator<br />
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• To maintain a daily cash journal showing income and expenses<br />
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• To earn a monthly incentive being all cash earned by the Centre during the previous month less the expenses.<br />
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• Report to the Operating Committee at least once per month on the operations, the bookkeeping and any recommendations. <br />
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• Report technical problems to Rada. <br />
<br />
• Visit schools and Universities to promote the use of the Centre<br />
<br />
• Provide marketing suggestions to the Operating Committee<br />
<br />
• Agree charges with the Operating Committee<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-54101998662726176392010-12-04T22:50:00.002+00:002010-12-05T22:33:56.150+00:00Freetown again<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNybxpjooraHWYIa-Ln9xrWrUXZxPYpJa-B49sNSeql6BzbhjeBHSybCyEIWOmOpUk3VoqZTjSr0AWEhCQPWeKowCyW4mAs4oVdwxqm-CBXqIKAp0MovXB-VozyyDgOFMuZ_6/s1600/VSO+Picture+049.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 281px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 249px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547323114447653202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNybxpjooraHWYIa-Ln9xrWrUXZxPYpJa-B49sNSeql6BzbhjeBHSybCyEIWOmOpUk3VoqZTjSr0AWEhCQPWeKowCyW4mAs4oVdwxqm-CBXqIKAp0MovXB-VozyyDgOFMuZ_6/s320/VSO+Picture+049.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><div>I am in Freetown to start another 6 months, this time on a slightly different tack based again in Bo but working not for local councils but for a German NGO Welthungerhilfe. </div><div><br />The task follows on from the Binkolo Growth Centre food processing (see a previous blog) and I am to work with entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector to improve business planning, financial management and marketing – how to make a profit and measure it. The nascent businesses are in honey production, cassava processing as well as coffee, cocoa and other products. I’ll also maintain the work with the local Councils Bo and Makeni sustaining local revenues. Quite a different task from the usual and certainly quite a contrast to property valuation work in Toronto. That’s what gets me going.<br /><br />I knew I had arrived in Freetown when I took my first poda poda ride, </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_buo4i-YO9wlmugGyn1iqulNWUhhJCREDzAN7xImnJzXVxnUL5hwrSRMBzVVB2vfs_EveubidsU2n0hFhaAlUCtFMi0BQtHuGXzioCSkX7802LRSadDfjF5W_cVwJPSc-__Rq/s1600/podapodaPicture+026.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547315516270640146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_buo4i-YO9wlmugGyn1iqulNWUhhJCREDzAN7xImnJzXVxnUL5hwrSRMBzVVB2vfs_EveubidsU2n0hFhaAlUCtFMi0BQtHuGXzioCSkX7802LRSadDfjF5W_cVwJPSc-__Rq/s320/podapodaPicture+026.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />together with 20 other passengers all seated on metal benches fitted into the beat up Mazda van and with a slightly exposed and worn interior. Cost is still 25c for a ride anywhere along the route. Beats the Toronto Transit Commission.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdhpeHKhgkBh9uFmxu7gF7DJlNvu8kgZkkRDYE_28bNS53jPJyhI1Mmr3q42CeNWbY8KEL4ZWyz9DtivRRqvcYgOYleDVsIf98l8hSh5-P6ZS_MlkAKvGBpRJOdULH-PEMtcD/s1600/Picture+005.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div>I was however shocked when on an early Sunday morning walk I saw the state of the main street in the western part of Freetown. Wilkinson Road from Lumley all the way through to the bridge has been bulldozed to make way for a widened street to 4 lanes. For those that don’t know, the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BbEZ50Cr-PPNJZUdc0zMEO7nhRHcTCJWns0hJ8EPi3Hl5VcGFWCFvPiOPasSz5zv2d0q4NEGJktWn5nVOTdrzwWaXnvLNJmUJ6MOBFpIOI6qlZ83o0_zU3eRkpLx6smzjieZ/s1600/SignPicture+011.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547315522659356386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BbEZ50Cr-PPNJZUdc0zMEO7nhRHcTCJWns0hJ8EPi3Hl5VcGFWCFvPiOPasSz5zv2d0q4NEGJktWn5nVOTdrzwWaXnvLNJmUJ6MOBFpIOI6qlZ83o0_zU3eRkpLx6smzjieZ/s320/SignPicture+011.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIZiGI5Y0Mf2stTdXt8xuGs1rs_Iho8zjc6e2g8cMZgy0zDQzQXiTnQ4cBcEoUO52xc9qCqROASMdM67MjeofE79YcJY9wZyuptS39wfWRQKPB099WhbhD9fUHp6odAy9DUWy/s1600/building+cutPicture+031.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547311225969636738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIZiGI5Y0Mf2stTdXt8xuGs1rs_Iho8zjc6e2g8cMZgy0zDQzQXiTnQ4cBcEoUO52xc9qCqROASMdM67MjeofE79YcJY9wZyuptS39wfWRQKPB099WhbhD9fUHp6odAy9DUWy/s320/building+cutPicture+031.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaq0fX7Z_J8vQ_r2vU45hWANYy2XuFF_URzPvaxsYGhcPbcVlY4TF8yT39QHC7fNXtEv0Q1VMIk0FSTQMvgUXsETUgPrCxFtUJt-sa6tG-fxpj-stziXkbyFksbjcaDPhwUjNK/s1600/building+cut2Picture+031.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 288px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547311220599804098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaq0fX7Z_J8vQ_r2vU45hWANYy2XuFF_URzPvaxsYGhcPbcVlY4TF8yT39QHC7fNXtEv0Q1VMIk0FSTQMvgUXsETUgPrCxFtUJt-sa6tG-fxpj-stziXkbyFksbjcaDPhwUjNK/s320/building+cut2Picture+031.jpg" /></a>traffic during the day is ridiculously <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hpFjNRNIle-PdwIKTh5EFW0mfYrLyoCLMx06HsAarL-2n5GAAYxsAbPIh9b5FfRitXa-WL5dfbA6GLcMrlVt84D46ZqrlHYuhZfsu6VdIrPCPKjqd3tbeva3cBRxHqxVQQc8/s1600/bulldozerPicture+023.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547311236664658306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hpFjNRNIle-PdwIKTh5EFW0mfYrLyoCLMx06HsAarL-2n5GAAYxsAbPIh9b5FfRitXa-WL5dfbA6GLcMrlVt84D46ZqrlHYuhZfsu6VdIrPCPKjqd3tbeva3cBRxHqxVQQc8/s320/bulldozerPicture+023.jpg" /></a>horrendous such that taxis wont even offer rides unless there is a big price incentive.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeb3LCAPGh8bDDeUfh9kvo7C_AESIOeH9vi9Em1fv36PNqfYPPaXXNznTRjklEbSxY1QwLrvri8JX5KWH-ropQkOy2vc36kdSRLwcQwCum6BzB8yV6ICFnqHHcnEMObQZ3kM9/s1600/streetPicture4+012.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547316250154919698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeb3LCAPGh8bDDeUfh9kvo7C_AESIOeH9vi9Em1fv36PNqfYPPaXXNznTRjklEbSxY1QwLrvri8JX5KWH-ropQkOy2vc36kdSRLwcQwCum6BzB8yV6ICFnqHHcnEMObQZ3kM9/s320/streetPicture4+012.jpg" /></a><br />China is becoming a big influence on the landscape with strong intentions in the mining of iron ore and other minerals. The Chinese army are undertaking the road construction (the obvious inference is to get better access to the minerals). The Chinese efficiency is incredible. The hugely dense cram of buildings along 5.4 kms of Wilkinson Road has been flattened and in many cases only parts of buildings remain.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NhG7ZTQS40lcOdbGTvbVy07sBvfHjIjCTeNZFCnp1ulIVk0bgufPMocB44qNdaK3ku8nj4JPDTvfitkmRsWlo9Yp_oSpZCDY-x46aGx2QjF6SOhKrFmVpbSvUstXL2MFZMxH/s1600/streetPicture3+012.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547316237442000066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NhG7ZTQS40lcOdbGTvbVy07sBvfHjIjCTeNZFCnp1ulIVk0bgufPMocB44qNdaK3ku8nj4JPDTvfitkmRsWlo9Yp_oSpZCDY-x46aGx2QjF6SOhKrFmVpbSvUstXL2MFZMxH/s320/streetPicture3+012.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHT0TjiHNtRARA3VLBIwLR7Jc2SoZzbKTPrCLtU_4WvmrJerwE2KkLvaYd1FxnUiq6G5-eeWx6HTgpf_AnDIBZKurdY0qiV2V_nZrxtbGLu1Tsm5WQksQBX36FX1N6iSs5Z1M/s1600/streetPicture2+012.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547315530251061186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHT0TjiHNtRARA3VLBIwLR7Jc2SoZzbKTPrCLtU_4WvmrJerwE2KkLvaYd1FxnUiq6G5-eeWx6HTgpf_AnDIBZKurdY0qiV2V_nZrxtbGLu1Tsm5WQksQBX36FX1N6iSs5Z1M/s320/streetPicture2+012.jpg" /></a><br />In Canada or UK, expropriation or compulsory purchase laws would have taken decades to sort out. Here it’s the “ask questions later” approach. The work is only 5 weeks in the making.<br /><br />Even on an early Sunday morning ( I couldn’t sleep for the blaring at Paddy’s) the work on the street was going on with the Chinese <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qdOBtr2HLR9m_h1HHnXqX0QmV3BHYb7msx3iOyrio8VyjOjH8Ygq-25TXhtySa0tegPKR7D6bynzVeIE_dZbbawQLuXPEWcL_AC4kTWkoCiHRf5W-k8PxeMbfSg-g3ccvZHL/s1600/sunday+workers+w+chineses2Picture+029.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547317142602977826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qdOBtr2HLR9m_h1HHnXqX0QmV3BHYb7msx3iOyrio8VyjOjH8Ygq-25TXhtySa0tegPKR7D6bynzVeIE_dZbbawQLuXPEWcL_AC4kTWkoCiHRf5W-k8PxeMbfSg-g3ccvZHL/s320/sunday+workers+w+chineses2Picture+029.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqr_T_4jj-etgrl2GWdsojoipfvpoeMtqDyMVrBNN8bxYXsHYUUQPAKn9Hv_rXm5DMPL5TvkgyDCCF6pLxBQ_w5qqrnThThutPTqeZUY1neIcfAboWK1AO18XHjASj5BBLQzy/s1600/Digger+travelling+Picture+040.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547314163995683250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqr_T_4jj-etgrl2GWdsojoipfvpoeMtqDyMVrBNN8bxYXsHYUUQPAKn9Hv_rXm5DMPL5TvkgyDCCF6pLxBQ_w5qqrnThThutPTqeZUY1neIcfAboWK1AO18XHjASj5BBLQzy/s320/Digger+travelling+Picture+040.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3J7PxddNyFoTYTgp1QSBsHKCDaXikl0AK2SPmHLgQUH6GXKZLNAtianFg4A2pQxXu46ZsqEN-OMaidkPMHOx4-CAVgAtGve2wqmHEd2ayzATjUtGpbWOqOyaU-HlHhYC2cEBz/s1600/Picture+001.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547310384974374658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3J7PxddNyFoTYTgp1QSBsHKCDaXikl0AK2SPmHLgQUH6GXKZLNAtianFg4A2pQxXu46ZsqEN-OMaidkPMHOx4-CAVgAtGve2wqmHEd2ayzATjUtGpbWOqOyaU-HlHhYC2cEBz/s320/Picture+001.jpg" /></a>obviously directing but road work employment given to locals – and working at a furious rate, something rather unusual for Sierra Leoneans.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCBTaXkvZYyCd2SPANSs008_DBLCrXBPtyj7ekQIdxvs4vWVOCIHLBKfreugNoVwnXsbK1NfFmDjeL8LOYWC7MhxrP2iX8MC5EPEyBzb7NnVCCF-dnof-SLW2bvrofc8d0ivC/s1600/sunday+workers+w+chinesesPicture+029.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547317131849607922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCBTaXkvZYyCd2SPANSs008_DBLCrXBPtyj7ekQIdxvs4vWVOCIHLBKfreugNoVwnXsbK1NfFmDjeL8LOYWC7MhxrP2iX8MC5EPEyBzb7NnVCCF-dnof-SLW2bvrofc8d0ivC/s320/sunday+workers+w+chinesesPicture+029.jpg" /></a> I need to find the secret motivation.<br /><br />One of the by products of the destruction is the availability of masonry that can be collected and used.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUS4iZW0MY5_npFBmgoAsn3n8co9z3ByUxaG0lTYPcfFh-r1KxSi84pbaBq15X9SSniN_-y4_LgdnBgky-HijnaxrYUzTPylVEnof_hbloXAgAs_qNIrNMpM1YOMXFSx_QE-zK/s1600/gatheringbricks2Picture+021.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547314173872101522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUS4iZW0MY5_npFBmgoAsn3n8co9z3ByUxaG0lTYPcfFh-r1KxSi84pbaBq15X9SSniN_-y4_LgdnBgky-HijnaxrYUzTPylVEnof_hbloXAgAs_qNIrNMpM1YOMXFSx_QE-zK/s320/gatheringbricks2Picture+021.jpg" /></a> This father and his children were building the family a new home.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEVHNUT6kUeAGm406oSv1EWlLdu7-cbho15CWqRjPMNPSNQQ79h8kAoYtgG-OYAdiiZPF61dEciBC7pstRvvN1XQ_POSy-H0toOGqSu4wR3ggnES0M-fi_aXxZjAx_fhTs3S-/s1600/gatheringbricksPicture+021.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547314179193386034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEVHNUT6kUeAGm406oSv1EWlLdu7-cbho15CWqRjPMNPSNQQ79h8kAoYtgG-OYAdiiZPF61dEciBC7pstRvvN1XQ_POSy-H0toOGqSu4wR3ggnES0M-fi_aXxZjAx_fhTs3S-/s320/gatheringbricksPicture+021.jpg" /></a> Others were collecting water from the burst main supply along the road and that would otherwise be difficult and expensive to get.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sOPO7B7-xCeBMB_Cc8HL8y_IuLpc0PCnOPSwdmrE4cJRP0QThgy8GM29MHZMXzDNhitSUB0Zwk7GBDc5ul1OVLlVd6N0Xp3D-zBG4SFRVCkKUQoqb8Ks5tNYvNOe2dLq7wOK/s1600/waterstreet+Picture+034.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547317115646100850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sOPO7B7-xCeBMB_Cc8HL8y_IuLpc0PCnOPSwdmrE4cJRP0QThgy8GM29MHZMXzDNhitSUB0Zwk7GBDc5ul1OVLlVd6N0Xp3D-zBG4SFRVCkKUQoqb8Ks5tNYvNOe2dLq7wOK/s320/waterstreet+Picture+034.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjwA9zd8URiKbzlIiNogijMAyA6Qiu3T_T8ZRRm3us9xHl-4DfuH1Ek-tl5-b5hqcQFH7r6fsmTkGyQBVTJ_fKnt1ElRK7uXd2ptIiNTjD9wP8TTrzpV7D9PtHPrbwbR9IGJZ/s1600/VSO+Picture+049.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br />Those that know Wilkinson Road can see that Montana’s restaurant has been sawn in half. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAwzq_ARLrWlaCuk3gKcJfV4ixqgpNZr3rFU99OlMI1n5Zb_L8Jw_GGhTNWQWkkdZHgDwG3QIl32H-6Cl-gQQhFYCCPJLPx80UsShD-RgRhUtYlkSXWPZoQifu3B54nekUCnh/s1600/street+Montana+Picture+043.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547315524162391778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAwzq_ARLrWlaCuk3gKcJfV4ixqgpNZr3rFU99OlMI1n5Zb_L8Jw_GGhTNWQWkkdZHgDwG3QIl32H-6Cl-gQQhFYCCPJLPx80UsShD-RgRhUtYlkSXWPZoQifu3B54nekUCnh/s320/street+Montana+Picture+043.jpg" /></a>Other buildings have been indiscriminately razed or partly razed. Trees are simply pushed aside. Businesses however continue to operate as best they can and in the stoic way only Sierra Leoneans can do.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqa7byWgbF8HKNazSbSnpmBRuF93vZOVXvz6gDbwvFxOaCOeeu8-cGjarrAo-yWpfx6jB6wQeW0h0gT2sYrF5Da3OhJtlo1jYOqkE9Vqe-GTJY_TBAMyX_b479_KpvpdCj34Fa/s1600/haircutPicture+037.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547314825656343106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqa7byWgbF8HKNazSbSnpmBRuF93vZOVXvz6gDbwvFxOaCOeeu8-cGjarrAo-yWpfx6jB6wQeW0h0gT2sYrF5Da3OhJtlo1jYOqkE9Vqe-GTJY_TBAMyX_b479_KpvpdCj34Fa/s320/haircutPicture+037.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjE8-q9rrF6xxH001duo_cV1RY_xLakdjhRpR__WmjcCtjV-2IjveIXnio76lVcevS75nEeHaUmoXCkDpdrQZStsRChzenkSitUG_X9gA2b60OJI56hhAA7tDKi63QWWJlnAAt/s1600/hair+buildingPicture+035.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547314821842223778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjE8-q9rrF6xxH001duo_cV1RY_xLakdjhRpR__WmjcCtjV-2IjveIXnio76lVcevS75nEeHaUmoXCkDpdrQZStsRChzenkSitUG_X9gA2b60OJI56hhAA7tDKi63QWWJlnAAt/s320/hair+buildingPicture+035.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXu7AUNCVSyEHSr_xLM39Xhz7ekkh0iOUlfCZnULHSAGBmQ2C5N7qz99XoCuAkJo8_QkW46GHYq7OuNoYjVtfCSwbG8xoAFt5q6bAMYeDvV8oTys61mzJH6UiRjt5LPBWJwne/s1600/tailoring+Picture+027.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547317130179070978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXu7AUNCVSyEHSr_xLM39Xhz7ekkh0iOUlfCZnULHSAGBmQ2C5N7qz99XoCuAkJo8_QkW46GHYq7OuNoYjVtfCSwbG8xoAFt5q6bAMYeDvV8oTys61mzJH6UiRjt5LPBWJwne/s320/tailoring+Picture+027.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Sunday afternoon I said goodbye to Joseph at the VSO office and I was collected by my new employer Welthugerhilfe a large German NGO. More about my placement later. My transport to Bo was a typical NGO vehicle, a white landcruiser the stuff of my previous blog articles decrying their use. I felt really awkward at this luxury but I put up with the air conditioning for just a little while.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAL1dqVA22dGvz3MbO5zMQ1Q-ej0Tz0fa2JdY63fhc7WEVyiUhgwz3wGziHe9YxnuzTW9Rs9c6cUWyW8rFvsQ726M2Nsz6DfNv-7VAv4QA7n7A1icDQn1aU5Alebco0cBdCFK/s1600/centrestreetPicture2+012.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547311238271269602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAL1dqVA22dGvz3MbO5zMQ1Q-ej0Tz0fa2JdY63fhc7WEVyiUhgwz3wGziHe9YxnuzTW9Rs9c6cUWyW8rFvsQ726M2Nsz6DfNv-7VAv4QA7n7A1icDQn1aU5Alebco0cBdCFK/s320/centrestreetPicture2+012.jpg" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><br /><br /><div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY_yw3muB2objopGi7-xAqJMSa_qVtc4pQ3Wepudo5XYxWZCl8kC3lc0wpojNjGE_S4Gucf2h0a4mz-sZNC6E_JCBZy1jKciWZqWR7kSZHfcUjFN2aAGxjPrcVz7ZjBxzD0DF/s1600/garbage+puller+Picture+042.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547314170791845570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY_yw3muB2objopGi7-xAqJMSa_qVtc4pQ3Wepudo5XYxWZCl8kC3lc0wpojNjGE_S4Gucf2h0a4mz-sZNC6E_JCBZy1jKciWZqWR7kSZHfcUjFN2aAGxjPrcVz7ZjBxzD0DF/s320/garbage+puller+Picture+042.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoca77lVKQLmtpoGTd3wOVZSG_Uejf2oG7plIX4HVJz2UEANhQAKHKynWmlWGnK7_I-4shxA8RM_2lv780vud9Y8JaaPdoGDfgMmHvSzwmFVrs-IvoHYT58RhG2abZKK7L99M/s1600/centrestreetPicture+012.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547314159269947442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoca77lVKQLmtpoGTd3wOVZSG_Uejf2oG7plIX4HVJz2UEANhQAKHKynWmlWGnK7_I-4shxA8RM_2lv780vud9Y8JaaPdoGDfgMmHvSzwmFVrs-IvoHYT58RhG2abZKK7L99M/s320/centrestreetPicture+012.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuEytcDyxnB2bOvmLmmoMOCUnD0GscS0HND8k3V7JAadUomzkVjJe9AfiPJUrnycpgMA24Qejc1XxMAGI90ukgOi-qwUERqGMcTO4bYHU6peHSiKrIpxOhUqGa43vb0NOKup4/s1600/centrestreetPicture3+012.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547311244071702690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuEytcDyxnB2bOvmLmmoMOCUnD0GscS0HND8k3V7JAadUomzkVjJe9AfiPJUrnycpgMA24Qejc1XxMAGI90ukgOi-qwUERqGMcTO4bYHU6peHSiKrIpxOhUqGa43vb0NOKup4/s320/centrestreetPicture3+012.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-25587352382313927282010-06-23T01:39:00.006+00:002010-06-23T02:03:27.392+00:00Computing Update<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Computing and computing knowledge is an enormous advantage for Sierra <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmkrmI5tTb-qJ1yrjbvoaD-SQljV3o-ipGc-oh4v3ulTPO4Ek2yD-YBnEdkBelA_ILmnbxTqRbXE8iRgolOq4DxiOA3fMMR3F8Cj2cYvpmgaZdaHGMWt6E3-0DEm5fdeOXfhK/s1600/Sheka.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485779042489861378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmkrmI5tTb-qJ1yrjbvoaD-SQljV3o-ipGc-oh4v3ulTPO4Ek2yD-YBnEdkBelA_ILmnbxTqRbXE8iRgolOq4DxiOA3fMMR3F8Cj2cYvpmgaZdaHGMWt6E3-0DEm5fdeOXfhK/s320/Sheka.jpg" border="0" /></a>Leoneans and the younger people in particular are acutely aware. Sheka shown here is under my training at the City of Bo. Knowledge and the need to get ahead of peers in the high stakes job market is extremely important. Many of the best opportunities for work are with the government and importantly international non-governmental organizations. Otherwise jobs are scarce and limited to labouring, farming and market selling. A primary requirement is to have computing knowledge and the challenge in acquiring the knowledge is a) access to hardware and software, b) hydro to power the computers c) teaching d) money to afford a, b and c.<br /><br />In Bo a city of 150,000 people and the largest outside of Freetown the education system is poor and does not have access to any computing. There are several private schools that offer courses but have limited access to very old machines and limited numbers of good instructors.<br /><br />Altus Group headquartered in Toronto has a program of renewal and updating and as part of the program the company generously sent me 5 laptop machines. The machines were cleaned and software loaded by Altus in-house technician Mitchel Smith before they were shipped. Thanks go to Altus and Mitchel.<br /><br />Two of the machines were placed in a local printing shop whose owner <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6a8tyXPZusPL5CaqaEIJIhWbku8GRARHdBnnsg_B4nOM-1LvARZNCL3AuK9esa-pTq135lQbmqmfd6E_TkQtEOi0wq8JmJzzeBYyDRzvn9TCJU3HBSTvM-hyUaCrzr8FvGYpT/s1600/Kama1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485778226170364082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6a8tyXPZusPL5CaqaEIJIhWbku8GRARHdBnnsg_B4nOM-1LvARZNCL3AuK9esa-pTq135lQbmqmfd6E_TkQtEOi0wq8JmJzzeBYyDRzvn9TCJU3HBSTvM-hyUaCrzr8FvGYpT/s320/Kama1.JPG" border="0" /></a>Joseph Kamara agreed to be a host without charge. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ont7JKTwzCN6OFauxnaOBaaFvGjVT1o5wT6hJdjjaRGUjKxs_yjVTnI8NCEHyu46zn0yFVnXh5zns5aMGw1xRtPRVSaAbYqVvKj66A3KxMOF6lRBDUnj7iJ-BisE5_hxJvuH/s1600/Kama2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485778761479294962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ont7JKTwzCN6OFauxnaOBaaFvGjVT1o5wT6hJdjjaRGUjKxs_yjVTnI8NCEHyu46zn0yFVnXh5zns5aMGw1xRtPRVSaAbYqVvKj66A3KxMOF6lRBDUnj7iJ-BisE5_hxJvuH/s320/Kama2.JPG" border="0" /></a>Joseph is a local entrepreneur who sees an opportunity to earn future revenue from a more knowledgeable local youth. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOysSUZf71gu3rNDWnzCR8GA-5Oj_Qk4Dop-91jxsjcLm9moycpX9aUhJJGQDH759SXpgd4EANHGUqsTBxCk15He86R5XprxfC62YiLJGe21w-ssFKe9f0fY5HG2WUhZyhsMi/s1600/Kama3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485778762866177970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOysSUZf71gu3rNDWnzCR8GA-5Oj_Qk4Dop-91jxsjcLm9moycpX9aUhJJGQDH759SXpgd4EANHGUqsTBxCk15He86R5XprxfC62YiLJGe21w-ssFKe9f0fY5HG2WUhZyhsMi/s320/Kama3.JPG" border="0" /></a>He has already opened an internet café next door to the printing shop. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-5KXBqrmob8IZ0InaCrQBEw-_bZNqpG9GVIJ8CvkBw53_v9GXZMnv19l_aAMFb3A7y4stoJq-aiQM2ZkESTXnjwsDC3IglcmWTMSZm1grcVAHmEid9-fd-21ZFUqf1dxfgzb/s1600/Kama5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485778776889774514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-5KXBqrmob8IZ0InaCrQBEw-_bZNqpG9GVIJ8CvkBw53_v9GXZMnv19l_aAMFb3A7y4stoJq-aiQM2ZkESTXnjwsDC3IglcmWTMSZm1grcVAHmEid9-fd-21ZFUqf1dxfgzb/s320/Kama5.JPG" border="0" /></a>The printing shop is ideal because it has a reasonably reliable source of electricity driven by a back up diesel generator. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyuII3uPAE4dgIXeTvinYoo2q2Ba8EgDpyiTI4wx9sjvpAp-F96yuQSQhehPafoM4gpWwHDyyx-oeMmymAjccMqah_XqI5AvkjINT8jMEVeQv5s49XdNBHQl9bgGBdKiYM8uE/s1600/Kama4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485778774824493730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyuII3uPAE4dgIXeTvinYoo2q2Ba8EgDpyiTI4wx9sjvpAp-F96yuQSQhehPafoM4gpWwHDyyx-oeMmymAjccMqah_XqI5AvkjINT8jMEVeQv5s49XdNBHQl9bgGBdKiYM8uE/s320/Kama4.JPG" border="0" /></a>The power supply is needed for the printing machines and is available to power the computers as well. Software was installed to self teach all of the Microsoft features and programs such as Word and Excel. The computers are made available to students at a cost of 1,000 Leones (30c) per hour and reports from Sheka Kamara who monitors the program, the students, find the availability of machines and the teaching aids very useful<br /><br /><br />One of the remaining lap tops was placed with the Mayor Wusu Sannoh of the City of Bo. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJ3HJJsnDrMH9jKOYE-Km2onj1P3biMB5XfE75kSHiYUR8U8QbUj8Udo9MtIRzjtOXraoJcUcmwkX4G1ochu3TzybCrMSA2ifBOjo-Aj8o829EqxV23PFRCcQFgWFz2O3AVhc/s1600/Mayor.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485778785369705426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJ3HJJsnDrMH9jKOYE-Km2onj1P3biMB5XfE75kSHiYUR8U8QbUj8Udo9MtIRzjtOXraoJcUcmwkX4G1ochu3TzybCrMSA2ifBOjo-Aj8o829EqxV23PFRCcQFgWFz2O3AVhc/s320/Mayor.JPG" border="0" /></a>The Mayor is a former academic, a professor of chemistry at Fourah Bay University in Freetown. He was delighted since he had had an old machine that had failed. Another laptop went to the local Njala <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCFRkXTl-llfTsD8EP8DDcXxZuVTc4J8-iqMV1tR2cppcbYhEj5Xv0z5N2iKaeMlEyGu4mo9usw25pKz_Bn3gPbhXaik8UHD9IkFKbEhYODJuIprb9-_ZeqKoSuDM3jKKCld6/s1600/Njala.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485779028018300130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCFRkXTl-llfTsD8EP8DDcXxZuVTc4J8-iqMV1tR2cppcbYhEj5Xv0z5N2iKaeMlEyGu4mo9usw25pKz_Bn3gPbhXaik8UHD9IkFKbEhYODJuIprb9-_ZeqKoSuDM3jKKCld6/s320/Njala.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpGsfao_s7d9fiXijFOD1DIatML7c5TA4vwJPUqgZ6Ftk7JKFFU_rR-FEHS5aKideMw6SZxCK2G8d19tIYmVdlWoA_jbjGGq1IL02bklkE9mEUteaEUgDgbAweKK_ove0bPTi/s1600/Computer+library.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485778215222421634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpGsfao_s7d9fiXijFOD1DIatML7c5TA4vwJPUqgZ6Ftk7JKFFU_rR-FEHS5aKideMw6SZxCK2G8d19tIYmVdlWoA_jbjGGq1IL02bklkE9mEUteaEUgDgbAweKK_ove0bPTi/s320/Computer+library.JPG" border="0" /></a>university and specifically to the campus where nursing is taught. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSUweYiO6u0LjHKs1AmH-gr14hG1-fMXVmTdg9IdDC37_wmyI0o36uvTVNwGxZaooafZ7VFrG_as3pIQfMVExmwR-cgsfWRgcJtUFkLW9RpiwAsP6b3g78oy_5IWdSpAuGltv/s1600/COmputerNursing.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485778216400084226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSUweYiO6u0LjHKs1AmH-gr14hG1-fMXVmTdg9IdDC37_wmyI0o36uvTVNwGxZaooafZ7VFrG_as3pIQfMVExmwR-cgsfWRgcJtUFkLW9RpiwAsP6b3g78oy_5IWdSpAuGltv/s320/COmputerNursing.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPL3oqYUOcUaCuDnpFqO8ntukwlt9YSokBrsGy8OD3-in4-k7EH3fZSMWg0aqQ7uuRQwjKBHa6GgjdK15Al1hMP8wvSpnqscbm1BT13Tk9trBoZI9Xl2wHqyMSzFqV9Md8rLW/s1600/Winner.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485779195130002018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPL3oqYUOcUaCuDnpFqO8ntukwlt9YSokBrsGy8OD3-in4-k7EH3fZSMWg0aqQ7uuRQwjKBHa6GgjdK15Al1hMP8wvSpnqscbm1BT13Tk9trBoZI9Xl2wHqyMSzFqV9Md8rLW/s320/Winner.JPG" border="0" /></a>The last computer was given to a local individual Ramiatu Abu Mussah who was entered into a draw for those who had paid their local City of Bo property tax. The City of Bo had run an incentive program to entice people to start paying property tax and this has now proved to be most successful. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>In Makeni a computer school was started by Peter Lansana a graduate of a local college partnered with Adikalie Kamara <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXU8b-RWYxtAevC27Jy5kEuSY-t5e7nkg-xkV8QRcmG5q3YHPHLovxOJgEasEtc-A9E6_a63fv2ZaHQgQmeZCvWsBzMeyzDCCNnTKlwDRcjnKviJcKAGoAYApNv5Qf-Da3hm4/s1600/PeterAdikalie.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485779041541680994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXU8b-RWYxtAevC27Jy5kEuSY-t5e7nkg-xkV8QRcmG5q3YHPHLovxOJgEasEtc-A9E6_a63fv2ZaHQgQmeZCvWsBzMeyzDCCNnTKlwDRcjnKviJcKAGoAYApNv5Qf-Da3hm4/s320/PeterAdikalie.JPG" border="0" /></a>my City of Makeni technician and trainee. They are still looking desparately for some laptops since their power supply through back up generators lacks fuel and is eratic. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8BhFfBsmORsiFK5RPoh-36uj2QzUeFEbomtnjhl3Fxux3hL__Zkkt3aPZnxNlxN9u8VtRPXhJbiW-HGdG4jAew8RscDmNWk6l-A35qSaw8vEpEmX_SgrCyrgxB1EXe_aKIdz/s1600/Adikalie.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485778210019885090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8BhFfBsmORsiFK5RPoh-36uj2QzUeFEbomtnjhl3Fxux3hL__Zkkt3aPZnxNlxN9u8VtRPXhJbiW-HGdG4jAew8RscDmNWk6l-A35qSaw8vEpEmX_SgrCyrgxB1EXe_aKIdz/s320/Adikalie.JPG" border="0" /></a>The photo shows Adilkalie in training at the local UN office allowing us to use reasonable space and importantly power. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-16695267897823454442009-10-15T10:38:00.009+00:002009-10-15T11:48:05.524+00:00School<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA41nY7dDHMzUeeIDX-EyzPVr8YNTjvVTOz-iqmEGqLkuiPmCqUifCli6T4RDSfoyTGwT9okxg0zcoc0TR1gr9SUAmXtXwxdHZ_GidYDA34SI003RxJmE1pqz9fyHBkdKjsJx/s1600-h/31.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392780451505607618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 293px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA41nY7dDHMzUeeIDX-EyzPVr8YNTjvVTOz-iqmEGqLkuiPmCqUifCli6T4RDSfoyTGwT9okxg0zcoc0TR1gr9SUAmXtXwxdHZ_GidYDA34SI003RxJmE1pqz9fyHBkdKjsJx/s320/31.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A call for students. Sierra Leonean kids want to communicate but don’t have computer access. If you would like to chat with a student in the City of Bo, Sierra Leone let me know at <a href="mailto:pjfishing@yahoo.com">pjfishing@yahoo.com</a> and I’ll hook you up through Local Government officer Sheka Kamara. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiK_J6J4T3y9Fkdm0UoRB62jPfob-ZLRaqfFk_ZDZszO0S3dQBO8KeoM6L251s1gnYzi0XmB-DVnLKWp3D47DofOjLFGO2y0dDvEyD68Bfm5RJNv-zDnZbJdnYgPfoALXH_bJW/s1600-h/27.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392778769569808098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 264px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiK_J6J4T3y9Fkdm0UoRB62jPfob-ZLRaqfFk_ZDZszO0S3dQBO8KeoM6L251s1gnYzi0XmB-DVnLKWp3D47DofOjLFGO2y0dDvEyD68Bfm5RJNv-zDnZbJdnYgPfoALXH_bJW/s320/27.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Like all parents the world over, education in Sierra Leone is highly valued and great sacrifices are made by many for the future generation. The enlightened see education especially of girls as the way out of poverty. However the education system has badly failed due mainly to the lack of teaching skills and poor treatment of teachers. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwt82oUJnh4duTbrr_pJvmjmgSlAUTSDmYb_YI7oEDfS1uaXXYDQdefslfl1mZJSpgwF3Eg5XFU0HdtMzGmFiaYtfqBCvIhnJz4bnTA0H0Hooq2HzaatoNkWUlCZm4m4gN2ls/s1600-h/34.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392780478127262418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwt82oUJnh4duTbrr_pJvmjmgSlAUTSDmYb_YI7oEDfS1uaXXYDQdefslfl1mZJSpgwF3Eg5XFU0HdtMzGmFiaYtfqBCvIhnJz4bnTA0H0Hooq2HzaatoNkWUlCZm4m4gN2ls/s320/34.JPG" border="0" /></a>Non Governmental Aid seems to have focused on the construction of buildings rather than to increase the capacity of local government to provide the teaching materials and the central Government to provide sufficient salaries. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiwAK48mBATFfpJD-CP-_MoU71BQ50l4gOWs19MxkFMNKJrOQlPrW_2jv1C9u9VVn0JGbdfsKX5eCFkOpksEHCYsJz9C6y3CtNCMVWf_vLdrYTdJ_890rz4BX5_r9P-qyIvex/s1600-h/3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392775435699085634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiwAK48mBATFfpJD-CP-_MoU71BQ50l4gOWs19MxkFMNKJrOQlPrW_2jv1C9u9VVn0JGbdfsKX5eCFkOpksEHCYsJz9C6y3CtNCMVWf_vLdrYTdJ_890rz4BX5_r9P-qyIvex/s320/3.JPG" border="0" /></a>Meanwhile The World Bank complains in a recent report that <em>“Sierra Leone needs to show clear evidence of the effective use of funds already available, together with a credible plan for utilizing future, additional resources”</em> Obviously funds are provided but are not being used – sadly we should read corruption, an all too common thread.<br /><br />Officially school fees are abolished for 6 primary years and for a further 3 years for girls. Nonetheless 25% of children don’t attend especially among the poorest. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjuH5qQnR7R9uGDkeaELuKeHiWgXQG14jyMCM8CHIhyphenhyphenr2Bu-3O_D8quHYlp2969GB_UAFKxdHquoXEzgiYR01JkG_OMrlHZ-rW9zIetbz0sD7u1MX62e7OX4qZYa4I1XwVVdh/s1600-h/33.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392780470330885186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjuH5qQnR7R9uGDkeaELuKeHiWgXQG14jyMCM8CHIhyphenhyphenr2Bu-3O_D8quHYlp2969GB_UAFKxdHquoXEzgiYR01JkG_OMrlHZ-rW9zIetbz0sD7u1MX62e7OX4qZYa4I1XwVVdh/s320/33.JPG" border="0" /></a>Moreover the standard of schooling is dreadful. Schools in Sierra Leone are considered as “public” since they are funded out of the central government budget (funded almost 50% each year by the World Bank). The funds are then trickled to Local Government such as Bo and Makeni to maintain and build the buildings, supply school materials and implement curriculum. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-8sf4jTkHW0Si6nOP1wgCB4xzKYu4ozW6j8nwQUIrH1gDtq94HdPuvNW24x6JYYfbmcxaE0PR0C3Nhrw_0GNx4cA8dI_0MEmj424KyWtc59Z2kWE-9hUIXc9BfeTf41nof5c/s1600-h/32.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392780458758637170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-8sf4jTkHW0Si6nOP1wgCB4xzKYu4ozW6j8nwQUIrH1gDtq94HdPuvNW24x6JYYfbmcxaE0PR0C3Nhrw_0GNx4cA8dI_0MEmj424KyWtc59Z2kWE-9hUIXc9BfeTf41nof5c/s320/32.JPG" border="0" /></a>The teachers are paid by Central Government – a tiny amount of about $40 per month for first year graduates although this is frequently late and occasionally not paid at all. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsQ0d1s_iSjTsElwAXC5w1mNUl1QGjqZ6ioNHlDz7BdDwLADXOmURcTun3-ua3gs_clzQ7ZcC2nN4HoeB30Jnqg8HvDTx3a5SHyfCMlehcGtFkLnoZeiKv_bJQHQu-AnCEZrl/s1600-h/4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392775441429200194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsQ0d1s_iSjTsElwAXC5w1mNUl1QGjqZ6ioNHlDz7BdDwLADXOmURcTun3-ua3gs_clzQ7ZcC2nN4HoeB30Jnqg8HvDTx3a5SHyfCMlehcGtFkLnoZeiKv_bJQHQu-AnCEZrl/s320/4.JPG" border="0" /></a>Notwithstanding this I am astounded that many students wish to be teachers – mainly because there are so few other alternatives. I now know that the teachers survive by accumulating money or benefit from the parents and children in various ways. The children are “taught” farming by doing it on school grounds and the resulting crops are then appropriated by the teacher. Teacher brings home cooked treats to class and the children are expected to buy. Marking papers, photocopying texts and an array of methods <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEg63yv1irmyzlcYQlm01qegCCx92wwZLDWNTVtYQnvmFejDjr8GJ7ZBfpudsHPkTp2q3dCzkfsdmajAmwALI4oTzdnA1bFqSUU2JRcmSDHe_dICZN3f9uqTOYFq4owKGLuvX/s1600-h/5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392775452860007154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEg63yv1irmyzlcYQlm01qegCCx92wwZLDWNTVtYQnvmFejDjr8GJ7ZBfpudsHPkTp2q3dCzkfsdmajAmwALI4oTzdnA1bFqSUU2JRcmSDHe_dICZN3f9uqTOYFq4owKGLuvX/s320/5.JPG" border="0" /></a>supplements the income.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvDur5fCamlNLVu4axPz5VWWr2MPOL51Yf0xMUwNHUwlKsCh67YxOqaM6r1-i-Mw7JBx-K3F70Xi4kYHSstE6GHRV6CModSl3qfadjKV4uLT5kvzS9BcPK7-uCs0sTTfIuLuq/s1600-h/2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392775430142432610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvDur5fCamlNLVu4axPz5VWWr2MPOL51Yf0xMUwNHUwlKsCh67YxOqaM6r1-i-Mw7JBx-K3F70Xi4kYHSstE6GHRV6CModSl3qfadjKV4uLT5kvzS9BcPK7-uCs0sTTfIuLuq/s320/2.JPG" border="0" /></a> Importantly education is supposed to be “free” for those in primary school - under 12’s but in reality it’s quite different, largely because the teachers are not paid enough.<br /><br />The other big problem is that the standard of education is so poor, the main issue being the poor training standards coupled with the poor pay. Public schools seem to spend a high proportion of the year doing non teaching such as a sports week and a farming week. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRxcoib0NCtICSwYTkm91CgkziTK7FOhumvmVgvoAO2L7uKUVsyDllQACfOP-PbAgokoT8KTpPRuAo0-JJXZnsCK1WA7G6Unl6qtf9dgyB0izK3rvLqiwXcCEc-TKeMteFlDf/s1600-h/7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392776071783338418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRxcoib0NCtICSwYTkm91CgkziTK7FOhumvmVgvoAO2L7uKUVsyDllQACfOP-PbAgokoT8KTpPRuAo0-JJXZnsCK1WA7G6Unl6qtf9dgyB0izK3rvLqiwXcCEc-TKeMteFlDf/s320/7.jpg" border="0" /></a>All these issues are accentuated by the huge class sizes that can reach over 100 kids crammed into an often dark and dismal room seated on rough wooden benches. The World Bank reports that “Most schools in Sierra Leone have very poor classroom conditions and still lack sufficient learning materials and adequately qualified teachers; learning in many schools<br />is minimal.“ A sad indictment, but obvious when seen just casually on the ground.<br /><br />The dismal standard is recognized by parents most often seeking private schools if they can afford it. Private schools are quite common and are usually built on a religious foundation. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoD1MdKiZ60NIDEDHPPK64Iiy2n5lf6bKLZNWskcrpj-nMvsUO5OXslDQgjiPbphyphenhyphen7dyw33BCfvqp5RTRS1sBGlijn-B7snq10iuYmciWQOdUd8DKF6Q-b6ONBjWFdY28yiW0/s1600-h/14.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392776825885767090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoD1MdKiZ60NIDEDHPPK64Iiy2n5lf6bKLZNWskcrpj-nMvsUO5OXslDQgjiPbphyphenhyphen7dyw33BCfvqp5RTRS1sBGlijn-B7snq10iuYmciWQOdUd8DKF6Q-b6ONBjWFdY28yiW0/s320/14.jpg" border="0" /></a>I visited one school run by a Bo City Councilor Abdul Karim Sesay. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-i9yBPgF5exdIYYydE7vYK6f6rxJdcvw5vYo5fVq4m6nAMNAyx6ZRV0WaS3ROyvI7Plt7UR3Ayi7mWT6OqRQ5TJsIou0sMPxVn0l2KCUun_enzqVv5FsbnawBLDfA87rxW3sh/s1600-h/11.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392776800084817522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-i9yBPgF5exdIYYydE7vYK6f6rxJdcvw5vYo5fVq4m6nAMNAyx6ZRV0WaS3ROyvI7Plt7UR3Ayi7mWT6OqRQ5TJsIou0sMPxVn0l2KCUun_enzqVv5FsbnawBLDfA87rxW3sh/s320/11.jpg" border="0" /></a>Sesay who is a fully qualified teacher and was a public school principal is also the Chairman of the property tax and licences committee. I often had to interact with Sesay but we didn’t always agree. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9uONVf_U-qCWZbbojhYUEsUN3nzxVIrFJaAxmfCivboBoeVmtgliyUj-zA03hGsMeio5iAMgvh8OR2fijpRPJFHeqp_7N1FTf6cKyH-sebdoc1ZrEuzKdSJNIli6sYj2sj-P/s1600-h/9.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392776083038402194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9uONVf_U-qCWZbbojhYUEsUN3nzxVIrFJaAxmfCivboBoeVmtgliyUj-zA03hGsMeio5iAMgvh8OR2fijpRPJFHeqp_7N1FTf6cKyH-sebdoc1ZrEuzKdSJNIli6sYj2sj-P/s320/9.jpg" border="0" /></a>Recognising the problems in the publicly funded schools Sesay started his own primary school only last year with a series of other teachers and I went to visit. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuN7x4dy56yt0GvCDXBVTlB3lWBfw2rkcvskXT6v9darFwP2RyF5d-i0pzCQPv-3LQRyujjwBS_JnJbChTlUCuZwldiU7zaekvk74130wo1cYrCUdK8X7baZXRToVbpWosIao/s1600-h/13.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392776815936797634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuN7x4dy56yt0GvCDXBVTlB3lWBfw2rkcvskXT6v9darFwP2RyF5d-i0pzCQPv-3LQRyujjwBS_JnJbChTlUCuZwldiU7zaekvk74130wo1cYrCUdK8X7baZXRToVbpWosIao/s320/13.jpg" border="0" /></a>The school is located in a poorer residential area and is an old mud brick house with 5 rooms. Mindful of the parents lack of discretionary cash, students don’t have to wear a uniform. Islam is the foundation of the school and there is religious instruction. However it is obvious that Christian students also attend. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuF7oQIAzMlMEcPG0SvzDw9Ocj39aWvxZPBz8yV-4W-qX07uUX3QeQGrQH_dwRNsc7RuHMH_e0G9WcxPS4hmxwRvTQkSJtJ5yxIc0OhIB7TroUKc6zMyHqs7ygEK_C9r9oErcT/s1600-h/10.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392776091404064802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuF7oQIAzMlMEcPG0SvzDw9Ocj39aWvxZPBz8yV-4W-qX07uUX3QeQGrQH_dwRNsc7RuHMH_e0G9WcxPS4hmxwRvTQkSJtJ5yxIc0OhIB7TroUKc6zMyHqs7ygEK_C9r9oErcT/s320/10.jpg" border="0" /></a>Prayers are said for both religions and I’d say that 25% of the kids are Christian. The school is cramped and 4 of the rooms are dark.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2VGUabwJGnOyf4B7I0W-RcaCB-OQPg2qYnv1qvwR49IyO8ZYrs-LOvovv_dN6NY2-HTjZm1VcUGZrSoRybpdO0v3r8tdbL_MJ3JfC3_Tmi2woueTVGPjjawg5qWMyUFFO9Dx/s1600-h/6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392776064838611234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2VGUabwJGnOyf4B7I0W-RcaCB-OQPg2qYnv1qvwR49IyO8ZYrs-LOvovv_dN6NY2-HTjZm1VcUGZrSoRybpdO0v3r8tdbL_MJ3JfC3_Tmi2woueTVGPjjawg5qWMyUFFO9Dx/s320/6.jpg" border="0" /></a> However there are about 200 students already. Costs are under $20 per year and there is considerable leniency for some parents. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAw8e_vmZzlc04VkHNyelemNoaLWqstfkgPEi3Lixifp-_IcKOZ0JrQFXXJlvrhDV61mvXVlaT2PCOP8QSeDUPlSidd2fOcsYWsYuBQ6DBuMlDCjGL2NOoZELG17VEzf-XsnL4/s1600-h/8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392776080747002722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAw8e_vmZzlc04VkHNyelemNoaLWqstfkgPEi3Lixifp-_IcKOZ0JrQFXXJlvrhDV61mvXVlaT2PCOP8QSeDUPlSidd2fOcsYWsYuBQ6DBuMlDCjGL2NOoZELG17VEzf-XsnL4/s320/8.jpg" border="0" /></a>Things like paper and pencils are extra. Books – well there are none. Instruction comes from the chalk board and the students seem to copy from the board or by rote from the teacher. The important element here for Sesay is that the class size is smaller and although the teachers are not well paid at the moment, they are more dedicated than his experience as a Principal in the public school. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8HNyiPL7TSu741nh_2YvOdh0ZfO6XmFDPMqTcH2CAxRD3ejQUrk0KDSvip-SFmDrmOYD9pNwomOAO2a4cW6yoKt_yu-NViiwJq8VQtnhaoJri3ucKpvq3Fo2-xyC9fluyeg6/s1600-h/12.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392776810832947714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8HNyiPL7TSu741nh_2YvOdh0ZfO6XmFDPMqTcH2CAxRD3ejQUrk0KDSvip-SFmDrmOYD9pNwomOAO2a4cW6yoKt_yu-NViiwJq8VQtnhaoJri3ucKpvq3Fo2-xyC9fluyeg6/s320/12.jpg" border="0" /></a>The plan is that when the school becomes more popular then better funding will be available. The teachers appear to be prepared to wait.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznh3L6NF6s795ebFViC1LUEw4nYfm2IpZEcCt5qkQ8dg1vYbXC02tzUSAM058bBWuy6Wx6KDxTgYNE3Zf6-LW_bfBkkwRi7TJnzHS1qGxPbxgm6ia4AWq3gNfMCqDMAAyhBiy/s1600-h/15.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392776833217174418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 245px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznh3L6NF6s795ebFViC1LUEw4nYfm2IpZEcCt5qkQ8dg1vYbXC02tzUSAM058bBWuy6Wx6KDxTgYNE3Zf6-LW_bfBkkwRi7TJnzHS1qGxPbxgm6ia4AWq3gNfMCqDMAAyhBiy/s320/15.jpg" border="0" /></a>Interestingly the name of Sesay’s school is Al Gaddafi Comprehensive Academy and honours the Libyan leader, somewhat strange since Gaddafi was known to have financed the rebels during the war in Sierra Leone (for obvious diamond access). Sesay explains that Gaddafi has recently been very generous for Sierra Leone. I am constantly surprised at how easy it is to buy favours, even a foreign despot like Gaddafi.<br /><br />At the other end of the scale is the very privileged Bo School founded by the British in 1906.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHDTWY_1_UPRo29TredG8Z4NXSxhamC8AaXySpQczEDyOFAXMT6JoPDHr43FqhAmdw-9M_j2RGgx4zYXM2xXlVoxmTBonDMypydGtG_0JumzUCd_kGJl7VHHRr1AtiWAl23IH/s1600-h/17.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392777488567203586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHDTWY_1_UPRo29TredG8Z4NXSxhamC8AaXySpQczEDyOFAXMT6JoPDHr43FqhAmdw-9M_j2RGgx4zYXM2xXlVoxmTBonDMypydGtG_0JumzUCd_kGJl7VHHRr1AtiWAl23IH/s320/17.jpg" border="0" /></a> Of course this is for boys only. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusI5gKDnTPPBfgdVDv85HXp1yiQAbxAIQmUNKNJlbxQJSNYuyemi8jv1A9v6ciO0m6msWjE6pmV70cVACU5hhe5Lxz8SAvNGJ0zG-6H1yxBW2p-oIYfp6y4vTeZIe3GIBDytt/s1600-h/16.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392777479471658802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 116px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusI5gKDnTPPBfgdVDv85HXp1yiQAbxAIQmUNKNJlbxQJSNYuyemi8jv1A9v6ciO0m6msWjE6pmV70cVACU5hhe5Lxz8SAvNGJ0zG-6H1yxBW2p-oIYfp6y4vTeZIe3GIBDytt/s320/16.jpg" border="0" /></a>Many of the most influential politicians and the successful in the country were educated here and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialZUk4PR-bHBVlnuZ0Z5mR24O53EpwDPF3ZJHTFnxHX8yv_ObKfH4pHkitgQ0zNtxJFPNGB4-4tTZG4L_SqLIUqLha6dR9o-fe4661LmseB8E7wsguSlZv4217F6nBYAzHOz9/s1600-h/20.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392777510360958034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 138px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialZUk4PR-bHBVlnuZ0Z5mR24O53EpwDPF3ZJHTFnxHX8yv_ObKfH4pHkitgQ0zNtxJFPNGB4-4tTZG4L_SqLIUqLha6dR9o-fe4661LmseB8E7wsguSlZv4217F6nBYAzHOz9/s320/20.jpg" border="0" /></a>competition for entry is enormous. Apart from fees the family has to be well connected. Whilst in Bo I lived opposite the school grounds and used the football pitch for morning exercise. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gATIqY1bDW1PKcmr9yM91dlgS8lMwaokZYOXbwI7LmAv3GUm9rcfXKcYsrj1lQNaT7XC96OZVJHyEG-oeOVEU4ABJUthX-PLMQSo3SrQH2BVMqqLrhQ-hB7tLx_pZXmRoY9q/s1600-h/18.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392777497651781250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 162px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gATIqY1bDW1PKcmr9yM91dlgS8lMwaokZYOXbwI7LmAv3GUm9rcfXKcYsrj1lQNaT7XC96OZVJHyEG-oeOVEU4ABJUthX-PLMQSo3SrQH2BVMqqLrhQ-hB7tLx_pZXmRoY9q/s320/18.jpg" border="0" /></a>The model is obviously based on the English Public School and the construction was funded by the UK in the early 1950’s. Funding for the school is very poor and there is no longer any support from the former imperious “British Colonial Office”. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcd8th4SiILjVw8WTea3cdzr5hq3j0LyeYAazjGXOYxid9013VENmRbbHA6zt7XtQ0nFcSAX_DiOjLU6aGw14auV26alRUsO589eckACpISuvS6G4L_OqkI2J_Xrn553Sy2hX/s1600-h/26.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392778762824335378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcd8th4SiILjVw8WTea3cdzr5hq3j0LyeYAazjGXOYxid9013VENmRbbHA6zt7XtQ0nFcSAX_DiOjLU6aGw14auV26alRUsO589eckACpISuvS6G4L_OqkI2J_Xrn553Sy2hX/s320/26.jpg" border="0" /></a>The impression, just looking at the grounds is one of sad neglect; likely no maintenance for over 50 years. Buildings now are sadly in a poor and dilapidated condition. Nonetheless this is the best there is.<br /><br />Dormitories house about 400 boys and there are another 400 day boarders. Students who are typically Mende have an air of superiority much like at English public boarding schools and they seem very polite and well mannered. