HANGING OUT IN KABALA AT LAMTEC II

SIERRA LEONE, AFRICA

It was wonderful to hang out in Kabala with Mohamed, my African Grandson, for almost 2 weeks!!!  A brief visit to a village for a bonfire (last blog posted), the rest in Kabala.  I also had several visits from the District Staff: Zainab, Jalloh, Issa and Ibrahim.  They are SUPER busy now so I was honored they found the time to visit.

Some of you may be wondering why I do not accompany them on their daily rounds.  It is because they travel on a motorbike and there is no room for me.  And even if there were, Fambul Tok says I am not allowed to go on the bike for safety reasons and road conditions.

This blog will be mostly pictures about life in the Guest House compound.  Mohamed and his crew took very, very good care of me.  I am so blessed to be cared for by such warm and loving people.

Yep, they wear their pants low here too. Cute undies.

Hand Truck African Style

Mohamed Ironing with heat from charcoal in the iron

The iron. Lift up the top put in the charcoal - iron

First Wash using scrubbing board and brush

Eating Breakfast. Rice is a must as part of the meal

The Bar at Lamtec II

My bedroom

My "bathroom" Bucket baths and pouring water in tank to flush

Living Room of Guest House

Hat is to keep off dust as he goes on the bike

Mohamed (right) and Best Bud off to school

BONFIRE & HEALING CEREMONY

KOINADUGU, SIERRA LEONE

It was decided I should stay in Kabala, Koinadugu until the bonfire to take place on March 23 & 24 in Sulima Chiefdom, Gberia Section, Gberia Village.  This village is almost to the border of Guinea.  It is so close that the villagers go into Guinea for some supplies, use Guinean money and have their cell service from Guinea as well.

I had time to kill between the time I arrived in Kabala and the date for the Bonfire.  My experiences during that time will be recounted in my next blog.

Desmond, one of the four drivers for Fambul Tok, arrived on the morning of 23 March to take me to the village.  We didn’t need to leave until about 4:30PM to make the 2 to 3 hour journey to the village.  It is only 46 miles away, but the roads............  Again, it is important I arrive after dark and as the event is starting.  Ibrahim, one of the district staff members, rode with us.

Before leaving Kabala, I buy roasted goat and Irish Potatoes (potato salad) to take with us as we will be

The BEST roasted goat.

stopping in the village just before we reach our destination.   We will eat there while waiting for time to enter the Bonfire village.  At least that was the plan.  The car had another idea.

Just before reached the “staging” village we heard SNAP, ting, ting, ting.  Fan belt snapped in half.  We decided not to stop and so limped into the bonfire village with the engine light in the red and steam billowing out of the car.  It was a blessing we were so close to our destination and could make it there.  We were in a communication dead zone away from any village and with no way to contact anyone.

This bonfire was very interesting.  Over 33 people got up to testify or confess and included both victims and perpetrators.  This district staff did a fabulous job of sensitization and introductions putting all at ease.

One of the more interesting stories from a perpetrator came from a woman.  It is unusual for a woman to confess to being a perpetrator.  She was captured by the rebels and told to take them to a village where there were people and animals.  At first she refused and was rewarded with a bayonet through her foot as a way to gain cooperation.  Then she was tied up and led like an animal.  In fear for her life, she agreed to take them to the closest village.  The villagers of said village were in attendance at this bonfire.  After she told her story, the Reconciliation Committee members asked the villagers to step forward and then asked if they can forgive the woman.  Forgiveness was given.

Stories of rape, murder, and amputations were told.  Most of the victims did not know the perpetrators nor were they in attendance.  In each case the Reconciliation Committee asked the victims if they can forgive even if they do not know who.  All said yes.

After about every 10 to 15 testimonies/confessions a break was given and dancing took place.  This is a way to relax the people.  You can imagine how hard it was for

Drummers For Dancing

some to get up and tell their story and for others to hear.

It was about 3AM before all was finished.  All the people decided to go to sleep in preparation for the Healing Ceremony to take place after morning prayers; about 7AM!!!  This time my accommodation was in the guest room of the Section Chief’s house.  It was located off the veranda with it’s own door.  Quite comfortable.  I always bring my “field” kit; silk sleep sack, small microfiber towel, small amount of toilet paper, and toiletries.  The better toilets are usually a hole in a cement base over a huge deep hole, are located outside to the back, and shared by more than one household.

