TribeWanted - Member Blogs

Hey by David Bailey

David Bailey — Fri Feb 10 06:56:31 UTC 2012

This is david bailey, I am a expert author for a variety of subject matters, including clothing, jewelry, computers, toys, and flowers. Please visit custom facebook page , wedding planners , phoenix movers , investissement immobilier , get twitter followers to browse a few my websites.

I also my public apperance on

http://www.farmgateblog.com/member/83463/
http://www.afsd.tv/uprofile.php?UID=291
http://wiredintorecovery.org/member/profile/4373/

Poyo under the Palm: Aminata Jalloh by Ben Keene

Ben Keene — Wed Feb 08 10:59:48 UTC 2012

Every week at John Obey we have a glass of Poyo (palm wine) under the palm and find a little bit more about one of us. This week Filippo meets Aminata – cook, new mum & the girl with the biggest smile in Salone (well the village at least…)

Filippo: Aminata, welcome to Poyo under the palm. Can you please
introduce yourself?

Aminata: My name is Aminata Jalloh I work for Tribewanted. I like Tribewanted. Helps me very much. Helps the community with Microcredit. It helps the School. It helps the fishing community. We are getting microcredit for us this month.

Filippo What is your job here?

Aminata: I’m a cook in the kitchen. We prepare different types: couscous, pasta, omelette, fish, chips, plantain, salad

Filippo: Can I ask how old you are?

Aminata: 19

Filippo: Last year you were 20! What is your real age?

Aminata: Ok, 20

Filippo: Ok, a women never tells… do you have a child?

Aminata: Yes. Kati. New baby born. Born in October. My first born was miscarried. So she is the first. Father is Daniel, lives in Tombo.

Filippo: Where do you come from?

Aminata: I come from Bo. I come to JO in search of my father. When I arrived to Tribewanted the project was just starting, I asked the village secretary, Sesay, for a job but he said “places are full”. Then I come to the beach and meet this black American women (Tiffany Persons) I tell her I want to work here, she said “ok, let me ask”, so the team said “ok, you can start today”.

Filippo: What tribe are you?

Aminata: Mende-fulla. I speak Mende but not Fulla. I speak krio and English small-small

Filippo: Did you go to school?

Aminata: Before. I stopped at 13 year. I go to school in my great grandfather’s village, Sembeun.

Filippo: How is life in JO?

Aminata: Fine. I stayed in JO because of this work. Now my mother and father live here with me. I have 4 sisters and 2 brothers but they don’t live here.

Filippo: What are you going to do with the microloan?

Aminata: Since I m working I will give the money to my mother and she will do trading.

Filippo: Do you rent a house here?

Aminata: I live with my parents but now with the money I will rent a house for me on the beach for 10,000 LE ($2.5)/month. So I can have my own place

Filippo: How is Sierra Leone?

Aminata: I like it because I m born here. Its my country.

Filippo: What about education?

Aminata: It’s good

Filippo: What about healthcare?

Aminata: It’s good

Filippo: And the Government?

Aminata: It’s good

Filippo: Everything is good! Do you prefer to live in NY, London or SL?

Aminata: Well if I can get the opportunity to go there I would go so I can work and send the money back to my family.

Filippo: Where did you give birth?

Aminata: I give birth to Kati in the village. The women here said they would help me. So I didn’t go to clinic.

Filippo: If you can change one thing in Sierra Leone what would you change?

Aminata: Well here the government cannot help children like in America. There any child , rich or poor, the government pays for them to go to school. I wish the governemnt here could do the same.

Filippo: How is the poyo?

Aminata: Poyo fine! (laughter…)

The Sea on Our Skin by Maddy

Maddy — Sun Feb 05 05:20:22 UTC 2012

As many of you know I spent an insane amount of time on Vorovoro. My excuse for sitting on the beach for months on end was that I was writing a book. ‘Research’ is the best excuse I have ever come up with for spending masses amounts of time doing exactly what I want! But curiously the time I spent at the breakfast table after everyone had finished their porridge, until morning tea when you’d all arrive again with watermelon or cake, looking out at the sea, counting fishing boats, watching waves or just chatting to Poasa or Tale, did in fact result in a novel.