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehVMr80Xfu4WzyFHLnKgWBxPNnnrBDkg8_UM4i2kBBzXQbCrImT8SQYU9sUjaAiLQm9VAmSP9lS3kh2k4GAvpMp4CVO3wkgYL6657xtTFli-AtKqcFoo4lByJw3J6BuWnWzst/s1600-h/24.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392778101917778914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehVMr80Xfu4WzyFHLnKgWBxPNnnrBDkg8_UM4i2kBBzXQbCrImT8SQYU9sUjaAiLQm9VAmSP9lS3kh2k4GAvpMp4CVO3wkgYL6657xtTFli-AtKqcFoo4lByJw3J6BuWnWzst/s320/24.jpg" border="0" /></a>A discussion in the early morning reveals very lofty ambitions of high Government office, banking or an education in the US but few wanted to go into industry. (Unlike Makeni none of the boys joined me in an early morning jog) <br /><br />I noted on the notice board recently that the Principal Bob Katta <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiLMGq8S8Mfr0hXsrE5Ig6neLX0VCXDMDJxI3bC5yo_eSKC0w98xZMrn8rkZgEemgcPkPiVioGxbCMao7ZX_fX3ogk67efafpH7xvQZxZxK3MLWF1rUHn-DIe1mxL10UsIweQ/s1600-h/19.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392777501756401954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 277px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiLMGq8S8Mfr0hXsrE5Ig6neLX0VCXDMDJxI3bC5yo_eSKC0w98xZMrn8rkZgEemgcPkPiVioGxbCMao7ZX_fX3ogk67efafpH7xvQZxZxK3MLWF1rUHn-DIe1mxL10UsIweQ/s320/19.jpg" border="0" /></a>complained bitterly about the poor performance with only two students passing the regional examinations <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOnkZBavIG3QvggZJx_0AyW6s-led4oibKN1ztvRL-GsBhk_InxxjV_b3K7Z2enrCEJSkc7E-0dLocMFtoWcaV6Mwyvqs_cUpFAkf7G3DI4wiU39ivqDOeuWfpAuu-POb6Ooe/s1600-h/23.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392778091432816690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOnkZBavIG3QvggZJx_0AyW6s-led4oibKN1ztvRL-GsBhk_InxxjV_b3K7Z2enrCEJSkc7E-0dLocMFtoWcaV6Mwyvqs_cUpFAkf7G3DI4wiU39ivqDOeuWfpAuu-POb6Ooe/s320/23.jpg" border="0" /></a>WASSCE this year. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOY-XAcMq3BlZ4O_1PvoBsDTBTIQ-qbzNcxBYpBZ4-Bu02xxtuEjo6eTY1F3vyEMpNXxHEyrJgyZzqaqLVapM1jTnrM31jHVlLgqF3voFguL5hHnpUS823O71Sb3027eeffH2/s1600-h/21.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392778080425509218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOY-XAcMq3BlZ4O_1PvoBsDTBTIQ-qbzNcxBYpBZ4-Bu02xxtuEjo6eTY1F3vyEMpNXxHEyrJgyZzqaqLVapM1jTnrM31jHVlLgqF3voFguL5hHnpUS823O71Sb3027eeffH2/s320/21.jpg" border="0" /></a>I met Mr Katta one morning after a jog and I asked him about the challenges of getting <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0bzBJe8OP8P2Hf40pFnxt5XlPUB8i1jlHIRY0vPsGpYF0NNQEbU90VO25Qi1ikclvfYhDLyjeW3wMhxBSYTUCG0PfnnOF3_O2jI1BQMC_aMf7lp3IoSllmbuHnlfnwJpQ3kIl/s1600-h/22.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392778086570967330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0bzBJe8OP8P2Hf40pFnxt5XlPUB8i1jlHIRY0vPsGpYF0NNQEbU90VO25Qi1ikclvfYhDLyjeW3wMhxBSYTUCG0PfnnOF3_O2jI1BQMC_aMf7lp3IoSllmbuHnlfnwJpQ3kIl/s320/22.jpg" border="0" /></a>students through the regional exams and he squarely pointed to the falling standard of teaching as a result of the war. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5Hsl4w5J_Fqj_WLfEwZWTVRJdI6noBGUuMfH-drd4SJWF2p80a1LtxNX7-bZ9lH1C15Bf1IzzDznGx_xqhYhLq_eZ28q-jK3G3DAvtijSEThlWaWpE9u-UicQcLhCreV7Qm_/s1600-h/25.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392778107675317122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5Hsl4w5J_Fqj_WLfEwZWTVRJdI6noBGUuMfH-drd4SJWF2p80a1LtxNX7-bZ9lH1C15Bf1IzzDznGx_xqhYhLq_eZ28q-jK3G3DAvtijSEThlWaWpE9u-UicQcLhCreV7Qm_/s320/25.jpg" border="0" /></a>He is hoping for improvement but it is going to take much to recover.<br /><br />Altogether this is a rather sad story and it is easy to feel hopeless. I feel that with locally driven funds this will lead to better responsibility and to better teaching conditions. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQc23SFV-QSgjRnm0tq7d8RGnAPztgvYp5OMZgtt880l-FV5Zq9lxPN6wGcCM7wNgwzVsUdxJKtrs-NEn8cH_neB5HA6LpG1nLHdd1zQd1Qd66_XAXAdeugexjzmCXv-4h2c3/s1600-h/29.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392778782786576562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQc23SFV-QSgjRnm0tq7d8RGnAPztgvYp5OMZgtt880l-FV5Zq9lxPN6wGcCM7wNgwzVsUdxJKtrs-NEn8cH_neB5HA6LpG1nLHdd1zQd1Qd66_XAXAdeugexjzmCXv-4h2c3/s320/29.jpg" border="0" /></a>Aid as it is now provided is simply abused and leads easily to corruption thereby hindering progress. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoJRQXcrhn2r7zPNTgOiOV5JRANAxBLUuE0HZ2XyeNPzFZyVEQgR6mPXXE59GWC9-dYNes3Wr19VTYqHACokAp58Vo7WfjmWPQ84G97XVfQmWdgCzEHVl8mAaY8LX2aqOFX7D/s1600-h/28.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392778775935843282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoJRQXcrhn2r7zPNTgOiOV5JRANAxBLUuE0HZ2XyeNPzFZyVEQgR6mPXXE59GWC9-dYNes3Wr19VTYqHACokAp58Vo7WfjmWPQ84G97XVfQmWdgCzEHVl8mAaY8LX2aqOFX7D/s320/28.jpg" border="0" /></a>It is easy to voice a call for no aid but unless education is tackled, people stay dreadfully poor and the youth succumb to rebelliousness and fanaticism.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbxOU3o5mUp12YuOGVeOIVpMVitQUDA-79xsHRLSt7vRhjR-gAmmYnv9SLDmcCUcWiIYxlE3AAYNTrUxqORwornA47shw_NiecyKOnS0scGMy4Xh3Ru2SN9P0bOwkA-tL_ju9/s1600-h/30.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392778789237445394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbxOU3o5mUp12YuOGVeOIVpMVitQUDA-79xsHRLSt7vRhjR-gAmmYnv9SLDmcCUcWiIYxlE3AAYNTrUxqORwornA47shw_NiecyKOnS0scGMy4Xh3Ru2SN9P0bOwkA-tL_ju9/s320/30.jpg" border="0" /></a> Somehow intelligent people in the worlds development industry need urgently to come together, co-ordinate and help mobilise some change. Local people seem to know what they need and want but they urgently need some intelligent guidance.<br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><br /><div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-27681173081901208672009-07-27T01:32:00.002+00:002009-07-27T01:42:28.958+00:00Missionary of Charity - project completed at lastThe Missionaries of Charity in Makeni – now at last officially expanded with the construction of the newly completed perimeter wall. This report is a little late in coming but I have called Sister Rykter and she is happy that in the end everything worked out ok. Life in Sierra Leone is tough as one quickly realizes and doing business in Sierra Leone is just as tough. Experience in the development industry in Canada helps but….<br /><br />So the story is that the builder Mr. Sheik hired for the job – see the previous article – quit after about 80% of the work had been completed. No amount of persuading using the Paramount Chief, Councilor Ismail Bangura both signatories to the contract or other influential locals could bring Sheik back to the job. Just finding him was difficult. He claimed that the specifications were too onerous and he wasn’t making any money (typical claims) and essentially that Sister Rykter was too much of a pain in the butt. The last point was probably true based on my experience since she was always highly critical, a constant nag and nothing would be good enough. Sister Rykter operating in Makeni with minimal funding has to be resourceful, insistant and strong even in the face of a weak position having limited money. She relies on guilt - a strong driver in all religious circles. I understand this having had a Russian Grandmother whose family historically lived in poor surroundings somewhere east of the Urals.<br /><br />Fortunately I had kept a tight grip of the cash and we still had about Le3 Million of a Le15 Million budget which was sufficient to complete the job using another local builder who perhaps owed Sister Rykter a favour. Sister decided that the wall was not high enough and the razor wire was insufficiently placed. Such an improvement of the specs needed more cash but I had determined that the specs that were agreed were sufficient. A non-religious disagreement ensued and needed some firmness but in the end the wall was completed to everyone’s satisfaction. I could see that the unfortunate souls living at the Mission enjoyed a greater freedom of movement and especially the children were thankful for the safe space to play.<br /><br />I left Sierra Leone in May but I will be visiting Makeni again in September on another unrelated assignment (more about that later). However I hope to see the children and even Sister Rykter again.<div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-70197721107801572762009-02-08T16:17:00.005+00:002009-02-08T16:31:40.988+00:00Missionaries of Charity<div> <br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCEj7UTB2kwGSyHxBAmjEhcjWF5RUoQrO3vSNSVOYMEDT7AJ_CroWqYXcQDgWwIIYIHVIjERTdCvzFFfCjK_UtetQgeE04iomXmrtFyEYL0mpRQGOtTJNPlXgif3KVTOD0SYl/s1600-h/073.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300462196925637826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCEj7UTB2kwGSyHxBAmjEhcjWF5RUoQrO3vSNSVOYMEDT7AJ_CroWqYXcQDgWwIIYIHVIjERTdCvzFFfCjK_UtetQgeE04iomXmrtFyEYL0mpRQGOtTJNPlXgif3KVTOD0SYl/s320/073.JPG" border="0" /></a>One of the projects that I personally wanted to get off the ground in Makeni was the extension to the Missionaries of Charity grounds. I wrote about this in May last year (see the blog) and in December I found the need still urgent. The sisters who run the mission follow the ideals and beliefs of Mother Theresa and care for the most destitute in the community. In Makeni there are no social services and so the sisters fill an essential and critical gap. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FMAV-gfVp8QOp2-3jzryzFQEZoWxNGI4bFto8YudbmZytUaIB_NQS_pw8hoKHqxv028pkJrZrBMuxCJrM5VDjKsteAQteE47yKCoMBmesMy8XrMxWreMDU48Re2FT5YdkxwX/s1600-h/069.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300461837624040450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 146px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FMAV-gfVp8QOp2-3jzryzFQEZoWxNGI4bFto8YudbmZytUaIB_NQS_pw8hoKHqxv028pkJrZrBMuxCJrM5VDjKsteAQteE47yKCoMBmesMy8XrMxWreMDU48Re2FT5YdkxwX/s320/069.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Mission is not funded by the Catholic Church but by a series of benefactors who come as Sister Rykter says, by “divine intervention”. One of the benefactors is the Makeni City Council who donated some land adjacent to the Mission for an extension. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhtMaSGHv4wx6sneg1l0wlSNaSKjhGPrEKjju1wvH9QcbJqV-jVGazc8hYIpu4BfIhQUIw7waBHLn-R2QDatt9qw2n4ihto2Fdvifzv-YuIMUjv7wD7fWQSS2Wx9uXdOXNicn/s1600-h/034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300461829248370370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhtMaSGHv4wx6sneg1l0wlSNaSKjhGPrEKjju1wvH9QcbJqV-jVGazc8hYIpu4BfIhQUIw7waBHLn-R2QDatt9qw2n4ihto2Fdvifzv-YuIMUjv7wD7fWQSS2Wx9uXdOXNicn/s320/034.JPG" border="0" /></a>The Mission initially needed to enclose the land with a masonry wall and together with some Canadian investors a builder Mr. Sheik was selected to undertake the construction. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAreKM4wbNa8HmHOcKXZEJkQwtBdXCsyzyM3S-gF8TlDIT422vte3Mcctkq4GVRP3ydgtGSc7H6EaJM8Pl5kcdMCWq1UPbbLFDu1mlPd69ctMuTWkDGSdj674JCnHR0zMthbm/s1600-h/254.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300462476695318530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAreKM4wbNa8HmHOcKXZEJkQwtBdXCsyzyM3S-gF8TlDIT422vte3Mcctkq4GVRP3ydgtGSc7H6EaJM8Pl5kcdMCWq1UPbbLFDu1mlPd69ctMuTWkDGSdj674JCnHR0zMthbm/s320/254.JPG" border="0" /></a>Monitoring the work was a challenge since I live in the City of Bo about 7 hours away and so a Councilor Ismail Bangura offered to oversee the work. Some moral suasion was also added by the inclusion of the Paramount Chief into the contract. So on January 1st the contract was signed and Mr Sheik and his men got to work. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4MLLlmELhqebYqGF7yG3hBUy03eZAsxjbmiThQp9e0i9vz8PNVe5Ab7Z71WIXnkPthwfUkYhVCPl7-LQaHtP4N9QjG89hxTfwCdObgHLKyUQjliN6SUNNSfdHDTDHALHSjIy/s1600-h/074.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300462194572140770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4MLLlmELhqebYqGF7yG3hBUy03eZAsxjbmiThQp9e0i9vz8PNVe5Ab7Z71WIXnkPthwfUkYhVCPl7-LQaHtP4N9QjG89hxTfwCdObgHLKyUQjliN6SUNNSfdHDTDHALHSjIy/s320/074.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHU4nN3MDHHAxIxoP_UMacnA22E-m3K-g65zA0XKgaxfegAWqos14pfCtj9XfmKficywA1ywl63ufH7ucwPUI77D_k3559m-HnE0UgGrV2xIClOzy7P3hAx3IjvwNxih8jiGL/s1600-h/070.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300462189664096322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 304px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHU4nN3MDHHAxIxoP_UMacnA22E-m3K-g65zA0XKgaxfegAWqos14pfCtj9XfmKficywA1ywl63ufH7ucwPUI77D_k3559m-HnE0UgGrV2xIClOzy7P3hAx3IjvwNxih8jiGL/s320/070.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />It is now just over a month into the expected 6 week project and there have been a few hiccups such as the quality of sand, the consistency of the concrete and the depth of the foundation. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOcPhaCUxWMhbI_WchO5U-w784Ed30WGyzejAAgBJ2PJ055VvcVlqU0wezij345fU0KZYRi4dCKH035hLn0ERrHsgXK0BxGw3BGSglB9YY3pypgOWeKzm-WzO_wI_zmRDLMba/s1600-h/wall.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300462606667105874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOcPhaCUxWMhbI_WchO5U-w784Ed30WGyzejAAgBJ2PJ055VvcVlqU0wezij345fU0KZYRi4dCKH035hLn0ERrHsgXK0BxGw3BGSglB9YY3pypgOWeKzm-WzO_wI_zmRDLMba/s320/wall.JPG" border="0" /></a>I found Sister Rykter to be an invaluable on-site inspector and irritant nag for the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCdb2Ol0uSS3DipxcAXjilkAOHHuwfMjQVo6Z5a_e4BJAHr0aD7mgIuC1NWnaifT8DTlrl0Ib3iTkcV6LMxcI2kGhO7f_V0dk9PTegSnCvP8FR24kSp7aGFrUFX7HSHytS6ZB/s1600-h/071.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300462196369579394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCdb2Ol0uSS3DipxcAXjilkAOHHuwfMjQVo6Z5a_e4BJAHr0aD7mgIuC1NWnaifT8DTlrl0Ib3iTkcV6LMxcI2kGhO7f_V0dk9PTegSnCvP8FR24kSp7aGFrUFX7HSHytS6ZB/s320/071.JPG" border="0" /></a>builder and crew. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjM9_tPb2ivTGZYvIzqi-IgNfUzQiYPyNmJ943hERBg8YbW49Z7mIKJgl-ysT-jwSFMBQMP5NgXq5zrt8G4AYmbyd9aDKco9SEnIrgCIQeiGcPE9LctwbTGRiwjb7daDR-MYR/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300461816149186322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjM9_tPb2ivTGZYvIzqi-IgNfUzQiYPyNmJ943hERBg8YbW49Z7mIKJgl-ysT-jwSFMBQMP5NgXq5zrt8G4AYmbyd9aDKco9SEnIrgCIQeiGcPE9LctwbTGRiwjb7daDR-MYR/s320/002.JPG" border="0" /></a>The Paramount Chief intervened once and very effectively applied suitable pressure. Ismail Bangura reports to me daily and I have visited 3 times to document the progress with photos and to authorise interim payments. Thanks also to Canadian Celine Savard for some photos. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieA_yCmY1saVnEeGy-C8J4D2-TivgFukAGurc2G-4O04MG0CFuGlni-wDH8vZLy8JmV0rIGaIm6bzsKoOAJUJpRib-snejRMHQdC5o2r0uB7_gvY3GTXFqGPMJZSOLTb_AHymx/s1600-h/214.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300462474175354146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieA_yCmY1saVnEeGy-C8J4D2-TivgFukAGurc2G-4O04MG0CFuGlni-wDH8vZLy8JmV0rIGaIm6bzsKoOAJUJpRib-snejRMHQdC5o2r0uB7_gvY3GTXFqGPMJZSOLTb_AHymx/s320/214.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The extension is now nearing the half way stage and it seems that the builder is on-track to complete although a little late.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIE4feGRu95jd6dsv2tjn-aJ4jcPhGhvY4n1iwqkNo7wE8DjF0cYMkXtrrQRbwmI2X76HL0uxKXRkVro91KfJQr4fAbUAvCaNy4gIB7tWVIf9JknjRywb1O7QUWO0p56wus0A/s1600-h/018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300461831269994354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIE4feGRu95jd6dsv2tjn-aJ4jcPhGhvY4n1iwqkNo7wE8DjF0cYMkXtrrQRbwmI2X76HL0uxKXRkVro91KfJQr4fAbUAvCaNy4gIB7tWVIf9JknjRywb1O7QUWO0p56wus0A/s320/018.JPG" border="0" /></a> However I am <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPLu9ISOamm67mGLgExh712xzQO2WR8lrRFf2HWqp43FWIGM0MsMCAUO5_6oUYTaCWn7LeHn-alna51aE5EVi8a39uC_MWIoN4vWI-ARPA0FW7UKbUreZ8kPFwzw_z-ifDn9U/s1600-h/216.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300462480170597554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPLu9ISOamm67mGLgExh712xzQO2WR8lrRFf2HWqp43FWIGM0MsMCAUO5_6oUYTaCWn7LeHn-alna51aE5EVi8a39uC_MWIoN4vWI-ARPA0FW7UKbUreZ8kPFwzw_z-ifDn9U/s320/216.JPG" border="0" /></a>definitely <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvjIQrThHj8LSQLQ-htcM-Uj5SYhEP0otVOqQyFXi_zo9hrUg1Ar1bal1dPSc5eYCiKSjNHvQBWl3ijahyphenhyphencb_NElXamKTFYzhO36Y6DzDdU6uzvg4dH9CPHCo6iLjK5fxpkPE/s1600-h/217.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300462480462823922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvjIQrThHj8LSQLQ-htcM-Uj5SYhEP0otVOqQyFXi_zo9hrUg1Ar1bal1dPSc5eYCiKSjNHvQBWl3ijahyphenhyphencb_NElXamKTFYzhO36Y6DzDdU6uzvg4dH9CPHCo6iLjK5fxpkPE/s320/217.JPG" border="0" /></a>not ruling out the need for the services of the Paramount Chief again. Sister Rykter and the 4 other Sisters who run the Mission seem very happy with the progress after waiting for almost a year for the “divine intervention” <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZPIli-9z9wXC0f-O9qO0Vi_c8Z7BSBd953nTSkdoLCieuBvdW05CY7_zGQW5YhSQJVu44FVvn-IBKmYabn0lxCWcDs9X0IsyzBMkmT54nFuTqAzBIDrBrSOvyw6p-SfYi8gQ/s1600-h/222.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300462478590683010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZPIli-9z9wXC0f-O9qO0Vi_c8Z7BSBd953nTSkdoLCieuBvdW05CY7_zGQW5YhSQJVu44FVvn-IBKmYabn0lxCWcDs9X0IsyzBMkmT54nFuTqAzBIDrBrSOvyw6p-SfYi8gQ/s320/222.JPG" border="0" /></a>They still have not given up on making a convert out of me. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-91620930682897475502008-12-07T22:38:00.001+00:002008-12-07T22:55:09.762+00:00Yes we can, Obama<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb_FeZGA9O1bbIzz7icouuvuTTUq3_IVfMNoKwTsiipi4vD0ckVTRxnBzFeS-1t-xqht4sGJeV3v3-9l3KnhYMch-ioNXg-HdFs86RC75TDmHhePaLXo4y42_Jo4vS3x6dbBn/s1600-h/Obama1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277182464178382434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb_FeZGA9O1bbIzz7icouuvuTTUq3_IVfMNoKwTsiipi4vD0ckVTRxnBzFeS-1t-xqht4sGJeV3v3-9l3KnhYMch-ioNXg-HdFs86RC75TDmHhePaLXo4y42_Jo4vS3x6dbBn/s320/Obama1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Obama is the catch word here, an untold worldwide success. The effect of a "brother" with similar pigmented skin achieving the highest office of the pumoy (white man) while still being a minority, is amazing and impressive to those here in Sierra Leone. It is still worthy of much discussion around the bar and on the street. Two really important things are of significance. First is that <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZqkVLXVfgzk_Ay42M0mZBWZooh8oHHIzckYNuckNviPsj_L-5aNfEkSoQDxZN8NulxN8EKoFG8r1OvuB1IVjc4PTnj8ewZ4uaTZrTtBBC-BFcahzZaGFaPd6N0yWKySuVWJn/s1600-h/Obama2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277182467659492130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZqkVLXVfgzk_Ay42M0mZBWZooh8oHHIzckYNuckNviPsj_L-5aNfEkSoQDxZN8NulxN8EKoFG8r1OvuB1IVjc4PTnj8ewZ4uaTZrTtBBC-BFcahzZaGFaPd6N0yWKySuVWJn/s320/Obama2.JPG" border="0" /></a>someone from a visible minority can be elected based on perceived ability. That counters the basic understanding of politics here in Sierra Leone where the biggest and the most powerful tribe wins. One always votes and supports the tribe no matter what. So the huge message from the US is that tolerance for a leadership better able, wins over tribal majority white “Bush rule”. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcAZ_xgl68dfi5kBPyrXzHrFpOVqUOXdiMsl-Ps3d0rQulUdIn8ZJXSCaKGxe3Sd2tk-SIRLyyDfOPVnc9YjH3YwVexmPi4Zffpen7DrDIe9-NtUQS3b6K9W077B5Iy-wBbeQ/s1600-h/Obama3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277182466807563762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcAZ_xgl68dfi5kBPyrXzHrFpOVqUOXdiMsl-Ps3d0rQulUdIn8ZJXSCaKGxe3Sd2tk-SIRLyyDfOPVnc9YjH3YwVexmPi4Zffpen7DrDIe9-NtUQS3b6K9W077B5Iy-wBbeQ/s320/Obama3.JPG" border="0" /></a>The other clear message is more stark, in that a black pigmented person is not doomed to minor work. It is amazing that this is very much instilled here with the pumoy held high and the black man disparaged. My biggest challenge is to persuade Saloneans here in Bo that they are able to do the work I am instructing. We can Obama YES.</div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-51076770994734226352008-05-18T07:15:00.006+00:002008-05-18T07:59:05.514+00:00Scaling Up Bio-Diesel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9qRv5Hhc_dcViPDBj1gkH9zR1Llhjzg8RgEhjEhaww0KIaybwKSosgardI1jvtiXhwa9R7cl59WrZAlwtdbcyi0p5Jf0QrypHO3YJjCWAnwSQn_K8ljUhQdcyfMAGiVfkQNq/s1600-h/16.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201622405672560514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9qRv5Hhc_dcViPDBj1gkH9zR1Llhjzg8RgEhjEhaww0KIaybwKSosgardI1jvtiXhwa9R7cl59WrZAlwtdbcyi0p5Jf0QrypHO3YJjCWAnwSQn_K8ljUhQdcyfMAGiVfkQNq/s320/16.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div> The euphoria from last month’s experimental production of bio-diesel has subsided not a bit and has moved to a more practical level of scaling up. Foday Kamara our equipment manufacturer has a firm FINIC and he has siezed on the idea whilst Ismael Bangura couldnt seem to commit just yet. <div> </div><div>The subject of fuel however is a hot one at the moment with the price and availability becoming critical issues. The obvious advantages of bio-diesel manufacture are not lost on many Saloneans because there is an entire dependency on imported fuel. The erratic supply and spiraling costs of the imported stuff are the most immediate spurs to the push for manufacture, induced by a financial profit. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisONcbif5eSuz95h-HoIcYeJA_hWvn4Bviz_Mt-ZbP3lDVkIPCiHcZ3jHSHzT8ES4_MS9byQlFV3IwkM3RBBJVPhtfAbwTMPz1LRPbMX_DHKrw62fuBN4twRM1Eklh3x989entPQ/s1600-h/6.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201613807148033714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisONcbif5eSuz95h-HoIcYeJA_hWvn4Bviz_Mt-ZbP3lDVkIPCiHcZ3jHSHzT8ES4_MS9byQlFV3IwkM3RBBJVPhtfAbwTMPz1LRPbMX_DHKrw62fuBN4twRM1Eklh3x989entPQ/s320/6.JPG" border="0" /></a>The environmental advantages and spin offs are additional discussion points that have a less critical but nonetheless profound potential impact.<br /><br />The experiment in Binkolo was publicized far and wide. The two Canadian journalists working for JHR both aired separate radio reports. I took part in what turned out to be a 1.5 hour discussion group, broadcast over Radio Maria with a huge response from callers to the program. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsTr5H4yS7ZbYImw-J0GX771QaFTCGdYNr2DpIfsfPPt5Es79lDv41jzefWGrouKnoTE34cBWHZQXcZZGzP4QRzTnFZRgFtnwZBPEdYQ1eNIqFKpZhGx9ctsUz7yrOkJBA98u/s1600-h/13.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201615658278938450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsTr5H4yS7ZbYImw-J0GX771QaFTCGdYNr2DpIfsfPPt5Es79lDv41jzefWGrouKnoTE34cBWHZQXcZZGzP4QRzTnFZRgFtnwZBPEdYQ1eNIqFKpZhGx9ctsUz7yrOkJBA98u/s320/13.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAqXnPEDfwopP9NTqTC4MINNiAoHeoO5GBZERBDVkMz5uNM3v7AlSHZfBF5-dXcOTGL4biWv5ZrOGXcVb-mTJVyxJ8oOzhQ8w5f0OXuZR6SpVu4cVayfEosf2JTaM4O8ITO5-/s1600-h/14.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201615662573905762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAqXnPEDfwopP9NTqTC4MINNiAoHeoO5GBZERBDVkMz5uNM3v7AlSHZfBF5-dXcOTGL4biWv5ZrOGXcVb-mTJVyxJ8oOzhQ8w5f0OXuZR6SpVu4cVayfEosf2JTaM4O8ITO5-/s320/14.JPG" border="0" /></a>The next day, Ismael Bangura and Foday Kamara were both interviewed about their intentions and expectations. Kamara in particular was articulate. UN radio, the main national broadcaster, interviewed me one morning. The whole notion of fuel manufacture in Sierra Leone has induced some excitement and we are encouraged to move this along.<br /><br />I prepared the business case and outlined the risks for the two groups The <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5QwNIIvC2qITT1JQVlgT0q25I8IoYUYLs50j2WzF90xoKN7xrjtwfyXYH_wG0_mj1lyLQ0eR2BecWKMpq3mHsMM3GW8FrmF5o8ZHgUYDvpGkJfQ1DQKtWSL6SzpptuSMyNoB/s1600-h/8.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201613820032935634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5QwNIIvC2qITT1JQVlgT0q25I8IoYUYLs50j2WzF90xoKN7xrjtwfyXYH_wG0_mj1lyLQ0eR2BecWKMpq3mHsMM3GW8FrmF5o8ZHgUYDvpGkJfQ1DQKtWSL6SzpptuSMyNoB/s320/8.JPG" border="0" /></a>Binkolo food processing group headed by Ishmael were somewhat cautious because of the investment that needs to be made in equipment and materials. I was disappointed since I and others had supported them. However agricultural equipment manufacturer FINIC controlled by<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJs4tP7wosQw52J3q2cqISAn0sCYtrvUi2HyZg_D8UNrYiQWWLHbdEsKKXrZlO_avF9DvInhRCWpVrvN-DyDNf5WV5tb0XkEParNbqjSqezJL85L7_sQpjgwilRTZZI4F4z7Wp/s1600-h/15.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201621331930736498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJs4tP7wosQw52J3q2cqISAn0sCYtrvUi2HyZg_D8UNrYiQWWLHbdEsKKXrZlO_avF9DvInhRCWpVrvN-DyDNf5WV5tb0XkEParNbqjSqezJL85L7_sQpjgwilRTZZI4F4z7Wp/s320/15.JPG" border="0" /></a> Foday Kamara was more than keen to make the needed investment in money, time and effort. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhev7ugjZJsXaO3zR86HoUUjw7-6iJHBFbNq4Y4_pjm-QOIf1aQxlv0WSaUt4l0oTK8SBqgrrTpOIL6LX1GG5G9gonBixBQ9Cz1sHT0lU_0lnFOpUV9ASKXweXzgLyRjF2EiTSMiA/s1600-h/7.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201613820032935618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhev7ugjZJsXaO3zR86HoUUjw7-6iJHBFbNq4Y4_pjm-QOIf1aQxlv0WSaUt4l0oTK8SBqgrrTpOIL6LX1GG5G9gonBixBQ9Cz1sHT0lU_0lnFOpUV9ASKXweXzgLyRjF2EiTSMiA/s320/7.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEpDuhF3nZD6QulJU11jQZ9bwPrIeAOGe_8ZPBAmIeuaRrWaluvlN0E4mSDDaXOq3bGbU25bXa8VYuWYbVdilgHiYgiRoZ-EodzSWoa8b34guPBcgHZa-ffS-6Q-DVRasmRZFXw/s1600-h/5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201613579514767010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEpDuhF3nZD6QulJU11jQZ9bwPrIeAOGe_8ZPBAmIeuaRrWaluvlN0E4mSDDaXOq3bGbU25bXa8VYuWYbVdilgHiYgiRoZ-EodzSWoa8b34guPBcgHZa-ffS-6Q-DVRasmRZFXw/s320/5.JPG" border="0" /></a>Kamara has a farm where he also does small scale manufacture located in a small village Masumana. The village is about 50 kms from Freetown and on the way to Makeni; an ideal location because of the main road access.<br /><br />Last week we got together again to plan the next experiment and the scaling up. We agreed to order the chemicals, methanol and potassium hydroxide from a UK supplier. Kamara has plans for a 1,500 liter reactor compared to the puny existing 200 liter job. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0LG__hN5CXWVAK5S_MiXA1bt1XXBMqZD1zYVps16aA4PqGMwuCPIzxxBWNJyDjkYFlCgmC2VKcqrMgGbekkvzt64333rtGEQqlZTmOu4abBBwQSLZS_DopW3hCA13tc83GmbUw/s1600-h/3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201613579514766978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0LG__hN5CXWVAK5S_MiXA1bt1XXBMqZD1zYVps16aA4PqGMwuCPIzxxBWNJyDjkYFlCgmC2VKcqrMgGbekkvzt64333rtGEQqlZTmOu4abBBwQSLZS_DopW3hCA13tc83GmbUw/s320/3.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnWMSQCSQpyOjNfxigEfA_g1GVh0Mxa0em3pokB-0V-ifMJdQio5HeRixauYQdS6kiJb-m0mtRLeQDSNG9eiVZicNzBbjhuqx1giWH94aYI7majXw7gm2qrHp4jqF3bhmlezTsw/s1600-h/4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201613579514766994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnWMSQCSQpyOjNfxigEfA_g1GVh0Mxa0em3pokB-0V-ifMJdQio5HeRixauYQdS6kiJb-m0mtRLeQDSNG9eiVZicNzBbjhuqx1giWH94aYI7majXw7gm2qrHp4jqF3bhmlezTsw/s320/4.JPG" border="0" /></a>I met an agent in Freetown who is prepared to do the importing / customs paperwork (read bribes) and so the stage is set.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18AOSrvvB5r7isABScf4ARMDn8uF-5QJl3KhFxd82CryFRn0SfmMPSS8VaUIPX6m0AlwvL0t_cm61pWD0KwsR4NMYd4_JUSLmjAVafiIPzIO1xSWs3hUsaXhfbLewv8Iuw8RKyg/s1600-h/9.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201613828622870258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18AOSrvvB5r7isABScf4ARMDn8uF-5QJl3KhFxd82CryFRn0SfmMPSS8VaUIPX6m0AlwvL0t_cm61pWD0KwsR4NMYd4_JUSLmjAVafiIPzIO1xSWs3hUsaXhfbLewv8Iuw8RKyg/s320/9.JPG" border="0" /></a> Yesterday the order was placed and we should see the shipment in Freetown in a month. I wont be there (probably a good thing) but I am confident that Kamara will take the reins very capably. Kamara meanwhile has been experimenting on small scale machinery that uses simple, single stroke engines. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZ8QoDxayeSnz1hZa2aEoEO4wh1DXr1ZKE7BWvJmOXUkSv3ZdhHcnTZbi69zuY3IiqxgqIJElSnlKPk5MavHjWG_RDte_ramzJL0PeN73LmEE2TJYJM44hN2WboL4Pj3bjsZL/s1600-h/11.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201614021896398642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZ8QoDxayeSnz1hZa2aEoEO4wh1DXr1ZKE7BWvJmOXUkSv3ZdhHcnTZbi69zuY3IiqxgqIJElSnlKPk5MavHjWG_RDte_ramzJL0PeN73LmEE2TJYJM44hN2WboL4Pj3bjsZL/s320/11.JPG" border="0" /></a>He has been delighted that the palm nut oil, crudely separated from the glycerin by using soda is sufficient to run these engines for two weeks without a problem. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYBIQY_sMAl16l5iTWJOhiVL0dOCflgitiAjmA2CA6mt1zRRAfHpG2BghoIECZwO2zNbdi9zsYvhoN7OR-ufm1lx29ABRgZ67ZIkrN_Y2jTnaJCUC-WlgbrfazH5eyD2Ly-mD/s1600-h/10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201613832917837586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYBIQY_sMAl16l5iTWJOhiVL0dOCflgitiAjmA2CA6mt1zRRAfHpG2BghoIECZwO2zNbdi9zsYvhoN7OR-ufm1lx29ABRgZ67ZIkrN_Y2jTnaJCUC-WlgbrfazH5eyD2Ly-mD/s320/10.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXo8mZWRipCvDuPu7wZa6tC77YWE6N5VrKcn6arvwpCEt315WRzaEoZZQi4enV31KE1eulVMqCW2l7xUGSS7Nqnc49O5LQjMXYzy7DOaYloXPMwzvXiUcqvWOcRwT9lWGgEu-vw/s1600-h/1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201613570924832354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXo8mZWRipCvDuPu7wZa6tC77YWE6N5VrKcn6arvwpCEt315WRzaEoZZQi4enV31KE1eulVMqCW2l7xUGSS7Nqnc49O5LQjMXYzy7DOaYloXPMwzvXiUcqvWOcRwT9lWGgEu-vw/s320/1.JPG" border="0" /></a>A small farming group was invited to Masumana last week and having seen the presentation they have agreed to plant a new crop known as Jatropha. The bush locally known as Fignut Tree has traditionally been used for medicinal purposes. However it is ideal for oil production since it is not only high in production but it is not a competitive food source, and is not consumed by other animals. Importantly it grows in an arid climate. So in a couple of years we should have a good supply of home grown oil and hopefully a new small industry.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFQ9mnCX0jqB2JyJdeR8G-B56tBOAA73jKR9K0Uu1Fm6bYWpbehEWuDCsFbQLqLhCwgc2jgbTX5BoVnXdFA_YqUvnxOHPVnDyoEpG56RGFzrbdKhgx6PDEfkqWZeDEzbeR-MX/s1600-h/12.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201614021896398658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFQ9mnCX0jqB2JyJdeR8G-B56tBOAA73jKR9K0Uu1Fm6bYWpbehEWuDCsFbQLqLhCwgc2jgbTX5BoVnXdFA_YqUvnxOHPVnDyoEpG56RGFzrbdKhgx6PDEfkqWZeDEzbeR-MX/s320/12.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbjkTrAhE_x0p8xmH76C0OhMWZaQKZ9_sLktlf4CBR0vj6EH7bC0ewE4xGroagHiQCKBQIQdXRYkcZ-NCikuOki0wDwzfOhDQBULTj1N_bp2bIFu6iT5C2DbDC-P_3EY0PEe3WQ/s1600-h/2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201613575219799666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbjkTrAhE_x0p8xmH76C0OhMWZaQKZ9_sLktlf4CBR0vj6EH7bC0ewE4xGroagHiQCKBQIQdXRYkcZ-NCikuOki0wDwzfOhDQBULTj1N_bp2bIFu6iT5C2DbDC-P_3EY0PEe3WQ/s320/2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-58019007652100555772008-04-14T10:24:00.011+00:002008-05-26T18:15:52.678+00:00Bio Diesel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86jzN-VFPpdD71jccrYsS6qxllF3X1Zc4uo91906Z7bCp7Jsr01crSADAISTRAD-6FyF2D36pARm8fgJFf5hW000IO4_4PIzNeIyLbtHI9Pii4UD9XEiQJKCy7Pb8jNwDTa7B7g/s1600-h/36.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189049033269058514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86jzN-VFPpdD71jccrYsS6qxllF3X1Zc4uo91906Z7bCp7Jsr01crSADAISTRAD-6FyF2D36pARm8fgJFf5hW000IO4_4PIzNeIyLbtHI9Pii4UD9XEiQJKCy7Pb8jNwDTa7B7g/s320/36.JPG" border="0" /></a>Well it seemed all too easy in the end as we drove off with the Binkolo vehicle literally into the sunset, intoxicated with the sweet success of motoring under the power of palm nut oil. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOZBFI2-hkzt4g3HGT1hX4fMyXOfsLjov1B2XW2Fv6s8goqqq2-GiAKwk1UjY_I4sfX32TnghxRHL5sddcXwuhwh66ySHKcAeU4i31QsLOhI5YfRHYYpNikS2Y4i9fbmk0oR2Og/s1600-h/47.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189050317464280130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOZBFI2-hkzt4g3HGT1hX4fMyXOfsLjov1B2XW2Fv6s8goqqq2-GiAKwk1UjY_I4sfX32TnghxRHL5sddcXwuhwh66ySHKcAeU4i31QsLOhI5YfRHYYpNikS2Y4i9fbmk0oR2Og/s320/47.JPG" border="0" /></a>Actually the first noticeable difference was the surprising fried fish exhaust smell. Certainly no difference in power and engine noise and the town could still hear the whooping and hollering from the happy band of bio-dieselers being transported on a lap of honour. We had won the “Stanley Cup”.<br /><br />There is still a way to go before this can be called a new fuel supply for Binkolo or Salone but the practical demonstration has had a huge effect on many and the enthusiasm will hopefully carry this through to a small production stage. Nonetheless the impact of the event was quite momentous and could definitely have long reaching effects. I see as most important, a potential new industry based on a small scale, suitable for village level production. A stable local fuel supply available at a controlled price - actually the cost of production was 44c per litre instead of the retail fossil fuel price at $1.11. Another biggy here is the advantage of an inexpensive alternate cooking fuel instead of using the forests. The soft facts that bio-diesel is a renewable energy and that the emission is carbon neutral is not that important to Saloneans but nonetheless significant I think.<br /><br />It seems that bio diesel has not been tried yet in Salone. Many have talked about it but the combination of chemicals, equipment availability and experience have prevented others from getting going. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SOIeDhrQZANUy6XlZ3gUu6obWJw084gvYQTfNghISowwRGQz70wqUWE1tXf_Sz1t1mkOHLdvRdm19gK0OLYJQBKZzYRzjwnz0BABO1Snw9fjdVthSlgMKx7uYhtiMJSby1gJdA/s1600-h/25.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189047628814752562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SOIeDhrQZANUy6XlZ3gUu6obWJw084gvYQTfNghISowwRGQz70wqUWE1tXf_Sz1t1mkOHLdvRdm19gK0OLYJQBKZzYRzjwnz0BABO1Snw9fjdVthSlgMKx7uYhtiMJSby1gJdA/s320/25.JPG" border="0" /></a>Our success was that we eventually had put together a team of differing skill sets as well as a good dose of dogged determination. Actually it was a fun thing to do as well. The NGO installing the solar equipment at the library was also keenly interested in the Binkolo result and they will be a good conduit for others.<br /><br />The idea was mooted quite a few weeks ago when it became obvious that the Binkolo vehicle uses expensive fuel and my conversation with another VSO volunteer Maria who told me over a Star beer in Freetown that she had produced bio-fuel back home in Philippines that was used to power their vehicle. I didn’t need any more encouragement to move this idea along and Ishmael seized on it immediately. A search of instructional material on the internet revealed a few good sites in particular <a href="http://www.journeytoforever.org/">http://www.journeytoforever.org/</a>. It became clear that in our poor country the chief hurdles were getting the chemicals and the right equipment. The search was on for the chemicals and after quite a treasure hunt and more than a few bribes we managed to find 4 litres of Methanol and 5 kilos of Potassium Hydroxide (enough to make a good bomb I think). Maria had met a local agricultural machinery manufacturer Mr. Kamara outside Freetown and we paid him a visit one morning on the way to Binkolo. Mr. Kamara’s eyes lit up at the prospect of potential new customers for equipment but he was more than enthusiastic about the bio-fuel story. It was heartwarming to have such a great new team member.<br /><br />Ismael Bangura is the manager of the Binkolo Growth Centre and he is Mr. Enthusiasm. He quickly had several bags of palm nuts amassed for us to take to Kamara for crushing. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOmpTSjfEi2E5YF-BYn43UlorEav1Y-gdaqQpeHTuSNoFItIqMR6-pvx0WQRFmwSj-9LfRPyHkCRIFyTd9jvaVXzCVefJu1zpKXe7uyLJwlwrxkVth5Wi3T2nrhhV2O9mKQ9e2A/s1600-h/40.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189049656039316498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOmpTSjfEi2E5YF-BYn43UlorEav1Y-gdaqQpeHTuSNoFItIqMR6-pvx0WQRFmwSj-9LfRPyHkCRIFyTd9jvaVXzCVefJu1zpKXe7uyLJwlwrxkVth5Wi3T2nrhhV2O9mKQ9e2A/s320/40.JPG" border="0" /></a>Actually the nuts are a by-product of the palm kernels and are normally fed to pigs or used for fertilizer – see an earlier blog story. To get the oil from the nut, a crushing machine is needed that Mr. Kamara at FINIC luckily has in<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iSio3sbeS5IwmZvjvwd8eESx6p3eTq5gntyr9BwpYFYfXmgVfyYOZNQuM4C1w5aeKADiuoy-xkt0BH90czbnTJp9jyY4az0AafO2ErIi2sMuA2BpoUaYL_PUzStf3_s3cTAauQ/s1600-h/41.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189049656039316514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iSio3sbeS5IwmZvjvwd8eESx6p3eTq5gntyr9BwpYFYfXmgVfyYOZNQuM4C1w5aeKADiuoy-xkt0BH90czbnTJp9jyY4az0AafO2ErIi2sMuA2BpoUaYL_PUzStf3_s3cTAauQ/s320/41.JPG" border="0" /></a> operation at a village, Masumana about 90 miles away. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWh0bNOmMIXYcYQ6Qpw8pQu2ZpcHL6xsjmarqCM4k89XSRuvNKHkovIIFLZuugJbV1ZAGQz7litq51Qr9lb090OM0QwQuNkKJo7qmMxOy9_zCkBsNriVYBNsB2iSBSiW09DE_Fw/s1600-h/42.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189050317464280146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWh0bNOmMIXYcYQ6Qpw8pQu2ZpcHL6xsjmarqCM4k89XSRuvNKHkovIIFLZuugJbV1ZAGQz7litq51Qr9lb090OM0QwQuNkKJo7qmMxOy9_zCkBsNriVYBNsB2iSBSiW09DE_Fw/s320/42.JPG" border="0" /></a>We loaded up the truck and the nuts and spent a great day watching the crusher in action. We ended up with 20 litres of oil and a by product of this process is fed to the pigs.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9AhM1fyEuyHAA6IJZLG-P6STtSdUoffk4U_e7U9n44H7b3QM9mpRyBO462I9HtN2bDmJeb9FVh_43Oe4KKBi6FkIRz6_9U8dk0NtaLRH1UXrraXO42GsFL_78Hn90eredXw84w/s1600-h/43.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189050815680486498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9AhM1fyEuyHAA6IJZLG-P6STtSdUoffk4U_e7U9n44H7b3QM9mpRyBO462I9HtN2bDmJeb9FVh_43Oe4KKBi6FkIRz6_9U8dk0NtaLRH1UXrraXO42GsFL_78Hn90eredXw84w/s320/43.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The last step is the processing of the oil using the chemicals and for this we needed to build a reactor. A meeting with advisory team of Maria, Mr. Kamara and me took place a couple of weeks ago where we sketched out a design based on Maria’s experience and the internet info. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuq9ZwzDiSGhXu_AAmxUEvgYaFLMUELf1PrejYe_3vLYn9QomzVCUUM2-_L58dxYStfIDzh64SXbwZJvtakynVZBSxSSeEJz18ZfskfT-S9S4tbDy1nW0Zw3DrLeUsR9cJg6UjQ/s1600-h/1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189045412611627442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuq9ZwzDiSGhXu_AAmxUEvgYaFLMUELf1PrejYe_3vLYn9QomzVCUUM2-_L58dxYStfIDzh64SXbwZJvtakynVZBSxSSeEJz18ZfskfT-S9S4tbDy1nW0Zw3DrLeUsR9cJg6UjQ/s320/1.JPG" border="0" /></a> I went with Kamara in search of a suitable container and I saw his amazing workshop where old vehicles are taken apart and made into an assortment of agricultural machinery. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9E9wol4HCWK2FNOADAEgqeAsaTfxdL4b0LkVV7-DSvKhjN7BiUsQgeXVBUbZwpHloPVE_6IzG5rYRYOMwz6UvgvH8P9-wpyIASAvLa1CvoZBfYklfQSEw5al4CYecmgEugb-ltA/s1600-h/7.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189045915122801154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9E9wol4HCWK2FNOADAEgqeAsaTfxdL4b0LkVV7-DSvKhjN7BiUsQgeXVBUbZwpHloPVE_6IzG5rYRYOMwz6UvgvH8P9-wpyIASAvLa1CvoZBfYklfQSEw5al4CYecmgEugb-ltA/s320/7.JPG" border="0" /></a>This was perfect for the job of building something using a mecano type <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUo2U0Kaalp9s2bmGgdmDcl3N3sgIKhcSpXECRWkAXBsxc97QbIJUxETznR41NBxAluSQm_5BUGGZa3kQ_hWexLHVVQuSDgrHIxM60WCV8g5olQ3dXIoJyz1TP428MtSYg5u2asg/s1600-h/2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189045416906594754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUo2U0Kaalp9s2bmGgdmDcl3N3sgIKhcSpXECRWkAXBsxc97QbIJUxETznR41NBxAluSQm_5BUGGZa3kQ_hWexLHVVQuSDgrHIxM60WCV8g5olQ3dXIoJyz1TP428MtSYg5u2asg/s320/2.JPG" border="0" /></a>assembly becau<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlES9PWNg78n3JebYvIz8zT1gA4sMzO2QI2MydAd24d6l4QfH9w2PN7VhSRcdjBiQqtd7AGf5BVME42kjLTy2YKD9tphYR05RgtJY7HX_BfBchQbPgP6X5bm6sB8ALxMmvBM4Ydw/s1600-h/4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189045416906594770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlES9PWNg78n3JebYvIz8zT1gA4sMzO2QI2MydAd24d6l4QfH9w2PN7VhSRcdjBiQqtd7AGf5BVME42kjLTy2YKD9tphYR05RgtJY7HX_BfBchQbPgP6X5bm6sB8ALxMmvBM4Ydw/s320/4.JPG" border="0" /></a>se much of the design was rough, needing a trial and error approach – and there were quite a few trials. Eventually and with much excitement, the finished reactor was hauled up to Binkolo for the big experiment early yesterday morning.<br /><br />Ishmael meanwhile had assembled the required laboratory equipment of beakers and measuring instruments, strainer and he had even managed to locate an electronic measuring scale with the help of a local high school <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgO8RaA4mDYNA5wYwcbLYT7pyj1KN-yeRW3yN1NheT-ZumbJnp60yg1bxktHw8OM9WXFqjY4m3G_v1sUstpuCyPXdR3rVlAmSczAzzSwAmQi49TbJOUfDOj0YGnqR3IdX4Ib6lQ/s1600-h/15.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189046516418222738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgO8RaA4mDYNA5wYwcbLYT7pyj1KN-yeRW3yN1NheT-ZumbJnp60yg1bxktHw8OM9WXFqjY4m3G_v1sUstpuCyPXdR3rVlAmSczAzzSwAmQi49TbJOUfDOj0YGnqR3IdX4Ib6lQ/s320/15.JPG" border="0" /></a>teacher Mr. Lamin Kargbo. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxmJEu0LANbD2wZETiwfvLuSMH_XbNiY0Pzgxho7cPmETMctXE0arBg_9Mn1tlHPhr_hU5zyC6zp8HRh47tyamV_iQo254PaLPTy44u0buWefRMpFgfZnQimZzBeDMIuJdFzkbg/s1600-h/11.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189046512123255378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxmJEu0LANbD2wZETiwfvLuSMH_XbNiY0Pzgxho7cPmETMctXE0arBg_9Mn1tlHPhr_hU5zyC6zp8HRh47tyamV_iQo254PaLPTy44u0buWefRMpFgfZnQimZzBeDMIuJdFzkbg/s320/11.JPG" border="0" /></a>It turned out that Lamin was keen to join the team and will be an important part of the small incubator industry. A large ventilated room was set aside at the Growth Centre to host the big experiment. The reactor was set on a platform and last minute adjustments were made to the equipment needing the blacksmithing skills t<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOmqVaqHjXvmcHuMy6DWUClB9tPGkm9KQPdm0mjZ5RokZ9QZnYfw2VfjShF6q76h5VrRoeNxRjI1Qx5Lt2d1-VOR8m6vFDNNKMUtp5xhF9ol23mW7YQbV3al6uWyvIfCWqxINfQ/s1600-h/13.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189046516418222706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOmqVaqHjXvmcHuMy6DWUClB9tPGkm9KQPdm0mjZ5RokZ9QZnYfw2VfjShF6q76h5VrRoeNxRjI1Qx5Lt2d1-VOR8m6vFDNNKMUtp5xhF9ol23mW7YQbV3al6uWyvIfCWqxINfQ/s320/13.JPG" border="0" /></a>hat Sadiqe a polio victim has been taught.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiU5_nU3KE0endAk38J4OOuXsLIZ4GJBrYjbqM9D1nixemFaQILnKoTM_4jLlEFNTzPycRvWrQ0MrTEWUZiS39NnQ2Y-UZmxjDdbo96TRSZreIsb-pIKv_gOe4_3QMf8yRXmSj0A/s1600-h/12.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189046512123255394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiU5_nU3KE0endAk38J4OOuXsLIZ4GJBrYjbqM9D1nixemFaQILnKoTM_4jLlEFNTzPycRvWrQ0MrTEWUZiS39NnQ2Y-UZmxjDdbo96TRSZreIsb-pIKv_gOe4_3QMf8yRXmSj0A/s320/12.JPG" border="0" /></a> Actually the whole scene was quite amusing. Here we were hoping to compete with the big oil producers in the back yard of a small village and using an untried collection of old car parts, old pipes and taps attached to a used chemical container, all put together in an image downloaded from the internet. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbeduLlT5FksC0EO11vBiXMxBBCZmhBhg_Hdv_RuYUnzg9YTzRMY6Z7JmQeMXdft_9fIf1uLfz-QKY9cd8t_9nGYid9w-Uuzh2OntB23-Q43sbr0llolP-fF8F7xNIo2h_4Ot6g/s1600-h/27.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189048200045402962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbeduLlT5FksC0EO11vBiXMxBBCZmhBhg_Hdv_RuYUnzg9YTzRMY6Z7JmQeMXdft_9fIf1uLfz-QKY9cd8t_9nGYid9w-Uuzh2OntB23-Q43sbr0llolP-fF8F7xNIo2h_4Ot6g/s320/27.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLSEnSy_vdsCrvNXDncjVVgPdlIzBIp66CnibMNNjcV03VFRBB_6kD4E4WtfCgwzulV-9QvaeqgyWKsaiGap2WlpRJkJftwTISuxTI6GOdQqQEawYuZx2pqNOg3ubMVO9j-yPEQ/s1600-h/19.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189047074763971282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLSEnSy_vdsCrvNXDncjVVgPdlIzBIp66CnibMNNjcV03VFRBB_6kD4E4WtfCgwzulV-9QvaeqgyWKsaiGap2WlpRJkJftwTISuxTI6GOdQqQEawYuZx2pqNOg3ubMVO9j-yPEQ/s320/19.JPG" border="0" /></a>Nonetheless we were fuelled by much excitement, with much of the local community looking on, wondering what on earth we were up to.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Nj9q1sk1Ot4WInHyZHD-90_Z_HWvvj-ISUHXhIP5_155kCI5V2Adm75_Xlk0maffAPhyphenhyphen85WVfNf6zEdB3WOapXBKJz728Bfbv_1GPGpbjVh4zcptkJ97AhkaSSb-70Tw2nQ6Vg/s1600-h/20.