Pearl has now registered
an NGO in Sierra Leone to assist the Polio Orphanage
in Grafton outside of Freetown. Thanks to Pearl's sister, we
will be hosting a fundraiser June 17th in London with all proceeds
going towards the children of the Grafton Polio Orphanage. Visit:www.iffdo.com (coming soon)
Our dear friend Alita has begun a
sponsorship program to help underprivileged young women in Tamale
get an education. Visit: www.yaroghana.com
RECENT TRAVEL LOGS
Kumasi, Ghana - May, 2007
Leaving Sierra Leone is like buying a can of cheap salted
mixed nuts at the supermarket: while you know you want them,
you also know that by buying them you're probably only getting
70% filler nuts (namely peanuts) and you'll probably have
to buy more if you keep eating them, so in the end you're
thinking, 'maybe the best way to go is to buy no nuts at all?'
Freetown, Sierra Leone - March, 2007
Well Jesus and Allah have never gotten along so well as in
Sierra Leone- you’d think they were best of friends.
They live side by side, pray together and for each other in
a deep hushed respect for each other and for the hope that
keeps them alive. But this is a land where old ways cling
strongly, where traditions, superstitions, and ghastly sacrifices
still prey on the children and where demons roam wild. In
a post-war country, terror still reigns supreme and stalks
the streets...
Freetown, Sierra Leone - March, 2007
WITH SIERRA LEONE IN THIS WORLD, how could anyone say they’re
bored? Shortly after I left off on my last update, I was still
overcoming the shock of arrival & adapting to the constant
reminders of the crippling poverty, the devastating lack of
employment & the aid-driven economy that permeates the
smog-ridden air of sweltering Freetown...
Freetown, Sierra Leone - Feb, 2007
Sorry it has taken so long to put together an email but we
have been kept busy 24-7 out here, we are in hot demand let
me tell you...
Freetown, Sierra Leone - Feb, 2007
Freetown capital of Sierra Leone is the type of urban chaos
that drops a little charm & intrigue into a large pot
of over-population, inadequate basic necessities, hustlin’
& extreme poverty...
More videos forthcoming (when internet connection
is better!)
February
9-14, 2007 - African Amputee Football Cup -
One of the most incredible events we've ever witnessed.
These are truly amazing athletes that play with more
heart than anyone. The event was sponsored through FIFA
and various organizations. From the opening march in
the first clip on the left through the Sierra Leone
team dancer to the opening goal, the opening night was
a thrill. Vice-President Berewa was againat
the opening celebration to tally up those photo-ops.
In the end, Sierra Leone slammed Ghana 3-0. Update:
Sierra Leone's 2 teams unfortunately were eliminated
in the final rounds, Ghana was crowned champion, however,
one team from SALONE will be participating in the World
Cup in Turkey, Sept./October 2007.
February 7, 2007- Here are some clips from our trip to Makeni February
7th. Starting from the left you have a lesson being taught
at the St. Joseph's Sisters school for the hearing impaired.
In the second clip the teacher is showing the vibration
of the vowel by placing her hand to his throat. The third
clip is a song the children from the Panlap school for
the blind sang to welcome us. Finally, we have Didi Moss,
spokesperson for Vision for the Blind Sierra Leone translating
a community sensitization event to us. He highlights the
importance of helping blind children get a suitable education
to avoid the hardships of life that many uneducated blind
people face. 1/3 of Sierra Leoneans are illiterate.
February 4,
2007 - These clips were taken at the Inauguration
Ceremony for homes built outside of Bo District for the
families of War Amputees. The Vice President & current
SLPP candidate for Presidency (middle of table in green)
Solomon Berewa was in attendance. Speaking was the Chairman
of the Sierra Leone Amputees Association (Jusu Jaka).
Friends of Norway funded the programme which has built
420 homes. Recent estimates, suggest that nearly half
of all war amputees have received housing. An incredible
dance performance followed the ceremony.
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2007 Track our Travels. All Rights Reserved.
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Fresh Design - Last updated June 3, 2007