So, for those of you who asked me to tell you when/if it saw the light of day, the answer is now. It’s called The Sea on Our Skin and it’s by me, Madeleine Tobert. Brits you can get it at Waterstones, online or in real life, or on www.amazon.co.uk, Americans www.amazon.com also has a little supply. Australian www.thenile.com.au, Kiwis www.fishpond.co.nz or in Whitcoulls. Other countries – I’ve no idea!

For those of you who don’t know me, you might recognise little touches of the island in those pages – a good reminder of Fiji while we wait for Vorovoro to be ready to welcome us back.

Poyo under the palm with carpenter Mamoud Sankoh by Ben Keene

Ben Keene — Mon Jan 30 11:33:46 UTC 2012

Mamoud:
We are supposed to do “poyo under the palm”, under that palm.

Filippo
I know, but there is snakes, this will do.

Mamoud
Ha, filippo, you are scared of the snakes?

Filippo
We’ll call it “poyo next to the palm”
Please introduce yourself

Mamoud
I am Mamoud Sankoh, I work for Tribewanted, born in Lokomasama
chiefdom, I’m Timni, I m 32 years old, my birthday is hmm… next month…feb 18th, 1980. I’m married, I get one wife, I get 4 children.
I am a carpenter for Tribewanted, I’ve been working for Tribewanted
for 1 year and 4 months. From Lokomasama I went to Masaika, and from there to John obey.

Filippo
How you become carpenter? Did you go to school for carpentry?

Mamoud
No no, you don’t go to school to learn to be a carpenter, my daddy
teach me, he was a carpenter. I never went to any school.

Filippo
Difficult job?

Mamoud
No, when you know what you are doing its not very difficult. I have
an apprentice, Hasan, for two months now, I encouraged him to come
join Tribewanted as an apprentice so he can have a skill to make his
living in the future. He works well!

Filippo
What is your life in John Obey like?

Mamoud
I like living in John Obey. I stopped having a monthly job since
2008, only when I came to John Obey first I had some casual jobs but
now I have a monthly paid job with Tribewanted. The conditions before weren’t as good as my conditions now. I like to work here.

Filippo
How old are your children?

Mamoud
I get a 9 year child Hadja Sankoh, 7 years child, Hasan Sankoh, 4
year child, Tomas Sankoh, and a 3 year child named Ousman Sankoh.

Filippo
You want more children?

Mamoud
No, for now its enough. 4 is a lot.

Filippo
Is it difficult to pay for school, food, house?

Mamoud
My wife doenst work, she does some small business, when I receive my salary I give her half for her business, she is working hard to make
it grow. Some items in John Obey are expensive. I rent my house, I
pay 15,000 Le/month (3 dollars), I have one room where 6 of us sleep.

Filippo
So, Mohamed, are you Muslim or Christian ☺

Mamoud
Ha! My name is Mohamed! I go to mosque every Friday.

Filippo
How is Sierra leone?

Mamoud
Well, the good in Salone is much more than the bad. Time has passed
since we were all doing bad things, now we don’t have problems, love
one another, no palava (arguing), we find peace.

Filippo
No bad in sierra leone?

Mamoud
No problems.

Filippo
What about education?

Mamoud
No problems.

Filippo
What about health?

Mamoud
No problems.

Filippo
What about the government?

Mamoud
The government never gave me one problem!

Filippo
Everything is good then!

Mamoud
Yes sir!

Filippo
So you prefer to live here or in London or New york?

Mamoud
I prefer to live here. I like my country. I have gotten used to Salone.

Filippo
What else do you want to say?

Mamoud
For now, I just want to tell the good people that are listening that
we are trying, things are difficult, but with the help of Tribwanted,
if business is good, then we can get more money too.

Filippo
Thank you Mamoud

Mamoud
Thank you too.