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189047074763971298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Nj9q1sk1Ot4WInHyZHD-90_Z_HWvvj-ISUHXhIP5_155kCI5V2Adm75_Xlk0maffAPhyphenhyphen85WVfNf6zEdB3WOapXBKJz728Bfbv_1GPGpbjVh4zcptkJ97AhkaSSb-70Tw2nQ6Vg/s320/20.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3tXhkU1fzlwkbCKc31DzdagmjY4zli2EADcQUiOWXVFvi9QuT1WCwn6p1IBoGGGNuYXtDN23AFUpMwab2_gx36feHmzAlAnmOx16QnGU15rY1dCLabU6SnPPU-x0Hj9XxemkMQ/s1600-h/22.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189047620224817922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3tXhkU1fzlwkbCKc31DzdagmjY4zli2EADcQUiOWXVFvi9QuT1WCwn6p1IBoGGGNuYXtDN23AFUpMwab2_gx36feHmzAlAnmOx16QnGU15rY1dCLabU6SnPPU-x0Hj9XxemkMQ/s320/22.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The various steps were followed with trepidation and fear in particular the handling of the chemicals. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0QBQJxR1ZtmsmR6OvydtfWJNR1uKupUBR4cK1krnwYOJc_6YytCWzZMu7wg6BKmtvZ48cLHt6EpfjSdhRG5YNDfWinvuQ4RHfDKJSptoW-D4KdilbRdi4HWJVNY6Af8L3c3F3A/s1600-h/23.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189047620224817938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0QBQJxR1ZtmsmR6OvydtfWJNR1uKupUBR4cK1krnwYOJc_6YytCWzZMu7wg6BKmtvZ48cLHt6EpfjSdhRG5YNDfWinvuQ4RHfDKJSptoW-D4KdilbRdi4HWJVNY6Af8L3c3F3A/s320/23.JPG" border="0" /></a>The assorted mixture safely poured into the reactor signaled the need<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnTU6e9b3D_oudt1lr4fvsxWqenT6B9PQsmoDGtnYjbXoliaCl5dQKCKpPpIOnzPJZ5e7gWe8Ex_1RaVsQWrxzlyIogUnP_G1WdI0zQ9_I2Eh7yf9B-vEKicBpXrvZi5dnJKiNg/s1600-h/21.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189047615929850610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnTU6e9b3D_oudt1lr4fvsxWqenT6B9PQsmoDGtnYjbXoliaCl5dQKCKpPpIOnzPJZ5e7gWe8Ex_1RaVsQWrxzlyIogUnP_G1WdI0zQ9_I2Eh7yf9B-vEKicBpXrvZi5dnJKiNg/s320/21.JPG" border="0" /></a> for the engine to start the required 1 hour of continuous agitation. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiI0vjxwoBe-yRfo7wr1KfmwizG7I-7VBOoCf2B-F1w3xi3UeyI-jIzcOPZ1Le_F5Ht5635Mzbfw6Rr1DJ0GbsQRGkP_RvjykxWjcPKK6o8cToXQbkO2X8DAxL_KdWb2WF0ulHDg/s1600-h/16.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189047061879069346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiI0vjxwoBe-yRfo7wr1KfmwizG7I-7VBOoCf2B-F1w3xi3UeyI-jIzcOPZ1Le_F5Ht5635Mzbfw6Rr1DJ0GbsQRGkP_RvjykxWjcPKK6o8cToXQbkO2X8DAxL_KdWb2WF0ulHDg/s320/16.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2T1XvUtE-H0nlWPR1fUqrN6k4rwDk0Om66Uwr8Fd2KIELtS9ucZpGXZW-2I1VEMHg6MfmW2gazVuxZvOwVZ2VoMbx7lj01MsoOyzMMZIapoh-7bnFBF2gMLu921Izbq8sGjM2g/s1600-h/26.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189048195750435650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2T1XvUtE-H0nlWPR1fUqrN6k4rwDk0Om66Uwr8Fd2KIELtS9ucZpGXZW-2I1VEMHg6MfmW2gazVuxZvOwVZ2VoMbx7lj01MsoOyzMMZIapoh-7bnFBF2gMLu921Izbq8sGjM2g/s320/26.JPG" border="0" /></a>There were several moments of breath holding but the process went perfectly – perhaps a few design changes needed but the reactor seemed to do the job. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0N_8D9BkhvipqBpmU-ltS5W66AgMwae5WexfMfhHk5I1AWfhe2XAgQqRIN4wwE6t6y5wU4Kq2q-EyttBvYrM3p2uh03aNQhxAuGBAGTlRSSSHybvUFMpvPJhkS5OCYbh1wii9_w/s1600-h/28.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189048200045402978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0N_8D9BkhvipqBpmU-ltS5W66AgMwae5WexfMfhHk5I1AWfhe2XAgQqRIN4wwE6t6y5wU4Kq2q-EyttBvYrM3p2uh03aNQhxAuGBAGTlRSSSHybvUFMpvPJhkS5OCYbh1wii9_w/s320/28.JPG" border="0" /></a>The mixture needed a few hours to settle and so we sat under the mango tree sampling the local palm wine “poyo”, while speculating on the results and the impact of the whole experiment. The more the poyo the greater the speculation but it was fun. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiuMbQvFTjgW3i2IAPkcxeKVcGrSuwe9lvwPO0SF6VCL8UzkZC6qdYSNsTznxNcDoJ235QjEe0Gu_ytqJGDLRmsAG8u_B2vdwZjg6SGyDvjbHCS1msLylAq5C4cCqOmDOXLWc7A/s1600-h/29.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189048208635337586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiuMbQvFTjgW3i2IAPkcxeKVcGrSuwe9lvwPO0SF6VCL8UzkZC6qdYSNsTznxNcDoJ235QjEe0Gu_ytqJGDLRmsAG8u_B2vdwZjg6SGyDvjbHCS1msLylAq5C4cCqOmDOXLWc7A/s320/29.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />With some confidence spurred on by the effects of the poyo I invited some reporters actually Canadians, Mackay Taggart and Rachel Borlese who happened be working in Makeni for an organization, Journalists for Human Rights. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7x1Iy0RTIjO-Zs2Ks7XKDB4uWqKwKByp7aat31qFDbcYzOS_8L2P0kPsm9r2ZRCUP7ZLphxIEN_fu5RC4uX_twnZEtVO8j9aTukfvXntkhzOHeUjJsBdNFim-Qw3BeQhPNucKg/s1600-h/30.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189048208635337602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7x1Iy0RTIjO-Zs2Ks7XKDB4uWqKwKByp7aat31qFDbcYzOS_8L2P0kPsm9r2ZRCUP7ZLphxIEN_fu5RC4uX_twnZEtVO8j9aTukfvXntkhzOHeUjJsBdNFim-Qw3BeQhPNucKg/s320/30.JPG" border="0" /></a>We were having fun and what the hell, even if the results were not what we expected. They thought the story was worthy and having people Kamara and Ishmael Bangura talk glowingly about the idea and process, would reinforce their energy to keep trying.<br /><br />Much excitement surrounded the various tests that were made. Lamin had some litmus paper and the acidity to our relief was low. A second wash test revealed a good separation of the fuel from the water within 30 seconds all according to the internet information despite the fact that more settling was recommended. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERQ4TAaV1BNAdKvp2yIgNfYGE5DiBjzfo5CbYD8shnUm3hbK7P3Nfhxp6lKofZpzP4HuFDfdZxMgXU6A2AZ5pNJj1GH5UCtmJwJfkM7S6Z-BvzO4PvSaNje_dS_PUEyps0EWiwA/s1600-h/31.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189049024679123858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERQ4TAaV1BNAdKvp2yIgNfYGE5DiBjzfo5CbYD8shnUm3hbK7P3Nfhxp6lKofZpzP4HuFDfdZxMgXU6A2AZ5pNJj1GH5UCtmJwJfkM7S6Z-BvzO4PvSaNje_dS_PUEyps0EWiwA/s320/31.JPG" border="0" /></a>One of our problems in the reactor design was that the glycerin wasn’t fluid enough for the plumbing system to handle and so an indelicate and messy decanting of the diesel was required. Nonetheless we had what we thought was diesel fuel and the big moment and risk had to be taken.<br /><br />All of the fossil fuel was drained from the tank of the Binkolo truck and replaced with the bio diesel. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIJ4D0CW8VwHgavX9f9bw-BY5FDiGuiX5jqeVCaSc9G7KaCh9lzIuhKXttHwrS2BnW1rsjwpMeBrZmsVO9Xs8_fwhQmhDvAyeh2FCKHsCu0MlgkXiDiCb-gCmvVoNSXRMicqGJQ/s1600-h/33.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189049024679123874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIJ4D0CW8VwHgavX9f9bw-BY5FDiGuiX5jqeVCaSc9G7KaCh9lzIuhKXttHwrS2BnW1rsjwpMeBrZmsVO9Xs8_fwhQmhDvAyeh2FCKHsCu0MlgkXiDiCb-gCmvVoNSXRMicqGJQ/s320/33.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLm0KVm64L-aAanK5QJCa3y3Z-WghL-GSgewS5753MYvPdY5ax61Key_Tfsbjo5OSNBwkLpefhTI-jyd782yo_NzTfIhbobAC5vo1fjP9v0C6EreqUDjKOmrEvJXZIyISKhrq8DA/s1600-h/34.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189049028974091186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLm0KVm64L-aAanK5QJCa3y3Z-WghL-GSgewS5753MYvPdY5ax61Key_Tfsbjo5OSNBwkLpefhTI-jyd782yo_NzTfIhbobAC5vo1fjP9v0C6EreqUDjKOmrEvJXZIyISKhrq8DA/s320/34.JPG" border="0" /></a>Tension was high and a crowd by this time had gathered around. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1B3gvEDSP01pgztUmWNdG3yaWf5Vz_64h754ft3rdyIFmiOqHXB3KhptlZ0YDP4miT3IeC2TSuW4cF45RX9b2UuPqwT3sl08fxU6v8tX8TYyliNHHWWu_gslC8U2dfgLXJTkGKQ/s1600-h/38.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189049651744349170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1B3gvEDSP01pgztUmWNdG3yaWf5Vz_64h754ft3rdyIFmiOqHXB3KhptlZ0YDP4miT3IeC2TSuW4cF45RX9b2UuPqwT3sl08fxU6v8tX8TYyliNHHWWu_gslC8U2dfgLXJTkGKQ/s320/38.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EbwV6_f6KcVw4M3sn5PenXxYG8iR9DvQwQTjNOGzfoptQzRIUDhpPv3sfV1ETEVYBxi_kDB0kK5kFeQFeYi7DMOu5uiS5CtrvS0BrgouySxxZ7eXhNKj5KmXM9DvFWCMAnZrCA/s1600-h/35.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189049028974091202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EbwV6_f6KcVw4M3sn5PenXxYG8iR9DvQwQTjNOGzfoptQzRIUDhpPv3sfV1ETEVYBxi_kDB0kK5kFeQFeYi7DMOu5uiS5CtrvS0BrgouySxxZ7eXhNKj5KmXM9DvFWCMAnZrCA/s320/35.JPG" border="0" /></a>The ignition initially failed to get the engine going but worried looks and much breath holding were rewarded by the familiar rumble of the engine and then cheers. Wow the feeling was great. Everyone piled into the vehicle and we were off, gingerly at first but then cruising around the streets of Binkolo. What a wonderful feeling. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWbe4on5IkkuwMGuVRTeUEUeZkvE2ahWo-gskppmLv6Hn9mcWk-4OeAKj-UKClb1WC5o4NZ7mCp6Gk2c_imycUPkLAYwupeWSGa_thSRm19O1ovqGsYAFTw6rMtHG8OFMVAjxbw/s1600-h/37.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189049647449381858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWbe4on5IkkuwMGuVRTeUEUeZkvE2ahWo-gskppmLv6Hn9mcWk-4OeAKj-UKClb1WC5o4NZ7mCp6Gk2c_imycUPkLAYwupeWSGa_thSRm19O1ovqGsYAFTw6rMtHG8OFMVAjxbw/s320/37.JPG" border="0" /></a>The unsaid feeling of potential freedom, independence and empowerment were not missed on the faces of the local stakeholders, Ishmael Bangura and Kamara.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV4tmDQHzNyMosSEBkKGFbXquCLlAMPKmU8LpFuJSwNEdOxGz8MmcFfb_zZ1eM-8NTmK-zsVvq9Py60b5v2ljeiDyzekQlOTG-w_QJ6J2EToSqclKMQbShpfL1xf_BeJYDHTOSw/s1600-h/42.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3awXZJtWugsd-Hf2WVGohg8Cig2BkN_VVZuu08qB5JuGE4o8yqHTMcAl7sAkfjMG4hIaJgHZtyLw_GsFnPxY0R0UoC3FejVi-Z8Aee2-DAJLSICRJVv50FH-y5zvPlI47sirjQ/s1600-h/39.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189049651744349186" style="FLOAT: left; 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MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tpOv3JdySmzai9meC5lZiQjB4fGvT_HR1nlItGp_DLkx0eHurn1W6vv1-hSHtN89PRoDUGuop7Tsv7Fh0JEok108jUxxQHvdN5jlNVmRRZC59-W8gnMCbZlFReZpg9InWBld-w/s320/10.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU22VSptaudH7VUwe_eWzjE7Jc_42O3UD0JtGrsfXKJ3_rkYpFN1QGxi3oGErHw63ZFV61ev_Ua_aDJeOR5qD3z4f-eK92CSvf8N-cgHS8IkXD9W8aQbh3oEJZH9GjUXrYmQShrQ/s1600-h/5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189045416906594786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU22VSptaudH7VUwe_eWzjE7Jc_42O3UD0JtGrsfXKJ3_rkYpFN1QGxi3oGErHw63ZFV61ev_Ua_aDJeOR5qD3z4f-eK92CSvf8N-cgHS8IkXD9W8aQbh3oEJZH9GjUXrYmQShrQ/s320/5.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcNvPM9sInhn5Cxp_UonRc6biAH9LGVyTk517XIpw-cs4E6TpLeW9Fpw12czI0VOHFz3mvGPnlaMFzsle_hnmjuiKZBxhSDhpd4I6r0AVKtgu2d5D8ygt1U6EZpmFn-zmqt57jw/s1600-h/6.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189045421201562098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcNvPM9sInhn5Cxp_UonRc6biAH9LGVyTk517XIpw-cs4E6TpLeW9Fpw12czI0VOHFz3mvGPnlaMFzsle_hnmjuiKZBxhSDhpd4I6r0AVKtgu2d5D8ygt1U6EZpmFn-zmqt57jw/s320/6.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-79356688865216696022008-04-14T09:05:00.005+00:002008-04-14T09:36:26.489+00:00Missionaries of Charity<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RAekx0sv4O0c4gBG6TobTrLND1Ig_0JuNiD-8laWSnfcLCAV_5CUGvBj5YABY3wEdkCxCw7ORhxWeauBT9AYPsxe8Ew2NC6WPUxB9cmxD_Byh4XKCzcZU5UiEFXtcT83Xb-2wg/s1600-h/Sister12.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189029396678580514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RAekx0sv4O0c4gBG6TobTrLND1Ig_0JuNiD-8laWSnfcLCAV_5CUGvBj5YABY3wEdkCxCw7ORhxWeauBT9AYPsxe8Ew2NC6WPUxB9cmxD_Byh4XKCzcZU5UiEFXtcT83Xb-2wg/s320/Sister12.JPG" border="0" /></a>Here in Sierra Leone there are no social safety nets and the need for urgent housing and feeding for the destitute is a critical function. Unlike developed countries Government here is neither capable nor able. The Missionaries of Charity offer a really remarkable and heartwarming service under difficult conditions. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZaQ3sKbNnomuoQh67leGfFXnh3f4OZqp8FaEsT9jOFWFPRlWq0alzVNTKjqgif5LnuRevHa1MqlqkP3-6RMOHyNHTI8N7MglXckzr34TVPhPFIq4baQhal9-P1Q8BSRgX1DyQQ/s1600-h/Sister16.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189029405268515170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZaQ3sKbNnomuoQh67leGfFXnh3f4OZqp8FaEsT9jOFWFPRlWq0alzVNTKjqgif5LnuRevHa1MqlqkP3-6RMOHyNHTI8N7MglXckzr34TVPhPFIq4baQhal9-P1Q8BSRgX1DyQQ/s320/Sister16.JPG" border="0" /></a>They are Catholic missionaries who offer service to the poorest of the poor, based on the teachings and example given by the famed Mother Theresa from Calcutta. The Mission in Makeni was started in 1989, well prior to the war and the nuns here maintained the mission throughout, even suffering the death of 4 of their Order.<br /><br />I have had the opportunity to chat with Sister Rikta on several occasions. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jcY172O8FhKIlJJgYsOalvwhzH8aGIWUF1k7cXIUlA0MSLzLfUobOo_4RPSRqaipISfM5nuBaJ-J6obGxCzgJ0u9mdDsAd6FRf_42IcApa3CtPJBoOhPmWpgA08lWDa1dNuYMw/s1600-h/Sister4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189026085258795170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jcY172O8FhKIlJJgYsOalvwhzH8aGIWUF1k7cXIUlA0MSLzLfUobOo_4RPSRqaipISfM5nuBaJ-J6obGxCzgJ0u9mdDsAd6FRf_42IcApa3CtPJBoOhPmWpgA08lWDa1dNuYMw/s320/Sister4.JPG" border="0" /></a>Together with other VSO volunteers we put together a Christmas Party, and since then we have chatted about the needs of the Mission. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOml4-VzWytZZNM0HS85tDBUp2E8MdD50SG-IdrE2KOlb4EAlRuIjiBc3F7kRu53UV8oFlO427PFnf701te8l7z4B8oJiExgmelWoj9ByCTK3Or8Q_FZhavk_wBCb8vH4gR8PFw/s1600-h/Sister20.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189029976499165570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOml4-VzWytZZNM0HS85tDBUp2E8MdD50SG-IdrE2KOlb4EAlRuIjiBc3F7kRu53UV8oFlO427PFnf701te8l7z4B8oJiExgmelWoj9ByCTK3Or8Q_FZhavk_wBCb8vH4gR8PFw/s320/Sister20.JPG" border="0" /></a>This afternoon we talked again and I took John Keating a fellow volunteer from Ireland. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyxesNOv0l5Xx7-Qz6e3QH-RXyv_mIT7k8I1c2Ye7Mb2ME1epxv6iT4VNCd6h8jkvckqxP0atwanv4_ACJFV3Xi_fmYdGBwG5Gdk0fqF6eWNKhyH8P2lwqAqMkT3rYRlp7EMXVg/s1600-h/Sister22.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189029976499165602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyxesNOv0l5Xx7-Qz6e3QH-RXyv_mIT7k8I1c2Ye7Mb2ME1epxv6iT4VNCd6h8jkvckqxP0atwanv4_ACJFV3Xi_fmYdGBwG5Gdk0fqF6eWNKhyH8P2lwqAqMkT3rYRlp7EMXVg/s320/Sister22.JPG" border="0" /></a> On previous occasions I have been asked about my own beliefs and I have found it wonderfully refreshing to find that my openness about my atheism has not offended and rather we have had a really involved discussion with humour and directly about religion. John today joined in the discussion and we had a great debate. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TpE0JneEIIBoaLbIGFiyOOC0XULO687wDbfWvixFoyWjCpZZJWUh3DPbQczYldWylE1V-N99FZwSdbYVt_QxUdForsnp8dpOzOtszTue40M9ztnyw6NgQkmKLULcccE0plUxsw/s1600-h/Sister11.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189026982906960146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TpE0JneEIIBoaLbIGFiyOOC0XULO687wDbfWvixFoyWjCpZZJWUh3DPbQczYldWylE1V-N99FZwSdbYVt_QxUdForsnp8dpOzOtszTue40M9ztnyw6NgQkmKLULcccE0plUxsw/s320/Sister11.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Mission in Makeni is quite small and houses 110 including 60 children. These people are really in desperate need and Sister Rikta refers to these people as the dying destitute since they suffer from disease including HIV/AIDS, TB, Polio, whilst some are just seriously wounded. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjG0aMR1_KWkEI9z0wpSLZfrtuZ4OcxVG3tJ4XaU1Gq3fSiTAo9yVvf4ubXym_tqNiaX434oYT9hGdQRekuIS2xwjjMNehZbyFh_S5TyBjBFb1jKoMXsMFgAMrOrlYrddgQsNkdQ/s1600-h/Sister13.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189029400973547826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjG0aMR1_KWkEI9z0wpSLZfrtuZ4OcxVG3tJ4XaU1Gq3fSiTAo9yVvf4ubXym_tqNiaX434oYT9hGdQRekuIS2xwjjMNehZbyFh_S5TyBjBFb1jKoMXsMFgAMrOrlYrddgQsNkdQ/s320/Sister13.JPG" border="0" /></a>Many of the children are severely malnourished. Sister took us on a tour and the plight of these people is obvious. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-huUuneFLyjqXXrXegH_se4gkDCLO8dwj_1vFEW7ZMoxDeDq4NrGsubKiLgcVRfpBZDJk6wm-ycQh2MfetYga_9HQmxSILx9m-IzPGfL4kvDzhY_uP1g6QeG6uLabPn2QQA-WoQ/s1600-h/Sister8.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189026982906960114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-huUuneFLyjqXXrXegH_se4gkDCLO8dwj_1vFEW7ZMoxDeDq4NrGsubKiLgcVRfpBZDJk6wm-ycQh2MfetYga_9HQmxSILx9m-IzPGfL4kvDzhY_uP1g6QeG6uLabPn2QQA-WoQ/s320/Sister8.JPG" border="0" /></a>In addition to the residents, the Sisters also feed about 200 others who simply turn up each day for a meal. I see these visitors each day as I work in the adjacent Makeni City Council building. Many are blind, suffer from mental illness, or are physically disabled. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdyllGVO-6r6FxYO6Be22GUGWFSayGPFSeOpg3LTSKiTOoJ_UBzxKQe5QzZI8Jaxvb7z29t7a3yxDGj406zW8HuA5RsM92rty7TCTQWB3GWjGbM6Z0TCxkAXrupflNV5iui-X-w/s1600-h/Sister10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189026982906960130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdyllGVO-6r6FxYO6Be22GUGWFSayGPFSeOpg3LTSKiTOoJ_UBzxKQe5QzZI8Jaxvb7z29t7a3yxDGj406zW8HuA5RsM92rty7TCTQWB3GWjGbM6Z0TCxkAXrupflNV5iui-X-w/s320/Sister10.JPG" border="0" /></a>Obviously these people are not cared for. I am unsure if or how they are housed but they arrive in a terrible state and the Sisters carry out a wonderful service.<br /><br />About two weeks ago I found the Sisters trying to find the mother of a small 10 year old girl along Teko Road. A local hospital had to discharge the disabled girl to the care of the Sisters since the mother just hadn’t turned up. A small piece of paper with an address was the only clue. However the mother could not be found. This is a common story unfortunately. Families just can’t afford to look after the infirm. It is really very sad and the Sisters again perform a wonderful service.<br /><br />The Mission facility is small and there is not much open space. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlT0-cJYngrsCAdFJSXiHCl3cFNEiql7SPFsVWRd7mhx8ctwHBhHMAkgG_0Hx19WFXhweS70cy9DIpGCcEw7rP1zhl2qWXh4Y-G2kfUQ2SP7bS0xTe_ks_-_uACYWalCBLWWYpg/s1600-h/Sister6.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189026970022058194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlT0-cJYngrsCAdFJSXiHCl3cFNEiql7SPFsVWRd7mhx8ctwHBhHMAkgG_0Hx19WFXhweS70cy9DIpGCcEw7rP1zhl2qWXh4Y-G2kfUQ2SP7bS0xTe_ks_-_uACYWalCBLWWYpg/s320/Sister6.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTBNaGP60P-gI5Pj9O4JghzrY_fjjJuzCRrD1NiF3v9-Dj7q5ejExxxgD5Qw-oqq7CEdWGSDqrJ6eCjSimxLlw9rW6cCqiR5g8k1hyphenhyphenADQpOWZ9_7M189R2xq99cE4AgmrczkYCQ/s1600-h/Sister5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189026085258795186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTBNaGP60P-gI5Pj9O4JghzrY_fjjJuzCRrD1NiF3v9-Dj7q5ejExxxgD5Qw-oqq7CEdWGSDqrJ6eCjSimxLlw9rW6cCqiR5g8k1hyphenhyphenADQpOWZ9_7M189R2xq99cE4AgmrczkYCQ/s320/Sister5.JPG" border="0" /></a>The Makeni City Council has offered some land now forming part of the Council property so that the facility can expand the open space.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1G6fl7MW72QfY-GFVRse_b88oPoz7lGXUW3Z0R2bZk9SJcjAcOSYeuWwDCa1NSfLgpsIrz_fx_mYOd5YUP-qPJF2Gt3xdZ1V5lW7qz0a1WVv22H9_as-n9wWBajg8m3G7Akorw/s1600-h/Sister17.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189029972204198258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1G6fl7MW72QfY-GFVRse_b88oPoz7lGXUW3Z0R2bZk9SJcjAcOSYeuWwDCa1NSfLgpsIrz_fx_mYOd5YUP-qPJF2Gt3xdZ1V5lW7qz0a1WVv22H9_as-n9wWBajg8m3G7Akorw/s320/Sister17.JPG" border="0" /></a> The Plan has been approved and I have seen the survey. This is quite heartwarming for a Council dominated by Muslims and with a Muslim Mayor. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHhCOvrGg6_4UYLTVo9NOj4AHm6FF2OnSpR8XbadhznRPVZNQdh6CPZabGEJjM6g4jefkNG-_VkUcWekq_g2uDlxRdMkKZE1ZJzcU1TLpybwS-4NaV_A9xuLaQAdkFq9a84TuKA/s1600-h/Sister15.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189029400973547858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHhCOvrGg6_4UYLTVo9NOj4AHm6FF2OnSpR8XbadhznRPVZNQdh6CPZabGEJjM6g4jefkNG-_VkUcWekq_g2uDlxRdMkKZE1ZJzcU1TLpybwS-4NaV_A9xuLaQAdkFq9a84TuKA/s320/Sister15.JPG" border="0" /></a>As I have said on previous blogs I find that the embracing (not just tolerance) of other religions to be a particularly impressive characteristic of Sierra Leone and sets an example for many other parts of the world. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5Mm5z_kIfTHwup0JQeZuMq9qZGUvfZh3kEs98lIgQc49J0ja9Jw6RKQk0QmqT4lux1A_f-Phy-N9qh9NdYc8Eu1l-92h5vsQmoSsfx8r3zh56QmR1AW06k2k7Grhazvh0zBi7A/s1600-h/Sister14.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189029400973547842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5Mm5z_kIfTHwup0JQeZuMq9qZGUvfZh3kEs98lIgQc49J0ja9Jw6RKQk0QmqT4lux1A_f-Phy-N9qh9NdYc8Eu1l-92h5vsQmoSsfx8r3zh56QmR1AW06k2k7Grhazvh0zBi7A/s320/Sister14.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiABPXmvMwu755AGuIc9ZWs10oweuiuqZ4BPys3KZ0sd_xhfhx4nDVOSBc0gd5XfhEF9oPuxbl8p4_1UBiplRwUt3aXE7Vfv6kpQA19iYjuhVL5wjfYAyddV0-dfocYoCqDaoX5Q/s1600-h/Sister7.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189026978611992802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiABPXmvMwu755AGuIc9ZWs10oweuiuqZ4BPys3KZ0sd_xhfhx4nDVOSBc0gd5XfhEF9oPuxbl8p4_1UBiplRwUt3aXE7Vfv6kpQA19iYjuhVL5wjfYAyddV0-dfocYoCqDaoX5Q/s320/Sister7.JPG" border="0" /></a>The donated land needs to be walled and Sister Rikta has asked me to help with the quotations for costs at about $9,000.<br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dSjUMfekBcSWiTAVBRZjqbynib7dJ6d0WeAiCSm16-I2wGSjggoGg02p-h17y_eEYK_83iKTkJIzmiZQaBwRmUNpTsfh754mbceRFGtkv_E1T-dW5fjltViH5e2uO3zDuniv6Q/s1600-h/Sister21.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189029976499165586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dSjUMfekBcSWiTAVBRZjqbynib7dJ6d0WeAiCSm16-I2wGSjggoGg02p-h17y_eEYK_83iKTkJIzmiZQaBwRmUNpTsfh754mbceRFGtkv_E1T-dW5fjltViH5e2uO3zDuniv6Q/s320/Sister21.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I find that the conviction of the Sisters is the most inspiring aspect of the Mission. They seem to function, as Sister Rikta explains, more on a philosophy of Divine Intervention, that somehow her God will provide. The costs of the Mission seem to be met by charitable people everywhere. It is a magnificent example of how people can come together to help.<br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCdzSohrAUKqdoK6OaqlkITD8UhR5_dYwlKJVwUrphyphenhyphenIjmQCIK8bJAZTg-LT96i5GZAPhyphenhypheng2Joyh-Pzz4-11UrRbFFld11WYNj-3F1Z24pjryv5sEpAmECbczziFo6NhXucDEZg/s1600-h/Sister3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189026080963827858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCdzSohrAUKqdoK6OaqlkITD8UhR5_dYwlKJVwUrphyphenhyphenIjmQCIK8bJAZTg-LT96i5GZAPhyphenhypheng2Joyh-Pzz4-11UrRbFFld11WYNj-3F1Z24pjryv5sEpAmECbczziFo6NhXucDEZg/s320/Sister3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYA5heMnLy1JcNDyLDFGnXzcQtsXmaot22Gp-hC_zb-8UzEdQtscY6CKxa97Ww-EkWKZVzm5xRm1sdyAZ5JR83LS9YR-tTdMbFtL5LYeI_Lm1fnX_5xarBcLONXtAxKF0100hjg/s1600-h/Sister2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189026080963827842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYA5heMnLy1JcNDyLDFGnXzcQtsXmaot22Gp-hC_zb-8UzEdQtscY6CKxa97Ww-EkWKZVzm5xRm1sdyAZ5JR83LS9YR-tTdMbFtL5LYeI_Lm1fnX_5xarBcLONXtAxKF0100hjg/s320/Sister2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdCet_wcrtaWUYxTTrkB3pteGOgEIFzSBiD9rAqZdA18mjY-L24JQmsHW76kvvI3uVDUmt_LqBvO9hSu0uuK4G7BISpu0KgYANkBHqbv3256bSvnKlFUunnJJsQ9H3RgTxYwHsQ/s1600-h/Sister6.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-69033908875915559692008-03-24T19:14:00.008+00:002008-03-24T19:51:11.091+00:00The Binkolo Pickup<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEnWyIDg4Fvo4a_-uhuDU6ubkb5u-IMNDTDpQXXKL9xsUwad53cYcxMdqyCIv_ORpg8yAuQDKMSjBXcqTXqGjbizNxrK9vWKvNOaw_Irdw759pi11pAX8BBfvqMDs6UdDMdmTWw/s1600-h/van11.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181390360338022674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEnWyIDg4Fvo4a_-uhuDU6ubkb5u-IMNDTDpQXXKL9xsUwad53cYcxMdqyCIv_ORpg8yAuQDKMSjBXcqTXqGjbizNxrK9vWKvNOaw_Irdw759pi11pAX8BBfvqMDs6UdDMdmTWw/s320/van11.JPG" border="0" /></a>Well the Binkolo vehicle is off and running, already finding uses for its practical hauling ability even though the food processing plant is not yet operational. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeE8d6LA7fn53twDEo7f9bJTXt0Bzsy2VAj_Lw_cgfHKpuxuRryieNeMMthe8vhjHLBNvd70kvkKp2ol19ZD7CJf4J8VZcTHAmD8W47NA56d8hPC-duOl_Km8wmJ_DU1jZTY1QA/s1600-h/van4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181389613013713058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeE8d6LA7fn53twDEo7f9bJTXt0Bzsy2VAj_Lw_cgfHKpuxuRryieNeMMthe8vhjHLBNvd70kvkKp2ol19ZD7CJf4J8VZcTHAmD8W47NA56d8hPC-duOl_Km8wmJ_DU1jZTY1QA/s320/van4.JPG" border="0" /></a>Local people here in Makeni are amazed at the new motor gracing the streets (a non NGO vehicle here is quite a rarity and attracts a huge attention as I am finding out). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeEYnHqFyUFNAlf_WvierzKofo7iVPsLOcufwrV1N5cNJ-FJJNvKJEosAoHg-umqgzY5SoLDkUpbs9rCpDxnCtZMl0trfR3hBli5un1rtnwRtPz9QNeg94EYxnKt_rmzC8-jeOA/s1600-h/van5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181389625898614978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeEYnHqFyUFNAlf_WvierzKofo7iVPsLOcufwrV1N5cNJ-FJJNvKJEosAoHg-umqgzY5SoLDkUpbs9rCpDxnCtZMl0trfR3hBli5un1rtnwRtPz9QNeg94EYxnKt_rmzC8-jeOA/s320/van5.JPG" border="0" /></a>Ismael Bangura the food processing manager beams and crows as proud as a peacock to the crowd walking and vending on the streets. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFqAVZVkB76Njo7K_etu-GqKLRlU8ngKyROdsoTNOEOJpCxQGn-fODLTQW_VxRc99H9lfTA5MTilIegvFJK6hyphenhyphen7F_IMUM9StMDdNwuheUjl4gylI2jI20v9nUAcrmL7GeGlMPLQ/s1600-h/van+3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181389621603647666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFqAVZVkB76Njo7K_etu-GqKLRlU8ngKyROdsoTNOEOJpCxQGn-fODLTQW_VxRc99H9lfTA5MTilIegvFJK6hyphenhyphen7F_IMUM9StMDdNwuheUjl4gylI2jI20v9nUAcrmL7GeGlMPLQ/s320/van+3.JPG" border="0" /></a>The “official” hand over hasn’t yet taken place but the anticipation is building. I just need to give some instruction and practice on the gear shifting to the manager. Thanks to all those in Canada who contributed.<br /><br />The vehicle is needed for the Binkolo Growth Cenntre a new food processing plant so that raw goods - cassava and palm<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRV-JjBi1CC9GbnLZB651GJ-pPJZN2P5ob8N0n66FhC2FuQlXjQ3dp5hyphenhyphenApUAGeGJG3ajnCt5BpQoqAku5l39oYFara6stduKgfT4z9hEi4rXgUNO8cYIKn_-fhs_fWZpVzIF9xQ/s1600-h/van34.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181393633103102594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRV-JjBi1CC9GbnLZB651GJ-pPJZN2P5ob8N0n66FhC2FuQlXjQ3dp5hyphenhyphenApUAGeGJG3ajnCt5BpQoqAku5l39oYFara6stduKgfT4z9hEi4rXgUNO8cYIKn_-fhs_fWZpVzIF9xQ/s320/van34.JPG" border="0" /></a> can be brought to the centre and that the finished products can be taken to market. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkYzBmLNxUGVTiLn9zGfJ6kUZcxBPjtPG-wHxCd2B7ZoySSX3FrGQ7-TSwEgyX1ZIsbxXSUyLzBWTJMZPH7arZs6-H_nwFTZOJv50jlN31sfgc0bbukkh1O_sG7DZZZzkMtuH3w/s1600-h/van18.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181391928001085826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkYzBmLNxUGVTiLn9zGfJ6kUZcxBPjtPG-wHxCd2B7ZoySSX3FrGQ7-TSwEgyX1ZIsbxXSUyLzBWTJMZPH7arZs6-H_nwFTZOJv50jlN31sfgc0bbukkh1O_sG7DZZZzkMtuH3w/s320/van18.JPG" border="0" /></a>In <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziEeSOqyDo32i8csGdn2_fM-wYOVSSECpbzieAmOhy2BlFJbaa8tlMLq_M57KzUvYxWXhTNgRFGJDsf05ZMZtkHMxT_ZpQND9Ht7CmcUdu63j-847kAQ1HHilvW2LQzqaKIc6Xg/s1600-h/van16.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181391365360370018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziEeSOqyDo32i8csGdn2_fM-wYOVSSECpbzieAmOhy2BlFJbaa8tlMLq_M57KzUvYxWXhTNgRFGJDsf05ZMZtkHMxT_ZpQND9Ht7CmcUdu63j-847kAQ1HHilvW2LQzqaKIc6Xg/s320/van16.JPG" border="0" /></a>addition the “Growth Centre” teaches artisan skills such as blacksmithing,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dEj0_tuLk9DVsgQZ1iMbQxhda0sMwL4zaqwM4RgxnwyW4Bv8IfdSAidGYSrcSpfFNo8DOfW4cOmxjpB9FCfpsI_orpgyKNXSfyrzlKKdcVYm9U19UYoIqS_pe-Zs-sSVS6_3vw/s1600-h/van32.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181393624513167970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dEj0_tuLk9DVsgQZ1iMbQxhda0sMwL4zaqwM4RgxnwyW4Bv8IfdSAidGYSrcSpfFNo8DOfW4cOmxjpB9FCfpsI_orpgyKNXSfyrzlKKdcVYm9U19UYoIqS_pe-Zs-sSVS6_3vw/s320/van32.JPG" border="0" /></a> tailoring and carpentry and the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAE3-413iAuI061oJUVJeKeXqQbIrxNTnjneZ5OznbHfeltwd2xW1FecOQPebW_btqqdl3Ya2wTXli1Cty2f-BQxqiHeYiP48T3aR3fEsJ0J0luP5GtN7G_T8fLoSo_0xrmHM8A/s1600-h/van19.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181391936591020434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAE3-413iAuI061oJUVJeKeXqQbIrxNTnjneZ5OznbHfeltwd2xW1FecOQPebW_btqqdl3Ya2wTXli1Cty2f-BQxqiHeYiP48T3aR3fEsJ0J0luP5GtN7G_T8fLoSo_0xrmHM8A/s320/van19.JPG" border="0" /></a>resulting goods are then sold, so the vehicle is also useful transport for the entire project. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4Nsn3c5x7BDssIO3o7UXpHppL4Tvvy9zjAAN-fJtqgonj3La63v9Q0O57Vait8pDP7R0LnVoRRLUePjfWZHbz0ygtMYF0HrzRKkjrt5aSc44mYUy84SzPxq2Q6gu8f2KOG7muw/s1600-h/van17.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181391919411151218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4Nsn3c5x7BDssIO3o7UXpHppL4Tvvy9zjAAN-fJtqgonj3La63v9Q0O57Vait8pDP7R0LnVoRRLUePjfWZHbz0ygtMYF0HrzRKkjrt5aSc44mYUy84SzPxq2Q6gu8f2KOG7muw/s320/van17.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Binkolo vehicle was found in Freetown, the only place in Salone where vehicles are bought and sold. It had found it’s way from the Netherlands and was clearly not a new vehicle, a rather unusual pick up, a Nissan Cabstar. The most popular line seen on the streets are white ex-NGO Toyota 4 wheel drives that typically fetch a premium.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3V-OSvK_phmIfOo1RxzQtw0Y3kcHIse1kI-UlwpXXt7ALXD_vHSe5TeWH4oemU_khyJj1YvgTrtJc_nGkb59A4TZF2ssSouJKpIGvo623WhONeURh_f5e0S2_zkLzDk9I62pAg/s1600-h/van31.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181393014627811922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3V-OSvK_phmIfOo1RxzQtw0Y3kcHIse1kI-UlwpXXt7ALXD_vHSe5TeWH4oemU_khyJj1YvgTrtJc_nGkb59A4TZF2ssSouJKpIGvo623WhONeURh_f5e0S2_zkLzDk9I62pAg/s320/van31.JPG" border="0" /></a> The Binkolo ugly duckling stuck out like a sore thumb but I liked it. The main reason was that the ugly duckling would be difficult to later convert to cash. My “paddy” Desmond seemed to have good experience at repairing and maintaining old vehicles - a good skill to have in Salone since there are very limited new cars. So a deal was struck and the dealer was happy to have the space on his lot.<br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpCDHsDeD0GSDduwZibKHmks4OntbJ1e1GmAw_YTQdOfVB7cbhggPmbnEqWG8Hpb9IIXa6LOH7TbX6mXBg9wez3WTlOXoOyXXRo4KlZq6Y6HIbDFeCDu6PI8I-IgM7qjGfsNJyQ/s1600-h/van+10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181393980995453618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpCDHsDeD0GSDduwZibKHmks4OntbJ1e1GmAw_YTQdOfVB7cbhggPmbnEqWG8Hpb9IIXa6LOH7TbX6mXBg9wez3WTlOXoOyXXRo4KlZq6Y6HIbDFeCDu6PI8I-IgM7qjGfsNJyQ/s320/van+10.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Desmond undertook some repair work; sprayed for rust protection, and did the usual servicing and we took delivery. Driving around Freetown is a bit scary since there are few rules, very narrow roads, enormous traffic and so Desmond was my instructor. The vehicle was soon put to work gathering palm fronds to roof a market. A bunch of VSO volunteers had organized a market on the beach for some of the local clothing sellers and some wood carvers etc. The intended customers being the wealthy UN and NGO personnel and this lot seemed to have good interest although not much to spend. Perhaps another time. The market structure was taken down and hauled by our Binkolo pick-up to be stored for another time. <br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDGJkmesfOR34_jcmFAuE2Wqw4nBr6alK0NnVyumFIGfFSiJMYO38iMxmrOWnu8fLor7AmgNjbP5DeMrEkrhW1MFRALgeg959dsQSGFblnj_dcv2SHj5qBh0KGyrKNZZMOkZ9_g/s1600-h/van7.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181390351748088034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDGJkmesfOR34_jcmFAuE2Wqw4nBr6alK0NnVyumFIGfFSiJMYO38iMxmrOWnu8fLor7AmgNjbP5DeMrEkrhW1MFRALgeg959dsQSGFblnj_dcv2SHj5qBh0KGyrKNZZMOkZ9_g/s320/van7.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I drove the vehicle to Makeni early one morning when the traffic was lighter, a 4 hour journey. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRy8CPLIJzYbuz3RT8USw0-niTlzB6xGNzZDddexRok8kRS75EQr_IvPsqSXbZJaLPry9KSe5X9hbRTvBphkL0fqM_uSCTFekThGbpHjMaiLc2aco4_Bc1trkNAbEyjHqIr7cWw/s1600-h/Van35.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181393641693037202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRy8CPLIJzYbuz3RT8USw0-niTlzB6xGNzZDddexRok8kRS75EQr_IvPsqSXbZJaLPry9KSe5X9hbRTvBphkL0fqM_uSCTFekThGbpHjMaiLc2aco4_Bc1trkNAbEyjHqIr7cWw/s320/Van35.JPG" border="0" /></a>I arrived to an excited Ismael Bangura waiting at the City Hall. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4FikEa95Wu_XxxAmHWPrYcwG3xTeh2t8_84tVaKoYJHgES8X8LgxK2byVhxGMGBgADrThxP9unAaJcHJmowIlahlgdkbW4Jb4AD5iDhx-qAizRVtGHGH56UimgZjI4Vfzgx-Rg/s1600-h/Van36.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181393645988004514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4FikEa95Wu_XxxAmHWPrYcwG3xTeh2t8_84tVaKoYJHgES8X8LgxK2byVhxGMGBgADrThxP9unAaJcHJmowIlahlgdkbW4Jb4AD5iDhx-qAizRVtGHGH56UimgZjI4Vfzgx-Rg/s320/Van36.JPG" border="0" /></a>It was impossible to hide his emotions and pride as others at municipal office were looking on. We took a spin through town to shouts of amazement and on to rural Binkolo about 6 miles away. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbLsDDjfS5Gsmko0FwvuWMQPjanI4DBkn-itgCK2dpjDEjHTkYOq-YuCymQ3KwO2xY0t5v66smXbm2WlnEhZv60Z45JPD0xACi-tMA6B6rOLVj61uJuLoWPsx6JHEUUCKC1l_Jg/s1600-h/van21.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181391949475922354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbLsDDjfS5Gsmko0FwvuWMQPjanI4DBkn-itgCK2dpjDEjHTkYOq-YuCymQ3KwO2xY0t5v66smXbm2WlnEhZv60Z45JPD0xACi-tMA6B6rOLVj61uJuLoWPsx6JHEUUCKC1l_Jg/s320/van21.JPG" border="0" /></a>The village seemed to be expecting us somehow and came out to greet the new arrival. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTedTeuhh4XkuhIPrKxMhuJfC_3T0jW7Zh0xsggOT0HrTyNOGZXL4hG6KlwCPcxzMpHP8QQna8JbU6Soi2I2zOrQ6rJJghIoPBUd2AZDiFbJ8baxHVakIUvUFJyyXkPSLbYmqsLA/s1600-h/van12.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181391348180500770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTedTeuhh4XkuhIPrKxMhuJfC_3T0jW7Zh0xsggOT0HrTyNOGZXL4hG6KlwCPcxzMpHP8QQna8JbU6Soi2I2zOrQ6rJJghIoPBUd2AZDiFbJ8baxHVakIUvUFJyyXkPSLbYmqsLA/s320/van12.JPG" border="0" /></a>An obvious delight to all, the shining vehicle was shown off to the paramount chief and other dignitaries. I presented the key attached to a Canadian flagged lanyard and this signified the hand over to an appreciative crowd. I was informed that this was not the “official” presentation and that there would be a larger formal affair to be arranged. Saloneans love their formalities and long speeches – I cant wait (not).<br /><br /><br />As we all know fuel is a major cost of running a vehicle and in Sierra Leone at $5 per gallon it is huge, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6TZdLEvhaluHp55fFTAmozfUny7dszjPaSiMTSmDMnGcZEKIJoslDMCO7YvKCSqyjb3ln5hZ_bKKRW5k0Ov8UBN91Ev1iqtmUV0HouWkcVJ0RFnAoIYDimOvRCbG9AuuPiXY1w/s1600-h/van14.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181391361065402690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6TZdLEvhaluHp55fFTAmozfUny7dszjPaSiMTSmDMnGcZEKIJoslDMCO7YvKCSqyjb3ln5hZ_bKKRW5k0Ov8UBN91Ev1iqtmUV0HouWkcVJ0RFnAoIYDimOvRCbG9AuuPiXY1w/s320/van14.JPG" border="0" /></a>especially when it takes most people 5 days to earn enough to pay for a gallon.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6jzRwkU7PyaAWmfDRPxPtRsNbADBtLR5lEK4A4K7LW2gP1_1UUk2vqrlPi96MzlgI6SrGBsY21YJWcuIKDricF6n_1SugWUaOiGBBfAk0WvFzQxlUkpo-nfQz-a-d_EO1lthdg/s1600-h/van29.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181393006037877298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6jzRwkU7PyaAWmfDRPxPtRsNbADBtLR5lEK4A4K7LW2gP1_1UUk2vqrlPi96MzlgI6SrGBsY21YJWcuIKDricF6n_1SugWUaOiGBBfAk0WvFzQxlUkpo-nfQz-a-d_EO1lthdg/s320/van29.JPG" border="0" /></a> I recognized the problem in the morning when I found the gas tank had been siphoned of its content. I immediately went to the Binkolo blacksmith and had a chastity belt type of arrangement put around the tank; and the battery housing. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhMsfXbtulXIbb9qrGg6nK0hYuAdTTORajP_biIzm2EAEHEA7RPRnfxm5uLSAtOvzFLtBo9wJI9gVK7rTWYOXNAYW3LlLy1mCzl_iznsj9YIo2aNuCRLJ7uqEVBuYsFpXrLHtGA/s1600-h/van27.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181393001742909970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhMsfXbtulXIbb9qrGg6nK0hYuAdTTORajP_biIzm2EAEHEA7RPRnfxm5uLSAtOvzFLtBo9wJI9gVK7rTWYOXNAYW3LlLy1mCzl_iznsj9YIo2aNuCRLJ7uqEVBuYsFpXrLHtGA/s320/van27.JPG" border="0" /></a>A discussion with one of my VSO colleagues about the problem revealed that she had some bio-diesel production experience in her native Philippines. For Binkolo this could be a huge boon and an additional industry. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfec7aBJrIbQN2W4Uc3iYIG9HXCI_O8qAix9_qND7snB6Ri8UOtfQkHOeCLuNnUtXLnMR3nn8rEfqw2eecOUqZvbX2zxoepyl54WODiQnCevsXdusxcGh_jy9q94G8hj2SraCZMA/s1600-h/van22.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181392490641801666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfec7aBJrIbQN2W4Uc3iYIG9HXCI_O8qAix9_qND7snB6Ri8UOtfQkHOeCLuNnUtXLnMR3nn8rEfqw2eecOUqZvbX2zxoepyl54WODiQnCevsXdusxcGh_jy9q94G8hj2SraCZMA/s320/van22.JPG" border="0" /></a>Maria is employed in an agricultural community near Moyamba but suggested that she could help us. The plant to be grown is called Jatropha and is common here, used for medicinal purposes but not a usual crop. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtYo834Evy_0aBpTjuA1H3okOG88SkjDmhbkBzfcVE8gSdV1YQAYkbh42OGl1uMI-yysANHCIXH0geEmPybrDvCXIA2C44fJ73MsMoipnlMdw3H1q9RqpNbt5TJkqZKqqRIk8Bw/s1600-h/van+23.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181393985290420930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtYo834Evy_0aBpTjuA1H3okOG88SkjDmhbkBzfcVE8gSdV1YQAYkbh42OGl1uMI-yysANHCIXH0geEmPybrDvCXIA2C44fJ73MsMoipnlMdw3H1q9RqpNbt5TJkqZKqqRIk8Bw/s320/van+23.JPG" border="0" /></a>Maria came to Binkolo and gave instruction for the demonstration of the planting and cropping. I went to investigate the machinery needed for the seed crushing. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3TXq2ca8NXdKPBaGR2fJIxW1Dyw-8dZQOCfBZdixG96LEQdHj6EyNfGrPJp3xgk8WCdi2m27WYTJG3-pyFV5cyQcbWF2pBQygR1sW1CMgkB33AwKjkaVc_JY7MqC17ApqK2gng/s1600-h/van24.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181392503526703586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3TXq2ca8NXdKPBaGR2fJIxW1Dyw-8dZQOCfBZdixG96LEQdHj6EyNfGrPJp3xgk8WCdi2m27WYTJG3-pyFV5cyQcbWF2pBQygR1sW1CMgkB33AwKjkaVc_JY7MqC17ApqK2gng/s320/van24.JPG" border="0" /></a>We then went on a treasure hunt in Freetown for the chemicals needed (Methanol and Potassium Hydroxide) to convert the oil to diesel. No luck so far. The chemicals are common and used in laboratory testing – as well as bomb making I am told. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBIgKje6yJ1WfPBJb63gCmL9y8p8mH3BVtaIg-WCVSR7ly-RrO7TET-Ip6QwuxDNEaopaqbfCl_HFOIbUXe1x_WdZQJ9MRPLVXeTcT19x35ORM3dTRsCJVUVWgF8a1ZXZfi9H-g/s1600-h/van23.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181392499231736274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBIgKje6yJ1WfPBJb63gCmL9y8p8mH3BVtaIg-WCVSR7ly-RrO7TET-Ip6QwuxDNEaopaqbfCl_HFOIbUXe1x_WdZQJ9MRPLVXeTcT19x35ORM3dTRsCJVUVWgF8a1ZXZfi9H-g/s320/van23.JPG" border="0" /></a>A developing country such as Salone has such poor facilities that everything needs to be imported and this seems to be a huge problem. I can import from the UK but the transit time is several months – too late for me. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwaZZxNh04QZpy5A03q-xc5Zaj3sPcqAigiJ-psKKPcK03TegE-M2GdBuYqB6uY63SKe92ZfYP37M-R2cpIsTF0fuTOb4BA7uBot_i3roL47piOlgeTynXk4llwmFIaTHFPEbkg/s1600-h/van26.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181392512116638210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwaZZxNh04QZpy5A03q-xc5Zaj3sPcqAigiJ-psKKPcK03TegE-M2GdBuYqB6uY63SKe92ZfYP37M-R2cpIsTF0fuTOb4BA7uBot_i3roL47piOlgeTynXk4llwmFIaTHFPEbkg/s320/van26.JPG" border="0" /></a>I am still hopeful of finding a supply in Freetown but it is only a feint hope. Nonetheless from what I have read and learned bio-diesel seems to be a worthwhile venture for a country like Salone to ensure security of supply and at a reasonable production price, I estimate at $2 per gallon.<br /><br />Having a vehicle here is a huge business advantage in that the impression of the operation is enhanced considerably. One of the outcrops is that customers see the Binkolo Growth Centre as having the facilities to organize and deliver. Certainly having the name advertised on the side of the vehicle works I believe.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwS3T4C1hdcXnTqBlmkcxQgs3Uu6RigHbLOlaO2oMZ3cRVjYPVn8ibbHCtzQnexVPrxr6ZIshc8mJwqEekHkLzlIiPc4aueQweJR526gMFTJhHx2tKWveaRC1mmdyk01AOoQGBw/s1600-h/van25.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181392507821670898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwS3T4C1hdcXnTqBlmkcxQgs3Uu6RigHbLOlaO2oMZ3cRVjYPVn8ibbHCtzQnexVPrxr6ZIshc8mJwqEekHkLzlIiPc4aueQweJR526gMFTJhHx2tKWveaRC1mmdyk01AOoQGBw/s320/van25.JPG" border="0" /></a> CARE a large international NGO has now ordered 2,000 pieces of farming implements that can be made by the blacksmiths. I know the people at CARE and they were impressed that the growth centre has a vehicle and they much preferred to have implements made here rather than import from abroad.<br /><br />Yesterday (Good Friday) we had a wonderful day transporting by the vanload a local female football team to a match in Binkolo. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaC5aX5t18ysx5zTvvw_ILFkVQ6jVVZtSijLVkGCcLxwKDI734GZTwUmOIRhrn04GttZ_-vYPdzv_io5g7i3UgjPJtyGSvpU-ovnogBjb0jNr-KGwhchSGe-1itGk7rrMYqIPdA/s1600-h/van13.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181391356770435378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaC5aX5t18ysx5zTvvw_ILFkVQ6jVVZtSijLVkGCcLxwKDI734GZTwUmOIRhrn04GttZ_-vYPdzv_io5g7i3UgjPJtyGSvpU-ovnogBjb0jNr-KGwhchSGe-1itGk7rrMYqIPdA/s320/van13.JPG" border="0" /></a>I became a “hockey Dad” again. I met then team last year and have sponsored the things they need. Ibrahim the amputee coach I have written about <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGTwgx09CvJIrJezvyPTwBoctmr95P1J2_8OsW6uybhwkOaAL0SjCw9wYe-OydUFKn_Dkw2pbYFl59dltaFD9T6EhrsESLuZCzhfk0gjl-5YdhxQtuyNMCsG_yNHjnzaR5d68Jw/s1600-h/van33.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181393628808135282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGTwgx09CvJIrJezvyPTwBoctmr95P1J2_8OsW6uybhwkOaAL0SjCw9wYe-OydUFKn_Dkw2pbYFl59dltaFD9T6EhrsESLuZCzhfk0gjl-5YdhxQtuyNMCsG_yNHjnzaR5d68Jw/s320/van33.JPG" border="0" /></a>previously was keen to take the team and I agreed to offer the transport. The kids piled into the back of the pickup and off we travelled to Binkolo, with much chanting and singing. Wonderful.<br /><br />Lastly the progress of the food processing facility is moving along but slower than I had expected. The people at UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organisation) have now a requirement for adjustments to the building, a small amount of work but a delay of several weeks since all work takes much longer than in “The West”. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3ECnwGhxDV_j7Xy3CFQHtd2u5xcNrB8DjqacX7n2oR5jM6tVMJm34Qzaulvh2Nr0GujDogQemMb7OlHaNguMfO2MgrK1_JBu3oOacRaCKlCqIFCjw0I0aNHzcbJi9GLsF99LXw/s1600-h/van28.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181393001742909986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3ECnwGhxDV_j7Xy3CFQHtd2u5xcNrB8DjqacX7n2oR5jM6tVMJm34Qzaulvh2Nr0GujDogQemMb7OlHaNguMfO2MgrK1_JBu3oOacRaCKlCqIFCjw0I0aNHzcbJi9GLsF99LXw/s320/van28.JPG" border="0" /></a>I met the UNIDO official yesterday and she was helpful but would not release the equipment needed to start production. However she was keen on the bio-diesel production and she pointed me in a different direction for my quest for the chemicals. Off to Freetown again.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3FvU8AfiVUZLETG6o-8-wN2-pNj2UIso04vnBsD1Kef7p93cO3D5bSllbs4mlP6Ii0p_3KbCkWOOXwmvKwXN31-d3o5dEJ8l7MOI7zz6wFKSPPCddeYXNXTUiF_EqOeH11IJvA/s1600-h/van30.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAqSrwqK94ITQVMuvZcLXNmywKNcNXOF4WUv0-fgVVaSfPGtkUqGwohKSulgBjapKhoLWcvDekQB4XJt_nVbt8mgVmngWUVAU6aR_r_5J0dFa3sa7Svsk2m-n5XCAEkNkSnCX6Q/s1600-h/van20.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181391940885987746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAqSrwqK94ITQVMuvZcLXNmywKNcNXOF4WUv0-fgVVaSfPGtkUqGwohKSulgBjapKhoLWcvDekQB4XJt_nVbt8mgVmngWUVAU6aR_r_5J0dFa3sa7Svsk2m-n5XCAEkNkSnCX6Q/s320/van20.