I was up at dawn when I heard the call to prayer, got dressed and took a walk in the cool morning air.  I passed by many houses where the inhabitants were already up and getting ready for the ceremony.

Everyone gathered in a circle for the Healing Ceremony/Honoring of the Ancestors.  One goat and one sheep were brought into the circle to be sacrificed.  Water was poured onto the ground and prayers to the ancestors were led by the Imam.  Then the goat and sheep were slaughtered.  I will not go into detail.  I cringed and when it was time to “dress” the animals, I asked Ibrahim to take me on a walk.

Ibrahim and I took a wonderful walk and shared stories about our lives.  He became a good friend last year and our friendship grew stronger as we got to know each other more.  His father was killed by the rebels during the war at the time of cease fire in 1999 when Ibrahim was in secondary school.  He finished school in Freetown, but then returned to his village to be the head of the family as he is the oldest boy.  He put off going to college to help his mother raise his younger siblings and provide them with an education.

Ibrahim was very close to his father.  His parents had a very loving relationship.  I asked him how he could forgive the man who killed his father.  He said he must because he believes in what Fambul Tok represents and if he is to be a part of the organization he wants to show he has done what he is asking others to do.

In January of this year he was able to begin his college studies.  I am guessing he is in his early 30’s.  He is a person of high integrity, moral standards and a caring soul.  We discussed religion and life lessons, etc.  I feel blessed I was given the time and opportunity to spend time with him.

While we were attending the ceremony and then the Peace Mother’s initial meeting following a meal (no, I could not eat the goat or sheep so had other food), Issa and Desmond took a motor bike and rode all the way to Kabala to buy the needed belts for the car and then back to us.

Zainab and Jalloh presented the Peace Farm concept as well as other ideas for the men and women of the section of villages to work together towards increased prosperity for all.  Working together is new to them as the villages have always been isolated from each other when it comes to farming, or cattle raising.  Part of Fambul Tok’s success is the unity created at the section level after the bonfire.

Next they spoke to the women about the Peace Mothers organization open to them at the section level.  Ideas were presented for the women to use to start their own sectional business/es.  The men stayed for that discussion because the women still feel the need for male permission for this kind of activity.  Everyone in attendance was excited about the possibilities such activities can bring.

Then we danced!!!  I do LOVE to dance!

Much Love To You All,

Mom/Grandma Syrup/Sara

MARCH BONFIRES

SIERRA LEONE 2014

So far I have attended two bonfires: one in Pejuhn and one in Bombali.  I was scheduled to attend a third in Koinadugu, but the logistics of where I was staying, the fact we were down to one vehicle up country and Micheala’s need to go to Freetown for a few days made it impossible for me to attend.  I was very disappointed, but understood the logistics.

In the meantime I am staying at Lamtec II Guest House where I stayed last time and where Mohamed, a young

Mohamed My African Grandson

man who has become a dear friend, is the manager.  We are having great chats and catching up with news in each of our lives.

My first bonfire in Pujehun took place on March 9 and 10 in the Kpanga-Krim Chiefdom, Pemagbie Section, Baiama Village.  All the participants from every village in the section were in attendance.  There were hundreds of people there getting ready for the ceremony milling about a raging fire when we arrived.

It was decided we would arrive at the time the bonfire was starting and make known as little of our presence as possible.  As a white person I stand out (duh!!!), so I wore dark clothes and covered my hair.  Not because of safety concerns, but to make myself as incognito as possible.  The bonfire is a safe space Fambul Tok creates to allow victims and perpetrators to comfortably testify and confess.   I do not wish to compromise that space by my presence.

We left the cars parked at the edge of the village away from the bonfire and walked quietly into the site where we stopped in the back separated from the crowd.  It was a gibbous moon making it harder to hide in the nonexistent shadows!

The local tribal “devil” and another character were in elaborate masked costumes made of long raffia fibers that covered every inch.  They were performing a ritual dance and encouraging the crowd to join in.  I wish I could have taken a picture of the “devil” headdress as it was unlike any I have seen so far.  It shone gold, red, and blue in the flickering light of the fire that highlighted the varying heights of the spires jutting up from the crown.

Once the crowd settled there was a short summary of the purpose of the evening and introductions made of the RC and OC committees, the bench to seat those testifying or accusing was brought forth and placed in front of the bonfire.

Few participated at this event.  One son asked for forgiveness of his father for a recent transgression.  This is unusual because the evening is for war related issues.  The father did not forgive the son saying he lied and now must prove himself by his actions.