Filippo
How is the poyo?

Mamoud
Its good. Poyo is always good.

New volunteer development opportunity at John Obey by Ben Keene

Ben Keene — Tue Jan 24 05:59:23 UTC 2012

There is an exciting new opportunity in Sierra Leone. See below
Also a new project film and all updates and pictures on facebook

Recent sustainability metrics:

#2: water. Tribewanted Sierra Leone we use 3.7 gallons a day per person, 2.5% of average american.
#3: Food Tribewanted Sierra Leone organic, seasonal & 60% local. Fresh fruits, veggies & fish from John Obey
#4: Waste 15kg/person per month. 24% of US citizen. We recycle 76% vs 15% in US

Tribewanted Sierra Leone Volunteer Community Development Co-Ordinator

Location: Tribewanted John Obey, Sierra Leone
Duration: Minimum 4 months
Dates: To Start ASAP
Position: Volunteer Community Development Co-Ordinator
Job Description & Responsibilities:
• Assist in set-up, implementation and oversee all Tribewanted development projects in the John Obey area approved by Tribewanted’s Board.
• Writing proposals for new projects
• Collating local information for the planning and development of further projects
• Managing the project budgets
• Monitoring and evaluation of projects
• Engaging Tribewanted visitors and members in projects
• Reporting back to the Tribewanted board
The candidate will work alongside and be supported by the local Tribewanted John Obey management team and given guidance and support from the Tribewanted Board.
Renumeration:
This is a voluntary position with food and accommodation provided by Tribewanted at John Obey. You will be wholly responsible for all travel expenses and insurance.
Candidate requirements:
• Excellent communication skills,
• Experience living and working in a developing country,
• Project management experience
• Experience of report writing
email why it should be you to info@tribewanted.com

New volunteer development opportunity at John Obey by Ben Keene

Ben Keene — Wed Jan 18 08:50:05 UTC 2012

There is an exciting new opportunity in Sierra Leone. See below
Also a new project film and all updates and pictures on facebook
Recent sustainability metrics:
#2: water. Tribewanted Sierra Leone we use 3.7 gallons a day per person, 2.5% of average american.
#3: Food Tribewanted Sierra Leone organic, seasonal & 60% local. Fresh fruits, veggies & fish from John Obey
#4: Waste 15kg/person per month. 24% of US citizen. We recycle 76% vs 15% in US
Tribewanted Sierra Leone Volunteer Community Development Co-Ordinator
Location: Tribewanted John Obey, Sierra Leone
Duration: Minimum 4 months
Dates: To Start ASAP
Position: Volunteer Community Development Co-Ordinator
Job Description & Responsibilities:
• Assist in set-up, implementation and oversee all Tribewanted development projects in the John Obey area approved by Tribewanted’s Board.
• Writing proposals for new projects
• Collating local information for the planning and development of further projects
• Managing the project budgets
• Monitoring and evaluation of projects
• Engaging Tribewanted visitors and members in projects
• Reporting back to the Tribewanted board
The candidate will work alongside and be supported by the local Tribewanted John Obey management team and given guidance and support from the Tribewanted Board.
Renumeration:
This is a voluntary position with food and accommodation provided by Tribewanted at John Obey. You will be wholly responsible for all travel expenses and insurance.
Candidate requirements:
• Excellent communication skills,
• Experience living and working in a developing country,
• Project management experience
• Experience of report writing
email why it should be you to info@tribewanted.com

Results of my survey! by Vera Lill

Vera Lill — Fri Nov 18 12:39:04 UTC 2011

Please click on the following link to see the results!
http://freepdfhosting.com/50c6f79cba.pdf

Time flies! by Meredith Chanler

Meredith Chanler — Tue Nov 15 17:36:51 UTC 2011

I’ll be leaving in just two days to join Mariah and Jess for an awesome experience at John Obey!

Bag is mostly packed and I got some materials from work (NASA) today to bring to the school. I should be able to zip everything up tonight! I probably have too many clothes, oh well.