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIFQj0s4CJNppFSOzZmgFigBfBgrqx1BThgE9zNUsM4-ZXujhfelw2qsVxkNEe0-ZPNZAwvpHo2GsPSq8xSFybhWcpUS-pBYPZloYL5WZ_eeejfcBrp7NEfYdC2OVKZt7XS1ykg/s1600-h/van15.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181391365360370002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIFQj0s4CJNppFSOzZmgFigBfBgrqx1BThgE9zNUsM4-ZXujhfelw2qsVxkNEe0-ZPNZAwvpHo2GsPSq8xSFybhWcpUS-pBYPZloYL5WZ_eeejfcBrp7NEfYdC2OVKZt7XS1ykg/s320/van15.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGOx9_1LrBxOXgQLzElS9k6Wez0gqVfOmKlIfOUeUE6JHAMsZ960Mb7eBihLubzvOB_72PgEkCKneTwNsJVQCabEtf6zmoLCd1WwefDA5KIN2RRbAr4PTtKNtYbM7ueqVl621Hw/s1600-h/van6.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181390347453120722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGOx9_1LrBxOXgQLzElS9k6Wez0gqVfOmKlIfOUeUE6JHAMsZ960Mb7eBihLubzvOB_72PgEkCKneTwNsJVQCabEtf6zmoLCd1WwefDA5KIN2RRbAr4PTtKNtYbM7ueqVl621Hw/s320/van6.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6ldT_InRiW4BU-Zb9HMWzra30fKvGnY_ejNjKLk3bfcZAr3oTEefiseMHNwt7HeSKIwdjaKBHpzMnWyjX57Yj35i7dsD8SVi3A_Hoqhs0pDon-pYZGt7-BXWk9vsfJMqxTCqMg/s1600-h/van8.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181390356043055346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6ldT_InRiW4BU-Zb9HMWzra30fKvGnY_ejNjKLk3bfcZAr3oTEefiseMHNwt7HeSKIwdjaKBHpzMnWyjX57Yj35i7dsD8SVi3A_Hoqhs0pDon-pYZGt7-BXWk9vsfJMqxTCqMg/s320/van8.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbE-ioNld66ZmpCMtd_DKDhInnXUVm0ksJa6CLcazvIkSwoTfLXyWJCNWZbEaHAmp8aI-0Xl8eUrQbWaG0EsP0P1LHHt7CVC5LhNN7el2hav2kC5dp6Ge9rjmywGFEA7qdpT3TA/s1600-h/van9.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181390360338022658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbE-ioNld66ZmpCMtd_DKDhInnXUVm0ksJa6CLcazvIkSwoTfLXyWJCNWZbEaHAmp8aI-0Xl8eUrQbWaG0EsP0P1LHHt7CVC5LhNN7el2hav2kC5dp6Ge9rjmywGFEA7qdpT3TA/s320/van9.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3DlHpyWs5BbPOV5iXv1sX9-dTWgZGhroqW5zz239l_Aw_DrxuiYjeF7bMc-eAz6NKfG80rPZdvAbqXcLmjwwTM_uyFS6LtnOgVqsnkLrgifSOSPA58BvImPdymuh1zPN8cStcg/s1600-h/VAn1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181389604423778434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3DlHpyWs5BbPOV5iXv1sX9-dTWgZGhroqW5zz239l_Aw_DrxuiYjeF7bMc-eAz6NKfG80rPZdvAbqXcLmjwwTM_uyFS6LtnOgVqsnkLrgifSOSPA58BvImPdymuh1zPN8cStcg/s320/VAn1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwX3oS1QvLt3Y8C3SFnGTbFUmkpWc4y7aNqXVuJLWdQ_4y_pP2CczlPu3AhTFjMaf_XKoYy5HpjhL9At58eGSv9FcfvXYLfOCil6apDBGb1Gq_7E0-tIftbjHBMnPQ4Kj_Fumyw/s1600-h/van2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181389608718745746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwX3oS1QvLt3Y8C3SFnGTbFUmkpWc4y7aNqXVuJLWdQ_4y_pP2CczlPu3AhTFjMaf_XKoYy5HpjhL9At58eGSv9FcfvXYLfOCil6apDBGb1Gq_7E0-tIftbjHBMnPQ4Kj_Fumyw/s320/van2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-4845370892667631762008-02-25T17:02:00.008+00:002008-02-25T17:58:35.290+00:00NAIOP Community Service?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVviB_bFK2x4j7pRzA_vs7ZtnbwLyh9XSSJu15khfZ0cthlU7qloaTUKe1YhYwcml-xkYrP1gIy_YK_aQxRiVDbwWT2E39mRVcztpzgBK42cbxIjchebLZmEafr1FedCFp7r8JA/s1600-h/P1000384.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170965882009144274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVviB_bFK2x4j7pRzA_vs7ZtnbwLyh9XSSJu15khfZ0cthlU7qloaTUKe1YhYwcml-xkYrP1gIy_YK_aQxRiVDbwWT2E39mRVcztpzgBK42cbxIjchebLZmEafr1FedCFp7r8JA/s320/P1000384.JPG" border="0" /></a>Trevor Marks called me yesterday afternoon and reminded me that he was going to attend the Rex Awards, and I was being recognized for a Community Service Award. I felt a bit awkward since I am not in Toronto; Makeni in Sierra Leone is not exactly near Toronto and nor is there any similarity apart from an Atlantic Coastline. I feel a bit guilty since I am having such an enjoyable adventure; yes the pay is lousy but the payoff here is that I can contribute to meaningful advances, learn a great deal and broaden my horizons. Community Service sounds like self sacrifice and I feel a little guilty since, rather the opposite of sacrifice, I have indulged in rewarding experience and adventure.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BD67ZsExWODNtB37TlL2i8kZm9aSd9fjPHimAUOsxGx1eXJMuJaIedTe1h4vwiQl6yMC7xY-HzPF9oIW5FwYJtrKvdpIhV1fV0d74HHKrym-sKRE_8Sy9kmXuLvcApxSRsF-MA/s1600-h/P1000267.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170964971476077474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BD67ZsExWODNtB37TlL2i8kZm9aSd9fjPHimAUOsxGx1eXJMuJaIedTe1h4vwiQl6yMC7xY-HzPF9oIW5FwYJtrKvdpIhV1fV0d74HHKrym-sKRE_8Sy9kmXuLvcApxSRsF-MA/s320/P1000267.JPG" border="0" /></a> I also feel more than a little guilty because I haven’t been keeping up the blog. I’ll try and make amends. In any case it is a nice boost to know that people are thinking of me in such a far away place on a cold dark wintry night in Toronto.<br /><br />I have been here since November on a return VSO placement and there have been some encouraging successes but also some disappointments. I have been able to further my revenue mobilization work very successfully in Makeni as well as move other diverse projects along such as helping to start a food processing plant, helping out at an association for polio victims, a library program and other interesting ventures. It is not difficult to get involved here. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFFoLkNGLyP2qX8l8gtAx0_0me9QRbaDGpfm6VuCUR80KdSeWWLBpBm06bOnalSFinDu9ZXNzGb5ceHYFCoNuWuHQDRSGGi7Z-XszaT7Iyj6J-LrTvJ9feIzxAOhGGWigSHgaYw/s1600-h/P1000506.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170973690259688658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFFoLkNGLyP2qX8l8gtAx0_0me9QRbaDGpfm6VuCUR80KdSeWWLBpBm06bOnalSFinDu9ZXNzGb5ceHYFCoNuWuHQDRSGGi7Z-XszaT7Iyj6J-LrTvJ9feIzxAOhGGWigSHgaYw/s320/P1000506.JPG" border="0" /></a>I was expecting to come to an agreement with the World Bank to extend the work I started in Makeni through to other urban centres. It seems that agreement only now seems to be firming up. Here you learn to accept the frustration that time goes very slowly; and sometimes backwards. So over the next two weeks I’ll be travelling around to Bo and Kenema so that I can train the administrations to set up the same program of property taxation as Makeni. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BRzL8-gMFh3hqyubpgTJX6eZp2EL3fcaI28RwzUnFNuje1F3jXxx6Lxi6-LzpRfd0ScIglYyV5LXkKBY5iFAHiXwB_30Zy54h3gRnAe4lt4m92cxGK4nAhKMFlNlenhH87LR1A/s1600-h/P1000403.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170965886304111586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BRzL8-gMFh3hqyubpgTJX6eZp2EL3fcaI28RwzUnFNuje1F3jXxx6Lxi6-LzpRfd0ScIglYyV5LXkKBY5iFAHiXwB_30Zy54h3gRnAe4lt4m92cxGK4nAhKMFlNlenhH87LR1A/s320/P1000403.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Some have asked me how my expertise fits into a poor county’s need for relief. In a poor country such as Sierra Leone (GDP $300 per person versus $32,000 for Canada) there is the usual need for health care, education and help with agricultural production. There are legions of people working through NGOs that compete to provide these services but I am horrified that health care is still poor beyond description, education is dreadful, expensive, and mainly for boys of more wealthy families. Agriculture is small scale and worked on a subsistence basis only. Overall, not a good picture but there has been some improvement. My work is with a nascent local government where I help to organize and mobilize the revenues. The need to provide basic services such as waste management, roads, cleaning, fire service, police etc. is critical to the stability of communities and potential investment. In working toward the millennium development goal of reducing poverty The World Bank have been promoting decentralized government and the raising of own source revenues. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSoOAJXclM96LkPiu00J2IUCLGEG9i77ghaYkRw9RTFUFUh9MpBO7dABX85YsYB8a8vBdA4pcWSUkgV7hUXi_6VXpb_Lg9gVPbHTmaenahoVcsTZkFPqeolCtnu0n7AlmLp4pzw/s1600-h/CRW_1704.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170964962886142850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSoOAJXclM96LkPiu00J2IUCLGEG9i77ghaYkRw9RTFUFUh9MpBO7dABX85YsYB8a8vBdA4pcWSUkgV7hUXi_6VXpb_Lg9gVPbHTmaenahoVcsTZkFPqeolCtnu0n7AlmLp4pzw/s320/CRW_1704.JPG" border="0" /></a>I also see this poverty reduction happening in a practical sense, certainly in Makeni where there is lately a greater confidence and some risk taking by local builders and businesses in the erection of new buildings including a new hotel and even a new bank. In Canada and other western countries we tend to take government for granted but in “developing countries” good governance seems to be a key need to encourage important confidence and development. My initial work creating a system and training the administration in Makeni has been rewarding, even more so that the central government and World Bank have taken note, boosting my confidence by the offer of funding (at last) to go to other urban centres. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRbnsCp8L1u8XOiYbs25n07FECISCRD3WPkrnZMfIsB1Txbofcmb66MXUAnk713GeWjfmHmeBl0JEWbSLw3NtSqNpwtwj9N5fLnAcRPy5OWa791ys91MDZnyh-cTiW6iYsmsZiw/s1600-h/P1000341.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170964971476077490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRbnsCp8L1u8XOiYbs25n07FECISCRD3WPkrnZMfIsB1Txbofcmb66MXUAnk713GeWjfmHmeBl0JEWbSLw3NtSqNpwtwj9N5fLnAcRPy5OWa791ys91MDZnyh-cTiW6iYsmsZiw/s320/P1000341.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There is a large amount of food produced here in Makeni but limited variety. I seem to be happy with a steady diet of cassava root and leaves, plantains as well as various gourds, lots of fruit, and rice all cooked in palm oil. Lack of refrigeration and food processing means that much of the local crops are spoiled on the way to market. There are nonetheless a surprisingly large number of undernourished kids.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZPUZJIsnlvzXzt95DITXufATPRu2OVCuQO3iOCy-_nLhx3QR7w3fUA8YqGT_ZgNPYYrNHHQ2aki11ZWnPdEDfWnaZjpzFEXSUFVsTOyvFuvxAIJ_of9cBVPpGde_v2jKuJp6gw/s1600-h/P1000591.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170972023812377666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZPUZJIsnlvzXzt95DITXufATPRu2OVCuQO3iOCy-_nLhx3QR7w3fUA8YqGT_ZgNPYYrNHHQ2aki11ZWnPdEDfWnaZjpzFEXSUFVsTOyvFuvxAIJ_of9cBVPpGde_v2jKuJp6gw/s320/P1000591.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mT_GR0ebD2TSQGRCvDYpIpYSKyXeoIzcWNWWNrxgcyxgGCofELYJyj5d8ny01WXpkCvemoGTuCsWVeikZRZGB8e1tVmRQb2o_33FbKoe8rdCd6S9ZTChXNG3xE2oA0SgKm6wcA/s1600-h/P1000588.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170972028107344978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mT_GR0ebD2TSQGRCvDYpIpYSKyXeoIzcWNWWNrxgcyxgGCofELYJyj5d8ny01WXpkCvemoGTuCsWVeikZRZGB8e1tVmRQb2o_33FbKoe8rdCd6S9ZTChXNG3xE2oA0SgKm6wcA/s320/P1000588.JPG" border="0" /></a>I have been learning a lot about food processing and have gotten involved with a small start up operation doing the business end and coming up with ideas of organisation. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ixf5_edPZPmcGnRF5CGHVDBSOIjP5-9j9QUCkyBUfvESCUt2drqgYU5wYlh7WHY1_t94OoHKnvAtXGSPtDwNBf1GxCuwXDk6rLrpiHULTJ90yZT45tXyj9SzM-QbaXZq15Locw/s1600-h/P1000558.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170972032402312290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ixf5_edPZPmcGnRF5CGHVDBSOIjP5-9j9QUCkyBUfvESCUt2drqgYU5wYlh7WHY1_t94OoHKnvAtXGSPtDwNBf1GxCuwXDk6rLrpiHULTJ90yZT45tXyj9SzM-QbaXZq15Locw/s320/P1000558.JPG" border="0" /></a>The Binkolo Growth Centre (see my previous blog article) will process palm and cassava products. A bunch of Canadian donors have pooled together and we have now bought a much needed truck. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGx6knTqaMhfcEWIr-e3XDnhEFoW9qDartMp-3o9LDFtRY1jCjmN1YPoJlg0Ex3mKDMxWCiWsSO5CNLmhVfPAXvl_kIcnHLtvcvXwlHNmkoMcPAVyWflfznIJFJY9VI4t_RsgBQ/s1600-h/P1000379.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170964975771044802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGx6knTqaMhfcEWIr-e3XDnhEFoW9qDartMp-3o9LDFtRY1jCjmN1YPoJlg0Ex3mKDMxWCiWsSO5CNLmhVfPAXvl_kIcnHLtvcvXwlHNmkoMcPAVyWflfznIJFJY9VI4t_RsgBQ/s320/P1000379.JPG" border="0" /></a>An idea that I am following up is the conversion of palm and a new crop jatropha kernels into diesel fuel. With gas at $7 per gallon this makes a lot of sense, and for me it is all fun and stimulating.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pjlvSBZZ84O6E1H3AtNfEyEwWRZeOM0wYCl1Yoe7b-bN5JuG_LqyMzZO6HlSliKpQ_U3sWe4rVEuLZ_5tA8-t6lvEFm6-5o4aVgQKGjuuN8u2Tph5h7k_bFwwucAY10AYASOKQ/s1600-h/P1000455.JPG"></a>The local library has been the source of much fun and diversion while I deal with other frustrations. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50zJC0IP-BVqiE-ERV9_jjRobxApxkVX1JkBxdxj4LFPhw8hRlF5a-VRcqZ9CblC61DvmdaeAD_pGEHS9KJFqL9GWEFP4VGovku0pvN1vW2RI5VTVMIIgOiZZlsaSt1bxNIr5yA/s1600-h/P1000500.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170973694554655986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50zJC0IP-BVqiE-ERV9_jjRobxApxkVX1JkBxdxj4LFPhw8hRlF5a-VRcqZ9CblC61DvmdaeAD_pGEHS9KJFqL9GWEFP4VGovku0pvN1vW2RI5VTVMIIgOiZZlsaSt1bxNIr5yA/s320/P1000500.JPG" border="0" /></a>I have organized a Saturday morning kids <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDAnJIUPAkLhyJAmtDQhvR5VoYS054YwYAG4cfmE60PlGiV6lgvzTHmHWqwXZFXWRMl3s9XF84zXJeS_7927cJvaQZCAMN7fUkHNNg23vFV5cyQHnn3Fy-jt0md2UyTdtdK6v9A/s1600-h/P1000538.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170972947230346370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDAnJIUPAkLhyJAmtDQhvR5VoYS054YwYAG4cfmE60PlGiV6lgvzTHmHWqwXZFXWRMl3s9XF84zXJeS_7927cJvaQZCAMN7fUkHNNg23vFV5cyQHnn3Fy-jt0md2UyTdtdK6v9A/s320/P1000538.JPG" border="0" /></a>session doing painting, games, and telling stories. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7PqugNI7fjSmQ57UQ6U1Z0_vH6AQzJxhslz4VzsPdphqiG1oEm1-vE9h8YPYbMwSpP3rWKOj9fHLlgl9BOpnarFTbmtRiq9NRbY6wJK7nMg_XpjsLQg2uZPit1HNLO5bLVMQdw/s1600-h/P1000446.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170973703144590610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7PqugNI7fjSmQ57UQ6U1Z0_vH6AQzJxhslz4VzsPdphqiG1oEm1-vE9h8YPYbMwSpP3rWKOj9fHLlgl9BOpnarFTbmtRiq9NRbY6wJK7nMg_XpjsLQg2uZPit1HNLO5bLVMQdw/s320/P1000446.JPG" border="0" /></a>Other VSO volunteers and some NGO people are able to help out and I hope that it becomes a permanent fixture. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hv32DY01SjcAEcVFH6vvMDJP-RDJH9Qorh0rW9vI57elKXNiSn87aG7-CC2rJno0mwGC8us1vfJTwJ84U9L_KIU6VGTlfGKmHfquH20R9hRKcy4FgTXp9ai01cEWuL2Pzhd8bw/s1600-h/P1000440.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170965890599078898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hv32DY01SjcAEcVFH6vvMDJP-RDJH9Qorh0rW9vI57elKXNiSn87aG7-CC2rJno0mwGC8us1vfJTwJ84U9L_KIU6VGTlfGKmHfquH20R9hRKcy4FgTXp9ai01cEWuL2Pzhd8bw/s320/P1000440.JPG" border="0" /></a>Reading is not part of the local culture and so an encouragement, especially for children is needed. It is really <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNZS3lJC7SoUFUNv1zP3EruGifZTeoKx69RzQwS_oqRwdwcR6_3Uw1uDBdsN-yuvsa8XutE2pNf7iS9bLz5Y-9aWG8sXThOWpwHYlHyh3mmRMPw_6hYYFmd-y7gIoZbaiEK8tGA/s1600-h/P1000446.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikIIuimGnGpVaAtDvNz9odxFhZHs403EWxGl3lQFdswZSQMKMI9HSBybvjPvPlTxOPu6j1-UVyaopRxtI6K29hu1XBlElwumT7Udn5ty66FQ_WOZb8LPyGKiDaZRH6jYncqCBqA/s1600-h/P1000455.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170965899189013522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikIIuimGnGpVaAtDvNz9odxFhZHs403EWxGl3lQFdswZSQMKMI9HSBybvjPvPlTxOPu6j1-UVyaopRxtI6K29hu1XBlElwumT7Udn5ty66FQ_WOZb8LPyGKiDaZRH6jYncqCBqA/s320/P1000455.JPG" border="0" /></a>rewarding to see the kids have so much fun in a new way. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfOH0NQUJQtmFQ_zL2oH4sFBg5cHKG-iM97bqJr655lTGF-y_uwJQr2WaMhzgjeF6vqRk694QYQOB494HqRJr8jlCiJ14EJLioU1O07BrhfTtRtgY8HHh5b0FnjH44-q7qH2RKA/s1600-h/P1000537.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170972968705182866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfOH0NQUJQtmFQ_zL2oH4sFBg5cHKG-iM97bqJr655lTGF-y_uwJQr2WaMhzgjeF6vqRk694QYQOB494HqRJr8jlCiJ14EJLioU1O07BrhfTtRtgY8HHh5b0FnjH44-q7qH2RKA/s320/P1000537.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__DWaXbAFwk1Ct9N8CJcAsHlNpVjyO9_IFZbdldiXc2GjjYQ0a0pdJCPAxT-Da8jvabHtsgBZfBwsm_fQ9WUjAUtKOpU9OjWQ6vI1E5UaYOyPzztKUbmeikWq6c4-WfRXY-MrLQ/s1600-h/P1000527.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170972990180019394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__DWaXbAFwk1Ct9N8CJcAsHlNpVjyO9_IFZbdldiXc2GjjYQ0a0pdJCPAxT-Da8jvabHtsgBZfBwsm_fQ9WUjAUtKOpU9OjWQ6vI1E5UaYOyPzztKUbmeikWq6c4-WfRXY-MrLQ/s320/P1000527.JPG" border="0" /></a>There are still quite a lot of polio victims in Makeni since the “free” vaccinations are not universally applied nor available. This is particularly sad since there is much funding for other health interest groups such as HIV/AIDS and Malaria. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4ypWMHdkhXxm5EwXEB1dfAkOuIOrOi8wjYMacovbFk2xJJ-XnVgaYbtes8kpjtf3guQcKX5eYNs7acV2zpxusPIciFPXmTwZpnt3ClhxDVjXoaryk8_Edmbkr-LvU8-iNHXALQ/s1600-h/P1000505.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170973694554655970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4ypWMHdkhXxm5EwXEB1dfAkOuIOrOi8wjYMacovbFk2xJJ-XnVgaYbtes8kpjtf3guQcKX5eYNs7acV2zpxusPIciFPXmTwZpnt3ClhxDVjXoaryk8_Edmbkr-LvU8-iNHXALQ/s320/P1000505.JPG" border="0" /></a>I have become involved with an association helping to organize some funding, equipment and some employment (at last) with the Makeni Government.<br /><br />There is lots more but I’ll finish this here as I hear the Imam call for evening prayers and I am reminded that I have to cook dinner for some friends. I wish all at NAIOP a successful evening. Thanks a lot for the Community Service recognition although as I have said, on a personal level I am enjoying the challenges and the satisfaction beats the reality of having to work at Altus for a while.<br /><br />If anyone has questions or comments I love to get e-mails at <a href="mailto:pjfishing@yahoo.com">pjfishing@yahoo.com</a>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPafLJKqxTto2MU5aaykdMMr8sh9k3jtpy8aJjCA5Fl_nPWRv6ZzfRJT5rD-mti0goOW5bUkgbeqZFhATbVQcmgkmY4sMGpXRzXX-0CoJNHaZVpGzLTunXRPJ4H1SxxnEnChBEgA/s1600-h/P1000191.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170964967181110162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPafLJKqxTto2MU5aaykdMMr8sh9k3jtpy8aJjCA5Fl_nPWRv6ZzfRJT5rD-mti0goOW5bUkgbeqZFhATbVQcmgkmY4sMGpXRzXX-0CoJNHaZVpGzLTunXRPJ4H1SxxnEnChBEgA/s320/P1000191.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tXyymBBSsMQe87RJ8ozgfczxCKMaOFwxj2TsFbzFzggZX3wC1R5ufrknXOdRfQT3YVSX4iGQ3NSWYCxKtakqRBeWzOkKheaa1e2eSDwGhJGBOmR1vEdiaYPcn9h6CO3kM4MhdQ/s1600-h/P1000617.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170972019517410354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tXyymBBSsMQe87RJ8ozgfczxCKMaOFwxj2TsFbzFzggZX3wC1R5ufrknXOdRfQT3YVSX4iGQ3NSWYCxKtakqRBeWzOkKheaa1e2eSDwGhJGBOmR1vEdiaYPcn9h6CO3kM4MhdQ/s320/P1000617.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-88407834858418237602008-01-23T18:04:00.000+00:002008-01-23T19:07:11.163+00:00Binkolo Growth Centre<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13UOlEDYt59L6TIrz5DPaY40pB9WzhlJXcYRNbKtLZak94lPAQFJqBKaeSEBPI8S4-9Hb9_Cq7SUFW3eaGOY0z4BmxPIxuADVY0mOsi_vWxwGj52eCjlkKRaha876D5osfEYOKQ/s1600-h/December+2007+127.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158743711700967346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13UOlEDYt59L6TIrz5DPaY40pB9WzhlJXcYRNbKtLZak94lPAQFJqBKaeSEBPI8S4-9Hb9_Cq7SUFW3eaGOY0z4BmxPIxuADVY0mOsi_vWxwGj52eCjlkKRaha876D5osfEYOKQ/s320/December+2007+127.jpg" border="0" /></a>Binkolo Growth Centre is a small industrial project near Makeni where the manufacture of small farm implements, tailoring, carpentry and blacksmithing takes place, and includes the use of disabled people. I am assisting with the expansion of the centre to include food processing of local cassava and palm oil products. One of the Makeni City Councilors is the manager of the Binkolo Growth Centre and I think this project has good prospects for success.<br /><br />Background<br />Binkolo is a small farming community located about 10 kilometers north of Makeni. Makeni is the main urban area serving the north of the country with a population of about 110,000. Prior to the war there had been a small centre for minor amount of food processing as well as a skills training centre for tailoring, blacksmithing and carpentry. As with so much else, the war halted production and much of the Binkolo Growth Centre property was destroyed. The war ended in 2002 and efforts at recovery have been slow. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXayC6QJHib6rZc3KJPNpGGNB-kSkXUBbd2EZWNEPuxT3Ts9DESVj4s0rvLPARMigfL2HHaOK-AObFXoy5YUdekVsJO08wmvGwArn5M5hyphenhyphenfydAvn4z8cCTlp3UXelSxWLFVzXyg/s1600-h/December+2007+135.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158745098975404034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXayC6QJHib6rZc3KJPNpGGNB-kSkXUBbd2EZWNEPuxT3Ts9DESVj4s0rvLPARMigfL2HHaOK-AObFXoy5YUdekVsJO08wmvGwArn5M5hyphenhyphenfydAvn4z8cCTlp3UXelSxWLFVzXyg/s320/December+2007+135.jpg" border="0" /></a>The UN agency UNIDO proposed the funding of a new and a rehabilitated building in 2005 although the process of discussion actually started in 2003. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnh0vuv-vJOlzLl6qnsnsHy5sb1QzMJmSIXljFDCb3lsEu1hObSmyhMJpkJQBXmpaBfNdr1HkpCNehVqHetZmrGm-hKsl-37NepneHnYjwwtkgmNMcPvtp3TJSwLIOwCzSh2JCA/s1600-h/December+2007+129.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158743720290901986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnh0vuv-vJOlzLl6qnsnsHy5sb1QzMJmSIXljFDCb3lsEu1hObSmyhMJpkJQBXmpaBfNdr1HkpCNehVqHetZmrGm-hKsl-37NepneHnYjwwtkgmNMcPvtp3TJSwLIOwCzSh2JCA/s320/December+2007+129.jpg" border="0" /></a>Construction <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRqfwojRuMtFj_LJTaFSZWrNpaqvWBA4mq-ym2V_mERuWaYnI2WT0TGJMgFgL5ruKBSOz2UC86-XCncvI7zSQmaalJbJXtJkmlDebsgQzqHOpiVXrNqm5leQLM4Z2sy9JOVQsjQ/s1600-h/December+2007+125.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158743703111032738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRqfwojRuMtFj_LJTaFSZWrNpaqvWBA4mq-ym2V_mERuWaYnI2WT0TGJMgFgL5ruKBSOz2UC86-XCncvI7zSQmaalJbJXtJkmlDebsgQzqHOpiVXrNqm5leQLM4Z2sy9JOVQsjQ/s320/December+2007+125.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAOGc3pYViAAsi6ox7j61CCGdQerIO3coZiv7fISpDxxKPhjItSYbkoPkDuAvTvVRBn9hs9SsU4_ii7czs-KiNjTvFjo2A23uNUZ-ySGMx3LR3K9dmV5aG53SxG4NmZOZ72woyg/s1600-h/December+2007+128.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158743711700967362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAOGc3pYViAAsi6ox7j61CCGdQerIO3coZiv7fISpDxxKPhjItSYbkoPkDuAvTvVRBn9hs9SsU4_ii7czs-KiNjTvFjo2A23uNUZ-ySGMx3LR3K9dmV5aG53SxG4NmZOZ72woyg/s320/December+2007+128.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQqVAZaipvgiN_G975Pr1OlG1ZJV1qmFffTlbGk3eCV2CVa-EVStgfrTVNHzDzdGtN06EQim8507lQFO8-Q-zGyRejEREgisARWBaCioGSEfuzGhBP75mU2fsiTfTXmvwkZY77A/s1600-h/December+2007+130.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158743715995934674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQqVAZaipvgiN_G975Pr1OlG1ZJV1qmFffTlbGk3eCV2CVa-EVStgfrTVNHzDzdGtN06EQim8507lQFO8-Q-zGyRejEREgisARWBaCioGSEfuzGhBP75mU2fsiTfTXmvwkZY77A/s320/December+2007+130.jpg" border="0" /></a>finally got underway in February 2007 and based on my recent site visits completion is pretty close and the contractor is keen to earn his remaining 50% holdback!!. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixY5jH2vyfuv-xjHa7Q7BTl-kvTyCy5T3SxoWiVAayc1R8CaHUBE0wJ0gJZx2mwF22fNFN9pqG6sAvHyxl5IooY6bZiACneKEHU4kQb8H0A_Aa_VsIC7lSIAHLoGdVFaTbz96bBA/s1600-h/December+2007+140.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158745107565338658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixY5jH2vyfuv-xjHa7Q7BTl-kvTyCy5T3SxoWiVAayc1R8CaHUBE0wJ0gJZx2mwF22fNFN9pqG6sAvHyxl5IooY6bZiACneKEHU4kQb8H0A_Aa_VsIC7lSIAHLoGdVFaTbz96bBA/s320/December+2007+140.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Production at Binkolo<br />Food processing is to be initially focused in two areas, cassava and palm products. Cassava is a major local crop and staple food for most of the population, second only to rice. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhaJDHg_LBZyP3cUAiMOx5Ug-oEqDl8c1QI4Fp45ZhpSOK5YBsWvHNH9a7h6_5xcm-4sODyLu7XeutT0NdLL0X9YU6g9-S-DNNbdhZoRjP1d3FsmERJA7aDtS6ei_PlPPWNxfCg/s1600-h/December+2007+145.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158746039573241954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhaJDHg_LBZyP3cUAiMOx5Ug-oEqDl8c1QI4Fp45ZhpSOK5YBsWvHNH9a7h6_5xcm-4sODyLu7XeutT0NdLL0X9YU6g9-S-DNNbdhZoRjP1d3FsmERJA7aDtS6ei_PlPPWNxfCg/s320/December+2007+145.jpg" border="0" /></a>There is some small scale food processing plant for rice in the area. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUg-0jA-Dt7cg1-kmvwL3Sc1JKT7EbyL7dmBEIqcRSGwxS62nUNA1_MoJs0RzksI6IhXzfuPaY-vH2tT-yI7Y3ocl9BsO2qDC1aJCmNJ5QHm1O7AlXaWFwqMz6Ll7Lef3k7c6cqw/s1600-h/December+2007+144.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158746030983307346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUg-0jA-Dt7cg1-kmvwL3Sc1JKT7EbyL7dmBEIqcRSGwxS62nUNA1_MoJs0RzksI6IhXzfuPaY-vH2tT-yI7Y3ocl9BsO2qDC1aJCmNJ5QHm1O7AlXaWFwqMz6Ll7Lef3k7c6cqw/s320/December+2007+144.jpg" border="0" /></a>The oil from palm trees is also a basic product used in everyday life such as cooking oil, soap etc., and has the potential as an alternate fuel for vehicles. Food processing has not developed in Sierra Leone despite the fact that agriculture is the dominant sector of the economy.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwkIzCYRJst_27Ju3t2Q4nyo9DBpxTMcwociC7g60RxI3QLUIT41JWgIkJ7jMm2MA6IvhQikLQWhfuOP3dDD3frl2bg8F5Y3LnQ-0QBWIPB9a2Dt1J03p72LfmCJN2riuWQwYtQ/s1600-h/December+2007+142.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158746018098405442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwkIzCYRJst_27Ju3t2Q4nyo9DBpxTMcwociC7g60RxI3QLUIT41JWgIkJ7jMm2MA6IvhQikLQWhfuOP3dDD3frl2bg8F5Y3LnQ-0QBWIPB9a2Dt1J03p72LfmCJN2riuWQwYtQ/s320/December+2007+142.jpg" border="0" /></a> Subsistence farming is the main activity. Most products like cassava need to be consumed or processed within 2-3 days of harvest and as a result losses are reported to be high, as much as 50%. Food processing allows for greater yields even using simple technologies, increased storage capacity, greater production efficiency with the result that smaller losses result. Presently processed foods are imported from Europe and the Middle East and are expensive and not viable. A focus on two locally produced and successful crops is thus ideal as a basis for food processing.<br /><br />Food science technology in Sierra Leone is poorly staffed and trained at the moment. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrFVz0iUiJZok0c2sHV_TkZErW7mHboBKNb0u5WIuaqUWCgmqY6RB9m8OMXyO6OFCJ5laqMjapVlvfZR8ilXEtkYoa2CXtfmrrRkEsjPsr6MugXTYX7sUaDmPDv3fyXu0sfstiw/s1600-h/December+2007+141.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158745111860305970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrFVz0iUiJZok0c2sHV_TkZErW7mHboBKNb0u5WIuaqUWCgmqY6RB9m8OMXyO6OFCJ5laqMjapVlvfZR8ilXEtkYoa2CXtfmrrRkEsjPsr6MugXTYX7sUaDmPDv3fyXu0sfstiw/s320/December+2007+141.jpg" border="0" /></a>At Binkolo the initial processing will be simple such as grinding, drying and packaging of the cassava root as well as the extraction of palm oil from the kernels. However an institution Njala University (yes it is called a university!) that I have visited in the City of Bo has started a training program. This should see the establishment of laboratories and contribute to food testing, implementation of standards and the training of food processors on food safety. With these skills now being taught, a broader range of food processing can be introduced such as jam processing, juicing and bottling etc.<br /><br />In addition to the food processing capacity, the centre will also expand the training of local people in the artisan skills such as blacksmithing, carpentry, tailoring, weaving, soap making, as well as basic farming etc. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_n-iuLWvTVjTRLGncf8LJ9mlruvzS77ASZz2KwhsTM_8fCPtlMgMIEWi-ugW72S28zH9TGsF49IB4QRbiyfZqK7BhDaIgLXP6-hMPs6QwRQnxbow4TA72HlNbsVtPmXaqTu9_zg/s1600-h/December+2007+133.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158745094680436722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_n-iuLWvTVjTRLGncf8LJ9mlruvzS77ASZz2KwhsTM_8fCPtlMgMIEWi-ugW72S28zH9TGsF49IB4QRbiyfZqK7BhDaIgLXP6-hMPs6QwRQnxbow4TA72HlNbsVtPmXaqTu9_zg/s320/December+2007+133.jpg" border="0" /></a>These skills are already taught at Binkolo although the facilities are very basic. Students are typically male although there are some female tailoring students and attracting female students is a stated priority. I was moved to see that some of the students are polio victims as well as war time amputees. Earlier in the year I ordered about 1,000 pieces of hand implements for some local farmers and these were made reliably by the students of Binkolo. The implements such as hoes, spades, cutlasses and watering cans are still in use. The training function seems to me to be an excellent way to encourage the youth to participate rather that to become restless through unemployment.<br /><br />The market area into which the products are to be sold is the entire region outlined on the map.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPwefjMdZ-zi6SF3R-3Moz3DEfnHKx2opCZn7JUN0bWjzV0eYp_KCDm9-03x0me2c7KoR4tNe_HNLcRotEOXlGROcdwU9BdC6YhooaZslGQAwhmUV9Q2tSEZUPt0uwrzPRVo6Bw/s1600-h/December+2007+136.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158745107565338642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPwefjMdZ-zi6SF3R-3Moz3DEfnHKx2opCZn7JUN0bWjzV0eYp_KCDm9-03x0me2c7KoR4tNe_HNLcRotEOXlGROcdwU9BdC6YhooaZslGQAwhmUV9Q2tSEZUPt0uwrzPRVo6Bw/s320/December+2007+136.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Apart from my Revenue Mobilisation tasks I have been pretty busy moving this project along and getting a lot of satisfaction from seeing the completion of the building.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-48856854816583675452008-01-07T17:35:00.000+00:002008-01-07T19:35:30.990+00:00Returned<div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLTPuFmAYmR18EKMA6juMRJ5756MDEYldgTcF-8BZPivodfcaYQRp2JSZ_Ap-cYntuwMqndhcQKF1z1InfSKqtUUVRxx9JGyKR34EYBanRkWJp1lhZLsHSsaFcb2Mm_LXQQkeow/s1600-h/Freetown.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152804397476299666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLTPuFmAYmR18EKMA6juMRJ5756MDEYldgTcF-8BZPivodfcaYQRp2JSZ_Ap-cYntuwMqndhcQKF1z1InfSKqtUUVRxx9JGyKR34EYBanRkWJp1lhZLsHSsaFcb2Mm_LXQQkeow/s200/Freetown.JPG" border="0" /></a>Well, I have been here for just over a month without finishing and posting a blog and so I am feeling guilty. I have some catching up to do having started many a time. I am here until May as a VSO volunteer again although in order to advance my work to other centers I will need the backing (money) of the central Government. I have been spending quite a bit of frustration time stitching up an agreement with the Government and their backers – The World Bank. Unfortunately other plates that I was trying to keep spinning have fallen and I will have to find some other plates. More about that later.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkhQ9VHfft8A_EXlh_Yd_1ie9LOFtmV225OLGphSy-qJ4CrbMOD1Ou6uTLVu5Qm_BRFb_TGdh5Yv9i7XmD3r1PCgPF1G3GkC7l94oiK-tDih2bHZ5JaiyL8-rzJCXe3ped5_UMw/s1600-h/a033-1.JPG"></a>Back in the land of the Cotton Tree it’s much easier the second time around. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwzO_mOJTmBorWjGc3s4LoRTQtuNwfIfwCn6uJONMEKVeoq1yKqM8AOTAHFtkExdFAPbj2r2fUUji3CL0aSEd1Xbyf-b5F_yGXa914cBTWV4kMnqLsXLmXNV4cZkONXuNFHVc3A/s1600-h/a033-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152808146982749346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwzO_mOJTmBorWjGc3s4LoRTQtuNwfIfwCn6uJONMEKVeoq1yKqM8AOTAHFtkExdFAPbj2r2fUUji3CL0aSEd1Xbyf-b5F_yGXa914cBTWV4kMnqLsXLmXNV4cZkONXuNFHVc3A/s200/a033-1.JPG" border="0" /></a>Everything is familiar but it is still bloody hot and humid here and it’s easy to forget the chilly parts from whence I had come. Today my overactive sweat glands were only calmed when I had the good fortune to find an air conditioner at a Government Office in front of which I worshipped for a good half hour before my meeting. The locals seem to cope but nonetheless everyone carries a small towel.<br /><br />Travel to West Africa is always an adventure and this time was no exception. The BA plane didn’t carry food and I survived (in secret) with Mum’s sandwiches but there was quite a riot. At Freetown airport at a dark 9pm the only option to get into town was an old Russian helicopter since the hovercraft and ferry had broken down and I didn’t relish camping at the airport.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLPMhG-WohFjaCcfQcs7qlu-0mmfQozpuCk-wQLu-NEQuTkTyZhwwq_XV2XxL5yInG8eFdRTn1pyoAJbcFekwv1VFwp6roeopuLV2yc6uX8_f6er_Nw1z7uKmybsEVm9UVqi1qw/s1600-h/P1000355.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152806377456223314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLPMhG-WohFjaCcfQcs7qlu-0mmfQozpuCk-wQLu-NEQuTkTyZhwwq_XV2XxL5yInG8eFdRTn1pyoAJbcFekwv1VFwp6roeopuLV2yc6uX8_f6er_Nw1z7uKmybsEVm9UVqi1qw/s200/P1000355.JPG" border="0" /></a> The craft had been stripped down to the rivets and seemed like something out of Vietnam – quite unsettling. The 15 passengers were strapped and seated in panels along the walls with luggage held in the centre. Flight was initiated by an immense rattling and shaking, an incredibly noisy washing machine experience, requiring fingers in the ears and tongue firmly in the mouth. My religious beliefs were tested during the 7 minute ride and relief was palpable as the craft reached terra firma. I won’t do that again.<br /><br />My home town Makeni, still appears ramshackle and quiet but familiar and warm. Formal welcome messages were delivered by members of the Council and all sorts of recognition in shouts of “Kalloop” (Fish! in the local Temne language). It’s nice to be home.<br /><br />I have a new house, very small with 3 tiny rooms but it was recently erected and made of concrete more like the class A property that I showed to those in Canada. I share the house with another VSO volunteer from Kenya; Tomkin. Tomkin is here for two years to assist with the application of irrigation technology in agriculture. Living and sharing with someone from a different culture is quite a challenge but it is also interesting to learn. The house has no electricity or running water as usual and the well is some distance away. We have hired the services of a young lad on whose head comes a few buckets of water each afternoon.<br /><br />At work the objective has been to reinforce the regime of applying the program of property tax and business licenses. Very little work had been done since I had left at the end of June. Good reasons were that everyone was distracted by the lead up to the General Elections in August, the rainy season was particularly rainy and that the valuation officer Mr. Williams was unwell. In any case just going through the routine again should hopefully kick start the remote control since I am unlikely to return. I am hoping that the young fellow that I am training, Adikale, will become proficient in the access driven software application within a short period of time.<br /><br />Thus far I have been able to generate all of the tax bills for the beginning of the year again scrounging the facilities of a UN Agency.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYZDTIav0Y-e8WgJSmZnxWR4_AJzTxUWMq1z8EnS3BgG-HYfRqrX2kuo-jtfQQc14t3BZZSmGCVJezOc4XdE72Ke7qhb9OvbSIzmMiabzu1Ji42A4cbJEnoNDd-pcjVtjN6wfjA/s1600-h/P1000174.JPG"></a> I am hoping that I can now justify the purchase of a new printer for the City of Makeni. I had to print 7,300 sheets each with it’s own individual calculation. These then had to be delivered. Last year delivery was a major headache but this time around Adikale had this under control, hiring several young people and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuw0dH-Lw_x3FnLjnWA0F0g_nLuK01AK_SGPWgYxr4SGjnqP3IuR5mm8YI3GVIL6mnsMTuP7mH7mbeeSJHFFgyvh3eOmkoRSA7bi2vPjNHj1RswepgH6Ta4jgud8ixaop6OHNUkw/s1600-h/P1000171.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152816685377733810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuw0dH-Lw_x3FnLjnWA0F0g_nLuK01AK_SGPWgYxr4SGjnqP3IuR5mm8YI3GVIL6mnsMTuP7mH7mbeeSJHFFgyvh3eOmkoRSA7bi2vPjNHj1RswepgH6Ta4jgud8ixaop6OHNUkw/s200/P1000171.JPG" border="0" /></a>using some council staff. The job was done in about 3 weeks and without much of my input. The Chief Administrator was impressed and I was delighted. Meanwhile I have been organizing the radio interviews again on each Tuesday evening with Councilor Bangura and open public meetings in each of 7 wards for January.<br /><br />The valuation officer Mr. Williams who I think is about 50 has been quite unwell and I wasn’t sure if he was going to make it to Christmas. I went to visit him in “hospital”; not a pleasant experience. The small dark building was in poor shape with bare and dirty concrete floor and it was crowded with people. I was shocked to see that there was more than one person per bed. This is surely a very poor country. Mr. Williams greeted me and we chatted briefly and he graciously accepted my gift of a bunch of bananas. He remains in the hospital and I should go and see him again over the next few days<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqTLORTV-HdtnOxFEVI1GGY1gdPq5R5E7AkAePkF3JpXmblRcdJXlgr7L3SSmOS80xMhCZ9od5IUsZzi5OdUXo0ezbm9q4kjhe5x3d88PYKsY9l1vIxBUrP_7QTfhyphenhyphen6Yl1aw98A/s1600-h/P1000183.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152816689672701122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqTLORTV-HdtnOxFEVI1GGY1gdPq5R5E7AkAePkF3JpXmblRcdJXlgr7L3SSmOS80xMhCZ9od5IUsZzi5OdUXo0ezbm9q4kjhe5x3d88PYKsY9l1vIxBUrP_7QTfhyphenhyphen6Yl1aw98A/s200/P1000183.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />One highlight of the pre-christmas celebrations was that we put on several parties for children in Makeni.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbv0RIpcWqgi68g4UTlc7BztQHOBY0VtDyzBio6G4D0L6g9szWrGUHSyX7SCj-PevZY-vP6XRiX6wsMJ9XALq_M2Tob0G_sidMfZvGn0fhdJ5GIor3eiDl0LwctmbGzPpAQgdC9A/s1600-h/P1000240.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152818124191778178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbv0RIpcWqgi68g4UTlc7BztQHOBY0VtDyzBio6G4D0L6g9szWrGUHSyX7SCj-PevZY-vP6XRiX6wsMJ9XALq_M2Tob0G_sidMfZvGn0fhdJ5GIor3eiDl0LwctmbGzPpAQgdC9A/s200/P1000240.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlh6S-N1yvvtjCrBvW3Soym6EiFvW1UVRiXIfDAIHB1hpp4brCTI5VAaEqzMMj8Yo8agthTN2IdcijB_ZzzFCBQPKQbxN7Um2jVd29FPb-UqzbyCsIWKudHHH-JofeU1-qBxZbQ/s1600-h/P1000246.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152818128486745506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlh6S-N1yvvtjCrBvW3Soym6EiFvW1UVRiXIfDAIHB1hpp4brCTI5VAaEqzMMj8Yo8agthTN2IdcijB_ZzzFCBQPKQbxN7Um2jVd29FPb-UqzbyCsIWKudHHH-JofeU1-qBxZbQ/s200/P1000246.JPG" border="0" /></a>One of the VSO volunteers <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSlNZQV1R1djNU_XsB7NhoLoG0rt6_-AmFyEQ2I0QJ6J0Tp4B7zyO5-fFrL8QeYvWcBRD0sww1zdRNQGQuIT6UAMe3tg_Bsw-3aiFHX2KS9_MoIGR_b3B637wcLS5EjewM_ZEqg/s1600-h/P1000200.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152817441291977986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSlNZQV1R1djNU_XsB7NhoLoG0rt6_-AmFyEQ2I0QJ6J0Tp4B7zyO5-fFrL8QeYvWcBRD0sww1zdRNQGQuIT6UAMe3tg_Bsw-3aiFHX2KS9_MoIGR_b3B637wcLS5EjewM_ZEqg/s200/P1000200.JPG" border="0" /></a>Maria from Philippines organized the Christmas parties <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjBBa6vMiqqk6zd1hR8ZGp3Tw5-qRkOiUu4nBCg1NXCXsideXZxAC3BkxSs-apdYSjbS2aZgArDV_OjRyUSqrVr4OvFny0jEBCieAsY5XtyxVsN6K0IRAWujSkv0-IPIBrRqQ7Q/s1600-h/P1000237.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152817797774263666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjBBa6vMiqqk6zd1hR8ZGp3Tw5-qRkOiUu4nBCg1NXCXsideXZxAC3BkxSs-apdYSjbS2aZgArDV_OjRyUSqrVr4OvFny0jEBCieAsY5XtyxVsN6K0IRAWujSkv0-IPIBrRqQ7Q/s200/P1000237.JPG" border="0" /></a>with puppet shows, carol singing (frosty the snowman sounded a bit funny in 35C weather) and playing <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsycAEbgxueRjvflMDrJoXuwiJYe9aZXBRCuYSFbC0jLU6LkhgMKou1ITVOtIp4Hm1T0nOFmjan0u7BbqI-H4atoGmmXpbYWaNgfNKbJWmIxPQzC_piAcdnwtiACbXZBv8oLU0A/s1600-h/P1000221.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152817793479296338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsycAEbgxueRjvflMDrJoXuwiJYe9aZXBRCuYSFbC0jLU6LkhgMKou1ITVOtIp4Hm1T0nOFmjan0u7BbqI-H4atoGmmXpbYWaNgfNKbJWmIxPQzC_piAcdnwtiACbXZBv8oLU0A/s200/P1000221.JPG" border="0" /></a>frisbee.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXXxFX59yAjqPpiI1WIPD0vyrp1AYoNRSZ17uBKOmYQExMChmvjVSMuyPsciae-76WBr_Oe0bxNtc55qXfPNG0MwF58xKQjQrPhIkF30EGG6QZhob4nSsSMlJYjz2f8fHNgoNkQ/s1600-h/P1000243.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152818124191778194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXXxFX59yAjqPpiI1WIPD0vyrp1AYoNRSZ17uBKOmYQExMChmvjVSMuyPsciae-76WBr_Oe0bxNtc55qXfPNG0MwF58xKQjQrPhIkF30EGG6QZhob4nSsSMlJYjz2f8fHNgoNkQ/s200/P1000243.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLe3dXKBw7UXFITx2CKJM47JiHrPT_A0cdhKxCS9DqoSKishl71gVWQAi7_1gKWdTUKcBFt9TKHAYt49PVHeMts955SU2CtT6zq3bOJhOiH8gmtVJvVuV62eWNJWDNK48mmVqNVA/s1600-h/P1000218.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152817454176879938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLe3dXKBw7UXFITx2CKJM47JiHrPT_A0cdhKxCS9DqoSKishl71gVWQAi7_1gKWdTUKcBFt9TKHAYt49PVHeMts955SU2CtT6zq3bOJhOiH8gmtVJvVuV62eWNJWDNK48mmVqNVA/s200/P1000218.JPG" border="0" /></a>We gave new shoes as well as some biscuits and sweets to everyone as a gift and this went down very well. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJC2fkCS02C_T5KBqVvfyGLofZyGkKqswZVgjtIiEimE4npgfg1W8nFMOjMWoCORZTvdDlaNbqc3BvzUXWkxaZDBVSgfsazv-Gqr-UdD_yoz5tPFGBw9qRTCnwg0nHc8GZpet2vQ/s1600-h/P1000253.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152804401771266994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJC2fkCS02C_T5KBqVvfyGLofZyGkKqswZVgjtIiEimE4npgfg1W8nFMOjMWoCORZTvdDlaNbqc3BvzUXWkxaZDBVSgfsazv-Gqr-UdD_yoz5tPFGBw9qRTCnwg0nHc8GZpet2vQ/s200/P1000253.JPG" border="0" /></a>Two of the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvC2t-KUbe0Nu3JgPtSOpEssm_GYJnPlUUj97vJYy8OV2EQyEZztL1n6hWt3BUZMvNt842x7T50652KHqqD9gO-amJlylK81M33C5M5HsMH0ar-fjxoDZ81N3t2BPZtPz8XGblw/s1600-h/P1000190.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152816689672701138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvC2t-KUbe0Nu3JgPtSOpEssm_GYJnPlUUj97vJYy8OV2EQyEZztL1n6hWt3BUZMvNt842x7T50652KHqqD9gO-amJlylK81M33C5M5HsMH0ar-fjxoDZ81N3t2BPZtPz8XGblw/s200/P1000190.JPG" border="0" /></a>parties were held at the Catholic Mission where there is a school / home for the deaf as well as a home for the very needy. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiy5RxvHXMUPg44jmKc36xmEVp0VpDDkAQbhqTYIeVQ3uZ3h9EdBBzWlOjoPq8qmFBI9GJkqbRe9oEqKBkRH03oJaD8bZq-QKmovREvQeDGX_sXfSEsXjjDBGaSI_4SbOI7govLg/s1600-h/P1000196.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152816698262635762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiy5RxvHXMUPg44jmKc36xmEVp0VpDDkAQbhqTYIeVQ3uZ3h9EdBBzWlOjoPq8qmFBI9GJkqbRe9oEqKBkRH03oJaD8bZq-QKmovREvQeDGX_sXfSEsXjjDBGaSI_4SbOI7govLg/s200/P1000196.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhSrwh_xVvSigeD1UXx9H6PkMSpnxnb61LKUT1I9XiiU8R7M4DigIhBHYEOw25nQx4hCtmQjphQfV4y2ZJW7SfTtyu570lexd7VNzCeiSS4LkDbByumq4gq7wUTm8OkMLNlSCxA/s1600-h/P1000224.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152817793479296354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhSrwh_xVvSigeD1UXx9H6PkMSpnxnb61LKUT1I9XiiU8R7M4DigIhBHYEOw25nQx4hCtmQjphQfV4y2ZJW7SfTtyu570lexd7VNzCeiSS4LkDbByumq4gq7wUTm8OkMLNlSCxA/s200/P1000224.JPG" border="0" /></a>They do good work it seems.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXrb_qes845nWIOYagz8wbtkQyebyAyN0ZN5z1zpRYWKv4wlUJlkijjEgidzew6GBAbqeFkUQBERDz5e1k8-QjI2E4DD7bxrFNgQbgRQMLK3G792MThzRNH7qDnHnAKQooljMow/s1600-h/P1000206.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152817449881912626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXrb_qes845nWIOYagz8wbtkQyebyAyN0ZN5z1zpRYWKv4wlUJlkijjEgidzew6GBAbqeFkUQBERDz5e1k8-QjI2E4DD7bxrFNgQbgRQMLK3G792MThzRNH7qDnHnAKQooljMow/s200/P1000206.JPG" border="0" /></a> The third party was held at a “therapeutic feeding centre” and I wasn’t prepared for the shock of meeting these kids and their mothers face to face. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJ0ApqNjv2N3TalNVuxoX7m1XM8KlieJgVnuP6t-fskvkt1xo-0OpD2FwQ9V3WdcDonCTJWLhAJxmaWe1JHKIdOJi7K5ei_YuGNxpXUTgpEr5cvdLQokgEbpbebRqOnJfIyw8AA/s1600-h/P1000201.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152817445586945298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJ0ApqNjv2N3TalNVuxoX7m1XM8KlieJgVnuP6t-fskvkt1xo-0OpD2FwQ9V3WdcDonCTJWLhAJxmaWe1JHKIdOJi7K5ei_YuGNxpXUTgpEr5cvdLQokgEbpbebRqOnJfIyw8AA/s200/P1000201.JPG" border="0" /></a>Nonetheless everyone enjoyed the parties even the vso volunteers and others who came along.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93jeQ1vnmjiwYc9QZkuzOG0A2u5T5D0RY4_uj51ZvdUJM6FK9b6dZUKEjw6yMBs-dsLrZQ0V_8jMQ9qkzLsx8FxJangk5iNT1_rACwmFcjYQEC1RmPkxx7Pfx4d0mFHqvGB29EA/s1600-h/P1000205.