Finally a man sits down and begins to tell his story.  He and his brother own a diamond mine.  During the war his brother extracted diamonds, sold them and disappeared with the money.

He has put a curse on the mine and no diamonds have been found since.  He says he will lift the curse if his brother will ask for forgiveness and be willing to work side by side again.  His bother comes forward stating he knows he was wrong asking for forgiveness.  Forgiveness is granted and the curse lifted.  I want to know if diamonds will be found again.  I have a feeling the biggest one yet is waiting!

I found this gathering a bit disappointing as the crowd seems to have missed the point of the bonfire space.  Micheala and I decide proper quality sensitization was missing.  This district team is new and still learning and while they spent many hours with the OC members and the villagers, it is evident they need further training.  It is decided one of the HQ staff will accompany them during the next series of village sensitization sessions in preparation for the next bonfire scheduled for 10 days in the future.

One of the members of the media heard many people in the crowd stating they will approach the RC members in the coming days.  They did not feel comfortable speaking in front of the group.  While there is always a faction of those who wish to wait, there was an unusual number at this gathering.  If the proper sensitization is conducted that creates the safe space, more will participate.  In the end the desire of the people to dance overrode the testifying.

The second bonfire took place on March 13 and 14 in Bombali District, Pakimasabong Chiefdom, Kathekeyan Section, Kabarka Village.  As before we arrived after

Taking A Break From Testifying

most all were there.  This village was much smaller than the last so the car had to park very close to the action.  Because of this Micheala and I stayed in the car for quite awhile before approaching from around a grass hut and seated ourselves behind and off to the side.

This district team is more experienced.  The team leader not only introduced the RC/OC members, he also recognized each of the villages in attendance having them stand when called.  He then used some of the key points of the OC/RC training to further put the crowd at ease and reinforce the feeling of a safe space.  I thought this was extremely clever of him and very effective.

When the bench was brought forward here it was immediately full and more benches has to be brought to handle the people waiting their turn to testify.  One after another participants rose to tell their story of atrocities conducted against them or members of their family during the war.  Some of the stories were very graphic and gruesome.

I became a little confused because it seemed there were only victims testifying and, except for one person, they were not accusing or naming the perpetrators.  I motioned for Joseph to come over and asked him why this was.  He explained that in this area there are mostly victims.  The perpetrators came from the outside and when the war was over they either stayed in Freetown or went back to the villages of their origin.  The victims didn’t know the names of those who acted against them and their families.

Amazingly enough these stories have never been told.  It seems the victims were too traumatized and didn’t trust anyone to accept they played no part in what happened to them.  Thus they kept their stories hidden inside for 13 or more years!  One victim, a woman, stated she was very eager to tell her story in the safe space Fambul Tok provides and was so glad to unburden herself at last (this was one of the more gruesome stories) so she could finally live her life again.

Joseph said the victims are asked if they could confront the perpetrators would they be able to forgive them if forgiveness was asked.  They all said yes with no hesitation.

All this time I thought that the scenario was one of victims and perpetrators living side by side in the same villages.  While this is true in some areas, I now understand there are many different circumstances, but the outcome is the same; a unity and healing is achieved.  It is also made clear to me that the bonfire is not the end but truly the beginning of the healing process.

I slept on a “native” bed that evening which was like sleeping on a bumpy floor. A few hours into my slumber I heard a knock on the door and a soft voice calling me.  I opened the door to Adama, one of the FT district staff members.  It seems they needed a container of palm wine stored under the bed!

Same Devil As Last Year

Indeed when I woke at 7 the party was still going on.  I could hear drumming and singing and as I entered the area I spied another type of devil performing a dance.  I had seen a devil like this in another village in Bombali in 2012.  This tribe is Limbe as was the other one.  Thus the same devil costume. 

Because we had to leave early in the morning after each bonfire, I have yet to witness the “ancestor” or “healing” ceremony the day after.  I am promised that will happen in the future.

Much Love To You All,

Mom/Grandma Syrup/Sara

MORE OBSERVATIONS

SIERRA LEONE 2014

It is March, the hottest month of the year!  If sweating cleanses the body and brain of toxins, I am ridding myself of toxins all the way back to several past lives and am now getting close to being the smartest septuagenarian on the planet!!! 