Time has really flown by since we first discussed this trip! I hope it doesn’t go by as fast when we are there.

About 50 hours until departure: Orlando > Newark > London > Freetown

Poyo Under the Palm with Abass Bangura by Kat Cacavas

Kat Cacavas — Sun Nov 06 00:15:02 UTC 2011

Poyo Under The Palm: Episode 1 – 29/10/2011

KC – Katherine Cacavas

AB – Abbas Bangura

KC – Good afternoon Abbas

AB – How are you?

KC – Fine tanki, how yourself?

AB – I’m doing fine

KC – That’s fine. Welcome to the first episode of “Poyo under the palm tree” with our man here. Abbas, I’m going to ask you a few questions, while you drink your poyo there. First question, easy, what is your name?

AB – Abbas Bangura

KC – And Abbas, do you know your age?

AB – Yes, I’m 33

KC – 33 years old. And Abbas can you tell me a little bit about your family

AB – My family. The name of my mother is Abigail Beatrice Bangura, and my father Arun Badara Bangura. They are all staying at Masiaka

KC – Masiaka. Where is Masiaka?

AB – Masiaka is 47 kilometres from Freetown there – it’s the heartbeat to go at the provinces. Yeah

KC – Is that mile 38?

AB – After mile 38

KC – After mile 38, OK. Do you have brothers or sisters?

AB – Yes. I have 5 brothers and a sister

KC – Wow. Big family. And tell me, which tribe is your family from?

AB – Temne

KC – Temne tribe. Do you speak Temne?

AB – Yeah. “Ifofki fino”!

KC – This is temne? What does it mean?

AB – I can speak it clearly!

KC – You can speak it clearly! Yeah, you speak Temne fine!

AB – Fino, fino!!

KC – Tell me Abbas, do you speak any other languages?

AB – I do speak Krio, and of course Limba too

KC – And Limba too? Why do you speak Limba too?

AB – Well Limba, you know I used to drink this wine, and when we go to meet the Limba people and ladies, you know, I usually catch catch small of this language. I can speak just the mild surface of the Limba

KC – OK. And you can speak English!

AB – Yeh, I can speak English

KC – Well done, well done. And tell me, at TW what is your job?

AB – Well at TW I am the foreman, doing variation of jobs, doing masonry, doing earth bags, carpentry and other works. Yeah different works. I am qualified in building and construction. I was doing it at the St Joseph’s Vocational Institute at Lunsar. Yeah. I came up to be qualified, I was qualified in building and construction

KC – That’s great

AB – And later on now, I am also doing earth bag building

KC – OK. Well that’s my next question, what skills have you learnt from working at TW?

AB – I have learnt very very important jobs, in conjunction to the job that I have learnt, yeah, but this type of building we are doing here, there are some differences as compared to the brick building. So now I have learnt how to use bags with dirty mixed with cement and barbed wire to bind two bags. Yeah, I have learnt many critical and you know good jobs at TW

KC – And how do you find the earth bag homes?

AB – Yeah, they are conducive, they are cool, they can accommodate any temperature. When the weather is hot, when you get in there, you feel mild. When the weather is cool, you go there and you know, it can adjust according to the temperature

KC – Mmm, it’s amazing isn’t it? And do you think these earth dome bungalows are going to stay here for a long time or a short time?

AB – According to the building, according to our boss from California, Hooman, he told us that these buildings will last for centuries

KC – Wow!

AB – According to even our own work – to what we see – I’m pretty sure it will last for centuries

KC – So they’re strong? Are they more strong than normal Salone houses?

AB – Yes

KC – Yeah? That’s great! And, tell me, has TW changed your life? And how?

AB – TW has helped changed my life, yes, because we get new knowledge which means a lot. That means wealth. To get new job, to get new skills, you can use these skills appropriately according to what you have learnt. I know that in future I will excel myself, I will develop myself. As from now, I can say thanks to god, for the new techniques that we are using here.