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152817449881912610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93jeQ1vnmjiwYc9QZkuzOG0A2u5T5D0RY4_uj51ZvdUJM6FK9b6dZUKEjw6yMBs-dsLrZQ0V_8jMQ9qkzLsx8FxJangk5iNT1_rACwmFcjYQEC1RmPkxx7Pfx4d0mFHqvGB29EA/s200/P1000205.JPG" border="0" /></a> I am glad I raided the Canadian Tire of all remaining frisbees last <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xPDZTaDGApPMqqsTYz610zD-Qm-Un98HeJ3S6HqQri2CIr7th2Ustf9MonN3pBhk5hNzAuG0idCmpjmrOqnh1_F3GrPjT21F-QFhe560ZHigOpuwx4E0LUFd70ZGEUxps7mxGQ/s1600-h/P1000192.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152816693967668450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xPDZTaDGApPMqqsTYz610zD-Qm-Un98HeJ3S6HqQri2CIr7th2Ustf9MonN3pBhk5hNzAuG0idCmpjmrOqnh1_F3GrPjT21F-QFhe560ZHigOpuwx4E0LUFd70ZGEUxps7mxGQ/s200/P1000192.JPG" border="0" /></a>November since these went down really well.<br /><br /><br />Over the Christmas holidays I have been spending some time with some vso volunteers in Freetown.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgtRMcBjSOHQozGS8GkOzLb1XEZX-9Vsd3OuIclGEXHF0tuFO4vkoAMbqdva4XcUYQJUy7Rjl4xagVv6dzfjFsPqd2GWiBgMrIS0QrA3c3PCAnDIIVo86zps1chF4ggzk-pjsoA/s1600-h/December+2007+083.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152803727461401442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgtRMcBjSOHQozGS8GkOzLb1XEZX-9Vsd3OuIclGEXHF0tuFO4vkoAMbqdva4XcUYQJUy7Rjl4xagVv6dzfjFsPqd2GWiBgMrIS0QrA3c3PCAnDIIVo86zps1chF4ggzk-pjsoA/s200/December+2007+083.jpg" border="0" /></a> Up until Christmas there was no electricity but now there is now an almost continuous supply what a luxury. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDikREbZHVgZ1L2-GnLK9u6IV3WlxS5hsvn5rzPMB6IQYVrQIwwujWTjz236-kU1rpeI26nk8J9oVoqahxN6YVbeNxTunzpdeFU9zPujiyZvFAHztHyCcQAhc6wpLaW91Vx7giQQ/s1600-h/December+2007+081.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152803727461401426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDikREbZHVgZ1L2-GnLK9u6IV3WlxS5hsvn5rzPMB6IQYVrQIwwujWTjz236-kU1rpeI26nk8J9oVoqahxN6YVbeNxTunzpdeFU9zPujiyZvFAHztHyCcQAhc6wpLaW91Vx7giQQ/s200/December+2007+081.jpg" border="0" /></a>We have even watched some movies. There is now an occasional supply of piped water. It seems that all these conveniences have something to do with the new Vice President who lives close by. Freetown however is a dreadful place as I have described before. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7CnGbjm0INiJCALekQU3yjRBBtw7p15bW2ohIf7aGo3rnGWgkWxEClAuQpcP8iJAySyK5qEYD-bbPzwf4CLAMnOAVGr9d4igrmf-ljFZqVoBRHem_dWRpntMb7vJ6QExYYmBdQ/s1600-h/Freetown2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152803731756368754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7CnGbjm0INiJCALekQU3yjRBBtw7p15bW2ohIf7aGo3rnGWgkWxEClAuQpcP8iJAySyK5qEYD-bbPzwf4CLAMnOAVGr9d4igrmf-ljFZqVoBRHem_dWRpntMb7vJ6QExYYmBdQ/s200/Freetown2.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSuoSKInckzp0d5p9i6JfVItdKb2oCEQzmt0SdIPwQiK7iLmUl6R9jC4WHHRijH2gB1XfArhd5d4xXHRk3NRKL_DXKDzAqYdCr7lDf91hn8ClEySTOlUlWOFGz1r1OQKjIUHYvg/s1600-h/P1000341.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152805209225118738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSuoSKInckzp0d5p9i6JfVItdKb2oCEQzmt0SdIPwQiK7iLmUl6R9jC4WHHRijH2gB1XfArhd5d4xXHRk3NRKL_DXKDzAqYdCr7lDf91hn8ClEySTOlUlWOFGz1r1OQKjIUHYvg/s200/P1000341.JPG" border="0" /></a>Much of the City of about 2 Million lives in a shanty of corrugated tin shacks all crowded close to the shoreline and hemmed in by a range of hills. Several rivers wind their way down to the sea and along the banks even more shacks are illegally squeezed. Streets are narrow, lined with ditches for sewage and to say the least the streets are not pedestrian friendly. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sMKb-irkw7dF3JFr_imc4VDUeZbfcRFGzKsoGbHLcNTD3qiyAf0IDxXibVusbUlUCft-8hwdZbQ4eKS_pbKrl8qz0nS9Co462a0rCx8ViA-6wqDTfRfHLMfa_RFsZLunFQKMpg/s1600-h/P1000307.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152804410361201602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sMKb-irkw7dF3JFr_imc4VDUeZbfcRFGzKsoGbHLcNTD3qiyAf0IDxXibVusbUlUCft-8hwdZbQ4eKS_pbKrl8qz0nS9Co462a0rCx8ViA-6wqDTfRfHLMfa_RFsZLunFQKMpg/s200/P1000307.JPG" border="0" /></a>There are no sidewalks and the traffic of exhausted poda podas, smelly trucks, assorted old cars, taxis and important NGO landcruisers take seeming delight in targeting the lowly pedestrian especially after dark. There obviously used to be better times in the past since I have spotted several old disused traffic lights.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnHf08dMu6q6VQ-ujoWe1d5mo4xFhCexQrw-bNsKCwwdAKA49RLryQXc0E6tZQ-zfyKLFk4TKLYucavcJuhEhVGjeShuYACcBT9efeFug5j_X2zvmQsj_ij0oH5ZqyZ8Mhg_eCQ/s1600-h/P1000353.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152806377456223298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnHf08dMu6q6VQ-ujoWe1d5mo4xFhCexQrw-bNsKCwwdAKA49RLryQXc0E6tZQ-zfyKLFk4TKLYucavcJuhEhVGjeShuYACcBT9efeFug5j_X2zvmQsj_ij0oH5ZqyZ8Mhg_eCQ/s200/P1000353.JPG" border="0" /></a> Some areas higher up the hills and to the west have a good collection of obviously better homes with barricaded security walls that would make Colditz seem friendly. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2ASHQBtpzUq3h9FOJzNEMyv1_zsO82J1TMqXmxyNZfHb2-8RcmfCJvvzD96TxW0DXTu0_zKoiACsrtwpRmGa5lh9P8uxdSrI5mESmIMXrRZDwxYPR6yeMAKot9JzKj5MdSlRhg/s1600-h/P1000313.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152805200635184082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2ASHQBtpzUq3h9FOJzNEMyv1_zsO82J1TMqXmxyNZfHb2-8RcmfCJvvzD96TxW0DXTu0_zKoiACsrtwpRmGa5lh9P8uxdSrI5mESmIMXrRZDwxYPR6yeMAKot9JzKj5MdSlRhg/s200/P1000313.JPG" border="0" /></a>By awful contrast there are some “poor” neighbourhoods close to the shoreline where legality of ownership is questionable and where even the local police don’t go. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1srws8oCPBCpjKypEnIjLynsTHUDjLwivZ3n609yKeYrDYcXEmAbY-jTan2sNYO1E30k8ZoAaLTx01FjqiZZiWIvisPE8f7xgHYQd-9EPwdWkfDZ1K5nFe83VAjJWksyldrLkg/s1600-h/P1000328.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152805204930151410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1srws8oCPBCpjKypEnIjLynsTHUDjLwivZ3n609yKeYrDYcXEmAbY-jTan2sNYO1E30k8ZoAaLTx01FjqiZZiWIvisPE8f7xgHYQd-9EPwdWkfDZ1K5nFe83VAjJWksyldrLkg/s200/P1000328.JPG" border="0" /></a>I visited Susans Bay just out of interest. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9CwESJq60Br9RG5vJn9mc9Q_4skXPOdtCXJkzVJzFefm26KhGwATw2q2kO0UnvZ9azXgf7BnVVfhoGSnl_aJ7Tfaa2BGaFid0vSd5xGiMl_sI_J1oTqxmLBqLUzHZAtTGBGWeA/s1600-h/P1000347.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152806373161255986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9CwESJq60Br9RG5vJn9mc9Q_4skXPOdtCXJkzVJzFefm26KhGwATw2q2kO0UnvZ9azXgf7BnVVfhoGSnl_aJ7Tfaa2BGaFid0vSd5xGiMl_sI_J1oTqxmLBqLUzHZAtTGBGWeA/s200/P1000347.JPG" border="0" /></a>These neighbourhoods seem to have their own street policing. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIdJx8wUr_rCdocVxjws1vKEPoPiqlDCL1qNx0H_veIsPJpYGfEFAop6-CIA-jbkq_oTv9qOqEItzqY85vT4JxJyPgVnyeJ-LYazf6DmLUn8N9fIREsjklvVrckXVa2aYu-uY3Q/s1600-h/P1000324.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152805204930151394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIdJx8wUr_rCdocVxjws1vKEPoPiqlDCL1qNx0H_veIsPJpYGfEFAop6-CIA-jbkq_oTv9qOqEItzqY85vT4JxJyPgVnyeJ-LYazf6DmLUn8N9fIREsjklvVrckXVa2aYu-uY3Q/s200/P1000324.JPG" border="0" /></a>Expansion of <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6SgMw5IrcFSphwJOzu0IQTxUTmYYz8zNKDOajmuKbMACi9NDHfiGghyiD9fA5NTQaYoVdlPNWaQk1U2JA5GdR2MjVPgOSeKWZ1E83iAlVLjhCZy6ttfru-wDFeUDtGd8oyP4Lg/s1600-h/P1000337.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152805209225118722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6SgMw5IrcFSphwJOzu0IQTxUTmYYz8zNKDOajmuKbMACi9NDHfiGghyiD9fA5NTQaYoVdlPNWaQk1U2JA5GdR2MjVPgOSeKWZ1E83iAlVLjhCZy6ttfru-wDFeUDtGd8oyP4Lg/s200/P1000337.JPG" border="0" /></a>these areas is being made by filling in the shore with garbage and the pressure is apparently coming from those moving from the rural areas. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHy1Kr1xq1NIwUGo_72R2IM706xHgnl-JGtgRBQe1igMlR3tX2M1DuJefUU7PmW_R2sje0TuznYgo1nMewJ82nL8ECYqnItwHaV7B45_aN1UxOZutBoBmvVdky0DEj293mypy0w/s1600-h/P1000344.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152806373161255970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHy1Kr1xq1NIwUGo_72R2IM706xHgnl-JGtgRBQe1igMlR3tX2M1DuJefUU7PmW_R2sje0TuznYgo1nMewJ82nL8ECYqnItwHaV7B45_aN1UxOZutBoBmvVdky0DEj293mypy0w/s200/P1000344.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13DnwPCBc3W9012KIwkJJsbso_4eABQ04D-NAaykUGN_qMpA2HWltTX2zEEVYN5vOmAyps0TBzMU1bjB5R_TLpCrdeOd2zMOdlpWlXdNeAe9qvWjux8Ps6vsY51jynvFpuk5s7A/s1600-h/Freetown3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152804393181332354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13DnwPCBc3W9012KIwkJJsbso_4eABQ04D-NAaykUGN_qMpA2HWltTX2zEEVYN5vOmAyps0TBzMU1bjB5R_TLpCrdeOd2zMOdlpWlXdNeAe9qvWjux8Ps6vsY51jynvFpuk5s7A/s200/Freetown3.JPG" border="0" /></a>Living in the “bush” is tough but I cant think how it would be better than these awful conditions. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQEBeszLrJ4-JNYXoC0ZoxzBo9mJSLY4mP3OWl0R24eZxuEkBhyvW5s6IPV060Qc-QeDtorFBh6pm6RkR6XOo4l-Y2vN_Cut6116fCWDjrlkWyzlgABdflhPyR2Yb5mN_lqEyNQ/s1600-h/P1000360.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152806940096939138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQEBeszLrJ4-JNYXoC0ZoxzBo9mJSLY4mP3OWl0R24eZxuEkBhyvW5s6IPV060Qc-QeDtorFBh6pm6RkR6XOo4l-Y2vN_Cut6116fCWDjrlkWyzlgABdflhPyR2Yb5mN_lqEyNQ/s200/P1000360.JPG" border="0" /></a>Shopping is usually done along the major arteries from small shops, from stalls lining the streets in front of the shops and from lively markets.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpiQRXTETbLcFR3nEd8lIwnholMV6ocBGm_E3uTlXY8YIu0K6QHwBgEDsshQ2zZf9OrCiWYT6c7j7T9HlrwhtRNTdaOTxv3fLAMlQc64pR2WedoyVPLsLYUrZSxHWf5Dcv5nocA/s1600-h/December+2007+076.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152803723166434114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpiQRXTETbLcFR3nEd8lIwnholMV6ocBGm_E3uTlXY8YIu0K6QHwBgEDsshQ2zZf9OrCiWYT6c7j7T9HlrwhtRNTdaOTxv3fLAMlQc64pR2WedoyVPLsLYUrZSxHWf5Dcv5nocA/s200/December+2007+076.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNivEO5x1rxlxTgqAfnah2Q9VEJnEkqk9kf_AlM4dZGVwJb-nDHJU7iLcchoRsyIwzndTcDms3xnWI8FdsGQI7KY2UuPMnvQzpwDnwqEDuHQXEbx5000dUJyloLxOo1rzw2Ej6g/s1600-h/P1000359.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152806935801971826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNivEO5x1rxlxTgqAfnah2Q9VEJnEkqk9kf_AlM4dZGVwJb-nDHJU7iLcchoRsyIwzndTcDms3xnWI8FdsGQI7KY2UuPMnvQzpwDnwqEDuHQXEbx5000dUJyloLxOo1rzw2Ej6g/s200/P1000359.JPG" border="0" /></a>The west end has three or four supermarkets that sell a good range of foods obviously catering to the large population of ex-patriots working for the UN or the large NGO <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaqG2f5gWkAszMwLjWc8kaovj46_zdmFYHQRNCufYpuXtMZ6iEl730ijvHU2Ooe1L6NFkuHdcodd8GHj8Ff_tACSwMwFO10ld8TK7GfPDf7qPFXtwuRv_qQHeqvctVUOE6mB5yg/s1600-h/P1000361.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152806944391906450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaqG2f5gWkAszMwLjWc8kaovj46_zdmFYHQRNCufYpuXtMZ6iEl730ijvHU2Ooe1L6NFkuHdcodd8GHj8Ff_tACSwMwFO10ld8TK7GfPDf7qPFXtwuRv_qQHeqvctVUOE6mB5yg/s200/P1000361.JPG" border="0" /></a>community. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQED-Y1XHkLBxTFk56vgxGlpwjvyxP2Xcr7oRdy-KdbAKrlVUDfEdLTp8UozomhWEXOr8XC2BRx00jkOwnL78kUfUGQ54dqZe6rPAF4R9QxMwrrGCG0K9zh70CUmfrKJEWliayg/s1600-h/P1000358.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152806381751190626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQED-Y1XHkLBxTFk56vgxGlpwjvyxP2Xcr7oRdy-KdbAKrlVUDfEdLTp8UozomhWEXOr8XC2BRx00jkOwnL78kUfUGQ54dqZe6rPAF4R9QxMwrrGCG0K9zh70CUmfrKJEWliayg/s200/P1000358.JPG" border="0" /></a>This is where the VSO house their volunteers and the location is still rough but a darn sight better than Susan’s Bay.<br /><br /><br />More about those plates. Well my job it seems is to spin a whole pile of them and a couple of big ones seem to have fallen. My programmer at UNDP has decamped back to Norway as has the GIS guy Bernd who returned to Germany. Their sudden end of service was caused it seems by a blunt and abrupt cutting of service by Civil Service minded policy. There is no replacement and I have to scramble. Both people are trying to help out and I have found a new programmer at VSO, Howard. Other plates that have fallen or have serious cracks are the lack of support for Adikale who might decamp from Makeni, Councilors who are busy now with campaigning and don’t want to take action against defaulters. Thus the system breaks down. The Paramount Chief came to my rescue and he is joining my radio show to urge the contribution to the community development by payment of taxes. Here he is in his court or “Barrie”.<br />More later.<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkhQ9VHfft8A_EXlh_Yd_1ie9LOFtmV225OLGphSy-qJ4CrbMOD1Ou6uTLVu5Qm_BRFb_TGdh5Yv9i7XmD3r1PCgPF1G3GkC7l94oiK-tDih2bHZ5JaiyL8-rzJCXe3ped5_UMw/s1600-h/a033-1.JPG"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkhQ9VHfft8A_EXlh_Yd_1ie9LOFtmV225OLGphSy-qJ4CrbMOD1Ou6uTLVu5Qm_BRFb_TGdh5Yv9i7XmD3r1PCgPF1G3GkC7l94oiK-tDih2bHZ5JaiyL8-rzJCXe3ped5_UMw/s1600-h/a033-1.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkhQ9VHfft8A_EXlh_Yd_1ie9LOFtmV225OLGphSy-qJ4CrbMOD1Ou6uTLVu5Qm_BRFb_TGdh5Yv9i7XmD3r1PCgPF1G3GkC7l94oiK-tDih2bHZ5JaiyL8-rzJCXe3ped5_UMw/s1600-h/a033-1.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkhQ9VHfft8A_EXlh_Yd_1ie9LOFtmV225OLGphSy-qJ4CrbMOD1Ou6uTLVu5Qm_BRFb_TGdh5Yv9i7XmD3r1PCgPF1G3GkC7l94oiK-tDih2bHZ5JaiyL8-rzJCXe3ped5_UMw/s1600-h/a033-1.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkhQ9VHfft8A_EXlh_Yd_1ie9LOFtmV225OLGphSy-qJ4CrbMOD1Ou6uTLVu5Qm_BRFb_TGdh5Yv9i7XmD3r1PCgPF1G3GkC7l94oiK-tDih2bHZ5JaiyL8-rzJCXe3ped5_UMw/s1600-h/a033-1.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-23665330515490279912007-06-22T09:45:00.001+00:002007-06-22T10:01:29.995+00:00Recollections<span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQsSARIIlh0zZSyhYQbWkCQAoiZUVNvtIkc6ULgJOPcRYJTYZL5k2gClfTXUi12rSGycBS8zB-6sBquK8Jr6BqbyCgCau9LbRNPse-HJmwR6bBGdnn7C9-kUE5JGpboUJ_vEF_A/s1600-h/charlestaylor203.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQsSARIIlh0zZSyhYQbWkCQAoiZUVNvtIkc6ULgJOPcRYJTYZL5k2gClfTXUi12rSGycBS8zB-6sBquK8Jr6BqbyCgCau9LbRNPse-HJmwR6bBGdnn7C9-kUE5JGpboUJ_vEF_A/s200/charlestaylor203.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078823281094717922" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >War time recollections have become topical here with the unusual trial of Charles Taylor and the war crimes tribunal that is now starting to find rebels guilty. <st1:city st="on">Taylor</st1:city> was the President of <st1:country-region st="on">Liberia</st1:country-region> a <st1:country-region st="on">US</st1:country-region> “controlled” state adjoining <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sierra Leone</st1:place></st1:country-region> and he stands accused of fuelling the war with arms for diamonds.<span style=""> </span></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >Obvious here is that people are still very much affected by the aftermath and perhaps only now are able to talk about it. Clearly most Makeni people have family members who were physically affected and everyone has their story of how they tried to avoid the rebel soldiers.<span style=""> </span>It is really quite moving. I have befriended a nice fellow Ibrahim who lives down the street and now trains the women’s football team. Ibrahim suffered the misfortune of being ambushed by the rebel army and a leg was amputated. He is a most gentle fellow despite the horrific experience and the difficult life that has been forced on him.<span style=""> </span>Contrary to my own emotional reaction </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-HllCA8EQqQYWhPYGLoZQi8jX3RR3f5CRyBNCiR-Xt1e_ggfmWuD0m3Sk1m_uQc905VHagEVuw-MHcqHgrOYIeWo1FZtXIYacYdMlJ4XsT5MbJs2URx4U2vvO-gHPT2PwAHg6A/s1600-h/P1000766.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-HllCA8EQqQYWhPYGLoZQi8jX3RR3f5CRyBNCiR-Xt1e_ggfmWuD0m3Sk1m_uQc905VHagEVuw-MHcqHgrOYIeWo1FZtXIYacYdMlJ4XsT5MbJs2URx4U2vvO-gHPT2PwAHg6A/s200/P1000766.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078823285389685234" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >Ibrahim is very strangely resigned.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGwiWfMVkE3H5NqjcNzq5hIlbV7Wuk-r19PHkpK_AW-OG5tK7LbwdjqDQxuN-Pu8c80sJE_ut3KNyCw0P9-JpD8D6veKNM9liKzEUfGUZ50e0eAKypUlQnMS-r0v4fXG9Jz0n4Q/s1600-h/P1000771.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGwiWfMVkE3H5NqjcNzq5hIlbV7Wuk-r19PHkpK_AW-OG5tK7LbwdjqDQxuN-Pu8c80sJE_ut3KNyCw0P9-JpD8D6veKNM9liKzEUfGUZ50e0eAKypUlQnMS-r0v4fXG9Jz0n4Q/s200/P1000771.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078823285389685250" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" > He talks very fatefully about his experience and accepts the daily reminder of former rebels riding the streets on bikes given in exchange for their arms. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkl218XdXNZTAHIfvg2c6lqT-O66OfDVM_KsFWaIMzxa_PgoOYAIWITrYHyFhnvlk0oCqdeZ-5_Ih0F1dcUJ0tiZf2TOsnjVvV9e7FvhspU_qu2B6NVNtvq9VARER6_6zRHPvGQ/s1600-h/Picture+381.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkl218XdXNZTAHIfvg2c6lqT-O66OfDVM_KsFWaIMzxa_PgoOYAIWITrYHyFhnvlk0oCqdeZ-5_Ih0F1dcUJ0tiZf2TOsnjVvV9e7FvhspU_qu2B6NVNtvq9VARER6_6zRHPvGQ/s200/Picture+381.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078823289684652578" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >He is only saddened that the youth still have a difficult future with poor opportunities for an education and an even more difficult search for employment. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZvRiDNiGez3hI534ZKRKzdkRShk4P2fnWqkbjA35kNnacrWMyGQKeiKEmzPFzYRgnXXk3wZN_XVIpM9K1ehBDQq1-PpIQcFR5kVGsNRwjoZgIi9ONAwiJDnT4CVsLyOoH1pTPg/s1600-h/Picture+333.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZvRiDNiGez3hI534ZKRKzdkRShk4P2fnWqkbjA35kNnacrWMyGQKeiKEmzPFzYRgnXXk3wZN_XVIpM9K1ehBDQq1-PpIQcFR5kVGsNRwjoZgIi9ONAwiJDnT4CVsLyOoH1pTPg/s200/Picture+333.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078823289684652562" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >Is this the tinderbox of future unrest? Ibrahim blames Government corruption and tribal politics and this view seems to be echoed by many.<span style=""> </span>Nonetheless the upcoming election of a new government is being treated with much enthusiasm and there is hope at least that a new clean slate will bring about change. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayALHh1Q5n-rnJ5t-OCfB9qxXN9Oy0dJarPt6CbMZKGwWruolxkJn_KwA1uz_Jx5eoBIdi_pNPT-22OHMuGvGaPdysA-4SFPoqvEJmfoFzEUJ6Zu4mPoKi_e1u-Ni2GooecltMg/s1600-h/P1000735.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayALHh1Q5n-rnJ5t-OCfB9qxXN9Oy0dJarPt6CbMZKGwWruolxkJn_KwA1uz_Jx5eoBIdi_pNPT-22OHMuGvGaPdysA-4SFPoqvEJmfoFzEUJ6Zu4mPoKi_e1u-Ni2GooecltMg/s200/P1000735.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078825583197188674" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >The rather sad poster I have copied here is a stark reminder though of difficult times. <o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >Meanwhile, I am preparing to leave Makeni in a couple of days. Emotions are very mixed. There is a presentation that I have to make to the many people who have supported me here and the City Council is hosting the event. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZV-oYoraQgtY8W6X36CqDPzhKqF4ibqauhODzFBHi10TzCiH8KdXpcLuY0ujUgsCGvEpetoLb06jX8m4w4-huqRh_48NvIQDOf5zfePvki3HmlDBRuC7TSsRJSv-2V8UuoNuJA/s1600-h/Rotation+of+P1000777.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZV-oYoraQgtY8W6X36CqDPzhKqF4ibqauhODzFBHi10TzCiH8KdXpcLuY0ujUgsCGvEpetoLb06jX8m4w4-huqRh_48NvIQDOf5zfePvki3HmlDBRuC7TSsRJSv-2V8UuoNuJA/s200/Rotation+of+P1000777.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078823697706545714" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >Ceremony is an important cultural cornerstone and there are many speeches on the agenda. The Paramount Chief will opening the proceedings and I have a new set of African clothes for the event – made by Ibrahim. <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZV-oYoraQgtY8W6X36CqDPzhKqF4ibqauhODzFBHi10TzCiH8KdXpcLuY0ujUgsCGvEpetoLb06jX8m4w4-huqRh_48NvIQDOf5zfePvki3HmlDBRuC7TSsRJSv-2V8UuoNuJA/s1600-h/Rotation+of+P1000777.JPG"><br /></a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-75136541679118318562007-06-15T18:46:00.000+00:002007-06-15T19:03:32.649+00:00Rain<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2PujOdmmY15FFtKutz1chg0zfYpW8L_A8FscRp6cpmS_k6e-VXDojUDXSF7U3TWwHNgr3gifb2ii2wS481yTUTKnSayou4lWVp76J0MjrFuAx7SJMSIWEfVDHDJr2xDjeWY06Q/s1600-h/Picture+131.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076365516124352946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2PujOdmmY15FFtKutz1chg0zfYpW8L_A8FscRp6cpmS_k6e-VXDojUDXSF7U3TWwHNgr3gifb2ii2wS481yTUTKnSayou4lWVp76J0MjrFuAx7SJMSIWEfVDHDJr2xDjeWY06Q/s200/Picture+131.jpg" border="0" /></a> Well it is certainly rainy season in Sierra Leone and the celebration is immense. School children are jubilant and there was a dance in the Town Hall. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXPSekOHeQ9UAjduxzz81uacQtEuINl5ohoApPfMStYtEEG4fCFefdMCRhLhokmHVVVjf6ZDkTCmWwfIG-ChRiXIIiDGIUXRPXEui3fF0NY7mojuG272pATX58urEIHh_dBCIcA/s1600-h/Picture+128.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076364944893702562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXPSekOHeQ9UAjduxzz81uacQtEuINl5ohoApPfMStYtEEG4fCFefdMCRhLhokmHVVVjf6ZDkTCmWwfIG-ChRiXIIiDGIUXRPXEui3fF0NY7mojuG272pATX58urEIHh_dBCIcA/s200/Picture+128.jpg" border="0" /></a>The rain comes in huge downpours the likes of which I have never seen.<br /><br />Living under a corrugated tin roof the noise is unbelievable and apparently July and August get worse. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVh_lN1NGCqPUNeryOyziV__gBnWe7oargQ5u7qP4rmTRBx0Odou9XcaFiVSdPWxlr7TKCbXWIb7j3SSsQl-r8A9KDonQccfG3vqmUm2WvjcmgY-HGtXtxC38DM0hE3L7NLBQNQ/s1600-h/Rotation+of+Picture+075.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076365520419320258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVh_lN1NGCqPUNeryOyziV__gBnWe7oargQ5u7qP4rmTRBx0Odou9XcaFiVSdPWxlr7TKCbXWIb7j3SSsQl-r8A9KDonQccfG3vqmUm2WvjcmgY-HGtXtxC38DM0hE3L7NLBQNQ/s200/Rotation+of+Picture+075.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqQSaIXn7MX8xWuBT82OhfWhov5QsdaNRIbywxwbBUqdcHlU0_SRXt5uS41HuKA2dFixmVUqDwu2WJHkXCIn1ziyoWipoH856xuzxzMkELsNMF2icAvqgp5HglNkrGe64lGSHvg/s1600-h/B088.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076364944893702530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqQSaIXn7MX8xWuBT82OhfWhov5QsdaNRIbywxwbBUqdcHlU0_SRXt5uS41HuKA2dFixmVUqDwu2WJHkXCIn1ziyoWipoH856xuzxzMkELsNMF2icAvqgp5HglNkrGe64lGSHvg/s200/B088.jpg" border="0" /></a>In Freetown it is dreadful getting around in the muddy streets and even the old rusty cabs are not much shelter. Most of the cabs are so run down that the windows are permanently open.<br /><br />In Makeni the rain means a huge profusion of farming vegetables. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWZ-AVE6GkKXN9uv1uYbb1MOr7_QOqaMq_vfSQMNvN6ossClNy8GSrMKtN_hYXaP8U7Z_iJR98wScbqY4RFrEN1vPCUlckxKELq4DND8KFH9E3MW5iLgao7mvtegZpVxqEyZrMQ/s1600-h/b071.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWZ-AVE6GkKXN9uv1uYbb1MOr7_QOqaMq_vfSQMNvN6ossClNy8GSrMKtN_hYXaP8U7Z_iJR98wScbqY4RFrEN1vPCUlckxKELq4DND8KFH9E3MW5iLgao7mvtegZpVxqEyZrMQ/s1600-h/b071.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYhvy6QDXBHDH8jv8Rlv29FYujQsiwurQh6NZdjtTVfLaOa_L_rpn9XQv8CIEy-dqT3yhy7gifMx18dHT__-ENuUIsfx5q_bfFCoAyEEDiBXKCbgu9GG2D3g0_jGnf5416yPlfg/s1600-h/b071.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076367706557673938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYhvy6QDXBHDH8jv8Rlv29FYujQsiwurQh6NZdjtTVfLaOa_L_rpn9XQv8CIEy-dqT3yhy7gifMx18dHT__-ENuUIsfx5q_bfFCoAyEEDiBXKCbgu9GG2D3g0_jGnf5416yPlfg/s200/b071.jpg" border="0" /></a>The pcture shows the leaf of a gourd called a “Mattan” which is great with Jollof Rice.<br /><br />Mosquitoes enjoy all the puddles and breed and I suffered a bout of Malaria – not a pretty picture. Altogether I am not unhappy about leaving in a couple of weeks. The last picture is a local "cotton tree" a very large and striking figure on the landscape.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2PaKXfMbVJWi0zKVDAjNbP1h5R-Fx3_XsjddvVIA68jMrwhcfOoRCKxZvETGZvcpbspRGtDKkbbocG6-52nx2Z7zEte2NI1jAqBkuswbsiM84Zxm66pDBELh2u9gwqSC8JDsZQ/s1600-h/a033.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076364940598735202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2PaKXfMbVJWi0zKVDAjNbP1h5R-Fx3_XsjddvVIA68jMrwhcfOoRCKxZvETGZvcpbspRGtDKkbbocG6-52nx2Z7zEte2NI1jAqBkuswbsiM84Zxm66pDBELh2u9gwqSC8JDsZQ/s200/a033.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWZ-AVE6GkKXN9uv1uYbb1MOr7_QOqaMq_vfSQMNvN6ossClNy8GSrMKtN_hYXaP8U7Z_iJR98wScbqY4RFrEN1vPCUlckxKELq4DND8KFH9E3MW5iLgao7mvtegZpVxqEyZrMQ/s1600-h/b071.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKJHUxa-U0WG-XOuqV9cT51dTiBI4xW4uRWfrDCE5IfuDmt99frnQToVByY1hV-A_Csa_lMZlFHRICSX7hLCufdgLrFPUqhK5FMWeVkml65zuORJ8N-_gNEuyk7yRXxK_fO-QBg/s1600-h/Picture+075.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-23796056939074647112007-06-07T11:20:00.000+00:002007-06-07T11:32:51.279+00:00fishing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVc4erLTHjR1NwilI1bhlcJq1oELmWDbAhFNAVMoPgZuzdtLfoL4tZ_lU2sb73XfvNv_dA3EydbjVSV0oeVK3je60VDhSqDEv-N2kCtaxl9yP2B2cKB1FGARLf0QB7DGiLOp15Q/s1600-h/blairchief203_pa.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVc4erLTHjR1NwilI1bhlcJq1oELmWDbAhFNAVMoPgZuzdtLfoL4tZ_lU2sb73XfvNv_dA3EydbjVSV0oeVK3je60VDhSqDEv-N2kCtaxl9yP2B2cKB1FGARLf0QB7DGiLOp15Q/s200/blairchief203_pa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073282618664055106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">Some might know that Tony Blair came to visit <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sierra Leone</st1:place></st1:country-region> last week. I was going to tell a story about his visit to Makeni and how I introduced him to cassava leaves but he didn’t in fact leave the airport tarmac. At least he could have told me he wasn’t coming. Actually many thought that Blairs airport only visit was a bit rude and disrespectful to Saloneans but he is credited with his initiative to send in the British troops in 2000. Blair did however manage to meet the President Mr. Kabba and tell him that the Brits were going to build a new library. I know all this because by chance I happened to be in the central library, an awful run-down place where I was pleading (unsuccessfully) for some more books for Makeni when I was invited to a meeting.<span style=""> </span>The meeting was more of an announcement by one of Tony’s MPs Claire Curtis-Thomas an extraordinarily plumy lady who came accompanied with her private secretary, architects and engineers. </span></i></b><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbDfeUumCpFJ_2bHMDEMbkeI3-i3NIUMkehCSOInIBbbBXo-PAfhHzPLZkEKFvgr-Qujv7i-Q3-ZV6KxY5tpF8Mu7jERxGG4Fahcl8IjUcXLZcdp8TCLK6UkG56C8IUi6QhYfSQ/s1600-h/Claire+CurtisThomas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbDfeUumCpFJ_2bHMDEMbkeI3-i3NIUMkehCSOInIBbbBXo-PAfhHzPLZkEKFvgr-Qujv7i-Q3-ZV6KxY5tpF8Mu7jERxGG4Fahcl8IjUcXLZcdp8TCLK6UkG56C8IUi6QhYfSQ/s200/Claire+CurtisThomas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073282618664055122" border="0" /></a><b><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">The proclamation was that a huge library would be built to include 100,000 books and 300 computers whereupon the architects showed off their plastic model, told us something about human scale and the engineers gloated about the complex functions of the building.<span style=""> </span>It is all wonderful and how thankful the people of <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sierra Leone</st1:place></st1:country-region> are going to be, says she who must be obeyed. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">I and the other 5 or 6 Saloneans attending the “meeting” were astonished at the condescending rudeness of this rather imperious lady Brittania and her no negotiation delivery. “Any questions” at the end was treated as a mere perfunctory but I did manage to pipe up as politely as I could that a library that big required a Freetown population rather than the selected location in a town called Waterloo some 30 very long and congested kms from Freetown. I was immediately shot down and I cant now recall the answer but I felt the sting. Another brave soul from the library gingerly commented that he didn’t have the trained librarians to run such a large library. The answer was “ well you’ll just have to train them, after all you have got a couple of years.”. The unsaid but clear statement was “how ungrateful you seem to be”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">The “meeting” ended and in the small talk afterwards “she” complained to me about the lack of water for a shower that morning and I tried to explain that this was normal. Moreover I tried tacking upwind by emphasising that this was an example of the very low level of standards in the country to service a huge building. Clearly not amused Ms Clair –Thomas moved to an easier ear to bend. I was so shocked that I forgot to take a picture. Oh well.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">Unfortunately I believe that this way of providing “aid” to poor countries is all too common. There is a severe need, much poverty and hunger with the attendant poor education, healthcare, sanitation and nutrition etc etc.<span style=""> </span>However the delivery seems to be insensitive to the needs of people here and seems more about an easy way of salving the consciences of those in the west. This very broad statement might not be true but over the past 8 months I havnt seen much to counter it. In fact it is a common refrain, even from those belonging to respected NGOs. Much of the aid may in fact be detrimental and just serves to diminish the Saloneans self image and self confidence that they can do it themselves. Teach how to fish seems to be a simple rule …..?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-70532063985209968112007-05-31T22:12:00.001+00:002007-05-31T22:58:36.433+00:00Working<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdcpuyfCn7tONabG4cH_VCxOrQqrV8VkEPsJJ0lX8A42i0810vSNfscwiBnTD3pHp5uh7HcanhKcUYTAAIMRkiJeTa9x8PlDno4iyZw_f852EMLn_ECjKlHbWfrU_Kny6pElfKw/s1600-h/P1000693.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdcpuyfCn7tONabG4cH_VCxOrQqrV8VkEPsJJ0lX8A42i0810vSNfscwiBnTD3pHp5uh7HcanhKcUYTAAIMRkiJeTa9x8PlDno4iyZw_f852EMLn_ECjKlHbWfrU_Kny6pElfKw/s200/P1000693.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070854748981732866" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">It occurred to me that through these blogs I have been delinquent about explaining what I have been doing for the Makeni City Council over the past 7 months and why I needed to extend my stay. The reason is that the subject for many might be a bit dry and unreadable but given that risk I’ll make an attempt. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Some background. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvnbXi1Wwfsl2rf5SSGNLrIpGW1lgt-ggD78CLQEc6kFwiaMZ3VBveHD_w4JqlN6L5_oVqdoQ___09xTaa6FohnEr3GY7zoYyJ6gyC4tWeXUaalD-JbLPcBHQffPCg2u0pwTKOQ/s1600-h/P1000486.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvnbXi1Wwfsl2rf5SSGNLrIpGW1lgt-ggD78CLQEc6kFwiaMZ3VBveHD_w4JqlN6L5_oVqdoQ___09xTaa6FohnEr3GY7zoYyJ6gyC4tWeXUaalD-JbLPcBHQffPCg2u0pwTKOQ/s200/P1000486.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070853232858277154" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">The City administration here in Makeni was created in 2004 out of a trend to decentralize the functions that were previously carried out by the Central Government in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Freetown</st1:place></st1:city>. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPIns-IjbbVmXfLHgcsYXJ7ClGCre4VoqX-eEtU8iErAnQ8Bh0aRxK4z4LZvt7Uj-IYkL9NFsPegoJKdqIHzAkNtZyHeo0CO1yHoWqO-gfvlf0SKBABtUwFOq01DEYe5ePqoqEg/s1600-h/Picture+079.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPIns-IjbbVmXfLHgcsYXJ7ClGCre4VoqX-eEtU8iErAnQ8Bh0aRxK4z4LZvt7Uj-IYkL9NFsPegoJKdqIHzAkNtZyHeo0CO1yHoWqO-gfvlf0SKBABtUwFOq01DEYe5ePqoqEg/s200/Picture+079.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070854748981732882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">The new administration was resurrected from an older form that existed in the mid 1970’s when the decision was then made to centralize the local functions. Systems are now archaic such as accounting and record keeping and are based on old 1950’s British methods which lasted well enough but through lack of any updating are now totally unusable. The responsibility for generating revenue was given to the Makeni City Council in 2004 but through lack of experience, poor records and poor resources such as computing, mobilizing revenue has been dreadful. Local Makeni people with any experience are now about 50 years old and most are not around. (average life expectancy is 39 years for men). Good governance is a </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLmhrI-rTbaRvoRZV70dNYKwfcuLvYNgHCDqwF7gZTk_JkCBQNYquXMpHMfZ5ZEXpUoWgCCg13wajPAE-NSHglK8yKEC5qlRqVJyMKXMAqnm2Q07I6yVveLN76YZmC6g4i7xLoQ/s1600-h/P1000531.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLmhrI-rTbaRvoRZV70dNYKwfcuLvYNgHCDqwF7gZTk_JkCBQNYquXMpHMfZ5ZEXpUoWgCCg13wajPAE-NSHglK8yKEC5qlRqVJyMKXMAqnm2Q07I6yVveLN76YZmC6g4i7xLoQ/s200/P1000531.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070853713894614370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">cornerstone of a stable community and so a rather nervous white knight rides into town from <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Toronto</st1:city></st1:place> in November 2006 welcomed by the Councilors who had high expectations that the “opporto” would be able to turn things around real quick.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLmhrI-rTbaRvoRZV70dNYKwfcuLvYNgHCDqwF7gZTk_JkCBQNYquXMpHMfZ5ZEXpUoWgCCg13wajPAE-NSHglK8yKEC5qlRqVJyMKXMAqnm2Q07I6yVveLN76YZmC6g4i7xLoQ/s1600-h/P1000531.JPG"><br /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Revenue mobilization is authorized by an Act of law and is derived from taxing properties as well as businesses. In addition the City of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Makeni</st1:place></st1:city> owns some properties, mainly shops for which it charges rent. Also the local market buildings are owned by the </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUpKWMHh83RwhhRKLEB_XTSTQf0nDuov8NDsj7g7paj92fv3qs0jXw7NadrqWerQEszfWbSJIEeRtLF1WtpsCjem1fDQxEkm4-fjj37W7VRjUJJFtqrko8tmeGp7FoVd9mrCWnw/s1600-h/P1000057.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUpKWMHh83RwhhRKLEB_XTSTQf0nDuov8NDsj7g7paj92fv3qs0jXw7NadrqWerQEszfWbSJIEeRtLF1WtpsCjem1fDQxEkm4-fjj37W7VRjUJJFtqrko8tmeGp7FoVd9mrCWnw/s200/P1000057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070851635130442770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">City and a relatively l</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsUyCX1xxFfkZUAUT9zi-TlhC9_vUqLjFfYKhdptuyZUJbC1YqlLtpiBBkuLZs06qQFNEuglAEcpE0IwFpKmbtI13wj4I19FFmFHf5LI9UEn3gE5GMtHXtm5fFghdUxBWxRr0Kw/s1600-h/P1000224.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsUyCX1xxFfkZUAUT9zi-TlhC9_vUqLjFfYKhdptuyZUJbC1YqlLtpiBBkuLZs06qQFNEuglAEcpE0IwFpKmbtI13wj4I19FFmFHf5LI9UEn3gE5GMtHXtm5fFghdUxBWxRr0Kw/s200/P1000224.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070852214951027842" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">arge amount is gathered from the small and poor local market traders who rent tables at 200 leones (<10c)><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDV-_IfLV4GXLhDFykNSKbDM2nzyVkr7urz_UElKVncWVjYzkPi9DNiTzJ9IEbMBUm1ThngDOuwQ2QzDVnQqJOolXTmhKuQMeNmTpONx2go98I8h7JqNyK0CDYEgjFbuEVui6zpg/s1600-h/P1000690.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDV-_IfLV4GXLhDFykNSKbDM2nzyVkr7urz_UElKVncWVjYzkPi9DNiTzJ9IEbMBUm1ThngDOuwQ2QzDVnQqJOolXTmhKuQMeNmTpONx2go98I8h7JqNyK0CDYEgjFbuEVui6zpg/s200/P1000690.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070854744686765554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">I found that generally the less wealthy payers in the community paid the greatest revenue and clearly this should be reversed if some success was to be achieved. I set out to look at business taxes and the rent charged for shops.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDQe7qq0HYb4Aly-4O8SdD9IVKklEjtP4hoZ7ibMtSrLpwcDbdI8EqKTGcGDj1hzwVc9l_1UDNsxDSuX4s6NoZ2_F2jTDVr8koRPdP2-vBk4g9SGMHYzO-_S7uEBgJO86srn5bA/s1600-h/P1000683.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDQe7qq0HYb4Aly-4O8SdD9IVKklEjtP4hoZ7ibMtSrLpwcDbdI8EqKTGcGDj1hzwVc9l_1UDNsxDSuX4s6NoZ2_F2jTDVr8koRPdP2-vBk4g9SGMHYzO-_S7uEBgJO86srn5bA/s200/P1000683.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070854744686765538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;"> However I soon ran up against some heavy roadblocks in that the business leaders of the community had good connections with the Council and even the Paramount Chief (an important fellow here) rented several shops at a very low rent. Some credibility was needed before I would be successful here. Thus the fertile ground of property taxes was tackled first of all. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">The old records of properties, registers, papers as well as any maps, lists of street names etc etc were all destroyed during the civil war. Even the old municipal building was totally ruined and is only now being rebuilt. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5ykKRKeAqiLeC9if8jGgsFfW-kfXKMI-gspwYWLXrCvZUtgYGcBTA4ZoZjRxbOswyvTMIoUxvjAVzaNGBd-HV-f8zC7x50IxmpjP19mrU8B5ZnQDS2QXav-hDaMvD-RlZ71ZhA/s1600-h/Picture+103.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5ykKRKeAqiLeC9if8jGgsFfW-kfXKMI-gspwYWLXrCvZUtgYGcBTA4ZoZjRxbOswyvTMIoUxvjAVzaNGBd-HV-f8zC7x50IxmpjP19mrU8B5ZnQDS2QXav-hDaMvD-RlZ71ZhA/s200/Picture+103.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070854748981732898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">An old municipal building used for public meetings and formerly used by the rebel RUF forces during the war was turned without much work into an interim administration building. Conditions are dreadful and I was really quite shocked at first. There were some 2004 registers created by some local students but these were obviously poorly recorded, incomplete and inaccurate. However for the 2007 tax roll this had to be used since creating and automating a complete system for >7000 records from scratch was impossible within 6 weeks. Thus the first task was to create a database out of the 2004 register albeit highly compromised and quite incomplete.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU54D1CiYLuUaovgOK-spapLjMx0TuTLsTBImWi_sZHesp9XC8I1mojIg2B2EWsbM-qj2qa3SDi3GOy3fSMxvimABzGFTyhVX4Q5AZA6MWvmyZhsopY37R32zBgRirc2H14CpVBw/s1600-h/Picture+391.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU54D1CiYLuUaovgOK-spapLjMx0TuTLsTBImWi_sZHesp9XC8I1mojIg2B2EWsbM-qj2qa3SDi3GOy3fSMxvimABzGFTyhVX4Q5AZA6MWvmyZhsopY37R32zBgRirc2H14CpVBw/s200/Picture+391.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070855135528789586" border="0" /></a></p> <h2 style="text-align: left;" align="left"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">The system of taxation was based not on any form of market value but simply a count of the number of bedrooms in a house since this was the only information on record and this was clearly regressive. Nonetheless at a huge effort we set about and were successful at sending out a new assessment by the middle of December. Everyone was impressed and some huge credentials were earned. Radio interviews</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUiNUrMKbIcM9fBdoUDfYjHmgBtUsZs3eUVdD6yEYxHNrVBkhhWhdPj4MDXiZPYxyk3xE3nEZfFVwudRYJdauBk81G2ABtLZA5GsdIo_52nI22pItOnMG2VXRw5h9pTumginVG-A/s1600-h/P1000508.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUiNUrMKbIcM9fBdoUDfYjHmgBtUsZs3eUVdD6yEYxHNrVBkhhWhdPj4MDXiZPYxyk3xE3nEZfFVwudRYJdauBk81G2ABtLZA5GsdIo_52nI22pItOnMG2VXRw5h9pTumginVG-A/s200/P1000508.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070853232858277170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;"> were started and meetings in community locations were held, church and mosque meetings and even some street theatre was attempted to publicise the need for the public to pay the tax. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmP-Ml5Wj4dVR8Zgasz8Z26fp31ATd-tXOh51n91dyjhpqypKowLwb92lqpa3yOLY9HSjnfPEytM2Gc23iiQroPFnMF_SwHjXcAAzB7e9ZiMmhRVuI7gQQk77dC-Vcte2JN5dIw/s1600-h/Rotation+of+P1000485.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmP-Ml5Wj4dVR8Zgasz8Z26fp31ATd-tXOh51n91dyjhpqypKowLwb92lqpa3yOLY9HSjnfPEytM2Gc23iiQroPFnMF_SwHjXcAAzB7e9ZiMmhRVuI7gQQk77dC-Vcte2JN5dIw/s200/Rotation+of+P1000485.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070855139823756898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">Some money started to come in, much more than expected and I was able to then make some headway with the leases on shops and with the business tax. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">The property tax however needed a major overhaul in order to achieve a progressive tax method and thus sustainable over the long term. Importantly most of the homes in the City were not identified and not known. Even the street names and locations were not all known. A wholesale census of all the properties in Makeni was needed before any re-assessment was to take place. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn97zR3NcHJ0LRGyKdrb3u1rqSst2rAyaeXq1zgSJJAjspBwvZXKZ0mhNSIrKZ7BS99BBh0mBxp939cgoJHC5aoSAjNas_6tgHgEv9exODy4YuQxm7Vw3RbD9ieMJt5-CaEvmkUA/s1600-h/care+logo.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn97zR3NcHJ0LRGyKdrb3u1rqSst2rAyaeXq1zgSJJAjspBwvZXKZ0mhNSIrKZ7BS99BBh0mBxp939cgoJHC5aoSAjNas_6tgHgEv9exODy4YuQxm7Vw3RbD9ieMJt5-CaEvmkUA/s200/care+logo.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070851630835475458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">The cost was prohibitive for the City of <st1:city st="on">Makeni</st1:city> and so I made a proposal to a funding agency, a local branch of Care International in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sierra Leone</st1:place></st1:country-region> called ENCISS.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Z8MczBdxAKz9LtJ71o2OBcES12u2Yl7lLouQsXw5b0onntIt3K8UwqmjSc3F5b821hNxo3fes35YGXM3X7RzybFxzeNlNtPwEWpNaQr9iNCXpHf2M6ukzjHdJYRdVdIXxskg4Q/s1600-h/Picture+288.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Z8MczBdxAKz9LtJ71o2OBcES12u2Yl7lLouQsXw5b0onntIt3K8UwqmjSc3F5b821hNxo3fes35YGXM3X7RzybFxzeNlNtPwEWpNaQr9iNCXpHf2M6ukzjHdJYRdVdIXxskg4Q/s200/Picture+288.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070855126938854978" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;"> In February 2007 I was successful (a huge effort – more about this another time) in arranging for the funding. I’ll extract some of the material from the grant application which will explain the project. Work started late as most things do here on March 20<sup>th</sup> and thus the project had to be shortened to 3 months from 4 months since “come home” pressure would not let me stay longer.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <div style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 1pt 4pt; background: rgb(166, 166, 166) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <h5 style="border: medium none ; padding: 0cm; background: rgb(166, 166, 166) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style=""> </span>Project Description for the CARE Grant<o:p></o:p></span></h5> </div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:12;" ><o:p> </o:p></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquNRkQ0sAgYXUCABXmbVWNE1C6hhAwwvSUMHLCNk-Q0PId6jk8xXDFtBXAnQnMTEiHL5hwdCIfUPE3rONr4n92tgzkdYhnGjiAkGGzSa34nM1z7SOJmH34DiUETpF7emknvc7fg/s1600-h/Picture+245.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquNRkQ0sAgYXUCABXmbVWNE1C6hhAwwvSUMHLCNk-Q0PId6jk8xXDFtBXAnQnMTEiHL5hwdCIfUPE3rONr4n92tgzkdYhnGjiAkGGzSa34nM1z7SOJmH34DiUETpF7emknvc7fg/s200/Picture+245.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070855126938854962" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >This is a proposal to increase tax revenue in Makeni through the adoption of a fair and</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >inclusive system. There are 5 important steps to be taken in fair assessment practice<a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=33993237&postID=7053206398520996811#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> for community tax base. The first steps are discovery and assessment and these are the precursors to billing, sensitization and collection. The first steps are a major impediment for Makeni in that the numbering and identification of the streets is very poor, many properties are missing from the database and the assessment has been regressive. This initial outline is a proposal to address these issues through a complete re-survey of all properties in Makeni over a 4 month period.