Recently the United Nations conducted a meeting here in Freetown.  They are disbanding the security section started during/after the war and leaving in place a peace building staff.  After the peaceful election of 2012 and, as they see it, the continuing stability of the country it is time to move to the next step.  Yet, everyday that I hear the news on the local radio, corruption and how to stop it is a very big topic.  I quote here one of the 12 requests for the assistance of the UN copied from a document at that meeting: “Finally, through the engagements of the UN and in retrospect of key articles in the Lome peace agreements, a number of national democratic institutions were established - i.e. the Human Rights Commission, the Anti-Corruption Commission, PPRC, we will like the UN to play a critical role in keeping these institutions on track towards enhancing their integrity and credibility for building a well-balanced transparent Sierra Leone.”

On the way to the OC RC training session I attended in late February, we passed two little girls.  One was older than the other, about 10.  As our car passed the older one turned her back, looked at us over her shoulder with an impish grin, struck a glamour pose and pulled her pants down giving us the perfect “moon”!!!  A first, I have been mooned in Sierra Leone.  For those of you who do not know or haven’t thought of mooning in a long time, let me expand.

During my teen-age years it was popular, God knows why, to pull pants down and plant the bare butt to a car window while passing another car.  This was called “mooning” and seemed to be done mostly by boys who thought it was hilarious.  Mooning could also be done as the young girl did by turning your back and pulling down your pants.  So there you have it-mooning.

I thought I should list some of the natural resources found in Sierra Leone, the size of South Carolina.  All of which should make it the richest country in the world:

Rutile

Iron Ore

Gold

Diamonds

Rutile- Titanium infused Chrystal

Oil (now being drilled off shore)

Bauxite

Lumber

Rubber Trees (small production)

Coffee

Cocoa

Fruit (over 250 types of bananas!)

The picture above is of a necklace of something called the Aura Stone, but is Rutile!!!

Sadly, very little to none of the proceeds from this wealth finds it’s way to the population at large.  The mining companies appear to care less about human rights or the betterment of the lives of the people whose villages are located close by their mining operations.

The mining companies have rebuilt a railroad for their exclusive use (there used to be a rail network for passengers and freight before the war), brought in electricity, sanitation and running water for their housing and mining operations without sharing these with the locals.  I have been told from more than one source, of one village that was displaced and moved 60 miles away because the village sat on a large rutile deposit.  The new village is on land that cannot be productive in any way with no close by water source and no trees.  The hot sun beats down day after day and without trees the villagers get no relief from the heat.  

To be “fair” the villagers were given “rent” for the land that does not cover the cost of living.  The houses built for them to replace the ones they were forced to leave are substandard and too small.  The water trucked in is insufficient for the population of the village and is dirty and filled with rust.  The list goes on.  Who can they complain to when everyone who could do something about it has their pockets lined with bribe money.

On a more positive note, the roads are under aggressive construction and improvement, there is new building construction in all the main district towns I have visited so far and in Freetown.  Even some of the villages show signs of new construction and refurbishment of war burned out houses.  It is rumored the electrical power will be available and consistent in one section of the country by the end of this month.  I’ll let you know since Freetown is on the list for this improvement.  I keep my head lamp by my bed and get ready in the dark most mornings because of the unreliability of the NP (National Power).  Meanwhile, on a less than positive note, sanitation, clean water supply, and quality health care are still in a deplorable state.

All of this said, I love it here!  The people brave these conditions with a never ending hope for a brighter future and the end of corruption.  They know what a wonderful beautiful country they have with rich resources, rivers, forests, mountains and ocean beaches.  There is a basic joy in those I meet that humbles me to the core.  The more I am here the more I feel a part of this struggling little piece of Africa that will not give up.

Much Love To You All,

Mom/Grandma Syrup/Sara

TIDBITS OF LIFE

SIERRA LEONE 2014

Over the past couple of months there have been tidbits of life that have not been shared with you.  Some billboards, village life, Freetown life among them.

One billboard said: “Smart Army Uses Condoms. Stay Combat ready!” Another advertises how to report corruption.  But Sierra Leone was voted one of the most if not the most corrupt country in Africa in 2012!  This morning on the radio the news report was about the 40,000,000SLL ($9,090.90) the army has spent but cannot account for.  While $9,090.90 may not seem much to us for a government to squander, it is a huge amount here where average salaries are around $228.00 per month.

