PEACE MOTHERS JOURNEY DAY FOUR VILLAGE TWO

December 20, 2012

We are having different look at the Fambul Tok process as we visit this village. They just completed the bonfire and ancestor ceremony this past June. There are representatives from each section and both men and women are eager to speak about their experience so far.

Unhappy With The Men

First let me explain Fambul Tok’s policy. After the bonfire the people are encouraged to get together to come up with ideas on how they can work together to create new ways of earning money for the good of their communities. The willingness for self help is key to the Fambul Tok philosophy of sustainability and must be proven before providing tools to help. They are not willing to give hand outs.

The women begin to complain that the men aren’t doing anything leaving it all up to the women. Then one of the women says that they don’t have tools and you can’t cut a tree down with only a spoon. She was speaking metaphorically. Micheala listens to this for a while and then she intervenes. She asks what ideas they have for going forward? It appears they haven’t come up with any.

Micheala Giving Ideas

She then tells them about the section in Koinadugu where the women buy the men’s rice and store it to sell at a later date for more money. She also explains about the section in Bombali who started the revolving loan system. Two of the sections in Koinadugu have also started the revolving loan system as well as other businesses. She impresses upon them they must help themselves before Fambul Tok can offer any more help. Fambul Tok is happy to give support, but the section must show they can take the initiative to get started.

Both the men and the women are very excited about the revolving loan idea. One woman says she is ashamed they hadn’t thought of things like this themselves, but Micheala tells her not to feel ashamed just begin with small steps.

The Town Chief says it is most important for the Peace Mothers to start the revolving loan fund at once! He will be most upset if they do not, starting with his wife. He states he is anxious for the men to partner with the women and work together. Now they have a goal and when they have built up some money and started cooperative efforts they will invite Micheala back to see how well they are doing. She likes that and looks forward to visiting again.

It is very interesting for me to observe the difference between sections firmly established in the process and one that is starting to figure out how to apply the Fambul Tok principles after the bonfire. They are having growing pains, but are still excited about the result of the reconciliation bonfire and the unity and peace it brings. The testimony and love for Fambul Tok is the same here as everywhere.

Much Love To You All,

Mom/Grandma/Sara