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >The performance history of property tax in Makeni is poor and declining. Less than 5% of taxpayers paid tax in 2006 compared to about 10% in 2005. The research recently carried out in the Cities of Bo and Kenema revealed a performance of 30% and 15% respectively.<span style=""> </span>In Makeni a dramatic effort to improve and broaden the collection of tax, was made by Council in 2006 which was to reduce the property house rate tax by half. </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3McXY7nORy_oK6CK2RGk2quN8FlHigjQqL_JNkUZCnUmmISjqzFYpii1Kmtt4Csm8mwmOl17CF2-Tf45DqGWQl8_-Ut81TQngUBzz3Dkpewe-IHRda1DyfokkL4wuEVlVomsUkg/s1600-h/P1000352.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3McXY7nORy_oK6CK2RGk2quN8FlHigjQqL_JNkUZCnUmmISjqzFYpii1Kmtt4Csm8mwmOl17CF2-Tf45DqGWQl8_-Ut81TQngUBzz3Dkpewe-IHRda1DyfokkL4wuEVlVomsUkg/s200/P1000352.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070853224268342514" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >However the result was both a reduction in collection performance coupled with a disastrous fall in the total taxes from Le 9.4 Million in 2005 to Le. 3.1 Million in 2006. Other considerations hampered the situation in Makeni in 2006 such as charges of misappropriation of funds in Council and a late start to the issue of Demand Notices. However it is charged by many that the existing tax system is unfair. It is our recommendation that there are grounds for the charges and that amendments are required.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUeVX8X42Q7DPZ8vIZEwFr_WSmo6P_FYZWMV9fqk7tECZorQdkPqzLO7olWwQRGjA9chxxYDq1OAOMCM1vq1fzLWp2itklPMWepSGZW3Fq8vDCS9YV0axm4YZMFjgn-ildtVZmQ/s1600-h/P1000614.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUeVX8X42Q7DPZ8vIZEwFr_WSmo6P_FYZWMV9fqk7tECZorQdkPqzLO7olWwQRGjA9chxxYDq1OAOMCM1vq1fzLWp2itklPMWepSGZW3Fq8vDCS9YV0axm4YZMFjgn-ildtVZmQ/s200/P1000614.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070854220700755346" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >VSO Paul Fish, Chartered Surveyor and revenue mobilization expert came to Makeni in November 2006 and since then we have been working at two tasks. The first task has been to issue timely 2007 Demand notices for property tax rates in December 2006 and the second task has been a review of methods and procedures in other Cities, specifically Bo and Kenema.<span style=""> </span>We have created a database using old records, issued detailed Demand Notices and a large effort has been focused on sensitization resulting in a significant increase in collection. Our effort has resulted in some measurable success in that we have collected over Le 4 Million in January alone compared to Le 3.18 Million in the entire year 2006. <span style=""> </span><i style="">(Note by end of May total collection was over 16 Million)</i> The research carried out by Paul Fish in other cities was useful in highlighting that Makeni needs significant improvement to increase the potential for further revenue mobilization. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >The project is described in two stages. 1. Discovery and 2. Assessment.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >1. Discovery <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >In considering this stage we have drawn on our experience during the process of the 2007 tax assessment and this has been helpful as a guide. It appears that there are a number of important gaps that, when filled will increase revenue. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8av_ndpR2nZNbu3ygC4a_2RZ38I72TmoV8kEnz9NWUmuIqXXNPc7O_9i4dwe5kYzOFjT9cAa8svmS_O3hm7WB9gh6RvyRicCAoJ2eYYME8vpu8Ybk9g0yQOUWhBK2Cbj2ndkhQ/s1600-h/P1000151.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8av_ndpR2nZNbu3ygC4a_2RZ38I72TmoV8kEnz9NWUmuIqXXNPc7O_9i4dwe5kYzOFjT9cAa8svmS_O3hm7WB9gh6RvyRicCAoJ2eYYME8vpu8Ybk9g0yQOUWhBK2Cbj2ndkhQ/s200/P1000151.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070851635130442786" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >a) Unidentified homes.</span></b></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" > It appears that there are a substantial number of unidentified homes and new homes that have been erected or simply omitted from some original information created in 2004. We estimate an additional 2,700 homes or 38% of the total. The potential tax revenue from this source will be substantial.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioehFgwovJUqq1SkYuwZLP7FCUxx9yVvdzp_XmeCvR_Lpmy5tCjVepaDiRsqBd2IkrpIRtsFmEG5MMSkKH6g-mIpbH27guklnXHwHFOszQR8JxQ2E8ZhmQIzTEiPB1Z80mEDLoQ/s1600-h/P1000666.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioehFgwovJUqq1SkYuwZLP7FCUxx9yVvdzp_XmeCvR_Lpmy5tCjVepaDiRsqBd2IkrpIRtsFmEG5MMSkKH6g-mIpbH27guklnXHwHFOszQR8JxQ2E8ZhmQIzTEiPB1Z80mEDLoQ/s200/P1000666.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070854229290689986" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >b) Homes</span></b></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" > in the database have in many cases been incorrectly addressed and have caused a significant problem that impacted the delivery of 2007 Demand Notices. The records show that about 645 (15%) printed </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVe0Z-ECAnyAUF_OcNt3EKp2PdjNZr4OuXHIRtO5w2MFTpcE9N2i_OXWdT4dWH6TjUt2IeFXs7zMWj2LNdLyvV27gEiZxqY-_yk3SBZCqYOeBWXbyderh-AFscWApfYhWoZF11xA/s1600-h/P1000294.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVe0Z-ECAnyAUF_OcNt3EKp2PdjNZr4OuXHIRtO5w2MFTpcE9N2i_OXWdT4dWH6TjUt2IeFXs7zMWj2LNdLyvV27gEiZxqY-_yk3SBZCqYOeBWXbyderh-AFscWApfYhWoZF11xA/s200/P1000294.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070852730347103442" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >Demand Notices were undeliverable due to an incorrect, unknown, duplicated address or simply address not found. The problem is widespread and affects all wards. The solution recommended is a wholesale renumbering of the properties along and behind all City streets. This is a time consuming and costly project but the result will yield significant benefits.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXUHrsmQ_7rU2IeoBVXiRpKuCxjiHWskLRSon7SB4Lu7RUwkQ8vIFBoLz62-WnET2Lcfbr-3JYJdSu7vCo4_xRKnyHmV6JqUiRdsMbYJ3wX5nKNFet_xJG2mKBGR90eboUfVb7A/s1600-h/P1000167.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXUHrsmQ_7rU2IeoBVXiRpKuCxjiHWskLRSon7SB4Lu7RUwkQ8vIFBoLz62-WnET2Lcfbr-3JYJdSu7vCo4_xRKnyHmV6JqUiRdsMbYJ3wX5nKNFet_xJG2mKBGR90eboUfVb7A/s200/P1000167.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070852214951027826" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJuVkKEDat20tKTXIRJiJDMiS1LqD1J_DjrUFv3bqu6Nb-avAr4bG3zc6obvS7_mH3kqtB1A_1ZxuPaZdNp6xa9TM9hiUicZQcrXLwmLWeR4czKMBa6SVzIU9VIS_HfjrsnYsEQ/s1600-h/P1000165.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJuVkKEDat20tKTXIRJiJDMiS1LqD1J_DjrUFv3bqu6Nb-avAr4bG3zc6obvS7_mH3kqtB1A_1ZxuPaZdNp6xa9TM9hiUicZQcrXLwmLWeR4czKMBa6SVzIU9VIS_HfjrsnYsEQ/s200/P1000165.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070852210656060498" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >c) Commercial properties</span></b></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" > not yet assessed. </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWJ6qBPD4JDQ3g4Ym5Yez_PWVmwPigdPkoQ9w9wORawVRpZtvCR9XgGUa6JacjFfEloB629Xvi2acU_B1MTPKsLfv1MK-IEwP5xfdU6T0uLSTKwd4qhg5zYPoOgIECixuWZYiwg/s1600-h/P1000678.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWJ6qBPD4JDQ3g4Ym5Yez_PWVmwPigdPkoQ9w9wORawVRpZtvCR9XgGUa6JacjFfEloB629Xvi2acU_B1MTPKsLfv1MK-IEwP5xfdU6T0uLSTKwd4qhg5zYPoOgIECixuWZYiwg/s200/P1000678.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070854233585657298" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >This is not a significant number but commercial tax burden is higher for this type of property (e.g. Bank) and thus tax revenues generated could be significant. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >d) Vacant land</span></b></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >. Many municipalities outside <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Sierra Leone</st1:country-region></st1:place> tax vacant land since municipal service, development and promotion of the City will positively impact on the land value and promotes a higher order potential future use. Major drawbacks in Makeni are the lack of any accurate mapping to identify vacant land, and the paucity of public tenure records. Moreover the potential revenue from this source is likely to be small and we recommend a very low priority.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRZbz9Js0RfrxsBex2Iat3JY7NtHreS3g3eOQ-5tHSqsTn09Okiy4TWFQdU1Ft4ibOLK7wgJCoMEiXjgSdR7Rs3g78bWhH6FumR1i4H0fZkm8_en778c8Hx95zyjjOMDaN-9kvQ/s1600-h/P1000582.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRZbz9Js0RfrxsBex2Iat3JY7NtHreS3g3eOQ-5tHSqsTn09Okiy4TWFQdU1Ft4ibOLK7wgJCoMEiXjgSdR7Rs3g78bWhH6FumR1i4H0fZkm8_en778c8Hx95zyjjOMDaN-9kvQ/s200/P1000582.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070853718189581682" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >2. Assessment <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >The success of a property assessment system is hinged on fairness and progression. The existing Makeni system in many respects lacks both. Moreover, it is behind the advances made in both Bo and Kenema in this respect. Some significant changes are recommended and can be merged with the project to renumber and identify the properties. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >The City of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Makeni</st1:city></st1:place> existing system of assessment is based on a simple count of the bedrooms in each home. The advantage of the system is that it is very simple to understand and requires no valuation expertise to manage. The drawbacks are that larger and more expensive homes which tend to have more rooms used for non-dormitory purposes such as sitting room, kitchen, garage, etc., are not taxed fairly and in any case these homes tend to be much larger. Many poorer homes in Makeni contain a large number of small rooms and have a poor function. Thus a system based on bedrooms alone is regressive.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbg6xkRWWg_Pjj2akuYQJicEWNuMEuag1TJudCSs04RQ0FOkObF7zZn7q6SDGtmyliNcmRbKf-Q0n1jCKpITliRM1snpzZ5TIHs_0VOFllXk3K0_EpgIpJuGJzLASVjCLhBMWr5g/s1600-h/P1000158.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbg6xkRWWg_Pjj2akuYQJicEWNuMEuag1TJudCSs04RQ0FOkObF7zZn7q6SDGtmyliNcmRbKf-Q0n1jCKpITliRM1snpzZ5TIHs_0VOFllXk3K0_EpgIpJuGJzLASVjCLhBMWr5g/s200/P1000158.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070852210656060514" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" > That is, the resulting tax is higher for poor homes than for expensive homes and the result counters the ideal for property tax as a progressive tax. The project being considered is to gather information about the condition and location of each property and apply a grading so that a progressive system can be achieved.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GOb8hswYf-VCUvhxl2seTGkzKL2HVS_3NsdASWT1xXCioA8DuIUoh9cBFNhRobg69aL3M44QaTxt84rFestPlrlf9NhlVQEql34862AwLCc5PA9qR7zcq4lPIo0YsSePDR03VA/s1600-h/P1000292.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GOb8hswYf-VCUvhxl2seTGkzKL2HVS_3NsdASWT1xXCioA8DuIUoh9cBFNhRobg69aL3M44QaTxt84rFestPlrlf9NhlVQEql34862AwLCc5PA9qR7zcq4lPIo0YsSePDR03VA/s200/P1000292.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070852721757168802" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >Normally a property tax system uses market value as the basis of progression but in Makeni there is no open market to examine and no public record of market activity. Moreover the land tenure system is completely different from the norm, based on customary laws such that the Paramount Chief is the overall custodian of trading activity. Thus a novel system has to be created. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >Procedure<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >The process will be to hire and train 10 young local people, preferably female to <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfX_zQOG5-8oRgnzJGtJfSFQi18sSZMc8d8BPRCIvt6uo1JeJD37ZpgzuA2djQaJkqjqHloLw1DKm5vNtUVuR9SgVxIH9aocQD8GWiuPaTNuCCT7Pfpc4ZbNEpynJ2E0BdfpIpIA/s1600-h/P1000155.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfX_zQOG5-8oRgnzJGtJfSFQi18sSZMc8d8BPRCIvt6uo1JeJD37ZpgzuA2djQaJkqjqHloLw1DKm5vNtUVuR9SgVxIH9aocQD8GWiuPaTNuCCT7Pfpc4ZbNEpynJ2E0BdfpIpIA/s200/P1000155.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070851639425410098" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >a) re-number and officially identify the homes on each street, including the use of GPS machines. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >b) capture all homes missing from the database, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >c) assess all homes for additional features. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfX_zQOG5-8oRgnzJGtJfSFQi18sSZMc8d8BPRCIvt6uo1JeJD37ZpgzuA2djQaJkqjqHloLw1DKm5vNtUVuR9SgVxIH9aocQD8GWiuPaTNuCCT7Pfpc4ZbNEpynJ2E0BdfpIpIA/s1600-h/P1000155.JPG"><br /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >A new system of assessment is to be created using the information gathered as well as </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelUNWw48nwEqMAJbvwZIu_zchwNlJY2n0lhkQ0hN1D60fbthDqSOQgXpcuCeRTWG3uAudEFHZbRdqNQs03db-NxUSqxRdZfFjS2JE7bwko0Or6VNGl48k1u_XO2Nib6eAMHE5OQ/s1600-h/P1000156.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelUNWw48nwEqMAJbvwZIu_zchwNlJY2n0lhkQ0hN1D60fbthDqSOQgXpcuCeRTWG3uAudEFHZbRdqNQs03db-NxUSqxRdZfFjS2JE7bwko0Or6VNGl48k1u_XO2Nib6eAMHE5OQ/s200/P1000156.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070851639425410114" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >mapping and GIS sourced from UNDP specialist services<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAcSaP-o0fWXayS6D875lUG55Q-ZjmCoi0XoAiEQmVFubnleb-DgKZ8WZjN079c8tLFEl5gfc4ASFKBFFS_GjRFSQakIcHhwI8Joe2kLAB8vcYBNxuZp5I9ebPwoUGBwbZC2OUQ/s1600-h/P1000293.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAcSaP-o0fWXayS6D875lUG55Q-ZjmCoi0XoAiEQmVFubnleb-DgKZ8WZjN079c8tLFEl5gfc4ASFKBFFS_GjRFSQakIcHhwI8Joe2kLAB8vcYBNxuZp5I9ebPwoUGBwbZC2OUQ/s200/P1000293.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070852726052136114" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8QQvVPlWNeLQ3W8Q1KAi7cmOBwxdOHhAoCE97jpxfeSjZhkdYbgzo2udNq-T5VUp2jIFFcUmTGJFcvSblmNGKZNNwWnCghyO5suCpTMhWoIXSQPI1o86ra1hYOSlNCPMKicJhQ/s1600-h/P1000527.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8QQvVPlWNeLQ3W8Q1KAi7cmOBwxdOHhAoCE97jpxfeSjZhkdYbgzo2udNq-T5VUp2jIFFcUmTGJFcvSblmNGKZNNwWnCghyO5suCpTMhWoIXSQPI1o86ra1hYOSlNCPMKicJhQ/s200/P1000527.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070853713894614338" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >The attached spreadsheets are an outline of the costs and benefits. It is estimated that the benefit will result in a revenue increase of at least Le.7.4 Million per annum for the 2008 tax year based very simply on the existing measures of very modest tax rates, regressive (unfair) assessment method and a low performance. We will expect to see greater benefits with more typical tax rates, a progressive and fair valuation method and a more reasonable performance. With this in place a revenue forecast of at least Le 13.4 Million per annum is estimated but this is more difficult to support through measured experience. The costs of the program are estimated to be a one time amount of Le.7.3 Million. In addition a program of sensitization is recommended to increase the income generation through resident understanding of the new system and the need for the payment of taxes. A budget of about Le 386,000 is made for a two month program. Thus the total of Le 7.686 Million is required.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-family:Arial;">Addendum A<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">This table shows the information on which the project costs timing and revenue has been estimated. The table also shows the source.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'width:377.25pt;" allowoverlap="f"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\BUSHFI~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.wmz" title=""> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-family:Arial;">Results<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSq4BT7dp2lo682wCh_778-M-mq-ooE50FT8ytGtn3nUDzMht9awE5sLvyVBjBaMLUrKDm8CWmuxzKGhR3OK0cDnT0vRdWYJ1bFeFgj3wloAxHg7DlfSMwRgxQBNxPQ5FFe3tmw/s1600-h/P1000528.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSq4BT7dp2lo682wCh_778-M-mq-ooE50FT8ytGtn3nUDzMht9awE5sLvyVBjBaMLUrKDm8CWmuxzKGhR3OK0cDnT0vRdWYJ1bFeFgj3wloAxHg7DlfSMwRgxQBNxPQ5FFe3tmw/s200/P1000528.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070853713894614354" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Well the program through a lot of ups and downs seems now to be coming together. The end of June is coming too soon however and I am leaving certain clean up jobs for others. However to be brief this has been a huge experience for me. The first impression on arrival in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sierra Leone</st1:place></st1:country-region>, a poverty stricken country bereft of any modern resources was that nothing like this could be achieved. One major issue was that motivating people to work together has been difficult and very frustrating at times. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7VwGwFpH9JqO4BrXFVHmdPu1TxJ_B3aAocZTnO2MySkIrngKZ1by4pX17U5abLvaGwz3PCta3NkyTO2pMs3uRFYLVuIWbwwt2XTuTNkY1Gq3yOzdvy5kf_BzqF-apZXFDbecKA/s1600-h/P1000308.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7VwGwFpH9JqO4BrXFVHmdPu1TxJ_B3aAocZTnO2MySkIrngKZ1by4pX17U5abLvaGwz3PCta3NkyTO2pMs3uRFYLVuIWbwwt2XTuTNkY1Gq3yOzdvy5kf_BzqF-apZXFDbecKA/s200/P1000308.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070853228563309826" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">Anyone who knows about working with African cultures will know what I am referring to and I would say that the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sierra Leone</st1:place></st1:country-region> culture having just recovered from a long bout of internal strife is far worse. Even my Kenyan VSO confreres in Makeni throw up their hands in despair. Nonetheless there are the highs of achievement even of some goals and the obvious delight of the community to the better organization of the City. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">We have managed to visit about 5,800 buildings so far out of the total estimated at 7,000 and we have recorded a series of information on each. We should be able to complete this discovery phase in a couple of weeks. A progressive system of taxation based on the collected data has </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibd3VVSIxkzEKpUSU_t6SeJ-r_VKovEHECq1vSDNElHcFjP4mUUx90vWQrbDivNoNq1vaHBnuA5Sw6zjCzA-9jTYSisShuH90ilAtZ1CGUOhMbk7Sq4eyMNnnDU9wMgi1lz0yMrA/s1600-h/P1000655.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibd3VVSIxkzEKpUSU_t6SeJ-r_VKovEHECq1vSDNElHcFjP4mUUx90vWQrbDivNoNq1vaHBnuA5Sw6zjCzA-9jTYSisShuH90ilAtZ1CGUOhMbk7Sq4eyMNnnDU9wMgi1lz0yMrA/s200/P1000655.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070854224995722674" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">been introduced and appears to be acceptable to the valuation officer and the Chief Administrator. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5nig0JFwIQpXPIAxpGy056tyBYHZMhm1B_qaILv2FvqW7pDPrfbwl29vttTPMIwExHouxm8IevmtvrzABY5yl9jTZleIuo8amvKwau1mNH4A-Ul0nbCcCrR778FpbpiD80m0EA/s1600-h/P1000397.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5nig0JFwIQpXPIAxpGy056tyBYHZMhm1B_qaILv2FvqW7pDPrfbwl29vttTPMIwExHouxm8IevmtvrzABY5yl9jTZleIuo8amvKwau1mNH4A-Ul0nbCcCrR778FpbpiD80m0EA/s200/P1000397.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070853232858277138" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">The progression is based on the physical data collected such as location, condition and building amenities. The software is in the testing phase and I am starting to train the valuation staff. Leaving at the end of June for me is very difficult since the system is so new and there are bound to be hiccups. I will be leaving these to the UNDP office to sort out. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">The funding agency Care International is most surprised that we have achieved good success on the ground. I showed them the interim mapping that was created last week from the GPS co-ordinates and it is quite impressive having mapped and marked also my location bands and other information. It brings everything to life and I have a new found respect for GIS work. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEG7qex703tUrFaGj-Iy0JJLsYYRA5dPqOyZ7ni49r4txPHq9OUMX9Uzic9CKYKYUoVh-epM6bI3Y7V8SJof2WENQdowbOI-4ZfJlan4scqMnVvj3tYvnD9oIzeCcjKhVSc4n4w/s1600-h/P1000611.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEG7qex703tUrFaGj-Iy0JJLsYYRA5dPqOyZ7ni49r4txPHq9OUMX9Uzic9CKYKYUoVh-epM6bI3Y7V8SJof2WENQdowbOI-4ZfJlan4scqMnVvj3tYvnD9oIzeCcjKhVSc4n4w/s200/P1000611.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070853718189581698" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Meanwhile in early March all this activity caught the attention of the Central government agency overseeing the decentralizing process. They picked up on the fact that this system was also needed in all other urban areas and had me carted off to Kenema and Bo to introduce the system there. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaXidb03TaSvO95N9eVy1gDAHorJ1YGJ5S9kjGJBMrgR5izG_VMTYZ43LfFSYRgKxfsdDE1zcVMkyqkjXvJOo9FZIO7A8tCOyYOCQEOww65msybHVDTBZL7460ReVSuAlNJumKg/s1600-h/P1000654.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaXidb03TaSvO95N9eVy1gDAHorJ1YGJ5S9kjGJBMrgR5izG_VMTYZ43LfFSYRgKxfsdDE1zcVMkyqkjXvJOo9FZIO7A8tCOyYOCQEOww65msybHVDTBZL7460ReVSuAlNJumKg/s200/P1000654.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070854224995722658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">Subsequently Kenema has been undergoing a census in much the same way as Makeni and based on the Fish format.<span style=""> </span>This process is continuing and I could have signed up for several years of work. However the call of <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>, family, friends Altusians and SOSA are just too much. Perhaps I’ll return some day. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">The Makeni project was very ambitious but I respond well to these types of challenge. However I </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPQRuEQqS0Z2aw6tXN518_Rq7Adh4d4o-BUJS-c5UqcGiw64ozsY50N692BGoCHwRobj-BEUCi4Jg2ypdbnXiX4ODpaS-mtgKpFagCHLwUKw2_tQuJuRjzjSbsscKKoNyz7RM-Q/s1600-h/P1000296.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPQRuEQqS0Z2aw6tXN518_Rq7Adh4d4o-BUJS-c5UqcGiw64ozsY50N692BGoCHwRobj-BEUCi4Jg2ypdbnXiX4ODpaS-mtgKpFagCHLwUKw2_tQuJuRjzjSbsscKKoNyz7RM-Q/s200/P1000296.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070852734642070754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">am worried about the long term. The local Makeni valuation staff will have to gain their confidence in order to maintain the new system. The early stages of my revenue generating assignment here earned very quick praise and it was very easy to please. However as I have gradually handed over the reins of the new systems, I have found it disheartening that the confidence of the local people is so low that they fear their own failure. This as I have found, is the difficult part of the job, enhancing the confidence of the local people to adopt different methods. My fear is that they will simply abandon the new methods until another “opporto” comes to the rescue. I hope I am wrong about this and I will be curious to discover what changes will be maintained in 12 months. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <div style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br /> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%"> <!--[endif]--> <div style="" id="ftn1"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=33993237&postID=7053206398520996811#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10;" >[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Urban Property Tax Reform, Dillinger, World Bank 1992</p> </div> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-10040114798884691512007-05-23T21:09:00.000+00:002007-05-23T21:52:28.916+00:00Mixed feelings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPf04FlOJ6Qp4w9aatoy5xDuPMg1CvVOTol3DBUQvYnC9hFBrFDWgZqQTcKyt_vTmb0c_IOeLUVXtTbJIZjO00mJHpRCYccCVqUS_BFvQ0ChJc6aynf_JMfG1IVRTYRutzB1zfw/s1600-h/P1000583.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPf04FlOJ6Qp4w9aatoy5xDuPMg1CvVOTol3DBUQvYnC9hFBrFDWgZqQTcKyt_vTmb0c_IOeLUVXtTbJIZjO00mJHpRCYccCVqUS_BFvQ0ChJc6aynf_JMfG1IVRTYRutzB1zfw/s200/P1000583.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067869725236175650" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfcXh8MgIFW4fzj-XaDIsmXGvgn6HvXdY2Drno4ResrvhHejkQVNanxzFTzKD4wR3wWowj4ZFMCcAyVcRnvC0NDQuqhm4ZtBW1LQY8tzW8MJcjvgUiTvxS_wjyxWe0Liz70bIvA/s1600-h/Picture+265.jpg"></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">It is now closing in on the end of May and only one month until my sojourn in Salone is at an end. I have very mixed feelings about leaving and I am somewhat nervous about the reverse culture shock, in particular the living conditions. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrl1CNPOj7OByI0uxZycOd5iK-ynv0KrMgJsztuw_tYbPQDSTuQ8ij6J_m11YONSQ5KqU5RY2ftbIlx7lvJm8OPFGukiXqOt7SyG-KGFL7uswNSH4sxwCrddXMAc6tEtjab4XKg/s1600-h/P1000579.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrl1CNPOj7OByI0uxZycOd5iK-ynv0KrMgJsztuw_tYbPQDSTuQ8ij6J_m11YONSQ5KqU5RY2ftbIlx7lvJm8OPFGukiXqOt7SyG-KGFL7uswNSH4sxwCrddXMAc6tEtjab4XKg/s200/P1000579.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067869720941208338" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WzMINxKOg7OOM8OcQA43LuCrYlffJ9zSPNFXkiDJqXZZG9eU3UAgFOq-vQXI32-jnGCeJqJnQ8BjNZvTHXfuPCXZQU4038_S5G4582cQ9R_fTYtJ90tvH5OoFiNemq7VM7ELqA/s1600-h/P1000489.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WzMINxKOg7OOM8OcQA43LuCrYlffJ9zSPNFXkiDJqXZZG9eU3UAgFOq-vQXI32-jnGCeJqJnQ8BjNZvTHXfuPCXZQU4038_S5G4582cQ9R_fTYtJ90tvH5OoFiNemq7VM7ELqA/s200/P1000489.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067869076696113874" border="0" /></a><span style="">I have become comfortable living here among the very poor and I wonder how I will be able to adapt to the “first world” again.<span style=""> </span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUT4QhQirBrIajbCkh_6lwU64K73mX0Zl4BjzU7OHe-4TiAXUFnqqRjbX05hSR64L6ZZ06QTza4FHyseVKFyRRu4eTXCwwknwLw8W0cCMWh7p3givIXfgIrYeHKVhX1I3xJAb4Sg/s1600-h/P1000627.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUT4QhQirBrIajbCkh_6lwU64K73mX0Zl4BjzU7OHe-4TiAXUFnqqRjbX05hSR64L6ZZ06QTza4FHyseVKFyRRu4eTXCwwknwLw8W0cCMWh7p3givIXfgIrYeHKVhX1I3xJAb4Sg/s200/P1000627.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067870468265517970" border="0" /></a><span style=""><span style=""> </span>As I walked back home this evening from the market I met so many people with whom I normally stop and chat. I will miss them and I realize that I have become very much a part of the community.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzWGhIAyhkyRDq4ENeYP-T-dWw0xVaDrPoP_bOdGNDe9P-RXHFO-Z1VJBFXrmkGWV_06v1rrdd6BbpWNxh5FgsGXCt6S_Q6zQ14NarQOfYm_M3QUm_hravdKdh84j2DtGi7RnwQ/s1600-h/P1000624.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzWGhIAyhkyRDq4ENeYP-T-dWw0xVaDrPoP_bOdGNDe9P-RXHFO-Z1VJBFXrmkGWV_06v1rrdd6BbpWNxh5FgsGXCt6S_Q6zQ14NarQOfYm_M3QUm_hravdKdh84j2DtGi7RnwQ/s200/P1000624.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067870459675583346" border="0" /></a><span style=""> Several commented that they looked forward to council hour on the radio tonight and they were upset when I told them to tune in next week since I was tired “O‘bekimee”. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINDvNoYy0H9ipE05YI0DiWfUO7JV_jBImlODcfCesDDmF6ZhOg4aG1fIfDhauVdItvtR42whvASYX4r3CXpmBzlH0tL3GLBlAz1CK9dcPFaWRUsaXjlsiUirIqoNAPPsoOqc8pA/s1600-h/P1000636.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINDvNoYy0H9ipE05YI0DiWfUO7JV_jBImlODcfCesDDmF6ZhOg4aG1fIfDhauVdItvtR42whvASYX4r3CXpmBzlH0tL3GLBlAz1CK9dcPFaWRUsaXjlsiUirIqoNAPPsoOqc8pA/s200/P1000636.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067871159755252674" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdxFe5YKLNzeHBygtJfpS9Hz49YqNEdSVJ34RsQ49PnaVn2kQGGELxXAPT-jfwpi8iN9Pb3W35oCuXOrd1OFI283-yauAuTaCLxy_Ne3IDYWjftH-BD3dhXiiNXkJikZrLNfCjQ/s1600-h/P1000626.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdxFe5YKLNzeHBygtJfpS9Hz49YqNEdSVJ34RsQ49PnaVn2kQGGELxXAPT-jfwpi8iN9Pb3W35oCuXOrd1OFI283-yauAuTaCLxy_Ne3IDYWjftH-BD3dhXiiNXkJikZrLNfCjQ/s200/P1000626.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067870463970550658" border="0" /></a><span style="">I am now at home having just finished my jollof rice and groundnut paste and with the candles lit, I’ll jot this blog</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14hxE0_WedjXwWzaGssw973MJRkSCMK8M8K6bNf2JiGGxqeJnouOT963ZLsofFeaJdw77tanQEKNalTkj6h-5Fqy_Wat7clFtZ_qAuoi0W5clbRBcipUatWAuOdWCJVwWLOLIPQ/s1600-h/P1000008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14hxE0_WedjXwWzaGssw973MJRkSCMK8M8K6bNf2JiGGxqeJnouOT963ZLsofFeaJdw77tanQEKNalTkj6h-5Fqy_Wat7clFtZ_qAuoi0W5clbRBcipUatWAuOdWCJVwWLOLIPQ/s200/P1000008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067867045176582610" border="0" /></a><span style=""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">The rainy season starts around now and if last night was just a taster I am pleased that I will miss the serious stuff in July and August. The rains are popularly welcomed though, since all of the wells are pretty dry and the water quality is poor.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRobYO54dhn6nDnoZudRT7dmY0arKLEwqk_FTcwNth55AMDOSE0XfTt3W2Hy5dKNZscTxUFf8Xc3-lrQQTyNzqsswcCcwQ6aIrgNXMDsaIU6TG7TNP1MXtqgPB8Vl1LQ5xH9kmhw/s1600-h/P1000633.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRobYO54dhn6nDnoZudRT7dmY0arKLEwqk_FTcwNth55AMDOSE0XfTt3W2Hy5dKNZscTxUFf8Xc3-lrQQTyNzqsswcCcwQ6aIrgNXMDsaIU6TG7TNP1MXtqgPB8Vl1LQ5xH9kmhw/s200/P1000633.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067871155460285362" border="0" /></a><span style=""> Also the temperature eased back a few degrees this morning and the streets were noticeably less dusty. <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Freetown</st1:place></st1:City> on the coast apparently has the reputation as the wettest capital in the world with some 3.5 metres of precipitation and this all falls within about 4 months. I cant imagine. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">I spent a couple of days in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Freetown</st1:place></st1:City> again last weekend and I am getting to be a regular traveler although it is a dreadful journey. <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"></st1:place></st1:City></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sIVptRr61mvJYFGbF-sdh3VrbT5q9TXTokm_KmReJGEYFNLk1zGmxpctTMGdo9QFcw27PHRXzQEz4wilKQO3THPZ4PJrOzTfbyk-EzWN3EnQr6ZA-0bK9VABcj93ZnXuxvfvjw/s1600-h/P1000601.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sIVptRr61mvJYFGbF-sdh3VrbT5q9TXTokm_KmReJGEYFNLk1zGmxpctTMGdo9QFcw27PHRXzQEz4wilKQO3THPZ4PJrOzTfbyk-EzWN3EnQr6ZA-0bK9VABcj93ZnXuxvfvjw/s200/P1000601.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067869733826110274" border="0" /></a><span style=""><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Freetown</st1:place></st1:City> is also such a cramped and squalid place but my project in Makeni needs a computer application and some co-ordination with the central government.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQY9GMH-s1JtpBXHynhuW8ghE2HzHADx4547suAJW_f6H1sOsY29Zp86w_vIt1waMxCQJNZxl2-LJpL1ySpnFQBZzMFcRHbtoday131Da-X0XDi_FD32uaiuqLjbHnV4xhau9ww/s1600-h/P1000367.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQY9GMH-s1JtpBXHynhuW8ghE2HzHADx4547suAJW_f6H1sOsY29Zp86w_vIt1waMxCQJNZxl2-LJpL1ySpnFQBZzMFcRHbtoday131Da-X0XDi_FD32uaiuqLjbHnV4xhau9ww/s200/P1000367.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067867655061938706" border="0" /></a><span style=""> The application is being built by people at a branch of the UN in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Freetown</st1:place></st1:City>. They have also supplied me with some excellent mapping and GIS services. The application needs testing now and so I have left this with the valuation officer. I am a bit worried since he has been away from work for a week with an illness; quite a common occurrence here along with bereavement. The testing will have to wait but my departure date wont and I’ll have to find another way. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4SP5arp5DkcLXdWMwB8eOpWU46HqPJGqc6zSw2hAAss-9Bl1HWK5cbuOqMEp0jWF_SZVTktQu5YvVzV-y9-jQUmX6ZQ1fYPzM-yeDb7dOuSDFiAAxLuckHOU1sCdSxsfHZEwKQ/s1600-h/P1000388.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4SP5arp5DkcLXdWMwB8eOpWU46HqPJGqc6zSw2hAAss-9Bl1HWK5cbuOqMEp0jWF_SZVTktQu5YvVzV-y9-jQUmX6ZQ1fYPzM-yeDb7dOuSDFiAAxLuckHOU1sCdSxsfHZEwKQ/s200/P1000388.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067867676536775250" border="0" /></a><span style="">In <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Freetown</st1:place></st1:City> I was looking forward to one day of r&r but VSO somehow knew I was in town and asked me to fill in and make an opening speech for an annual meeting for a local NGO. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSBeLhuke5hyi3e2pmML8cBA-f6IBpXJMsKPJhZzVyzzD9QfP7e5jg0tMiuZUVIn_flH2gVJaJrNQamwoTk9XaLP2WpT11tiqLi6e_IVIc868twy26oCw-yojK2WBTncXwqGgyQ/s1600-h/P1000585.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSBeLhuke5hyi3e2pmML8cBA-f6IBpXJMsKPJhZzVyzzD9QfP7e5jg0tMiuZUVIn_flH2gVJaJrNQamwoTk9XaLP2WpT11tiqLi6e_IVIc868twy26oCw-yojK2WBTncXwqGgyQ/s200/P1000585.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067869729531142962" border="0" /></a><span style="">My grey hair seems to add to the credibility. So I didn’t get to the beach but headed back to Makeni and on the way I annoyingly had my blackberry phone picked. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Today the work at the City offices </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnm55GyhzjPy4xVCaCMTvlmV0pLGYmb4efo8nVX9GxoAS1MavcUSJZC4cfbjzDuYLmPZsrhAmQLhUzVuroW0KjaAqEL17piEsWUY6KzfIFIRePZWhBr8nRArd1oPnL2IcFw1Hyw/s1600-h/P1000531.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnm55GyhzjPy4xVCaCMTvlmV0pLGYmb4efo8nVX9GxoAS1MavcUSJZC4cfbjzDuYLmPZsrhAmQLhUzVuroW0KjaAqEL17piEsWUY6KzfIFIRePZWhBr8nRArd1oPnL2IcFw1Hyw/s200/P1000531.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067869080991081186" border="0" /></a><span style="">was frustratingly slow and the Chief Administrator has been holding up the payroll for the temporary staff I have hired and also a significant expense reimbursement. The salaried staff have also not been paid for the past two months and there is something going on. The tax revenue has been successful and so there has been some finger pointing. There is a Council meeting tomorrow and it should be interesting. Meanwhile in frustration I ducked out of the office (my usual coping mechanism) </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjp-G-C9E1W9xePMI9_bMNZ4_HvoRpwwsvjucU_blBPQmXH8KxU25yMn1SeSaeWrOlbhK5ewVnvJHwy25p573tB15VBQlFveSwSVpvP_YKczhnoAgMSthUxpLIuJQ47ZgnbqjAQ/s1600-h/P1000603.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjp-G-C9E1W9xePMI9_bMNZ4_HvoRpwwsvjucU_blBPQmXH8KxU25yMn1SeSaeWrOlbhK5ewVnvJHwy25p573tB15VBQlFveSwSVpvP_YKczhnoAgMSthUxpLIuJQ47ZgnbqjAQ/s200/P1000603.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067870451085648722" border="0" /></a><span style="">and visited the library. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxwex13eJvFOgZyzSGkyUFJ57eb9QbV1iAmbSPVU2WHU-YJjHHrfZH-SMXW-YrBMy8TiljUR14nhigbyutEs9ijsBpNDrNYtMp0JoOfWD_m6SPE5fHBphjQghgrycyFPANeKVTw/s1600-h/P1000606.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxwex13eJvFOgZyzSGkyUFJ57eb9QbV1iAmbSPVU2WHU-YJjHHrfZH-SMXW-YrBMy8TiljUR14nhigbyutEs9ijsBpNDrNYtMp0JoOfWD_m6SPE5fHBphjQghgrycyFPANeKVTw/s200/P1000606.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067870455380616034" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTGfLC1J5b8RFrymR1DFk304Lo84R5ZdjJmmQtgL0_GzgEhly16ov4Mj_6GQzhatItBm6KZooku8P59gTjSMf1v_vAM6R010fFv0N1ec7JlSCSk11VsosenCiXj1BCXIUd5GYCQ/s1600-h/P1000404.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTGfLC1J5b8RFrymR1DFk304Lo84R5ZdjJmmQtgL0_GzgEhly16ov4Mj_6GQzhatItBm6KZooku8P59gTjSMf1v_vAM6R010fFv0N1ec7JlSCSk11VsosenCiXj1BCXIUd5GYCQ/s200/P1000404.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067868325076836962" border="0" /></a><span style="">The librarian had invited a school class of 7-8 year olds to see the library and I helped to read a book. The kids so enjoyed it and my spirits were immediately lifted.<span style=""> </span></span><span style=""><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Listening to the BBC tonight on the shortwave much seemed to be centred on conflict surrounding religion and in particular the rise of Islam and extremism. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioahKvHBAIQybbMMRk47UO7rBoKvO73s3Ztx1OUSLJUZBU_feLCToy7xtpq-MTlQDhTZFy9ScBrbrrA_JrMgVD0dw7kjQ01vO_6-JTy4vxTJuVBimqlkFxp46p6Fe4D59RkasXyQ/s1600-h/P1000639.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioahKvHBAIQybbMMRk47UO7rBoKvO73s3Ztx1OUSLJUZBU_feLCToy7xtpq-MTlQDhTZFy9ScBrbrrA_JrMgVD0dw7kjQ01vO_6-JTy4vxTJuVBimqlkFxp46p6Fe4D59RkasXyQ/s200/P1000639.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067871164050219986" border="0" /></a><span style="">Even <st1:country-region st="on">Switzerland</st1:country-region> seemed to be under the critical eye since church steeples are permitted in <st1:place st="on">Berne</st1:place> and not minarets. <st1:country-region st="on"></st1:country-region></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0PV69yOPHJy0xQ6GUfh-Kj2cqBrBsO2oEO8rU63iQm7Ay-fN1fbt05r6547l9GnnoYlIcg8zpmJ412Xs-mEELM9r3yWm_l69EmArX9It6VwkOEvFHHE7vh8NAx4zG7i0E8Ewvg/s1600-h/P1000005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0PV69yOPHJy0xQ6GUfh-Kj2cqBrBsO2oEO8rU63iQm7Ay-fN1fbt05r6547l9GnnoYlIcg8zpmJ412Xs-mEELM9r3yWm_l69EmArX9It6VwkOEvFHHE7vh8NAx4zG7i0E8Ewvg/s200/P1000005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067867040881615298" border="0" /></a><span style=""><st1:country-region st="on">Iraq</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region st="on">Israel</st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Somalia</st1:place></st1:country-region> all heavily reported. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzeRjuEVr7rygcka_pzJ0w2y5RASxSENsbC21TWla5AOYeYXhav0-EWeAhGzTuvrCxPaeyFBMIT6eP0ApcIa9Lk4QE8aQbGJUw_NkFCtzNMd01RfrADaXg0bhli41jegzNqhBOQ/s1600-h/P1000120.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzeRjuEVr7rygcka_pzJ0w2y5RASxSENsbC21TWla5AOYeYXhav0-EWeAhGzTuvrCxPaeyFBMIT6eP0ApcIa9Lk4QE8aQbGJUw_NkFCtzNMd01RfrADaXg0bhli41jegzNqhBOQ/s200/P1000120.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067867045176582626" border="0" /></a><span style="">I was thinking that a page can be taken out of the religious tolerance here in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sierra Leone</st1:place></st1:country-region>. As in most poor parts of the world, religion </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAyJSv9G8nwmGWOw5VItp6cOR2Ix_gJBlDZwkp0rl_sJCDDENVKzURO3LggbWfcBuI9wcpgEEPRABe9H3pmhTMHOm71D6K7ldGq0x2TG_hsmxON1Y_3AUoRMC0GjZIfgZEHogFg/s1600-h/P1000631.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAyJSv9G8nwmGWOw5VItp6cOR2Ix_gJBlDZwkp0rl_sJCDDENVKzURO3LggbWfcBuI9wcpgEEPRABe9H3pmhTMHOm71D6K7ldGq0x2TG_hsmxON1Y_3AUoRMC0GjZIfgZEHogFg/s200/P1000631.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067871146870350754" border="0" /></a><span style="">plays a large part of the local culture and here Christianity and Islam dominate although there are several secret society or “Poro” religions. It seems that there is not just a tolerance but a real embracing of both religions. At the start of any meeting no matter how small, prayers are said without fail. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii59Cd9X4lE8OuEzxdXfxNvgr6onmLQBX8P6yOzKYU0f-Wt7CHsd0eZq_kO9VgkS08_-L_XxnHrXilk-ZEtTcUjRmn0EU6JCQBo4SVPbJp3H8WWgo3rYJItIzSYAeM3yMQyJxyaw/s1600-h/P1000411.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii59Cd9X4lE8OuEzxdXfxNvgr6onmLQBX8P6yOzKYU0f-Wt7CHsd0eZq_kO9VgkS08_-L_XxnHrXilk-ZEtTcUjRmn0EU6JCQBo4SVPbJp3H8WWgo3rYJItIzSYAeM3yMQyJxyaw/s200/P1000411.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067868333666771586" border="0" /></a><span style="">If there happens to be no representative from one religion then the prayers are still said for both.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQaCbFNoZ3k0fiJ4qL-1OW5LglwOi7-zOY_qTrCWAucPI5haqFFLO5-gXS8UY1_vuN2XqS3XCdt1OERcy1wVGh8I7Mz2z03qc5Tv3mOhU9V44S4P_Vo6yPvKseuvs1TMs2ijVVw/s1600-h/P1000408.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQaCbFNoZ3k0fiJ4qL-1OW5LglwOi7-zOY_qTrCWAucPI5haqFFLO5-gXS8UY1_vuN2XqS3XCdt1OERcy1wVGh8I7Mz2z03qc5Tv3mOhU9V44S4P_Vo6yPvKseuvs1TMs2ijVVw/s200/P1000408.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067868325076836978" border="0" /></a><span style=""> Everyone seems to know the prayers and physical gestures attached to both Christian and Moslem practice. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfcXh8MgIFW4fzj-XaDIsmXGvgn6HvXdY2Drno4ResrvhHejkQVNanxzFTzKD4wR3wWowj4ZFMCcAyVcRnvC0NDQuqhm4ZtBW1LQY8tzW8MJcjvgUiTvxS_wjyxWe0Liz70bIvA/s1600-h/Picture+265.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfcXh8MgIFW4fzj-XaDIsmXGvgn6HvXdY2Drno4ResrvhHejkQVNanxzFTzKD4wR3wWowj4ZFMCcAyVcRnvC0NDQuqhm4ZtBW1LQY8tzW8MJcjvgUiTvxS_wjyxWe0Liz70bIvA/s200/Picture+265.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067873423203017714" border="0" /></a><span style="">Friday afternoons are reserved for Moslems to attend Mosque and Fridays in any case are acknowledged universally, by the wearing of traditional and smart dress. I make sure that I wear one of my African shirts. Interestingly there are rarely head scarves or covering worn by Moslem women. <span style=""> </span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJU-qQni5rZ80sHJSyi-Nl1VIUaoX4lTynzbI-8M6aH6laRKGSEzqms8wZLh8cJ9MyEZWcYaIliMThbhZhgCSZWDyobkZ2s-Qv4_byWmlY2x8iRSJe7rLW9AQQHZLh7oMFnHET-g/s1600-h/P1000370.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJU-qQni5rZ80sHJSyi-Nl1VIUaoX4lTynzbI-8M6aH6laRKGSEzqms8wZLh8cJ9MyEZWcYaIliMThbhZhgCSZWDyobkZ2s-Qv4_byWmlY2x8iRSJe7rLW9AQQHZLh7oMFnHET-g/s200/P1000370.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067867672241807922" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmLcSFgof8NRvWPnTU2TiYSqQrJ9leL8bTeUFWH3-sWoS8TA0wOQW47A3BEpcFfAnmc2NG5L-0duOEkiv4rbjTQ3kttv0pvaAmQKf8Vj3Fynfl-QBaWKEtPS7HqVyPaAsyY-iWg/s1600-h/P1000272.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmLcSFgof8NRvWPnTU2TiYSqQrJ9leL8bTeUFWH3-sWoS8TA0wOQW47A3BEpcFfAnmc2NG5L-0duOEkiv4rbjTQ3kttv0pvaAmQKf8Vj3Fynfl-QBaWKEtPS7HqVyPaAsyY-iWg/s200/P1000272.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067867049471549938" border="0" /></a><span style="">Religions are practiced openly and without shame or awkwardness. I sometimes approach a shop only to find the shopkeeper kneeling on the mat and I wait until the prayers are finished. Even in busy <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Freetown</st1:place></st1:City> a gathering of Moslems takes place on the street or the entrance of a building for prayers. Meanwhile Christmas</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVY3Do-dgTHe7-kp7VaiYhK-pGVjS6svi9i4l4Pv9aO2HemkOCdnJ3YUdwZASZjvykUlsu2Lyvonc7ZMhyjSATQWu2L3M8ed_VVeQei6ErhnzFWI2om4oYcuzlAWE94h5CY0XSQ/s1600-h/P1000368.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVY3Do-dgTHe7-kp7VaiYhK-pGVjS6svi9i4l4Pv9aO2HemkOCdnJ3YUdwZASZjvykUlsu2Lyvonc7ZMhyjSATQWu2L3M8ed_VVeQei6ErhnzFWI2om4oYcuzlAWE94h5CY0XSQ/s200/P1000368.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067867663651873314" border="0" /></a><span style=""> and Easter seem to be celebrated by both religions with gift giving and the offering of congratulations. The only seeming lack of understanding and tolerance is toward my lack of any traditional belief. I am frequently quizzed on which religion I belong to and the response of neither sets up a frank and open discussion but I havnt found any of the locals being satisfied with this. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzhIP_0EpAwuu2NpDF8ccrMCDwAvtX5UyNDFMISAo9b8acQo-aHUSJzOZzpVPlyDCEEQk4XuWOyzlsmIYOFsLRI5J1fM-6ZyfSsp5bwSfRCR6TaUYtDMR2rkAmWApjcN00RcQiQ/s1600-h/P1000643.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzhIP_0EpAwuu2NpDF8ccrMCDwAvtX5UyNDFMISAo9b8acQo-aHUSJzOZzpVPlyDCEEQk4XuWOyzlsmIYOFsLRI5J1fM-6ZyfSsp5bwSfRCR6TaUYtDMR2rkAmWApjcN00RcQiQ/s200/P1000643.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067871164050220002" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBz4S5L_R4UjR1qU2ySXR2GA_dI3Io0HUNPpr3VgdHUuWQLCguimboKtGxvFHrofd8NYpVJaEHj6PRMqaxOw1gkyOcm3XsVTw0BYC_mkhDPztym4A2ESjOoyPmxt53rQk9oa1uEw/s1600-h/P1000274.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBz4S5L_R4UjR1qU2ySXR2GA_dI3Io0HUNPpr3VgdHUuWQLCguimboKtGxvFHrofd8NYpVJaEHj6PRMqaxOw1gkyOcm3XsVTw0BYC_mkhDPztym4A2ESjOoyPmxt53rQk9oa1uEw/s200/P1000274.