Soupy Skies 

The Hamatan winds are over and a soupy sky hovers over Freetown.  It is a colorless sky made up of smoke, exhaust and sand particles.  The sun comes out, but not

Same Area Before Soupy Skies

really as it is hidden by the miasma.  We would have warnings of bad air days, but here it is hardly noticed.

At one of the recent village visits a woman was picking out the bangar from the harvest off a palm oil tree.  The bangar is edible as is, but must be chewed around the nut and juice sucked from the fiber before spitting out the remains on the ground.  As we begin to eat and spit the

Bangar - Note Prickly Pieces Of Palm

Cleaning Palm Oil Nuts

chickens come rushing around to pick up the remains fighting over who gets what.  I throw mine to the littlest ones in hopes they get their share.  Palm oil is extracted from the bangar by a boiling process.  I tried my hand at pulling off the red fruit nestled in the prickly portions of the palm bunch.  Not only was it harder than it looked, I got stuck by the sharp needles of the palm. Ouch!

The first time I was going to visit the newest district where Fambul Tok is working called PuJehun we encountered small vans packed with people and goods driving in front of us along the road.  Some had goods

Stacked and Stuffed

Will It Tip???

on the roof stacked so high I was sure the van would soon topple over when navigating the rough roads.  When looking inside the vans as we passed them, I could see the people packed in like sardines and more goods smashed between them.

As always I delight in the children.  In the following pictures notice one little fellow in the red and black striped shirt hopping back and forth so he can be in each “snap” I am taking.

 

Another meeting of all the staff members for Fambul Tok took place February 27-March 1.  It was great to see everyone again and to be included in the proceedings.  On March 1 we all met on the back verandah of the office in Freetown to practice the dialogs about the 2007 Gender and Child Rights Acts.  The purpose was to share ideas about how to be most effective in presenting the material.  Some came up with little dramas to

In The Conference Room

illustrate the do’s and don’ts of the various laws.  Everyone agreed that this was the most effective way to achieve understanding and to keep the interest of the people.  I even participated with an example of how to treat a child who wanted to go to school.  First the don’t then the do.

It has been my observation presenting the Child Rights Act  after the gender acts seemed to be not very effective nor listened to.  After the controversy created by the laws surrounding domestic violence, sexual harassment, and devolution of estate, the attendees were so caught up in those subjects the Child Rights Act was given a short shrift.  In my sounding board mode (that’s my position here according to John) I suggested presenting the Child Rights Act first.

There are still many burned out houses in the country side.  When asked why they aren’t torn down or restored, the answer is a.) the family is all dead or moved away, or b.) there is no money to do the restoration, but leaving the remains there marks

Note Two Buildings Indicating a Large estate

ownership of the property.  in Bombali in one of the villages visited most recently there was one house right after another sitting in the middle of the village surrounded by new construction.  While the burned out houses are large and made of fancy cinder bricks, the new ones are small and are made from mud brick.  This illustrates the lack of funds even 12 years after the end of the war.

Picture Hanging 101

Ceiling Stalagtights

Here is a picture of someone’s idea of where to hang a picture.  Also one of MAJOR ceiling texturing.  Both were taken inside my room at the new hotel in Bo.

And last , but not least.  Here's a fellow who hopes his business will be blessed by using a religious phrase as part of the name.  HMMMMM!!!!

Diamonds From Heaven?

Much Love To You All,

Mom/Grandma Syrup/Sara

TRAINING OF OC AND RC BOMBALI

FEBRUARY 2014

Sandatendaran Chiefdom/Mateboi Section/Mateboi Village

Time is moving swiftly by and suddenly I realized I had not witnessed the next step in the process leading up to the bonfire; the training of the Reconciliation and Outreach Committees.  Most of the training in the 6 districts was past.  Since I felt this was a key ingredient in the process, I addressed my concerns to Micheala and Onita who both advised me to dialog with John.

On Friday I sent him an email stating my needs and asking his advice.  Once I sent the email, I was without internet connection until Monday.  On Monday after arriving at the office and settling in at my desk, I looked up to find Cerci, John’s driver, at the door.  He informed he was there, at John’s instructions, to take me up country to Bombali where a training session was taking place the next day.

Wow!  John truly is a great leader.  He takes my needs to heart sacrificing his comfort to accomplish my goals.  John was taking his own car and driving himself up country to a meeting, so Cerci could take me to mine.  I was so excited. Now I would not miss this important piece of the process.  I am so grateful to John for his quick action.  