KC – That’s fantastic. And tell me, do you have a favourite aspect of working at TW? Your favourite thing here?

AB – Yeah, my favourite job at TW is the earth bag, the laying of bags. Yeah.

KC – That’s your favourite job? Great! And what happened today?

AB – Well today I have the news. Yeah I am very, very much happy. Together with my team, and even the staff of TW, and even my country Sierra Leone, I know that they will be.. have pride over us as a team, that indeed we have trained for 9 months, and today, the 29th day of October, by God’s grace, we have finished the roof of the first bungalow, here in Sierra Leone, the natives of this land, that we ourselves, have built up. So we are very very very very happy!

KC – Happy tem hey?

AB – Yeah!

KC – So the first bungalow that you started and finished all alone?

AB – Yes, yes, indeed!

KC – Amazing!

AB – You can see it over there [points to bungalow]. Abbas Bangura and team!

KC – That’s right. And tell me Abbas, how do you think tourism will benefit your country Sierra Leone?

AB – Tourism, yeah, tourism, can help benefit my country, because when you stay alone, you only have one idea, but the intervention of different, different tribes in our country, we know that they may come with different, different ideas, different, different techniques, because even this work that we are doing, through the benefit of tourism that have trained us to do this job. So tourism has benefited Sierra Leone, because, in time to come, our country will be proud of us that we have buildings that other people can admire. Through the coming of tourism. Yes. Tourism I think can also benefit us because we make use of our natural places like our beaches. Yeah, from there we can earn our survival through the people that are coming to our community.

KC – That’s right

AB – So I think we derive something from that

KC – Yes. You have a beautiful country! So what would you say to someone who is thinking about coming to stay at TW?

AB – Yes, TW we really, really, really, really welcome everybody, everybody! Every tribe member. Because we don’t call them tourists, we call them tribemembers that come to join us. Yeah, we are friendly with them, so they are also, always, friendly with us. We don’t hide anything from them. They explain to us what they are doing. What they have come to do in our country. And what they hope for us in future. Indeed, most of the guests, the tribemembers that come, they give us word of courage, word of caution. And you know, they work with us, we are just living as a family. The cordiality between the tribemembers and we, the workers, I see we are just living like a family.

KC – Yeah. So more people should come and visit TW to have this experience?

AB – Yeah, yeah, to come and see indeed our beautiful beach, to live with the family, the community, and to help give more advice about how they should want TW to grow

KC – Very nice. Thank you Abbas. Any last words you would like to tell people out there?

AB – In the whole world? People living outside?

KC – Everyone!

AB – Well, we welcome everybody to come to TW. TW is a beach that we don’t segregate, yeah, we all live as a family, whatever tribe you are. Come, indeed, we will be happy to live with you. To share your knowledge with us. We also, we in return, yeah. And help us to build a fine, fine, fine community.

KC – Mmm. Thank you Abbas. Happy tem hey? Thanks for being my first poyo under the palm tree!

AB – Thank you, thank you

Parties, Picken, Football Players and Pickett Point... by Kat Cacavas

Kat Cacavas — Fri Oct 21 15:06:12 UTC 2011

“Everyday a man can learn something”. Wise words from Alfred, or Coco, a key member of our cooking team at Tribewanted John Obey beach. And the last weeks have definitely been filled with teaching, learning, sharing, celebrating and commiserating…

Tribewanted Sierra Leone officially turned 1 year old this month and the team at the beach put on a party to remember. The day began with blue skies and sunshine, perfect weather for the special day. The speeches were due to occur at midday… hence they began at 1.30pm “Salone time”! The event was opened with both Christian and Muslim prayers – the religions co-existing impressively in this country. Local dignitries were present to say some words and conduct a libation ceremony – blessing the foundations of our new earth-dome ‘wall’.