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067867049471549954" border="0" /></a><span style="">In an effort to understand, one Christian priest in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Freetown</st1:place></st1:City> very kindly took pains to minister my extraordinary position to others explaining very simply “Paul is very religious about being good” he said and attendees seemed satisfied (although he must have known that I can be bad as well). <span style=""> </span>I think the Salonean secret is about openness and a genuine acceptance of other beliefs. Perhaps this can be exported? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Although there are two modern religions there are 16 tribes each with their own language and customs and this tends to cause more friction than religion. In Makeni and areas of the Salone north, the majority are Temne although there are also Limba, Fullah and small numbers of Mandingo and Mende. The south has mainly Mende but also Susu and other smaller groups. Politics tend to be divided along </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EPH3pmW4d109gw7laBa0HybYGY3XdRp7t6lzOrnzASQnr2Xin9vR0OzFL4mHTHmUkDxX7FDp579fh_TUWJkrKPYVEP3wo2bz9Ij2aC1eHXF7BUPK_8sMhU2LMy4FUjXPsa0JOA/s1600-h/P1000414.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EPH3pmW4d109gw7laBa0HybYGY3XdRp7t6lzOrnzASQnr2Xin9vR0OzFL4mHTHmUkDxX7FDp579fh_TUWJkrKPYVEP3wo2bz9Ij2aC1eHXF7BUPK_8sMhU2LMy4FUjXPsa0JOA/s200/P1000414.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067868337961738898" border="0" /></a><span style="">Temne Limba north and the Mende-Susu south and the coming election is more about tribal contest rather than political ideology.<span style=""> </span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEbFWrcLn-i9maOh1ujmlYckxfPnvc2ByqwL3ffq-zYIZI685jxKImyKO3TwH_XfS4QgMoiF_GLlAOaJAUm0iXFFx3WrLh0eYHQ-1LE2Mi0uM_7SfpQjTAYukckqob6enpzESJQ/s1600-h/P1000441.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEbFWrcLn-i9maOh1ujmlYckxfPnvc2ByqwL3ffq-zYIZI685jxKImyKO3TwH_XfS4QgMoiF_GLlAOaJAUm0iXFFx3WrLh0eYHQ-1LE2Mi0uM_7SfpQjTAYukckqob6enpzESJQ/s200/P1000441.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067869072401146562" border="0" /></a><span style="">The Government now in power SLPP is dominated by the south and it has been evident that very few resources are allocated to the north. Thus my problems with the library and limited resources for my municipal project. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJN6KewCBCn67J0MgqzdzzL1LnWIdwo8kQ7-jW4V4LGSwcyP4LdINzxL3M-18eFJ_KafBd6pj_Fq7eIE6dbDdhP9B1dioQuNpj_2kcqn-VimAHbtwxNq3XCep8cV7Nyej6kU3Vw/s1600-h/P1000437.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJN6KewCBCn67J0MgqzdzzL1LnWIdwo8kQ7-jW4V4LGSwcyP4LdINzxL3M-18eFJ_KafBd6pj_Fq7eIE6dbDdhP9B1dioQuNpj_2kcqn-VimAHbtwxNq3XCep8cV7Nyej6kU3Vw/s200/P1000437.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067869063811211954" border="0" /></a><span style="">The north party “APC” is starting to gear up and political (tribal) rallies are taking place. I managed to attend one last weekend and the atmosphere was exciting and football crowd like. Certainly nothing negative and I hope that this will keep up until the election in August. There is an organization responsible for the election (National Electoral Commission) and VSO has assigned volunteers to assist. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfyUhzTrOTx3YOF1b9gjarQL754Mh9UATrSz-uC85Fn2DiDM2a5Ck49fVo55ZevG58S_9S5K5nlDg3W0bIySsTsmJ4kkRvSHdVnt2GS52hFwpuvy0QP1KER2M5NkgZ1_5TkQTbA/s1600-h/P1000543.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfyUhzTrOTx3YOF1b9gjarQL754Mh9UATrSz-uC85Fn2DiDM2a5Ck49fVo55ZevG58S_9S5K5nlDg3W0bIySsTsmJ4kkRvSHdVnt2GS52hFwpuvy0QP1KER2M5NkgZ1_5TkQTbA/s200/P1000543.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067869080991081202" border="0" /></a><span style="">One of the volunteers Yani Tyskerud who comes from <st1:place st="on">Shropshire</st1:place> organized a debate among students </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_kCMIdUo65xyfDG0z0PFx5MYviTIgV1nRTRJhlzGNSc2aqciSb_AIsDHMrIod-BT-R5b0flRBcDLML4VHxLXuJ31kr3VMiEF8Tqj6_pjChMc9fep3DM_bqR_GmdpC3xThqaQZA/s1600-h/P1000544.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_kCMIdUo65xyfDG0z0PFx5MYviTIgV1nRTRJhlzGNSc2aqciSb_AIsDHMrIod-BT-R5b0flRBcDLML4VHxLXuJ31kr3VMiEF8Tqj6_pjChMc9fep3DM_bqR_GmdpC3xThqaQZA/s200/P1000544.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067869712351273730" border="0" /></a><span style="">about whether voting is a right or a responsibility. I enjoyed this lively debate sitting as one of the judges (grey hair again) and the students clearly have a strong sense of participation. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpci0BdUxeXAgIuLioAKZdFNFNAhYAg2hgN185N4ugJLVpAudq1E9DUPZMgG2eDyeX-FAISHWbzFPeJLklN2UK9s5Tr0heZU0kThTQwtvMdHXdVbsNpqqVRgDHvQ6HbDgZS_k_A/s1600-h/P1000378.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpci0BdUxeXAgIuLioAKZdFNFNAhYAg2hgN185N4ugJLVpAudq1E9DUPZMgG2eDyeX-FAISHWbzFPeJLklN2UK9s5Tr0heZU0kThTQwtvMdHXdVbsNpqqVRgDHvQ6HbDgZS_k_A/s200/P1000378.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067867676536775234" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-72826344836360362972007-05-16T14:42:00.000+00:002007-05-16T15:10:32.193+00:00A day in the life of .....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclzkRe03OYebcxJREt4euCixW-wZUZEQyL__mVHf3lK-jLalM4EfIjP_wzvCrDroxH38iZgN82pwfUaBlYZNb7d9E3y86evm4VlY_1j-oFAdwjGh-vL7XYcER72XgDhHMUVwIPA/s1600-h/P1000401.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclzkRe03OYebcxJREt4euCixW-wZUZEQyL__mVHf3lK-jLalM4EfIjP_wzvCrDroxH38iZgN82pwfUaBlYZNb7d9E3y86evm4VlY_1j-oFAdwjGh-vL7XYcER72XgDhHMUVwIPA/s200/P1000401.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065171205874032978" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Uk7DxLmMRfG_O5DioCrv8W2BiPSAs5DqcxCOdREI5RnlGVJU2gLcjwvHM1WDY7bmvTx_EWJhltv_EFZwCfM0576XmD0-ZdnJ2YUSe5AMbL-xMDp2zJ-SvHMGIOSRGsdOMig3Pg/s1600-h/P1000292.JPG"></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">The VSO organization prepares 6 month reviews of it’s volunteers and the employers and I had mine last week. Unfortunately I wasn’t fired and so I wont be returning back home to the warming climate above latitude 45 degrees until the end of June. The review is an open session facilitated by a VSO manager and with the most of the Makeni Councilors including the Mayor.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVh1kSdMtrp5Zq1mQxyPXsdteIREytxJyX8Svfgv36zbyfg5UqlI4DJSTZKuM60XZvukLfb4nO45_fm-CxyL7Oaf1NXYGwDrwwBq88SFlSThIB-YPjG5ZVPoRJmhoNw9MXa74olg/s1600-h/P1000397.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVh1kSdMtrp5Zq1mQxyPXsdteIREytxJyX8Svfgv36zbyfg5UqlI4DJSTZKuM60XZvukLfb4nO45_fm-CxyL7Oaf1NXYGwDrwwBq88SFlSThIB-YPjG5ZVPoRJmhoNw9MXa74olg/s200/P1000397.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065171205874032994" border="0" /></a><span style=""> Everyone seemed happy and wanted me to extend until next year to see the full results of the new program. </span><span style="">I also had to bargain rather hard for a few small details like getting water at the</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhow-iCzdEs7xtYgOngmheTUdRBTKZ2cSkGGatRWSA41TAkayvLPKA4zdzxfszUyuJspL_PTjK7doK5jpf21tk-ldE0sDjDgS9f0OiMDAgKqmYEcM_lZz3tx66tNh-z9_QcP8xydA/s1600-h/Picture+254.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhow-iCzdEs7xtYgOngmheTUdRBTKZ2cSkGGatRWSA41TAkayvLPKA4zdzxfszUyuJspL_PTjK7doK5jpf21tk-ldE0sDjDgS9f0OiMDAgKqmYEcM_lZz3tx66tNh-z9_QcP8xydA/s200/Picture+254.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065170497204429058" border="0" /></a><span style=""> house, refunds of money and some form of consistent transportation. After 6 months I am almost taken for granted now and the Council, always low on funds, has been trying to see how far to stretch the “opporto”. Thanks to VSO the result was good, I got what I wanted and I am planning the final stages of the project.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Part of the preparation for the review is to describe for VSO a typical day in the life of a volunteer so I’ll copy my contribution here. I’ll add more pics later <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="text"><span lang="EN-GB">The day begins refreshingly early since without electricity, retiring in the evening prior is also early. The dark silence is broken gradually by the call of the </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXU_OaRY7R2GVKWt3Qk_1kawja91eTWUjLR-wf5tKFonKsWRFRAYmDubiSX4lIWhFqz9Avlq42kSM5OmWFbEF8Z93ci3Qs0ohtPFcxA39_okdCof6nBibO7IGievdAC3-SjJM6jw/s1600-h/Picture+385.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXU_OaRY7R2GVKWt3Qk_1kawja91eTWUjLR-wf5tKFonKsWRFRAYmDubiSX4lIWhFqz9Avlq42kSM5OmWFbEF8Z93ci3Qs0ohtPFcxA39_okdCof6nBibO7IGievdAC3-SjJM6jw/s200/Picture+385.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065169745585152146" border="0" /></a><span lang="EN-GB">muezzin and then the church bells, the screech of the cocks and the barking of dogs as activity starts and the first light appears.<span style=""> </span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8K1Qblpo0IzyZ_WwvjpQGbLba_bYxGpREiAPAbUYHLlJbiEkR2pbUMB_FeMG-RRWL0Hg37MqDcNmUTG37B1TChYqXKkubkpS_w258hyphenhyphen2VgI6RRHpioSElXTi4GuOmGwDizAPFCw/s1600-h/Picture+389.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8K1Qblpo0IzyZ_WwvjpQGbLba_bYxGpREiAPAbUYHLlJbiEkR2pbUMB_FeMG-RRWL0Hg37MqDcNmUTG37B1TChYqXKkubkpS_w258hyphenhyphen2VgI6RRHpioSElXTi4GuOmGwDizAPFCw/s200/Picture+389.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065169749880119490" border="0" /></a><span lang="EN-GB"><span style=""> </span>Rising at about 6:30 I go for a jog around the local football field and enjoy the company of locals now almost a club of early birders. A quick trip to the well to gather the water for my bucket shower is followed by a breakfast of local bread and ground nut paste. By 8:00am I am ready to leave and the girls at <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">St. Joseph</st1:city></st1:place> school opposite</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBpI-UHZN5shzzgyTkYTp0y5QjdCeR7mq-cAQSk5uuyfUPkmFlyvMBg9WjuYaKO1naf7bfPm5qjXy3Ec_l7zEqMiW7Ag5VjIWzMnPuoj1Llpcal74XNoAEmBG2PboJqfTl7AbYQ/s1600-h/Picture+241.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBpI-UHZN5shzzgyTkYTp0y5QjdCeR7mq-cAQSk5uuyfUPkmFlyvMBg9WjuYaKO1naf7bfPm5qjXy3Ec_l7zEqMiW7Ag5VjIWzMnPuoj1Llpcal74XNoAEmBG2PboJqfTl7AbYQ/s200/Picture+241.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065170497204429074" border="0" /></a><span lang="EN-GB"> my house greet me with the chorus of the national anthem before school begins. A brisk 15 minute walk to work at this time of day when the sun is low is comfortable and I wave to the passers by and answer in Temne to their greetings. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijb1mRWODnvFM8WU4eN7IkQaFnTkXd5kw9MUqKyFwVdxYelLO5BcP8h0ublg1PmC3_2ImT8ieXlBvvbZWHQTKE42CWeuhmeSgpKuZg3raWDVNIU721AkK_izwlbSqlcI5oUPh_Bw/s1600-h/Picture+185.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijb1mRWODnvFM8WU4eN7IkQaFnTkXd5kw9MUqKyFwVdxYelLO5BcP8h0ublg1PmC3_2ImT8ieXlBvvbZWHQTKE42CWeuhmeSgpKuZg3raWDVNIU721AkK_izwlbSqlcI5oUPh_Bw/s200/Picture+185.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065171197284098338" border="0" /></a><span lang="EN-GB">Children shout “opporto” from the Portuguese derivative at the strange sight of a white person </span><span lang="EN-GB">and I smile. I arrive at work in a lifted mood and think how different and more pleasant this is compared to turning up for work in <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Canada</st1:country-region></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>I chat with Pa John </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNifg85Dc02XCwY_tqSUYbac8vTK7Rckd8YLOLwHHVAUiZ41nhjs3pLrkuXbUIDb_Jmpef93apUSg1ZOMDLSZ_BPEKwoYQ5CGwNO1H9_AkT45QHwMFr5Ii95wJ-lFjTFgU4uCmA/s1600-h/Picture+330.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNifg85Dc02XCwY_tqSUYbac8vTK7Rckd8YLOLwHHVAUiZ41nhjs3pLrkuXbUIDb_Jmpef93apUSg1ZOMDLSZ_BPEKwoYQ5CGwNO1H9_AkT45QHwMFr5Ii95wJ-lFjTFgU4uCmA/s200/Picture+330.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065170497204429042" border="0" /></a><span lang="EN-GB">who takes the attendance and share a philosophical thought with others who are early for work. Planning depends largely on the availability of generated electricity and whether the councillors of the municipality are available.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTbGC5fPcnOlx5GVWt2YcMWc11uLCXwz0SkzA05supE7g-tjWtspfSfChpLoRuv1XR3pWWcthOnljHylSufbQukwUNWNTbpmrj_27nWfXBM4tBQmkua7x-Nb_zti1jC93Y29Ouw/s1600-h/Picture+081.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTbGC5fPcnOlx5GVWt2YcMWc11uLCXwz0SkzA05supE7g-tjWtspfSfChpLoRuv1XR3pWWcthOnljHylSufbQukwUNWNTbpmrj_27nWfXBM4tBQmkua7x-Nb_zti1jC93Y29Ouw/s200/Picture+081.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065171201579065666" border="0" /></a><span lang="EN-GB"> The training of various teams in the proper identification of homes and the working of the GPS machines is key responsibility today. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Uk7DxLmMRfG_O5DioCrv8W2BiPSAs5DqcxCOdREI5RnlGVJU2gLcjwvHM1WDY7bmvTx_EWJhltv_EFZwCfM0576XmD0-ZdnJ2YUSe5AMbL-xMDp2zJ-SvHMGIOSRGsdOMig3Pg/s1600-h/P1000292.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Uk7DxLmMRfG_O5DioCrv8W2BiPSAs5DqcxCOdREI5RnlGVJU2gLcjwvHM1WDY7bmvTx_EWJhltv_EFZwCfM0576XmD0-ZdnJ2YUSe5AMbL-xMDp2zJ-SvHMGIOSRGsdOMig3Pg/s200/P1000292.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065171832939258226" border="0" /></a><span lang="EN-GB">Meeting with the deputy mayor to report on progress and also to remind him about his attendance at a radio interview that I have organised. Lunch is a large bowl of cassava leaves with rice and 5 </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVvdF_ZpUKHVUczPB1l9ygbElGSfg1fSogfqLqDKHESoZNxvik9D88oV5QjWIosA4lPGKAtwVDLk4d4giV7N2zQGpLF_hI4kMaaJ8msxk94tud1MJTAJCt32m0zmw3rrPimjqnQ/s1600-h/P1000158.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVvdF_ZpUKHVUczPB1l9ygbElGSfg1fSogfqLqDKHESoZNxvik9D88oV5QjWIosA4lPGKAtwVDLk4d4giV7N2zQGpLF_hI4kMaaJ8msxk94tud1MJTAJCt32m0zmw3rrPimjqnQ/s200/P1000158.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065171832939258242" border="0" /></a><span lang="EN-GB">spoons and we all share and whilst this might seem a strange manner it is now quite comfortable and very social.<span style=""> </span>The heat of the day is greatest in the afternoon but it seems that generally this is the best time for field supervision. I take the local bike taxis around the city and meet the field staff to exchange information and handle any problems. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj399SYZh4EnvkUGNWhdZpQC3NDUT6bwZ0v0b3Uf3Fv0CwHCZFVBsKep8ZDpBVqeaurYPLt58vO6QlfnhpsaREKVBePt6A7Q6qogp6d0OoBvf7I3HFHJ_rSokPWcMCjByH7NJx4Zg/s1600-h/Picture+381.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj399SYZh4EnvkUGNWhdZpQC3NDUT6bwZ0v0b3Uf3Fv0CwHCZFVBsKep8ZDpBVqeaurYPLt58vO6QlfnhpsaREKVBePt6A7Q6qogp6d0OoBvf7I3HFHJ_rSokPWcMCjByH7NJx4Zg/s200/Picture+381.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065170492909461714" border="0" /></a><span lang="EN-GB">Back to the office to do the paperwork and</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7s8b2AUDkWfaF9YyLRDEqVS1mAnLkF6hx9qgKPV7Ac6GIGyJJ03gk8I9NXr1KBWvHtRE-X9YZ5vCR4sAZsIB_qLq17FPD7bD1YSgLqySgmge9KNx07D6vQkoP3TnfStU8avvbA/s1600-h/Picture+380.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7s8b2AUDkWfaF9YyLRDEqVS1mAnLkF6hx9qgKPV7Ac6GIGyJJ03gk8I9NXr1KBWvHtRE-X9YZ5vCR4sAZsIB_qLq17FPD7bD1YSgLqySgmge9KNx07D6vQkoP3TnfStU8avvbA/s200/Picture+380.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065170492909461730" border="0" /></a><span lang="EN-GB"> prepare for the next day. Every day is somewhat different and this has to be expected and enjoyed. After work a visit to the local market where I buy my rice and a local gourd called pumkin, some eggplant and some groundnuts which are ground to a paste.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPgTS1sfgcT9nU1spu449zV-TZFLSxqqq8ZESJGp42xl_O1q6kKr8b6dRb6vN7IPgILxeVFXOjOJgbmvKvUTpvZx9EIiy0zcw5ZvpgS-VQlCPMCTfdfVKllsFdWKhaFBX3u3Bew/s1600-h/P1000059.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPgTS1sfgcT9nU1spu449zV-TZFLSxqqq8ZESJGp42xl_O1q6kKr8b6dRb6vN7IPgILxeVFXOjOJgbmvKvUTpvZx9EIiy0zcw5ZvpgS-VQlCPMCTfdfVKllsFdWKhaFBX3u3Bew/s200/P1000059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065171837234225554" border="0" /></a><span lang="EN-GB"> I chat with the market ladies practising my newly learned word for the day and typically they </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimx1sf3rENuNZaKlUZ45JrRH5QWMdv3unlQjCv0aoZPJhlp6TSW_2GHeroGipUsWpgsZjYcuxxRGYILOKwXqEQqprTSoCOWSVdXCZfe2nVpgbfHQCrElOUKK6NIDSZUzhEJXH-Sw/s1600-h/P1000057.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimx1sf3rENuNZaKlUZ45JrRH5QWMdv3unlQjCv0aoZPJhlp6TSW_2GHeroGipUsWpgsZjYcuxxRGYILOKwXqEQqprTSoCOWSVdXCZfe2nVpgbfHQCrElOUKK6NIDSZUzhEJXH-Sw/s200/P1000057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065171841529192866" border="0" /></a><span lang="EN-GB">laugh cheerfully at my attempt. A walk home along the dusty roads and I am looking forward to dinner and a shower in the now cooling part of the day. I pass a fullah tribesman selling his stick bread</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17r4LPNK_6L689tOdM0UwKkS4z1pj5VpQMmZx-2TxbvuFG-MjBEYXlJjtr2Ko68J_Uiri-iDt-LnGaQ65J83ClmKC4kIXuNWboDwSNF4TlpApFt3VTCGoZQI8Mtgodp_TEzsR-A/s1600-h/P1000053.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17r4LPNK_6L689tOdM0UwKkS4z1pj5VpQMmZx-2TxbvuFG-MjBEYXlJjtr2Ko68J_Uiri-iDt-LnGaQ65J83ClmKC4kIXuNWboDwSNF4TlpApFt3VTCGoZQI8Mtgodp_TEzsR-A/s200/P1000053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065171845824160178" border="0" /></a><span lang="EN-GB"> and pick up a loaf. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErSEN71snPdY-PL5sPPJYOl4xf1fM6MKOCFDSCMYCaLeSvrukPm6FVMP1MUsiyAsmECx_q-kf46KB-QdIfEcZCanzNuw3e5Z3qiPbP1OYjfp4eauy8AZeRk3fjAcVoO8KTXFnGA/s1600-h/Picture+396.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErSEN71snPdY-PL5sPPJYOl4xf1fM6MKOCFDSCMYCaLeSvrukPm6FVMP1MUsiyAsmECx_q-kf46KB-QdIfEcZCanzNuw3e5Z3qiPbP1OYjfp4eauy8AZeRk3fjAcVoO8KTXFnGA/s200/Picture+396.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065169745585152162" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3fLPxf18ItDBKy_EX2183NH5ta0qfAH_O7K-SpDQlSTEfnyu9tfstArS2D94vlSVBu3E4WKEv2WGSds8NPGtDkAnPBVo8P6Ky_68TpGCGo3KTqSM-jqOUluZ3_rYMq6uZmx6MQ/s1600-h/Picture+393.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3fLPxf18ItDBKy_EX2183NH5ta0qfAH_O7K-SpDQlSTEfnyu9tfstArS2D94vlSVBu3E4WKEv2WGSds8NPGtDkAnPBVo8P6Ky_68TpGCGo3KTqSM-jqOUluZ3_rYMq6uZmx6MQ/s200/Picture+393.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065169749880119474" border="0" /></a><span lang="EN-GB">As the sun sets the call of the muezzin strikes up again </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfXIhLdOx93mtI_7GVFUsjly1UMXWA4c9SB3RTWWB5Oz_bk8SJlbmmTeQXVQyYTyk9Wl_2IrTM-xRf5V8Sy0BVEDoxVtaiAdb-m4yNNxvOFThz9NtfAH9ZkjB3vd53MWab1hdwA/s1600-h/Picture+407.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfXIhLdOx93mtI_7GVFUsjly1UMXWA4c9SB3RTWWB5Oz_bk8SJlbmmTeQXVQyYTyk9Wl_2IrTM-xRf5V8Sy0BVEDoxVtaiAdb-m4yNNxvOFThz9NtfAH9ZkjB3vd53MWab1hdwA/s200/Picture+407.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065169741290184834" border="0" /></a><span lang="EN-GB">and the sky is reddened. I will remember this pleasant feeling for a long while. Dinner takes a while longer on the kerosene stove (as everything does it seems) and allows the anticipation to set in. Afterwards this evening I have to attend the local radio for an interview with the Deputy Mayor to announce the major new program of re-numbering and identifying all the homes. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkbpmqjIsLJo1yXwLsl5IIMGQFs4mjz7iTTkCkfczJtIVULf-i6D7l9YZmAy9ODCL8StKGimQGmaPedyv2m_gYscLpaWyimDjMOOf43zKivAZL80YaChVwG1kgfcaMZa6IU3_bg/s1600-h/Picture+120.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkbpmqjIsLJo1yXwLsl5IIMGQFs4mjz7iTTkCkfczJtIVULf-i6D7l9YZmAy9ODCL8StKGimQGmaPedyv2m_gYscLpaWyimDjMOOf43zKivAZL80YaChVwG1kgfcaMZa6IU3_bg/s200/Picture+120.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065171201579065650" border="0" /></a><span lang="EN-GB">The interview room is extraordinarily stuffy but the 45 minutes goes by quickly and I feel very satisfied that the effort seems to be working. Certainly the deputy mayor seems to think so and I feel happy that my contribution is noted. The ride back home on the back of the bike is in complete darkness and I arrive home to light the candles, have a bucket shower again and turn on the BBC for the 10 o’clock news before retiring under the mosquito net. </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-33700429854316707582007-05-08T15:42:00.000+00:002007-05-08T15:57:31.385+00:00More football<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIM-xc6D0yX7RmVMDcOP-Q0AUpQMVgLyyhgxsZu8TWPshSDM3u4OAp1XKILOgM15sjS_SzLuIaeqU_c5dZujgVatxabC4UlzD0FxcPX7WEM_UjgUgRdfOc1wX_qQu6zvlvf5zKw/s1600-h/P1000476.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIM-xc6D0yX7RmVMDcOP-Q0AUpQMVgLyyhgxsZu8TWPshSDM3u4OAp1XKILOgM15sjS_SzLuIaeqU_c5dZujgVatxabC4UlzD0FxcPX7WEM_UjgUgRdfOc1wX_qQu6zvlvf5zKw/s200/P1000476.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062217401585776866" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xoU0hssjgrTUihB8XHPiQFeVZeJAbZnhjsZUGiMrPYGxV60eK6QsdlYzP0IXwqi5sgFKy-UVvClqom3Iud-7xDa_DpoDW1mK5D7wFkNlPCuoxu81xWZ_2tO_-erQJjc0QnYe9Q/s1600-h/P1000479.JPG"></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">It is amazing what 6 months does to you. Yesterday there was a football match although not the usual “Wusum All Stars” but the Makeni Amputees versus the Makeni Ladies.<span style=""> </span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMIKFehsKo-rwgcFoKGHEjQ6RB0_p-Bw1g4dx7cszssnk_NWZ3gQBeTRyFzZv7wPXxeK-gFXNhVlVEIwjkA27cb_RIv1zDJ9Vgjz3t07dzY3BgEBP_xOuju1JfdWhgQ2M3GW9sQ/s1600-h/P1000464.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 181px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMIKFehsKo-rwgcFoKGHEjQ6RB0_p-Bw1g4dx7cszssnk_NWZ3gQBeTRyFzZv7wPXxeK-gFXNhVlVEIwjkA27cb_RIv1zDJ9Vgjz3t07dzY3BgEBP_xOuju1JfdWhgQ2M3GW9sQ/s320/P1000464.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062216718685976706" border="0" /></a><span style="">I recall my awkward feelings when I first arrived last November and watched the amputees play football from afar. I certainly then didn’t feel comfortable approaching the players for fear of raising in them, and in me, a feeling of sorrow for their misfortune as well as feeling some guilt of voyeurism. <span style=""></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1A1kUbD88knVw_N2oyXULIBdPeLNnbAGj7XTBUavHDOz6qidLaaozzpj5kzn5euNzcMO3HRZVHk1i2C5aoqIWySRVQcdW7EWiJqBJZNM8mwu-iYj1o7rn5uxiE_WGwTEqgB-R9Q/s1600-h/P1000461.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 192px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1A1kUbD88knVw_N2oyXULIBdPeLNnbAGj7XTBUavHDOz6qidLaaozzpj5kzn5euNzcMO3HRZVHk1i2C5aoqIWySRVQcdW7EWiJqBJZNM8mwu-iYj1o7rn5uxiE_WGwTEqgB-R9Q/s320/P1000461.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062216714391009378" border="0" /></a><span style=""><span style=""> </span>The match on Sunday was very different and felt joyous, more like a celebration. I felt much keener to participate and interact personally with the amputees, much more at ease with the terrible trials that these people had been put through.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRa8wYR6xO-I83bzLgOIO0NW9XgKvYy80vcU8xywytJTO3NuPWw-ZO2TMDk49zFCIofW0l6fLQlKsaLVdEsxkR6Nb1gMDpQxXuyJF_-14FuYLWgNiD3lJihi3PzpB5i6qvgVHihQ/s1600-h/P1000463.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRa8wYR6xO-I83bzLgOIO0NW9XgKvYy80vcU8xywytJTO3NuPWw-ZO2TMDk49zFCIofW0l6fLQlKsaLVdEsxkR6Nb1gMDpQxXuyJF_-14FuYLWgNiD3lJihi3PzpB5i6qvgVHihQ/s320/P1000463.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062216718685976690" border="0" /></a><span style=""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">The players both women and men enjoyed the challenge and I think also enjoyed being recognized by the community rather than being considered as outcasts. There must have been about 300 spectators who drifted in after the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chelsea</st1:place></st1:City> vs Arsenal game and who genuinely cheered from the sidelines. I heard yelps of surprise at the skill of the amputees and of the women players.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNxsp28ydWfD2WLa6qH9cAo5PiyRHp3Bzp-wSBbRDrIVwvcmGZV12OuO04BN90uxqroj_B8kFuRUDc2fCPXih8lQJHsl36VVAV7rEG9EuBVung4-kskGC_WaHOxoJ4ieOVF33Fg/s1600-h/P1000467.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNxsp28ydWfD2WLa6qH9cAo5PiyRHp3Bzp-wSBbRDrIVwvcmGZV12OuO04BN90uxqroj_B8kFuRUDc2fCPXih8lQJHsl36VVAV7rEG9EuBVung4-kskGC_WaHOxoJ4ieOVF33Fg/s320/P1000467.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062216722980944018" border="0" /></a><span style=""> It is not to be forgotten that women in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sierra Leone</st1:place></st1:country-region> are not “supposed” to take part in sport and are certainly not in Muslim spheres supposed to play sport with men. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CkzKdU9cMt72eFL0RDGEkSsw0bYgLtbeJIpAaf0gozb_3A_6tJa158GqYKPZK3FhCwLdbvH5zmmU0z7Vn1cBIvXOMeW7wMp4fPKQdxbRL7a8AjN3-yKVPTqLhgh_ALSSXEqF_Q/s1600-h/P1000471.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CkzKdU9cMt72eFL0RDGEkSsw0bYgLtbeJIpAaf0gozb_3A_6tJa158GqYKPZK3FhCwLdbvH5zmmU0z7Vn1cBIvXOMeW7wMp4fPKQdxbRL7a8AjN3-yKVPTqLhgh_ALSSXEqF_Q/s200/P1000471.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062217397290809522" border="0" /></a><span style="">So there was an excellent gender equality message as well. In fact the women I think were very courageous to play such a physical game for fear of further injuring the amputees. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQMOErvQs15YCPIVWHy69SBPy5i2bKSYVbZwcMlPUi-0UY7gsU-qDuIQkHy-WVr6IQ-pwtMdVwBIiJWcKyPONsVBqJcJoPQDFNFjd-AWwttG5eYPb3sW_Bsa7C1u2QSWEGjAtng/s1600-h/P1000472.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQMOErvQs15YCPIVWHy69SBPy5i2bKSYVbZwcMlPUi-0UY7gsU-qDuIQkHy-WVr6IQ-pwtMdVwBIiJWcKyPONsVBqJcJoPQDFNFjd-AWwttG5eYPb3sW_Bsa7C1u2QSWEGjAtng/s200/P1000472.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062217401585776834" border="0" /></a><span style="">Oh the score? Well the men won by a score of 3-1 but it didn’t really matter although it was amazing to see the antics of the amputees as they scored and then in celebration twirled in the air around their crutches. Everyone was happy.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebESt05wejJfAz-DTxCn_Doo4bUcBF_7kwNcjEcT_5HuLWpojwkstz7xIncBa8jJ-Sv0zJQqIV3IDv5WXR2FlWTyzM9S0eza27jj681fzFteLDh3alBQ9mFC5tCJt4I22oYs5CQ/s1600-h/P1000475.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebESt05wejJfAz-DTxCn_Doo4bUcBF_7kwNcjEcT_5HuLWpojwkstz7xIncBa8jJ-Sv0zJQqIV3IDv5WXR2FlWTyzM9S0eza27jj681fzFteLDh3alBQ9mFC5tCJt4I22oYs5CQ/s200/P1000475.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062217401585776850" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">I felt good about approaching the players and thanked them for their courage and the great effort. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWoR2PB6KkH4Sai60fjd0WrH2AcXijf37u2hoScuAr1ASAvxaKD-KKnFmxtVGMzDEl2m6oQ6R6Azba2-nDIvrBlI4oiS_CFkjRd-jEIeXj-sg6dh-NIlPIs6jSY5PQQX1BE73Uw/s1600-h/P1000470.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWoR2PB6KkH4Sai60fjd0WrH2AcXijf37u2hoScuAr1ASAvxaKD-KKnFmxtVGMzDEl2m6oQ6R6Azba2-nDIvrBlI4oiS_CFkjRd-jEIeXj-sg6dh-NIlPIs6jSY5PQQX1BE73Uw/s320/P1000470.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062216722980944034" border="0" /></a><span style="">I was very comfortable chatting with both the amputees and women players. I felt that the women and the men enjoyed, for different reasons, being a positive centre of attraction for a change and in a physical endeavour. They seemed to enjoy also having their photos taken and in some respects felt proud of their achievement.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4U1Hkz3lbkx7LtofBPjg6G78jYvCALr3zNY6akwglt30wHuCi2OTG-W6X0XYW-l5Pr3riUcx5dY-zMoARoPqaWKlg8zQ0w58FoPNKTKLi4qb-pIFpfO9enQjQYXPV3zGvYj7jQ/s1600-h/P1000477.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4U1Hkz3lbkx7LtofBPjg6G78jYvCALr3zNY6akwglt30wHuCi2OTG-W6X0XYW-l5Pr3riUcx5dY-zMoARoPqaWKlg8zQ0w58FoPNKTKLi4qb-pIFpfO9enQjQYXPV3zGvYj7jQ/s200/P1000477.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062217405880744178" border="0" /></a><span style=""> In this picture of Ibrahim he poses with his stump almost defiantly on the top of his crutch. <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">I was also pleasantly surprised to see that the community was happy to accept the disabled amputees with such enthusiasm. I had had a rather shocking experience with the Makeni City Council whose Chief Administrator had admonished me for my keen desire to hire disabled people to collect tax. Mr. Mussah reminded me that I didn’t understand African ways and culture. Without embarrassment he carefully explained that most Africans considered the disabled as having somehow deserved the disability and were to be shunned as troublemakers. Thus the football game for me seemed to deny this cultural norm perhaps as an early but positive trend. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">The game had been arranged by a fellow VSO volunteer Yani Tyskerud. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEAZbSG69i-6Uzl14yZ8ndaXRHgRPxBOFyfcq9SpHNkkeChURLKZ33TVISQlai_wi4wReGwYTKpEwWefYfkjcJ1KHjLg26U66ZS46KCKQDXeY5nrM86xmerEjvryFq8WMYG2Pzg/s1600-h/P1000483.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEAZbSG69i-6Uzl14yZ8ndaXRHgRPxBOFyfcq9SpHNkkeChURLKZ33TVISQlai_wi4wReGwYTKpEwWefYfkjcJ1KHjLg26U66ZS46KCKQDXeY5nrM86xmerEjvryFq8WMYG2Pzg/s200/P1000483.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062217693643553042" border="0" /></a><span style="">Yani works for the National Electoral Commission and she used the game as a forum for young people to learn to participate in the upcoming election. Whilst the match was being played her message was played from a speaker system. I think it achieved at least a realisation in some about their electoral responsibilities.<span style=""> </span>Nonetheless the match was a great way for the community to come together and support these truly courageous players. The more subtle message for the community is perhaps that all people can and should participate not only in sport but in the affairs of the country as well. Well done Yani. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Another football story this evening on the radio rather startled me. Several Sierra Leonean young boys had been found in neighbouring <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Senegal</st1:place></st1:country-region> having been lured by criminals with the promise of being trained as footballers and sent to European countries. Their parents had been persuaded to part with life savings in their desperate desire for a better future for their children. Life is incredible here. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xoU0hssjgrTUihB8XHPiQFeVZeJAbZnhjsZUGiMrPYGxV60eK6QsdlYzP0IXwqi5sgFKy-UVvClqom3Iud-7xDa_DpoDW1mK5D7wFkNlPCuoxu81xWZ_2tO_-erQJjc0QnYe9Q/s1600-h/P1000479.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xoU0hssjgrTUihB8XHPiQFeVZeJAbZnhjsZUGiMrPYGxV60eK6QsdlYzP0IXwqi5sgFKy-UVvClqom3Iud-7xDa_DpoDW1mK5D7wFkNlPCuoxu81xWZ_2tO_-erQJjc0QnYe9Q/s200/P1000479.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062217689348585730" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-77242979246202209442007-05-04T15:42:00.000+00:002007-05-04T16:15:35.909+00:00Another one for the book club<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7RVhV_7vKLhaK3Bo0kpQsxHuaP_B6TCn2xGx93uHb-N5erIQUqdrhR5PXsXMe8VXDLZE9VDwqXeoFwk7_zOn1m-XvD4lZ0Roz_83EXQrD01PGpMeskz0uPLhVMtavZJ5uewtYA/s1600-h/SoldiersofLight._AA240_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7RVhV_7vKLhaK3Bo0kpQsxHuaP_B6TCn2xGx93uHb-N5erIQUqdrhR5PXsXMe8VXDLZE9VDwqXeoFwk7_zOn1m-XvD4lZ0Roz_83EXQrD01PGpMeskz0uPLhVMtavZJ5uewtYA/s400/SoldiersofLight._AA240_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060732558377105474" border="0" /></a><br />I have just finished reading an excellent book about the recent war time period in Sierra Leone - 1991 to 2001. The author interviewed a number of people and tells the story not so much as a history book but as a novel. It helped me to understand something about the reasons for the conflict but importantly how people have rationlised living with the rebel soldiers still in their midst. Very readable. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXA_mgsMaT1gl-I2GfFfJwcSRdHe2Hd3eNY5ngrkmRsXBMqEXaxc8uIXtdaYcfuM1KcdNVlax30SRx3AZHF3qYbJ7mwjw8OqXRrygKWVUloQImCosqNBxskzgdSS3pWH8ouQaMOw/s1600-h/P1000210.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXA_mgsMaT1gl-I2GfFfJwcSRdHe2Hd3eNY5ngrkmRsXBMqEXaxc8uIXtdaYcfuM1KcdNVlax30SRx3AZHF3qYbJ7mwjw8OqXRrygKWVUloQImCosqNBxskzgdSS3pWH8ouQaMOw/s400/P1000210.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060735350105847890" border="0" /></a>Two thumbs up.<br /><br />One of the people whose story is described is the son of an American missionary family. I met Aaron recently while on a trip to Kabala and this brought the book alive for me. His story is harrowing but quite intriguing. He is pictured here with the group of us who travelled to Kabala. Aaron is the tall bearded guy but I havnt figured out who the grey haired guy is.<div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-59503436974697046832007-04-24T12:35:00.000+00:002007-04-24T13:02:34.278+00:00Freetown, Moyamba and Magburaka<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhHI7KMRH7Pbcc8kFafm319HWNYbOmj3Gs-v6GaT4VaPCIkaSW7WvelKVYTTHiyLLK3IGdvZX41W9ujS9t3yaayEru7n7dLk_pssNF8Lbd6gRx6wOixUIA0iz1_qLo7lllfoPiQ/s1600-h/P1000339.JPG"><br /></a> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="">The last couple of weeks have been a bit hectic<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7tebJGhh1JB-cKjIpat5t1fBVi2rQY2M3mhSP7hE9RwHv13qhEVodpcBn0HVAXXMLzqy6lrGcbz6cC4fIDWoCBrH17077ADR6gVAkpr8X0_GErg3-H1JMMJ2TIGKq6OIbLHYOQ/s1600-h/P1000249.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7tebJGhh1JB-cKjIpat5t1fBVi2rQY2M3mhSP7hE9RwHv13qhEVodpcBn0HVAXXMLzqy6lrGcbz6cC4fIDWoCBrH17077ADR6gVAkpr8X0_GErg3-H1JMMJ2TIGKq6OIbLHYOQ/s200/P1000249.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056974659679595282" border="0" /></a><span style=""><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="">Last week I was invited by the Chief Administrator of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Freetown</st1:place></st1:City> to spend a couple of days in their Municipal offices.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIHIUxSfKYgWCRhcwtNBzyVhL2LAaj2rce4xU0EqrJj-R9oouaXl8RMluaaI3CLbrdMtms1Xu8rkbQpjHvH-bC87GoUfwZUrTdwrAfdOBnt3U-tkLqt0AquAgqGbal9jPiLcjAEg/s1600-h/P1000251.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIHIUxSfKYgWCRhcwtNBzyVhL2LAaj2rce4xU0EqrJj-R9oouaXl8RMluaaI3CLbrdMtms1Xu8rkbQpjHvH-bC87GoUfwZUrTdwrAfdOBnt3U-tkLqt0AquAgqGbal9jPiLcjAEg/s200/P1000251.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056974659679595298" border="0" /></a><span style=""> The City had heard of the program I had started in Makeni and the C.A. had a couple of his people visit Makeni the previous week </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96NmfRPgBbGyvVRgJ0xVOx38QYVfzckEedz7nr3PL32HO3r6vr3PL3mgxyzPUNJEJDEfhYE1L_gwEuGjjlROnIjOXh1nXpW0RpTpbXMUse7EgiAs9XXIfvDEbMv2ngoJFGCZluA/s1600-h/P1000158.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96NmfRPgBbGyvVRgJ0xVOx38QYVfzckEedz7nr3PL32HO3r6vr3PL3mgxyzPUNJEJDEfhYE1L_gwEuGjjlROnIjOXh1nXpW0RpTpbXMUse7EgiAs9XXIfvDEbMv2ngoJFGCZluA/s200/P1000158.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056973981074762466" border="0" /></a><span style="">to check out what was going on and to offer me cash of Le400,000 to induce me to visit Freetown. Flattered (it gets you everywhere) I arrived on a hot and humid morning and Mr. Bowenson Phillips, the <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">C.A.</st1:country-region></st1:place> picked me up in his private car to tour the different neighbourhoods. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXkcsk18Lb5XutL0Tym2vOyZUbG5nJlo_Nkr3I1oUTXQ9CDr6qtNvfNEDid59nJ0X01cTMtOV1NO4u13Sm1guHbb6bOgsehkr2UskEPxvYxIG11ya5n5rYx9lvRli9m6Go3UgYw/s1600-h/P1000248.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXkcsk18Lb5XutL0Tym2vOyZUbG5nJlo_Nkr3I1oUTXQ9CDr6qtNvfNEDid59nJ0X01cTMtOV1NO4u13Sm1guHbb6bOgsehkr2UskEPxvYxIG11ya5n5rYx9lvRli9m6Go3UgYw/s200/P1000248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056974655384627970" border="0" /></a><span style="">I was still quite taken aback by the sheer overcrowded squalor. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUm4Onhe6SFub3CPY5gsAYgPwPz-g4oATgIIvdWfPs5KqFduGdi49EDcrpViPBuOv1_Mz6FoIQqyIcKUcAVAhFkvZqElXtyV9XDl69iHPSkfvTIRQmqMbC3JhVXyz1mdSLTpyHxg/s1600-h/P1000292.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUm4Onhe6SFub3CPY5gsAYgPwPz-g4oATgIIvdWfPs5KqFduGdi49EDcrpViPBuOv1_Mz6FoIQqyIcKUcAVAhFkvZqElXtyV9XDl69iHPSkfvTIRQmqMbC3JhVXyz1mdSLTpyHxg/s200/P1000292.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056975407003904866" border="0" /></a><span style="">Even a lot of metal homes built illegally in the river beds and that get flooded in the rainy season. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2u16PKsDLVVLxbbv5PpZ-3xykPsQBr1kEPrxgIxigjmi0VWWd3N8WPKPWj1lkGEgcsFKZKfgd7uJWyGxqsKZsdxPRipvp7s1vNIlYX9tQx4Dqnmwwz7b19QChyphenhyphenH3Vrnjiz30nxA/s1600-h/P1000253.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2u16PKsDLVVLxbbv5PpZ-3xykPsQBr1kEPrxgIxigjmi0VWWd3N8WPKPWj1lkGEgcsFKZKfgd7uJWyGxqsKZsdxPRipvp7s1vNIlYX9tQx4Dqnmwwz7b19QChyphenhyphenH3Vrnjiz30nxA/s200/P1000253.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056974659679595314" border="0" /></a><span style="">The task of tracking all these properties is a vast and a huge undertaking. Nonetheless Mr. Phillips seemed to have the backing to get things done and seemed more</span><span style=""> convinced than Makeni that this was what he wanted done and “…please Mr. Fish can we do it before June” Back in the City offices I pondered the enormity of the problem. No mapping, dreadful existing records, limited transportation and awful traffic jams in any case. They certainly need a new taxation system but this needed a good 9 months from the get go. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNb_NVx84mP85qqun06hZmxbLVkpYQ-SpCD1PNDbT8ZQNzL7HVLTe0w7ZaOuMBa40NLjQQ53K8xF7R-2bRViQiPBA83zCgrQpLXFNjVl2Umg_v5A37MMfugI3Wicnp2rI3CmHSQ/s1600-h/P1000247.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNb_NVx84mP85qqun06hZmxbLVkpYQ-SpCD1PNDbT8ZQNzL7HVLTe0w7ZaOuMBa40NLjQQ53K8xF7R-2bRViQiPBA83zCgrQpLXFNjVl2Umg_v5A37MMfugI3Wicnp2rI3CmHSQ/s200/P1000247.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056973985369729778" border="0" /></a><span style="">Then a political problem saved the day. The Mayor had not been introduced to me personally and since the Mayor had not been actively involved in the idea, his nose was out of joint. </span><span style="">The visit was abruptly cancelled and I would have to return at a later date. This is <st1:place st="on">Africa</st1:place>!!!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=""><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="">The trip was not in vain however since I spent very productive time with a branch of the UN in the design of the computer application that will run the new Makeni system. More than that, the UN building was air conditioned! I also had a challenge to a game of squash from one of the UN mapping people. Unbelievable in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Freetown</st1:place></st1:City> I thought. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXzgFSq17QHAdiXgymQ50oYvQWHJYeeUpeSjTG_HO7Mnw8FnF8cu3wfx9ZZkEvqN2W05-7Xcbu3sZSzv30IpBsjOjO0i2DOwLxo8Ct5nFvYhZ6uau8yEC5VQn9KFKTCCCepHICQ/s1600-h/P1000256.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXzgFSq17QHAdiXgymQ50oYvQWHJYeeUpeSjTG_HO7Mnw8FnF8cu3wfx9ZZkEvqN2W05-7Xcbu3sZSzv30IpBsjOjO0i2DOwLxo8Ct5nFvYhZ6uau8yEC5VQn9KFKTCCCepHICQ/s200/P1000256.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056974663974562626" border="0" /></a><span style="">Close to the beach Bernd took me to the Freetown Golf, Tennis and Squash Club. This was the place to be seen and although the club was in dreadful condition it was obviously expat. central. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFKgiRK3hQvarkeZU1mz8qQRDFdnaMXpSOFrW_hCRNvJHgA0yYIwHUsHtuHkmPxFq0BmqIyzSVsRrhkPwU6Ol5bKquZBge0X1ZMbr8v0HVvE0M7boPQbTG22ckc5t0D9mPdm27Q/s1600-h/P1000262.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFKgiRK3hQvarkeZU1mz8qQRDFdnaMXpSOFrW_hCRNvJHgA0yYIwHUsHtuHkmPxFq0BmqIyzSVsRrhkPwU6Ol5bKquZBge0X1ZMbr8v0HVvE0M7boPQbTG22ckc5t0D9mPdm27Q/s200/P1000262.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056975407003904850" border="0" /></a><span style="">A lot of white faces; the only black faces being those that served. I did not feel comfortable at all but we went ahead with the squash. The day had been very hot and humid and the warm-up was enough to get the perspiration flowing. No air conditioning. We played a good 5 games and struggled into the bar. I have never felt so wiped.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="">I stayed for the weekend and enjoyed more strolling along the beach. Monday I visited a town called Moyamba in the south of the country.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IG_TQo_OeeOAHgN_PM8dKtM7kE9WO5VQ0uMaSotaTIgmgcNHcTQcRdFA_oUWfrzerFXKSZK2jU_u0rfkBtzTCxX1nUp9AfhdzyJnNfFwWF957eDzwd_LDqATfqSrLIPq5leRtA/s1600-h/P1000099.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IG_TQo_OeeOAHgN_PM8dKtM7kE9WO5VQ0uMaSotaTIgmgcNHcTQcRdFA_oUWfrzerFXKSZK2jU_u0rfkBtzTCxX1nUp9AfhdzyJnNfFwWF957eDzwd_LDqATfqSrLIPq5leRtA/s200/P1000099.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056973087721564802" border="0" /></a><span style=""> The Council<span style=""> </span>wanted some advice on revenue</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBwV0TncmMBxAGU682zeoExq6QjbbTn5MiBtJGEiah7MLlDTWJGEjGJRAkYL93FNljJ1aj2_u5_IlyRFCxaGCmK9G_glzTmsLhtO2_tgeWyBBloF7h5B92nuafizjPOOc2DUKGw/s1600-h/P1000121.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBwV0TncmMBxAGU682zeoExq6QjbbTn5MiBtJGEiah7MLlDTWJGEjGJRAkYL93FNljJ1aj2_u5_IlyRFCxaGCmK9G_glzTmsLhtO2_tgeWyBBloF7h5B92nuafizjPOOc2DUKGw/s200/P1000121.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056973976779795122" border="0" /></a><span style=""> generation and had asked VSO to send a volunteer. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGlvj1KeWlmdeIuj2dzcQaETxo2pjMhf19vOKJuOzQK8yEwfDzEKC-9tD03fNgdm2gk8NcTAu5z46dbjhQRdudIx7SNYUvG9HiaZnVnkxH-1Lza6RmQtMjGNLgEM9dThEyk8vzQ/s1600-h/P1000133.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGlvj1KeWlmdeIuj2dzcQaETxo2pjMhf19vOKJuOzQK8yEwfDzEKC-9tD03fNgdm2gk8NcTAu5z46dbjhQRdudIx7SNYUvG9HiaZnVnkxH-1Lza6RmQtMjGNLgEM9dThEyk8vzQ/s200/P1000133.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056973981074762450" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWXA5CDsxdJkRpxXwLu3ajOov4sdi0P8E-v_bcEJi-LWbktNUIxALiK-H6_KZ5FMk8IqSiBNBsMwLwl6nBgrFiZ9GduxZK80RGvj-_aTEQBxehbx2gc5u4f7zpY5wMWmzpj3FPA/s1600-h/P1000112.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWXA5CDsxdJkRpxXwLu3ajOov4sdi0P8E-v_bcEJi-LWbktNUIxALiK-H6_KZ5FMk8IqSiBNBsMwLwl6nBgrFiZ9GduxZK80RGvj-_aTEQBxehbx2gc5u4f7zpY5wMWmzpj3FPA/s200/P1000112.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056973087721564818" border="0" /></a><span style="">I gave them a presentation and also wrote up a placement outline for any unsuspecting surveyor. They also need an accountant to advise on administrative and reporting standards. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2VO7JKinOXJe_w-Y0hNL-inn_IWYyx2SBtE-ofhnUYvoUpdKWhMAI57DjP9JqmlomtSu3G2WSehbNGQ1ibe_t5NtA9cwlU_4ualxnUS0hIgAw6KEVYF1O39WdiLUVQUis-e7HA/s1600-h/P1000096.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2VO7JKinOXJe_w-Y0hNL-inn_IWYyx2SBtE-ofhnUYvoUpdKWhMAI57DjP9JqmlomtSu3G2WSehbNGQ1ibe_t5NtA9cwlU_4ualxnUS0hIgAw6KEVYF1O39WdiLUVQUis-e7HA/s200/P1000096.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056973087721564786" border="0" /></a><span style="">I went in the VSO landcruiser – air conditioned, mmmm. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3b6dDItg2IJoAjG6jz5was8XinMyFwiXojfpziE8FM6vzG0bNRXqXT1LYw9XuHR42jlJiS7xZ8PTdr-73nWOZo-PEqq0kyMkEK9pRM8snSvGbZ-umxd5J5tcSRlos8j9q9xOtFw/s1600-h/P1000122.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3b6dDItg2IJoAjG6jz5was8XinMyFwiXojfpziE8FM6vzG0bNRXqXT1LYw9XuHR42jlJiS7xZ8PTdr-73nWOZo-PEqq0kyMkEK9pRM8snSvGbZ-umxd5J5tcSRlos8j9q9xOtFw/s200/P1000122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056973981074762434" border="0" /></a><span style="">The ride was quite nice and the countryside was typically palm with poyo (palm wine) being the main product.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnK5f-M8mzsLnaA7BJna91CcTqeFWV1D-oZZW0voPFQYqLHQwipp-lEO2gCcWGwz_BGInKf1C2VeE1M4CzRd16amusfhZ-QHnRMOxmWO2X-btfYh5nr3N4PcBI8hPvP1QT-qkVA/s1600-h/P1000115.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnK5f-M8mzsLnaA7BJna91CcTqeFWV1D-oZZW0voPFQYqLHQwipp-lEO2gCcWGwz_BGInKf1C2VeE1M4CzRd16amusfhZ-QHnRMOxmWO2X-btfYh5nr3N4PcBI8hPvP1QT-qkVA/s200/P1000115.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056973092016532130" border="0" /></a><span style=""> </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFF6pvl8TFUy3mO-KbRPlZEFC8FP07EMY_vTSToqELfbuennkBrSjVBhqxZkJVZamJ7PfNyqdNyrf9dyXO7ynC-hkXDA12gQZ6NL6Ufk-p-lw6quqvxItnOE5OAVB4p3Pq9_LIg/s1600-h/P1000094.