Cerci and I set out at 2PM for the drive to Bombali

Busy Freetown Street

District and their district town of Makeni.  My usual hotel, the only one with internet, was booked :-(.  Cerci took me to a brand new hotel just out of town called Mokambo Village Resort.  Luckily, they had space.  They will have internet soon they tell me.

The hotel is great!  And less expensive than the older one.  Rooms are bigger, A/C is under my control as is the hot water heater, and there is a small refrigerator where I can store my tomato juice.  Since the restaurant is not yet open, Cerci takes me back in to town to St. Mary’s Supermarket where I buy items to have for dinner.

Each day a woman from town arrives to make breakfast for the guests.  The breakfast is delicious consisting of eggs, sausage, coffee or tea, and bread.  It is included in the price of the room.  My room is 175,000 SLL or $39.77 per night where the other one where I usually stay is 200,000SLL ($45.45) per night.  I will stay here next time even though there is no internet or restaurant is yet to become operational.

The next morning Cerci picks me up ( in Krio it is “Ah come pick you tomah) at 7:45AM and we are off to find the village about 1  1/2 hours away.  The roads to this village are in great shape most of the way which minimizes the bouncing and jerking I have experienced in other places.  Cerci isn’t exactly sure where the village is, but he has the name and the general direction to leave Makeni. 

After asking directions at strategic points, we arrive in more than enough time before the start of the session. It is my habit to nickname people when I get the inspiration to do so.  Last year I named our driver Mustapha, Miracle Mustapha because of his ability to make it through mud that appeared impassable.  Micheala became Mystical Micheala because of her uncanny ability to bring about cooperation.  Desmond became Daring Desmond after he drove through a river in the pick up truck to get to a village, Cerci is now Clever Cerci since he was able to get us to our destination so easily.

Fambul Tok lets the people dictate times for the meeting and, when people are late (which is a regular occurrence), also the amount of time we wait for late arrivals.  There was a last minute burial to take care of making the 9AM meeting begin at 11:30!

The first step is to make sure the correct people are in attendance.  These committees are the key to the success of the bonfire participation.  According to Joseph, FT Team Leader for this district, most people

Waiting For Meeting

have two names!  One is their birth name and the other is the one they are known by in the village.  They are interchangeable, but can lead the staff into thinking they are two different people!

Some are in attendance who are not on the list.  They are allowed to stay as back up participants in case a regular member moves or for some other reason cannot perform their duties.

The purpose of this meeting is to sensitize and train the members of the two committees on how to:

Perform Active Listening

Know the different types of trauma and what cause them 

Recognize symptoms of trauma vs stress

Council and sympathize with those in trauma
Encourage confessing and accusing leading to forgiveness

Mediation and intervention skills (especially the Reconciliation Committee members)

Recognize and believe in the necessity of forgiveness

Move the community towards unity through reconciliation

Sensitize the communities to effect total participation

Fambul Tok's process brings about a healing of the communities through confessions and accusations.  The justice achieved is a restorative justice that stays within the safe space of the community.

After prayers and introductions, Joseph moves the attendees around mixing up men and women so they are sitting in a mixed group instead of most of the men together and most of the women together.  Next he asks

Poster

groups of 4 to take a close look at the Fambul Tok poster.  Then he requests a man to volunteer his interpretation of the poster and after that a woman.

The man named Sy says he sees many different kinds of people seeming to be in conversation or reflection probably about the war and how it has effected all people.  There are old, young, babies, amputees, men and women under a bending tree.  He sees the tree representing an old African proverb that states: “The family tree may bend but it never breaks”.  This means restorative justice instead of punitive justice.

Marie explains at the start of the war when they first heard about the rebels and their acts, they wondered if

Marie Explaining Poster

they were even human.  Then they found out they were not only human but were their brothers and sisters (here in Africa all people in the same village call each other brothers and sisters).  She sees the tree in the poster signifying people getting together promoting peace.

For the benefit of people who did not attend the Stakeholders Meeting Adama, another member of the district staff, speaks about the core values of Fambul

Adama Explaining Core Values

Tok.

The group is asked why the war in Sierra Leone?  Many reasons are listed among them: corrupt government, lack of love for fellow man, tribalism/family fights, selfishness and bad sayings leading to bad things.  They state it is important to be careful of what they say to the children so war will not come again.

How can war be avoided?  They list such things as: establish love, unity in church, mosque, home, community, respect for elders, authority, country, teach children respect, banish tribal justice methods of revenge, work out differences in peaceful ways, and setting a good example for the children to teach them peaceful ways.