The chop was ready and the “poyo” [palm wine] flowing, when the sky turned grey and the clouds rained down, as only a tropical storm could. This didn’t deter the local artists from their brilliant singing, dancing and musical instrument performances – these guys seriously have rhythm pulsing through their veins! The beach was filled with smiling faces including Tribemembers, the John Obey beach and village communities, journalists, representatives from the local council, the Craig Bellamy Foundation crew and lots of Mercy Shippers – all coming to celebrate this great space. The enthusiasm for the project from all those involved in the day was refreshing, particularly seeing the happiness and gratitude shown by members of the John Obey community after this first year of working together.

The local primary school is one organisation that we are building a strong relationship with and last week saw the re-launch of our after-school program. This idea was trialled last season with great success, and the first session back this year was no different. Current enrolments at the primary school are around 50 students aged between 3 and 14 (or so – nobody seems to really know their age!!). And apart from the littlest “picken” [children], we saw 44 students come to John Obey beach for the afternoon. Tribemember Karl taught the children “How to catch a crocodile” and showed some fabulous images and videos from his work in Uganda, before it was time to head to the beach for some games. Sitting in a huge circle (not quite as large as the one I was involved in to break the Guiness World Record in Canada in 2005.. but close enough!), we played game after game of ‘duck, duck, goose!’ followed by some fun relay races. The children all left grinning – what a treat that we can offer them some further education and fun during their school week. I’m looking forward to many more sessions and involving more of our Tribemembers in this enriching activity.

The kids that have made it to Primary School age in Sierra Leone sadly remain the lucky ones. Current estimates suggest that 1 in 5 children won’t make it past the age of 5 years old. We were saddened last week to learn of the passing of one of our Tribewanted workers’ 8 month old daughter. We were all touched by this event, and it brought the reality of the statistics to light. Our worker, nonetheless, returned to work within days, highlighting the ‘normality’ and acceptance surrounding infant mortality in these societies.

Another group of kids that we are working closely with at Tribewanted, are based at the Craig Bellamy Foundation – an academy fostering upcoming adolescent footballers. These boys are selected from around the nation and brought to the school where they live, learn, train and eat. After having the opportunity to become involved last season, I was invited back to continue ‘life skills’ nutrition sessions with the boys and menu development with their cooking team. Working with the students was the fun and easy part – they are an intellegent group and I was pleased to learn that they had retained a lot of what we had covered in the last academic year. The boys soaked up information about macro- and micro-nutrients, food and energy and the different fats and sugars in foods. The bigger challenge for me lay waiting in the kitchen – trying to work with the (sometimes stubborn!) cooking team to ensure the boys were served healthy, nutritious and balanced meals during the week! After observing the food environment and availability, we managed to make some simple changes to the set menu to better distribute carbohydrates pre and post games. There remains, however, work to be done and I’m looking forward to continued involvement with the team at the academy.

Reaching heights was the challenge set as we left John Obey beach last week, destination Pickett Point, 917m above the Atlantic Ocean! After almost reaching this mountain top during my last stay (by fighting our way through bush, scrambling up cliff faces, etc!), we were pleased to learn of a new path, specially marked out, that should enable us to reach the peak. We started the day in a little village, where the NGO responsible for creating the nature trails has been working to encourage a cease in deforestation by providing alternative forms of income. One such idea is a local bakery, where we visited – and enjoyed – some freshly baked treats! 7 of us then began to trek our way up to the point, which we reached in just over 3 hours… and what a reward we received! Amazing views over the sea and villages of the Western Peninsula and beyond. And I’m going to stand by the fact that I was the first Australian ever to make it to the top!

Beauty was also right at our doorstep this past weekend as we played host to an array of natural wonders. We witnessed a giant turtle climbing up the sandbank and laying her eggs in the sand. We saw a group of dolphins playing and jumping just out at sea. I was confronted by a snake as I attempted (and aborted!) going to the toilet. We had crocodiles hanging out in the lagoon. I bodysurfed waves at sunset in the river mouth. And I enjoyed a yoga session with a perfect rainbow arc decorating the horizon. Just another week at beautiful John Obey beach…

INTRO by Ben Keene

Ben Keene — Thu Oct 20 22:09:48 UTC 2011

In October 2011 the management of Tribewanted Vorovoro was handed back to the local community. After 5 years of building a new community on Vorovoro we are happy to see Tui Mali, the Mataqali (landowners) and the wider community of Mali take more ownership of the project. We expect the community will be re-open in 2012 and will post details here.