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFF6pvl8TFUy3mO-KbRPlZEFC8FP07EMY_vTSToqELfbuennkBrSjVBhqxZkJVZamJ7PfNyqdNyrf9dyXO7ynC-hkXDA12gQZ6NL6Ufk-p-lw6quqvxItnOE5OAVB4p3Pq9_LIg/s200/P1000094.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056973083426597474" border="0" /></a><span style="">The taste is bitter but the effect is the same. <span style=""> </span>The town is small and the homes similar to Makeni. A pleasant place I thought. <span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="">This weekend a friend invited a bunch of us to Magburka </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfmO44TYug2na6Y7zM-MgXfRZWEHlEcn68JclZZgcc25wVimmXQfcG6beEQv0ce1_gEK5RHVRtNaY16NCgRiLaoZGKYJ3Fxl4ibDatx8tYlhwXGjOIJfGgQDCua15RnGNN7M8dw/s1600-h/P1000338.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfmO44TYug2na6Y7zM-MgXfRZWEHlEcn68JclZZgcc25wVimmXQfcG6beEQv0ce1_gEK5RHVRtNaY16NCgRiLaoZGKYJ3Fxl4ibDatx8tYlhwXGjOIJfGgQDCua15RnGNN7M8dw/s200/P1000338.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056975411298872210" border="0" /></a><span style="">a small but important town about 15 </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhHI7KMRH7Pbcc8kFafm319HWNYbOmj3Gs-v6GaT4VaPCIkaSW7WvelKVYTTHiyLLK3IGdvZX41W9ujS9t3yaayEru7n7dLk_pssNF8Lbd6gRx6wOixUIA0iz1_qLo7lllfoPiQ/s1600-h/P1000339.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhHI7KMRH7Pbcc8kFafm319HWNYbOmj3Gs-v6GaT4VaPCIkaSW7WvelKVYTTHiyLLK3IGdvZX41W9ujS9t3yaayEru7n7dLk_pssNF8Lbd6gRx6wOixUIA0iz1_qLo7lllfoPiQ/s200/P1000339.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056976021184228258" border="0" /></a><span style="">miles east of Makeni. Jess is a construction engineer, employed by an Irish NGO, “Concern” and he is housed in<span style=""> </span>relative luxury. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTekwpbiaECmkzUbuFC2R7uG_iLlujnvLB9K7hZHMmdT-ftEf1z1kIr73-tXi2LATO5nieBP8cjERzEyb3s58XaRrAggmtAPKsJ-NZySTzcEhstq3wxq1xkDBrmqR4LjgmFb_qZQ/s1600-h/P1000332.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTekwpbiaECmkzUbuFC2R7uG_iLlujnvLB9K7hZHMmdT-ftEf1z1kIr73-tXi2LATO5nieBP8cjERzEyb3s58XaRrAggmtAPKsJ-NZySTzcEhstq3wxq1xkDBrmqR4LjgmFb_qZQ/s200/P1000332.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056975411298872178" border="0" /></a><span style="">The offer of a weekend with a real kitchen, a fridge and power for 7 hours a day etc could not be turned down. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbdo2Ew6ZAeD-7Rf5o6UZMwceLMqd47QJHa-mKwSn3fUM8yGP-BV6-9er46zi1hUYIuojpns3hId7wPaKMqCVnri8Mj_UTE4m1T8ja-7FodoNGoT2jbRWLRy9csrz3-Md177yvg/s1600-h/P1000341.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbdo2Ew6ZAeD-7Rf5o6UZMwceLMqd47QJHa-mKwSn3fUM8yGP-BV6-9er46zi1hUYIuojpns3hId7wPaKMqCVnri8Mj_UTE4m1T8ja-7FodoNGoT2jbRWLRy9csrz3-Md177yvg/s200/P1000341.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056976021184228274" border="0" /></a><span style="">Jess even had a TV with satellite which felt quite surreal. I hadn’t watched TV for 6 months. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCR9YaPxzSZxp2uaINbkjSz-4hL354LSZ4k2v9f2Zg2SrHWQw5lxe7iwiEVz-PDCQ_0RZPur8BS2zUuRJqSreELrZK6t0xIDjsMhBHbGjgRf3Cpnbfpt2RqyEt2SOIZxr3vHGtQ/s1600-h/P1000337.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCR9YaPxzSZxp2uaINbkjSz-4hL354LSZ4k2v9f2Zg2SrHWQw5lxe7iwiEVz-PDCQ_0RZPur8BS2zUuRJqSreELrZK6t0xIDjsMhBHbGjgRf3Cpnbfpt2RqyEt2SOIZxr3vHGtQ/s200/P1000337.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056975411298872194" border="0" /></a><span style="">Jess is coming to the end of his contract and had resigned. I had an interesting discussion with him about my favourite subject – the effectiveness of the NGO. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDZCo6ZxO7s0eM0D8DnbOQTx2yD7tZsSuw03LjSRlEcczAchda_f13JLKYmejJH3PhT-1TTUA33Mbxf9KuFx7yD95Ap8kBRaVLkPh6i2d9aJrOBQ-_n_VXqXHuhTWQ4r7wdEkSA/s1600-h/P1000342.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDZCo6ZxO7s0eM0D8DnbOQTx2yD7tZsSuw03LjSRlEcczAchda_f13JLKYmejJH3PhT-1TTUA33Mbxf9KuFx7yD95Ap8kBRaVLkPh6i2d9aJrOBQ-_n_VXqXHuhTWQ4r7wdEkSA/s200/P1000342.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056976025479195586" border="0" /></a><span style="">His organization has a very attractive operation, building schools in mainly rural towns, training teachers, buying books and encouraging children to attend. Wonderful. In reality the actual delivery of the service was poor, caught up in logistical nightmares, run by a huge bureaucracy of red tape based in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Freetown</st1:place></st1:City>. The effort and the waste, not to speak of the money spent in getting the buildings constructed is enormous and too frustrating for Jess to handle. His description of the need for roofing material was a priceless story where the impending rainy season requiring critical protection for the mud walls took a back seat to other administrative needs.<span style=""> </span>We spend a lovely couple of days there and consumed a lot of food including lots of superb pineapple<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-13495378125759290372007-04-18T18:06:00.000+00:002007-04-18T18:44:39.793+00:00Food in Sierra Leone<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkroERl3QLu4AJj-TxNCiKcXIfYcIk74ybrPgWG___Swn46-_O_Xk8Fw4KNrcVwugDxLJ0ieoNQ1ve-X2DfNZv0ktB21yVDKPOvq6oCvogPsbY0k_fVIkB1WtkBF41dnCXD3lmcQ/s1600-h/P1000276.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkroERl3QLu4AJj-TxNCiKcXIfYcIk74ybrPgWG___Swn46-_O_Xk8Fw4KNrcVwugDxLJ0ieoNQ1ve-X2DfNZv0ktB21yVDKPOvq6oCvogPsbY0k_fVIkB1WtkBF41dnCXD3lmcQ/s200/P1000276.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054836651757187602" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">It’s comforting to know that people out there are thinking of me. A few have commented that there appears to be a diminishing amount of me. Pictured here is taken last weekend in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Freetown</st1:place></st1:city> with the VSO country director, Chals Wontonwe. Well it is true that my trouser belt is a couple of notches further in but I seem to be able to have a balanced diet although without the added Mars Bar calories. The food markets have a very limited selection of “western food” and there is a complete lack of any Loblaws or Sainsburys type supermarkets. Kelloggs and Cadburys type stuff can be bought in the west of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Freetown</st1:place></st1:city> where most of the international NGO’s have their compounds and the foods are quite expensive. Makeni clearly doesn’t make it; the nearest thing being the PZ petrol filling station</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnwDaAZ1Vdckq8oHZCABseOmYdOCsMHc39VYVw0oaW3j96oouSVViqCki-LsWmpmMF8S-ffCPuC9jRnRQVS6XWYlBuorY5bH9V7nJRVM_Va9B3d_-yS-LE8BbZHcRfZeF5DCW8Q/s1600-h/P1000009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnwDaAZ1Vdckq8oHZCABseOmYdOCsMHc39VYVw0oaW3j96oouSVViqCki-LsWmpmMF8S-ffCPuC9jRnRQVS6XWYlBuorY5bH9V7nJRVM_Va9B3d_-yS-LE8BbZHcRfZeF5DCW8Q/s200/P1000009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054831798444142802" border="0" /></a><span style=""> that also has a selection of canned tuna, mayonnaise, pasta for the Italian priests,</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdTuYId_PNYcLms9j0g1voVJ5jk7odIXx0TTuHA4y99xJ1VI9xrZIVRnY3-PmcHi_IcYvJkGQIeJ28xrrFlhdn5iqtRVci6GQm1O4VfvZYTBI0D_Pm8_XMV_4kLCqVfKnUGiQ8g/s1600-h/P1000010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdTuYId_PNYcLms9j0g1voVJ5jk7odIXx0TTuHA4y99xJ1VI9xrZIVRnY3-PmcHi_IcYvJkGQIeJ28xrrFlhdn5iqtRVci6GQm1O4VfvZYTBI0D_Pm8_XMV_4kLCqVfKnUGiQ8g/s200/P1000010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054831802739110114" border="0" /></a><span style=""> laughing cow cheese and occasionally some jam. In the town there is quite a lot of bread made and sold by the Fullah tribesmen from stalls along the road. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8Slj7M43w2q1JWWm-EIn1XLgatcSYIUGk8XBRpPszcBBcEEGXi6CqNy0F_u327IbWrxh-FA96kWft6X-YuIT4leEPv96nrU_ahYcI4h2cbCuBUplQkUfpH7oABUZEXLDUlqEUA/s1600-h/P1000052.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8Slj7M43w2q1JWWm-EIn1XLgatcSYIUGk8XBRpPszcBBcEEGXi6CqNy0F_u327IbWrxh-FA96kWft6X-YuIT4leEPv96nrU_ahYcI4h2cbCuBUplQkUfpH7oABUZEXLDUlqEUA/s200/P1000052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054832966675247442" border="0" /></a><span style="">They know me now and I try to distribute my trade among them. The staple diet among Saloneans here is rice and no matter how much other food is consumed, people will say that they have not eaten unless rice has been on the plate. More about rice later. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLRaE8t-VY0olqEdQaoxIQQC-tkAIsBnvA7iN0RWeR56a38lZhQfphJHdOpvitfk4tzVawVxrCvtpdsid7DscHTtQV3zwDCaA2gsb800o3SjrHeUTszAKl_jTCf0ozDztaVFl6g/s1600-h/P1000057.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLRaE8t-VY0olqEdQaoxIQQC-tkAIsBnvA7iN0RWeR56a38lZhQfphJHdOpvitfk4tzVawVxrCvtpdsid7DscHTtQV3zwDCaA2gsb800o3SjrHeUTszAKl_jTCf0ozDztaVFl6g/s200/P1000057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054832970970214754" border="0" /></a><span style="">Most of the vegetable food is available from stalls in the market and there appears to be a good supply but of very limited variety. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Having adapted now to the local foods my diet has certainly changed and I eat a combination of rice dishes with locally grown vegetables mainly cassava, sweet potato, crin crin including and sometimes solely the leaves. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINSezcFqjaClDvV4aj2Hbg0fi4RgJeqCXbqS6S-s083WY5g7emfAndp4-OlT_F0glFEPCT9Ys-Q9nQ0CDRaX8dwKnl8l6hlvdXCvUKQ8tArjiDmXanloG1W2lL6THdmZ5OUJPRw/s1600-h/P1000060.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINSezcFqjaClDvV4aj2Hbg0fi4RgJeqCXbqS6S-s083WY5g7emfAndp4-OlT_F0glFEPCT9Ys-Q9nQ0CDRaX8dwKnl8l6hlvdXCvUKQ8tArjiDmXanloG1W2lL6THdmZ5OUJPRw/s200/P1000060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054833984582496642" border="0" /></a><span style="">There are no fridges here – no electricity – and the hot climate means that all the food you buy has to be eaten.<span style=""> </span>Groundnuts are locally grown and I have a favourite fellow in the market who will grind the nuts into a paste; much like peanut butter. I favour those dishes that I can cook in ½ hour and over a single kerosene stove ‘cause that’s all I have. So I make cassava leaves mixed with groundnut paste and a good helping of fresh peppers, sweet potatoes etc. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5TfdkCrR3JjARFyP3hCGf1M5bcCi1HeLvG5iSsnOqKLjGsjyRlIYfcXXDY85aTKNKR7VkVqkuzGLwbfEXSR51IK6GftlSp6RaDPww2UHUw1ezLNooReX4QYycReyC4rxne1Lmw/s1600-h/P1000069.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5TfdkCrR3JjARFyP3hCGf1M5bcCi1HeLvG5iSsnOqKLjGsjyRlIYfcXXDY85aTKNKR7VkVqkuzGLwbfEXSR51IK6GftlSp6RaDPww2UHUw1ezLNooReX4QYycReyC4rxne1Lmw/s200/P1000069.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054834925180334562" border="0" /></a><span style="">Also an easy one is Jollof rice, a sort of dahl made with lentils and sweet potatoes. A gourd known as pumkin, tasting quite unlike the Canadian pumpkin is nice with tomato paste. I must admit that my waistline is smaller but I feel more healthy without the western sweets and sugary foods. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">It is a sad day though. Today was the first day that I was not able to buy my regular supply of grapefruit. For 4 months this has been one of my comfort foods and the locally grown fruit has been delicious but the season is over I am told. I have tried some substitutes and an interesting one is the cashew fruit. This is a strange looking fruit that is available for about 200 leones (10c) each and is about the size of a small apple. The juice is very sweet and syrupy and takes getting used to. The kidney shaped cashew nut at one end is roasted and like most people I’ve only ever seen these in a tin at Loblaws. The mangoes are about to ripen on the tree near my house and I’ll see if I can adapt from the sharp sweet tasting grapefruit. Coming into season however is pineapple and I cant wait. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">A new development has occurred over the past couple of weeks where a small stall strangely located at the back of a straw football game showing hut, has a trader that sells fresh European </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxzZIKVoDvQXQ97piViPgqKC-ln4VGplzRQCTuj74ToeXmXv4DloO5ygb9eg5W2TvYm7ptME9PIgbTk2H3CaR_BGpsqylr7kokDwGOSBWuJyrE3fQAEQHBM5eSBhqs3_lHQ3jTg/s1600-h/P1000011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxzZIKVoDvQXQ97piViPgqKC-ln4VGplzRQCTuj74ToeXmXv4DloO5ygb9eg5W2TvYm7ptME9PIgbTk2H3CaR_BGpsqylr7kokDwGOSBWuJyrE3fQAEQHBM5eSBhqs3_lHQ3jTg/s200/P1000011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054838717636457010" border="0" /></a><span style="">vegetables, runner beans, tomatoes, cabbage and even carrots. The farmer himself travels to Makeni from a place called Kabala in the hills about 1.5 hours away where the climate is cooler and where the vegetables can be grown. The farmer is only here on a Monday and Friday mornings. These familiar vegetables are unusual looking African sights that have caught the eye of the various NGO types and the Lebanese. It is amazing that a lowly runner bean and a cabbage can look so appealing. The Kabala farmer is doing a roaring trade among the non-Africans, selling all his produce but to the average Salonean population a single small cabbage for 1000 leones is just too expensive.<span style=""> </span>By contrast a huge sheaf of cassava leaves is about 100 leones.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">The absence of locally grown rice is really intriguing. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysHwAC_NzbhDQ0ctkRE5FnGub7ezNommrSiClOlNchYBHkbRZmuEYeglJNO0G4vJkxfFKnVH-n0MN97cowEjaZkvZagNHpTTB4TSJlDggYE2yvDUdKtaOKPcrQYWWtKp_mp8f9w/s1600-h/P1000037.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysHwAC_NzbhDQ0ctkRE5FnGub7ezNommrSiClOlNchYBHkbRZmuEYeglJNO0G4vJkxfFKnVH-n0MN97cowEjaZkvZagNHpTTB4TSJlDggYE2yvDUdKtaOKPcrQYWWtKp_mp8f9w/s200/P1000037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054832962380280114" border="0" /></a><span style="">The stalls and small shopkeepers sell huge 25 kg bags of rice costing about 70,000 leones that is only bought by better off Saloneans. Most rice is sold by the cup (less than 1/8 kg for 500 Le.) from the ladies in the market </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjiCC8XIX4C3JZ_dw6maLcYxlJRiu63rmH0z_6vi4Lz1Hl-X0-vYwVKNXIqs7Thft6P0nsI222a93v2NQT8Vvx92BB1qFWoJesnjd0P97hC-I8MDYe-k_e64MD-mOAFSOP_-Sbw/s1600-h/P1000059.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjiCC8XIX4C3JZ_dw6maLcYxlJRiu63rmH0z_6vi4Lz1Hl-X0-vYwVKNXIqs7Thft6P0nsI222a93v2NQT8Vvx92BB1qFWoJesnjd0P97hC-I8MDYe-k_e64MD-mOAFSOP_-Sbw/s200/P1000059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054833980287529330" border="0" /></a><span style="">and at almost double the bag price. The poor suffer as usual but I am intrigued that little if any is locally grown despite the accommodating wet climate in the rainy season.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Chatting with the shopkeepers reveals that a whole selection of rice in their stores is from around the world, <st1:country-region st="on">India</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region st="on">Thailand</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region st="on">China</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region st="on">Bangladesh</st1:country-region> as well as from <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Uncle Sam</st1:city>, <st1:country-region st="on">Italy</st1:country-region></st1:place> and other European countries. <span style=""> </span>Even charity bags that explicitly state “not for re-sale” are openly sold.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi686eQT0oT5M3EZqtl75yeUZbkeDOKUbAqAuJ_BEc2VStTDHbm8yJ6xa5g9HeOXyKkoR1w151eold5ODRDqYjTlhMWku-_gyWWyKDsBUEyuuXlULyj489piKb2rE_jIQDQXJlt7A/s1600-h/P1000067.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi686eQT0oT5M3EZqtl75yeUZbkeDOKUbAqAuJ_BEc2VStTDHbm8yJ6xa5g9HeOXyKkoR1w151eold5ODRDqYjTlhMWku-_gyWWyKDsBUEyuuXlULyj489piKb2rE_jIQDQXJlt7A/s200/P1000067.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054834920885367250" border="0" /></a><span style=""> My travels to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Freetown</st1:place></st1:city> and across to Bo and Kenema have revealed large areas of uncultivated land that appear to my untrained eye to be suitable for rice growing. Low lying and swampy land. My intrigue has driven me to talk to the local farmers associations; usually organized through an NGO. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">It appears that the only rice that is farmed is almost solely for subsistence. There is no mechanization at all and the rice fields that I saw all have manual workers. Further chatting with some of the more enlightened farmers reveals that fertilizer is too expensive since it is imported. Cattle are very few in this country. A report from the European NGO Action Faim states <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">- </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style="font-style: italic;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" lang="EN-GB">according to our nutritional assessment, 25 % of the population is not eating enough during more than 6 months of the year. They are the vulnerable households. Their farming system is not performing enough to feed them for more than a few months in the year. The general farming system of the District (the country…) is unable to reach self-sufficiency in terms of rice, the staple food</span></i></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpDIl08neHSHC9S4ndYcJyCP_SmhY6wwnM0SfazRqDA51Bp2JPLo-4lgtdhZyxtK_u0zm5zInEc9uu6L-AbSC4Z3YzNfLZ2zDQPY0AH5yz7u5Nw7YVXu6tMJ-C5Qbk7ZySQFYkg/s1600-h/P1000064.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpDIl08neHSHC9S4ndYcJyCP_SmhY6wwnM0SfazRqDA51Bp2JPLo-4lgtdhZyxtK_u0zm5zInEc9uu6L-AbSC4Z3YzNfLZ2zDQPY0AH5yz7u5Nw7YVXu6tMJ-C5Qbk7ZySQFYkg/s200/P1000064.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054833988877463986" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" lang="EN-GB" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span></span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" lang="EN-GB" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">I came across a book in the Fatima Institute library that told me that rice used to be grown commercially up until the 1980’s. However after that time the huge devaluation of the currency meant that all imported fertilizer and machinery plus parts became enormously expensive.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QKUnitjO8JtrlVYGzedWso0Kt1gkldNzZHCFn8UaNEwH8lTdH5BhVMa43Jsj6UbbfmyHjgGKFxe324W5TMqUsnVifREnUt6fiOErHOB4n3GuRruDvZLpIW4klRTaVnjuoXi5WA/s1600-h/P1000123.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QKUnitjO8JtrlVYGzedWso0Kt1gkldNzZHCFn8UaNEwH8lTdH5BhVMa43Jsj6UbbfmyHjgGKFxe324W5TMqUsnVifREnUt6fiOErHOB4n3GuRruDvZLpIW4klRTaVnjuoXi5WA/s200/P1000123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054834925180334578" border="0" /></a><span style=""> Also the ore and minerals formerly exported suffered because the world prices collapsed. At the same time the World Bank decided to help out by subsidizing imported rice, a policy that appears to be very laudable rather than risking a famine. The 10 year civil war here also did much to destroy any infrastructure and market system and it is understandable that help from outside the country was needed. It is now however 6 years since the war ended.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8PGhLY1kdDYkiPcoQw3qlDAMc1ZpDA7UNcBNPi4qBPgQpyJbhs_kkoNNS7ubnfYa54fNEHUxXEvALh2XAv9XkHSfjVXz1ulQsMeebmh25cbVVYKQ55AGip6cJ8qEfl6YeXX6BA/s1600-h/P1000061.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8PGhLY1kdDYkiPcoQw3qlDAMc1ZpDA7UNcBNPi4qBPgQpyJbhs_kkoNNS7ubnfYa54fNEHUxXEvALh2XAv9XkHSfjVXz1ulQsMeebmh25cbVVYKQ55AGip6cJ8qEfl6YeXX6BA/s200/P1000061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054833984582496658" border="0" /></a><span style=""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">What has happened is that the imported rice has been subsidized to such a degree and for a long term (over 15 years) such that the local commercial farmers have been unable to compete and skills are lost. The alarming result is that there is now only subsistence farming but where rice is a staple diet. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tv47Q7Y4IDlLLz90xq-6NjUZhIv3hGfCnjXpincMeEaWqA1jzj7S642D_8t2E-Ho8I4rG0XEB7gRpw_4tpyseaCMge6tHo6X7ACM_NpZx2GbPDT2jEmyTcO7rJoUcM_Vk18C_w/s1600-h/P1000124.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tv47Q7Y4IDlLLz90xq-6NjUZhIv3hGfCnjXpincMeEaWqA1jzj7S642D_8t2E-Ho8I4rG0XEB7gRpw_4tpyseaCMge6tHo6X7ACM_NpZx2GbPDT2jEmyTcO7rJoUcM_Vk18C_w/s200/P1000124.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054834925180334594" border="0" /></a><span style="">The paradox is that Saloneans almost always eat their staple diet of rice bought by “the west” from the Bangladeshi or Thai farmer and to the detriment of the domicile Salonean farmers. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn61P1-WhT8oF5_NNabp9cByMduwAKglw5Aco4G_LmEtR367JOAJPXOGidFT_kFRl1zsWB07oDix2Qdp3mk7llvqfm0e6aSKwakZKefdaP4p2BRsRy8z4KRy-wpdcMVHf-qxl6pg/s1600-h/P1000012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn61P1-WhT8oF5_NNabp9cByMduwAKglw5Aco4G_LmEtR367JOAJPXOGidFT_kFRl1zsWB07oDix2Qdp3mk7llvqfm0e6aSKwakZKefdaP4p2BRsRy8z4KRy-wpdcMVHf-qxl6pg/s200/P1000012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054831807034077442" border="0" /></a><span style="">There is perhaps more to this ridiculous situation that is somehow hidden and one logically thinks that this must be a mistake. Surely someone has to realize that this can not be made to persist and that Saloneans should be able to feed themselves? </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfbsdU4kN8uEbI_PhZI6A4N_uM-rjttDxiKhks4L4YeH7gREdApjh-oeNZU1BTvDgNNAzUWxZEL9QVp2IrLHL_6vm3wLD0HEBPNpkn3jis1Ghbel2NkPc7pxbEd8-iccbtjNo8g/s1600-h/P1000065.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfbsdU4kN8uEbI_PhZI6A4N_uM-rjttDxiKhks4L4YeH7gREdApjh-oeNZU1BTvDgNNAzUWxZEL9QVp2IrLHL_6vm3wLD0HEBPNpkn3jis1Ghbel2NkPc7pxbEd8-iccbtjNo8g/s200/P1000065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054834920885367234" border="0" /></a><span style="">Why doesnt the World Bank subsidise the local Salonean farmers? Surely if it is good to subsidise the American, French and British farmers to produce butter, and the Bangladeshis to produce rice, why not the lowly Saloneans? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Perhaps when next eating at your favourite restaurant, demand rice from <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Sierra Leone</st1:country-region></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dhYWzPi-IrGjNe1x4T-bjMpHR8DjgjM_tEKJhTu20ScZifSc9GvZHzFd6rg-t56t2xyUNThhXYeN2jCsyFj7qPeTc-ipDFsQSmAn8jUVfIH0FOtMRAq36yqFSq_NUGsCKXHaNQ/s1600-h/P1000033.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dhYWzPi-IrGjNe1x4T-bjMpHR8DjgjM_tEKJhTu20ScZifSc9GvZHzFd6rg-t56t2xyUNThhXYeN2jCsyFj7qPeTc-ipDFsQSmAn8jUVfIH0FOtMRAq36yqFSq_NUGsCKXHaNQ/s200/P1000033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054836656052154914" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwltahcfj406AGihDRjyd2uGYwwB4eku-a-Pk7LAWL1PqiE2h5VSvcFFyWotCHl_pq0gqfVXIQkXu8aToutwQgqYASehbF_cBmXr4nRiN8gJwpnrEuJiSj1R0SV2aQkgvFlgH0A/s1600-h/P1000063.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwltahcfj406AGihDRjyd2uGYwwB4eku-a-Pk7LAWL1PqiE2h5VSvcFFyWotCHl_pq0gqfVXIQkXu8aToutwQgqYASehbF_cBmXr4nRiN8gJwpnrEuJiSj1R0SV2aQkgvFlgH0A/s200/P1000063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054833984582496674" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3B6GDMupg7oEraLIKSaiUNTi96Lo3QOb8G5SviRZBg2dEty0wLyaV6W4ntvO1QpaH019lmozB6jJHo66DHt5ZxCIB3pWOszDwNTY0KG8X-bSuqs2h-xMhicT8RvGq94SGvN8PQ/s1600-h/P1000039.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3B6GDMupg7oEraLIKSaiUNTi96Lo3QOb8G5SviRZBg2dEty0wLyaV6W4ntvO1QpaH019lmozB6jJHo66DHt5ZxCIB3pWOszDwNTY0KG8X-bSuqs2h-xMhicT8RvGq94SGvN8PQ/s200/P1000039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054832962380280098" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtVoPs1FBn2usF3Pp34NCQvhFSIVZb1UH4FOtJdf4lyi9LOUSDBUC9Dfc-QWiaL2XzIjzrbr4RX11XaOUFpW10P07xtMdzrFfPU1PaB7ot_w1hr_WQXkhaUir_0nR0I1dAzvInA/s1600-h/P1000045.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtVoPs1FBn2usF3Pp34NCQvhFSIVZb1UH4FOtJdf4lyi9LOUSDBUC9Dfc-QWiaL2XzIjzrbr4RX11XaOUFpW10P07xtMdzrFfPU1PaB7ot_w1hr_WQXkhaUir_0nR0I1dAzvInA/s200/P1000045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054832966675247426" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2w9Rx2qOdDp8j3ubopt4kijtTUhLyQu-rEHWke4DHMb_8BKgeOc_3_u2iWxCshg3QBSOAPl18cfOJNJy4efjGDh7BcaMgH5x7fyKOA53TaAoNACgbaac0ePRFmN23oCQPalDQw/s1600-h/P1000017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2w9Rx2qOdDp8j3ubopt4kijtTUhLyQu-rEHWke4DHMb_8BKgeOc_3_u2iWxCshg3QBSOAPl18cfOJNJy4efjGDh7BcaMgH5x7fyKOA53TaAoNACgbaac0ePRFmN23oCQPalDQw/s200/P1000017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054831807034077458" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33993237.post-86272684432462205032007-04-11T14:49:00.000+00:002007-04-11T15:33:06.880+00:00Back in business<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OlDZ6PBkVruMdIL62WfiY9brg2twL8LxTirIACU4XCO0pGQbX3TV3m48a-kUzGmd1eu2b0bJ_2ljfCG0qFU5E8sqerk_rE6EeCOe6uVB8zrzceHNlUip36C-Tpzr7osfZiKLUw/s1600-h/P1000147.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OlDZ6PBkVruMdIL62WfiY9brg2twL8LxTirIACU4XCO0pGQbX3TV3m48a-kUzGmd1eu2b0bJ_2ljfCG0qFU5E8sqerk_rE6EeCOe6uVB8zrzceHNlUip36C-Tpzr7osfZiKLUw/s320/P1000147.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052184750377945602" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">I am back in blogging business. Sorry for the absence but my camera was stolen and I was really quite upset. Thanks to John O’Bryan for magically winging a new one to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Freetown</st1:city></st1:place> via a few other places. The photo is me relaxing in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Freetown</st1:place></st1:city> last weekend. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">The past few weeks have been quite eventful mostly at work although a few other projects have progressed quite nicely as well. I don’t think I have worked harder in my life and under such stressful conditions. It seems though that the greater the challenge or impossibility to many, the greater is my satisfaction. A good psychologist is obviously needed, and this doesn’t need any comment from those that know me.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">The recent overriding element here is the incredible heat and intense sunlight. The sun is pretty much overhead now and we havnt had any rain for over 5 months. Sweating in 40C has become a way of life. People bring a small flannel or towel to work and even attend meetings placing their towel easily to hand on the table, ready to wipe. It’s really comical but quite acceptable. Regular shirts are impossible to wear since they become drenched in ½ hour. I wear much more comfortable and free flowing African shirts. I drink about 5 litres of water per day and spend a lot of time boiling and filtering in the evening.<span style=""> </span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNvViiYFJXIdwypbgVUEk8-2wpFsQDpfd1L_MFsbDwhyphenhyphen80SnCUzosXtxBdUWDgQS_Ce3s0i4zrwYk9wGl3X2Ws9APclodkTN9-9IrsaIYg_FeUZVfGICIDnn6Rs1iM_OxsTmMQQ/s1600-h/P1000033.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNvViiYFJXIdwypbgVUEk8-2wpFsQDpfd1L_MFsbDwhyphenhyphen80SnCUzosXtxBdUWDgQS_Ce3s0i4zrwYk9wGl3X2Ws9APclodkTN9-9IrsaIYg_FeUZVfGICIDnn6Rs1iM_OxsTmMQQ/s320/P1000033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052184801917553186" border="0" /></a><span style="">The dry season here is harsh and brings additional problems of disease. Finding water is quite difficult now; wells are running dry and people will use poorer quality water that is likely to carry disease. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLbe0SSvyk4EF94C2ug5PUGrhd-5JwwRDBxkJW5a692ROvLr-6N62O367_IJGu3pVvumlBOOuEJ02bpcjBY-LBJvyVpd34E3xtBhjZyco_jrU6X9WDjWd7tQOK2sEhE9huWIxwQ/s1600-h/P1000006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLbe0SSvyk4EF94C2ug5PUGrhd-5JwwRDBxkJW5a692ROvLr-6N62O367_IJGu3pVvumlBOOuEJ02bpcjBY-LBJvyVpd34E3xtBhjZyco_jrU6X9WDjWd7tQOK2sEhE9huWIxwQ/s320/P1000006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052184754672912914" border="0" /></a><span style="">Only a few can afford the filter I use in addition to the fuel or wood needed to boil the water. All of this dryness is surprising since I have read that <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Freetown</st1:place></st1:city> is the wettest capital city in the world with over 3500mm per annum. The wet season starting in May must be incredible.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmXMDFV7MNfw7Z71e7yB9j9wUIcrlrqrAeZBR5v-FIvuxaEeyWOMeLDfeC9QjtCDdN9JeL0f5vGFhzcNz8tcLSMzb4JkHFFzrJ_H8w1a3MT3EZkE4uH0cDEH2HVxVuD7gKK2HPg/s1600-h/P1000054.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmXMDFV7MNfw7Z71e7yB9j9wUIcrlrqrAeZBR5v-FIvuxaEeyWOMeLDfeC9QjtCDdN9JeL0f5vGFhzcNz8tcLSMzb4JkHFFzrJ_H8w1a3MT3EZkE4uH0cDEH2HVxVuD7gKK2HPg/s320/P1000054.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052184801917553202" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">My task at work has been to mobilize revenue for the City Council at Makeni and the people seem pretty pleased with the results so far.</span><span style=""> Someone (I think Suzanne) asked me why it is a good idea to tax poor people and as a corollary how does this alleviate poverty. Good questions. Simple answers though. Services such as health, education, sanitation are expected to be provided by local municipalities. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AI0GoJskip4M6O3BxOQjdHo7iFsxy02iYETQ7Hv6wQ9y5V__8wSiNd5d7LFOAP5sqVzXqvA3dr7H9-zRRGjmOmSOXtEkkzR4Z2PaQrbL7UOG461jz5nl7Ys5iJr9_IeMarBQ5g/s1600-h/P1000157.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AI0GoJskip4M6O3BxOQjdHo7iFsxy02iYETQ7Hv6wQ9y5V__8wSiNd5d7LFOAP5sqVzXqvA3dr7H9-zRRGjmOmSOXtEkkzR4Z2PaQrbL7UOG461jz5nl7Ys5iJr9_IeMarBQ5g/s320/P1000157.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052187417552636610" border="0" /></a><span style="">At the moment much of the effort comes from the NGO community with questionable results and they will gradually pull back. An effort however small by the community to raise revenue locally will be recognized by donors at IMF / World Bank and instead of funding NGOs they will be more inclined to assist and fund Government effort directly.<span style=""> </span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBtqqb9Sj1Wb6riV5Etz_GdGlwpsHXH4ha0iMGSBSXZro6xliZmOo3opM_ASu78C39aqW296oaEfysQn45ZPj3niEHR9qYtTbKWc-eogvm1xrFVBvv6vKvJV79SLPvJO4mDU8Kg/s1600-h/P1000167.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBtqqb9Sj1Wb6riV5Etz_GdGlwpsHXH4ha0iMGSBSXZro6xliZmOo3opM_ASu78C39aqW296oaEfysQn45ZPj3niEHR9qYtTbKWc-eogvm1xrFVBvv6vKvJV79SLPvJO4mDU8Kg/s320/P1000167.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052187417552636626" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMfIQuYFeaI_9TrmC-n0i2X76Aik3Dzf4W-VAWURSQY9E7FyGU65Jl3On5sFUZnjafxpBMQ9RCx_rEuT-dmgDf14eaAG4TidzS2S8VBfJXcQU_A6mMqXx2tT0-mtaFXzzR8MCUA/s1600-h/P1000151.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMfIQuYFeaI_9TrmC-n0i2X76Aik3Dzf4W-VAWURSQY9E7FyGU65Jl3On5sFUZnjafxpBMQ9RCx_rEuT-dmgDf14eaAG4TidzS2S8VBfJXcQU_A6mMqXx2tT0-mtaFXzzR8MCUA/s320/P1000151.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052186257911466642" border="0" /></a><span style="">Thus I have been working at installing a simple but progressive taxation system. I’ll explain the professional side in a more detailed blog later but thus far we have raised about 150 Million Leones locally this year or about $60,000 compared to about $5,200 in the whole of 2006. People here are pretty pleased and so am I.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7wqsR4GgyUm3CehBheK_AU-5PBk6z25FIUupoUg18EsXOm4ahfsMUL_PTARPB-SpRdOnSsji1278JI6_IXrPV05qwovIjnt2wvbfUfDjZJFMK9HggU9lbSxdQbiBBE8wS263WQ/s1600-h/P1000156.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7wqsR4GgyUm3CehBheK_AU-5PBk6z25FIUupoUg18EsXOm4ahfsMUL_PTARPB-SpRdOnSsji1278JI6_IXrPV05qwovIjnt2wvbfUfDjZJFMK9HggU9lbSxdQbiBBE8wS263WQ/s320/P1000156.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052187417552636594" border="0" /></a><span style=""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">These taxes are tiny amounts of dollars but in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sierra Leone</st1:place></st1:country-region> the money stretches a long way. People survive here on literally $1 per day per family. I know since I pay some of them. My chief valuation officer with 30 years experience earns just $208 per month and this is considered a valuable job to which many aspire. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixj8sSh_-ghK0A2g_hvFvrOQSNoB_yNOK4_q8iiRHeh_Me346ZKQnPr5kXbdY8h-N7yTR7v6VOvBBJvdD1GrQtxEkSk3FachXAmUE3CZT0F7qFoOhm177670qt7oSvXX9zJRgyZg/s1600-h/P1000246.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixj8sSh_-ghK0A2g_hvFvrOQSNoB_yNOK4_q8iiRHeh_Me346ZKQnPr5kXbdY8h-N7yTR7v6VOvBBJvdD1GrQtxEkSk3FachXAmUE3CZT0F7qFoOhm177670qt7oSvXX9zJRgyZg/s320/P1000246.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052189582216153970" border="0" /></a><span style="">I am training a computer literate fellow, Adikali to become a valuation officer and he has 4 years of work experience with <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Makeni</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:placetype></st1:place> earning now $60 per month. It is just incredible. Many, and I would say more than 50%, are out of work.<span style=""> </span>Nonetheless somehow people do survive. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKW3E6YtJJQ97b4bTblX_d8W4YEeWBUKfoZj4jZaagiq21yeUUJU_SGM1n74RZ_urAZKhxNuhOdLWi-DHm6hvyr35KRLaZFsE7qGbnz27lQ84fHXQzMqfjfJLOGmrMgBKvA3p6Q/s1600-h/P1000153.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKW3E6YtJJQ97b4bTblX_d8W4YEeWBUKfoZj4jZaagiq21yeUUJU_SGM1n74RZ_urAZKhxNuhOdLWi-DHm6hvyr35KRLaZFsE7qGbnz27lQ84fHXQzMqfjfJLOGmrMgBKvA3p6Q/s320/P1000153.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052187413257669282" border="0" /></a><span style="">The survival spirit is incredibly strong and brings a good supportive community and family spirit that seems to be much more attractive to me compared to the rather more individualistic and meanness of the western world today. Social problems here are many but there is a genuine desire and effort to help others that I find very attractive. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Among other projects that I have been able to get involved with, I have pushed ahead with the local library. There wasn’t one when I arrived and with the literacy rate at only 26% this seemed like an obvious advantage. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICQe2i3B29j6P3y5kb8fgSeVKAmk7EgHCTYW-au8yvEvF7g6VWfmZErcfdbZ2bePvJj5Fv-PY68faDEy_EkajfOU65K3YX_CcvKHQ8c3ONifTU7PBUP-KM3ZnqYh4mlEQnJAjNg/s1600-h/P1000089.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICQe2i3B29j6P3y5kb8fgSeVKAmk7EgHCTYW-au8yvEvF7g6VWfmZErcfdbZ2bePvJj5Fv-PY68faDEy_EkajfOU65K3YX_CcvKHQ8c3ONifTU7PBUP-KM3ZnqYh4mlEQnJAjNg/s320/P1000089.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052186249321531986" border="0" /></a><span style="">The EU (European Union) had recognized this and funded the building which was completed about 12 months ago. However the budget and planning did not include furnishing nor books, an incredibly ridiculous situation. The remaining work was the responsibility of the Makeni Council and without money, an impossibility.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5DHQXSJWp3bzhMNar2y21Ndjm3VA-kjRp0U6onjB4oLobX9z-mB4i1pVB7eqoz6Ss7EfoJc9hcys_eZhRe-oGgrqxYcPZIiS0nDL26JfPW_xx13ryAsr4eM04dYYvYAenqeyFg/s1600-h/P1000092.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5DHQXSJWp3bzhMNar2y21Ndjm3VA-kjRp0U6onjB4oLobX9z-mB4i1pVB7eqoz6Ss7EfoJc9hcys_eZhRe-oGgrqxYcPZIiS0nDL26JfPW_xx13ryAsr4eM04dYYvYAenqeyFg/s320/P1000092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052186249321532002" border="0" /></a><span style=""> My discussions with the EU representative here Paul Giordani ended with his statement “I am very sorry”. Some Canadian funding paid for the shelving, tables and chairs etc all made locally and for about $2,000. This was delivered last week along with some books from the Sierra Leone Library Board via CARE a large NGO. The Board is delighted with the results and they have sent a librarian. Hopefully the opening will be soon. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBhazmQ6T7cYk2mgl7jbkVWJUmg0ZqOUtraVJz8t_GND6LRwvAeDKMqW362CQHpgT_283YS8oiP6vYokwZO97Nh3dm_7UewfBLD8qihIPpYtEEuZ5bAcnwvNblnHFv_UpIbCr6Q/s1600-h/P1000088.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBhazmQ6T7cYk2mgl7jbkVWJUmg0ZqOUtraVJz8t_GND6LRwvAeDKMqW362CQHpgT_283YS8oiP6vYokwZO97Nh3dm_7UewfBLD8qihIPpYtEEuZ5bAcnwvNblnHFv_UpIbCr6Q/s320/P1000088.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052184806212520514" border="0" /></a><span style="">I have announced all of this on the radio (my weekly community radio slot – Paul Kaloop) and people are anxious for the opening. Another NGO Action contre la Faim will donate computers. The central government have allocated an operating budget. I am pretty pleased so far although we still need more books.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">I have spent a quite a bit of time in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Freetown</st1:place></st1:city> meeting various people to assist with resources for the revenue projects in Makeni. I am off again today for two days with the City of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Freetown</st1:place></st1:city> who want to install a similar system. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7lMg2WGL7PtKZ7zhbiRZfgMXij_oI3fa7jxsYzJgqa6gpVM6m2-WFJhpgjwxJnYXxzOeiS-jz83pC8hiWugM9O954OEenSbP8LEAhZgamZti37Jr2hV6aNaRbf3AQj-_By46Rw/s1600-h/P1000137.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7lMg2WGL7PtKZ7zhbiRZfgMXij_oI3fa7jxsYzJgqa6gpVM6m2-WFJhpgjwxJnYXxzOeiS-jz83pC8hiWugM9O954OEenSbP8LEAhZgamZti37Jr2hV6aNaRbf3AQj-_By46Rw/s320/P1000137.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052186253616499314" border="0" /></a><span style="">There is a good social scene there along with a nice beach nearby. Also some restaurants where I can get more than hummus and chips that appears to be the only menu item available in Makeni.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32zKbKoFdjVXZZnBs87AoE59C8XKG-VxwYGeD9Z7UJQM8xT9TyQybIy3cGXL3WyxZFCEpJSm8T2SSjbGp44KO-wIzttxc_KOYXpzDvs0K3d97ytiJ4L-Yo553bJ6chAqk_0tLkQ/s1600-h/P1000148.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32zKbKoFdjVXZZnBs87AoE59C8XKG-VxwYGeD9Z7UJQM8xT9TyQybIy3cGXL3WyxZFCEpJSm8T2SSjbGp44KO-wIzttxc_KOYXpzDvs0K3d97ytiJ4L-Yo553bJ6chAqk_0tLkQ/s320/P1000148.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052186253616499330" border="0" /></a><span style=""> There is a sizeable community of Philippinos and they love to Karaoke even encouraging me to make a fool of myself (under some alcoholic influence) singing Roy Orbisons “Pretty Woman”. Quite a laugh.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKuNLwzE3Z3rRVjKd4G0hWTFluPVoIXN-em4k_jBxfoaWEOzkvDXIISrklYlcmZQd_fNibeL-XRGO259FuBynSnAGsI6LIzpPD6NJ3MgI1UUpZZa1Fm_I6L2R7n2Cq81_K0N4UA/s1600-h/P1000241.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKuNLwzE3Z3rRVjKd4G0hWTFluPVoIXN-em4k_jBxfoaWEOzkvDXIISrklYlcmZQd_fNibeL-XRGO259FuBynSnAGsI6LIzpPD6NJ3MgI1UUpZZa1Fm_I6L2R7n2Cq81_K0N4UA/s320/P1000241.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052189577921186658" border="0" /></a><span style="">Over the Easter weekend a few of the VSO volunteers went traveling up to the north of the country near the Guinean border, to a town called Kabala. A small sleepy town nestled in a </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZmQiOkUrVMvXtWdvZDVuEps83D9hp5waJZFYEPzFhIfUZLQrX66bwaMUIkVynHnHHN_S9UMIe1TX1Z-BIYiUWVicI1NeTzcSgDYpH3PIrmBp-HJ87NcRmuY3PEv3vDs2sDPqVw/s1600-h/P1000217.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZmQiOkUrVMvXtWdvZDVuEps83D9hp5waJZFYEPzFhIfUZLQrX66bwaMUIkVynHnHHN_S9UMIe1TX1Z-BIYiUWVicI1NeTzcSgDYpH3PIrmBp-HJ87NcRmuY3PEv3vDs2sDPqVw/s320/P1000217.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052189573626219330" border="0" /></a><span style="">valley with some lovely hills and with a 2,500 ft high elevation that makes the temperature appreciably cooler. Local fruits and vegetables are plentiful here as there is more moisture around and less heat.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10TjsQ7rFUOqvbz9UFQmC8M7VPiUOOMPNJ-yf9_rsYUz9EXaGhEPELU2-eFbdVUIGjulx8arwLgUTPP_9h2M7kDR5Wxk1JiEXXcYUN9oQJwDX-E1-4EOo5u2QErBfA4O8u0D3Lw/s1600-h/P1000206.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10TjsQ7rFUOqvbz9UFQmC8M7VPiUOOMPNJ-yf9_rsYUz9EXaGhEPELU2-eFbdVUIGjulx8arwLgUTPP_9h2M7kDR5Wxk1JiEXXcYUN9oQJwDX-E1-4EOo5u2QErBfA4O8u0D3Lw/s320/P1000206.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052188547129035538" border="0" /></a><span style=""> A huge crop of mangoes, avocados as well as garden farmed cabbages, lettuce and carrots. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_1B3IcXaiDjorggNGRcPw8GBFMqSN4NrCLXbQJ_HQHa1WhUwnLsGUAksRBbt9uAXn7ZBzoE6Gypm1A8uGX5ISow3h425BqkMQF0pUcGJl2wLLFWGTgYTYnQx34Ffdh1vilE3Pw/s1600-h/P1000190.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_1B3IcXaiDjorggNGRcPw8GBFMqSN4NrCLXbQJ_HQHa1WhUwnLsGUAksRBbt9uAXn7ZBzoE6Gypm1A8uGX5ISow3h425BqkMQF0pUcGJl2wLLFWGTgYTYnQx34Ffdh1vilE3Pw/s320/P1000190.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052188542834068210" border="0" /></a><span style="">We stayed at the ½ star guest house in town and gladly paid the $8 per night for a room with running water and a generator for a few hours. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytVImuLikYMDxyMTrHHq88Tx8n2T5XSwXa8t2u4EeWE47FU6LcudQmzIeyJtn-johqTzUPDDJ8DniShMoMdtxM3pNen8CD6CerDDESdYrHdQUJQJgB26jNtJ3txgXPu8-gabQNw/s1600-h/P1000199.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytVImuLikYMDxyMTrHHq88Tx8n2T5XSwXa8t2u4EeWE47FU6LcudQmzIeyJtn-johqTzUPDDJ8DniShMoMdtxM3pNen8CD6CerDDESdYrHdQUJQJgB26jNtJ3txgXPu8-gabQNw/s320/P1000199.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052188547129035522" border="0" /></a><span style="">The town had suffered significant damage during the war and not much had been repaired. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1YdNFqSYLYveqlbW04FDFkSU6RHfPc99yhgSczQ59SvrBadg80k7ShJrIjuZTGDnuagEDjSelCkFvvS9vP1m0Wlzj9N7NFTkeFKbOQ5zAMIYbW3aB6WVqqCxDV00U2XeAIVdFw/s1600-h/P1000217.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1YdNFqSYLYveqlbW04FDFkSU6RHfPc99yhgSczQ59SvrBadg80k7ShJrIjuZTGDnuagEDjSelCkFvvS9vP1m0Wlzj9N7NFTkeFKbOQ5zAMIYbW3aB6WVqqCxDV00U2XeAIVdFw/s320/P1000217.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052188551424002866" border="0" /></a><span style="">However the people are very friendly; different tribes of mainly Fullah but </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQn8X65Yq6ct7UyFCAGqI3VpkpEB4UD7huQjEYNFJ_K8vbCKM8imgP1cbaGIe1YZn4uR316bzJQE1Y1untEiXw79HpjjwWcvu_T8keZ5rjGcSTpXnRFQZZs4bQvR3eae4KX478PA/s1600-h/P1000227.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQn8X65Yq6ct7UyFCAGqI3VpkpEB4UD7huQjEYNFJ_K8vbCKM8imgP1cbaGIe1YZn4uR316bzJQE1Y1untEiXw79HpjjwWcvu_T8keZ5rjGcSTpXnRFQZZs4bQvR3eae4KX478PA/s320/P1000227.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052189577921186642" border="0" /></a><span style="">Kuranko, and SuSu. We even met an American PHD student studying rare buffalo in the nearby Loma Mountains – don’t ask why<span style=""> </span>- and he served us a real cup of coffee – Starbucks no less. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nFakCurU7wWsY1vEfXvBM3NaG3o11-LzBiKPcpYbf_cLIRqYW-N1GrMttfydVMC5mGav_XtZhyphenhyphenxKvRZ2kix2eIGt9rkAVmyEpwyc8l83toQIFAYN5h6cT7tA5WDHe4iYdcRGPA/s1600-h/P1000210.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nFakCurU7wWsY1vEfXvBM3NaG3o11-LzBiKPcpYbf_cLIRqYW-N1GrMttfydVMC5mGav_XtZhyphenhyphenxKvRZ2kix2eIGt9rkAVmyEpwyc8l83toQIFAYN5h6cT7tA5WDHe4iYdcRGPA/s320/P1000210.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052188551424002850" border="0" /></a><span style="">It was interesting to chat and relax. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0czXApo6v5PZXc1bwjTANjdgDvL2rINkR6g7vAZ3xS3rGdrXhUHt9xa-XzruUvZj_c8SUlvNuEzj4nlqhYjmUPB9bun1wEoX1v5aPRifuZK-Z5kV_ZeO2bnPUnuevnN4i9uS8Q/s1600-h/P1000179.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0czXApo6v5PZXc1bwjTANjdgDvL2rINkR6g7vAZ3xS3rGdrXhUHt9xa-XzruUvZj_c8SUlvNuEzj4nlqhYjmUPB9bun1wEoX1v5aPRifuZK-Z5kV_ZeO2bnPUnuevnN4i9uS8Q/s320/P1000179.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052187421847603938" border="0" /></a><span style="">Off to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Freetown</st1:place></st1:city> now. The taxi or poda poda trips seem almost routine now. One of the German fellows at UNDP has challenged me to a game of squash tomorrow. I’ll write a blog. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">See VSO link</div>Fishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111002507063948359noreply@blogger.com2