The TRC (Truth and Reconciliation Committee) and how John Caulker’s involvement and disillusionment lead him to form Fambul Tok is told.  He saw the need for the right of dignity and truth at the village level where communities were struggling to come back together after the war.  They had no place to be heard and needed a safe space to confess and accuse resulting in forgiveness and reconciliation.

The attendees placed themselves into the two groups: Reconciliation and Outreach.  Adama then explained the differences between Fambul Tok and other NGO’s (None Government Organization).  FT does not make promises, give money or other items, tell the villagers

Difference Between FT & Others

what they need or what to do.  FT DOES walk side by side with the villagers in their quest to unity, peace and forgiveness which leads to increased productivity.  They offer support in ways non-financial.  FT ‘s process uses the local customs and engages the villagers to run the activities while FT staff supports them by being there with them.

Roles and responsibilities for each group are discussed.  Before the bonfire the Outreach Committee members with support from the Fambul Tok district staff go to each village and sensitize ALL of the villagers about the process and the purpose of the bonfire.

At and after the bonfire the Reconciliation Committee members use the mediation, listening, trauma identification and intervention skills taught in this session.

It is emphasized the bonfire is really the beginning of the unity of the villagers and is the foundation of ongoing forgiveness and reconciliation.  The committees will always be needed to sensitize, mediate and reconcile issues that arise after the bonfire night.  Everyone in the villages will contribute something to the bonfire such as wood, food, labor, etc.  Fambul Tok will contribute also as they “walk side by side” with the participants.

Joseph then asks each committee to state their understanding of their roles and responsibilities.  Next he asks what they believe is trauma.  After some discussion, the different types of trauma and the causes are agreed upon.

How do you assist someone in trauma?  Answers range from prayers and faith to pretend it didn’t happen and

Joseph Leading To Realization

work hard to forget.  Joseph gently leads them to the realization that unity, caring, compassion, creating a safe space, allowing them a voice, listening, and encouraging  the use of the power of forgiveness are the ways to assist trauma.

For the RC’s the question is asked: What is the process of mediation?  A good mediator maintains respect in the community, takes time for themselves to be in a peaceful, listening and caring space.  Fambul Tok mediation is about restorative justice.  It’s about listening to both sides without judgement or advice.  It’s about asking questions geared to get to the root of the issue.

The Reconciliation Committee Member makes an appointment to see both of the people and to listen to each again as they tell their story.  At the end of the stories questions are asked of each person that lead them to reconciliation.  The sign of a successful mediator is when the issue is resolved within the village eliminating the need to involve the Paramount Chief or the police.

Role play is used to show examples of:

good and bad listening skills 

staying humble 

showing compassion

getting to the root of the issue

One man and one woman took part in creating a scenario of a good listener and then a bad listener.  The good news is the man chosen for the bad listener couldn’t quite get bad enough, so Joseph took his place demonstrating bad listening.  Joseph was VERY good at being a bad listener!!!

The Rumor Game is played to show how the message whispered in the ear passing from one to another without intense listening changes along the line.  People are amazed at the difference of the message at the end VS the beginning.

Both of the committees are divided into four groups: peace, truth, mercy and justice.  Adama tells the “Lion Story”:

The lion, King of the jungle, decreed one day that on the following consecutive mornings each of the other animal species will give one of their children to him to eat for breakfast.  This activity goes on for several days until the rabbit is next.  When the lion demands a baby bunny the rabbit says they are all down by the lake.  The lion approaches the lake and sees the baby bunny across the water.  When the lion looks into the water at his own reflection he thinks it is another lion about to take his breakfast.  He pounces on his competition and falls into the water.  Immediately he begins to struggle calling out for the other animals to save him as he cannot swim.

At this point in the story Adama turns to each group in turn asking how they will respond.  “Truth” and “Peace” weren’t quite sure how to respond.  “Mercy” pulls him

the lion out but “Justice” throws him back!!!  Then the question is posed: Would you kill one of your “family” or would you forgive them?  They all agree without pause they would forgive.

It is wonderful to watch the faces as they realize the lesson  of the Lion Story and the role they will play in the peace and reconciliation of the people in the villages of their section.  They are all eager and ready for the next steps.  They choose the dates of April 5 and 6 for their bonfire.  I plan on attending.

Much Love To You All,

Mom/Grandma Syrup/Sara