Tribewanted.com is currently being re-built to launch a co-operative model for tribe members in 2012 which will include the launch of our third community. We are currently open for our second season at John Obey Beach in Sierra Leone.

"A totally unique experience" by Ben Keene

Ben Keene — Thu Oct 20 21:12:34 UTC 2011

RIP Leavi Api (aka Crimestopper), poster boy for a happy life by Ben Keene

Ben Keene — Fri Oct 14 11:42:46 UTC 2011

I woke this morning to find a note from Ulai to Jimmy and I explaining that Tui Mlai had called him to say that Leavi, known to many of us as ‘Crimestopper’ had passed away peacefully last night at home in Vuo village with his family at his side.
This is a shock. Not because Leavi was getting older (somewhere between 60 and 70?!) and more regularly sick but because for those of us lucky enough to meet this man would find hard to believe that he could be without life, without bula.
I know many of you who will read this news today will find a rush of feelings – of shock, sadness, but very soon of happiness. For Leavi was happiness.
The Host
Leavi was one of the first people I met on Vorovoro in 2006. He immediately made an impression on me – overtly warm in his handshake, smile, bright eyes and bula – you could feel his good energy instantly. Like the others around him – Tui Mali, Epeli, Poasa, Francis, Anna, Va – you really did feel like you had ‘come home’ when you first arrived on an island that couldn’t have looked less like home for us.
The Gardener
Leavi sang to his trees, plants, vegetables, and flowers. He read them the Bible. He caressed them. The love he would show us, he showed them. The gardens blossomed. I remember being in the gardens with James Strawbridge and Leavi. James turned to me and said, ‘Is this Buddha?’ such was Leavi’s overwhelming sense of peace.
The Law Enforcer
There was a rumour spreading around the island of a ‘frog bomber’ – someone deliberately putting frogs inside the girls mossie nets at night. The self-appointed ‘Crimestopper’ immediately called for a court case. He ‘arrested’ the three suspects including me and led us using the ‘fire alarm’ as a siren through the village, our hands tied with bananana leaf hand-cuffs. No one found this more amusing than Leavi who had somewhere found a pair of glittery hand-cuff earings to wear – he looked like he was taking part in a tropical Mardi Gras. He was the only law enforcement Vorovoro ever had or needed.
The Healer
If you were sick, tired, angry, or needed first aid – Leavi would be there. using local medicine, he and Pupu Epeli would apply to great effect. More often than not he would simply heal a situation with his love. A hug, shared tears, or laughter and things would be fixed. There was no problem that couldn’t be sorted by this fisherman and farmer.
The all-night Musician
The kava matt gatherings were always better when Leavi was there. When we recorded the Vorovoro Sessions Leavi led the way with Tevita, extending each song for at least another chorus with his incredible repetoire of animal noises, you could hear his voice going but two, three, four hours later he would still be there – ukele in hand strumming away, slowed by nothing except another ‘malau bus’ (large coocnut shell) of grog. The best times on Vorovoro were Kava times with Leavi.
The Great Entertainer
When I found out Leavi would be one of the four-man team coming to to the UK in 2009 to represent Vorovoro and Fiji Tourism, I knew we were in for a treat. Even on arrival his stories of what had happened on their one night stop in Korea had everyone crying with laughter. Leavi was doing great impressions of the angry Korean chefs in the hotel they stayed in when ‘Team Fiji’ went back to the buffet over and over and over again. Later that night he told of how he ended up taking the hotel lift to the top floor by mistake and had to knock on someone’s door in his pocket sulu and persuade them to show him how to find his room. Another friend made when most of us would have caused offence.
The Fijian Peter Pan
Perhaps Leavi never really grew up as he grew old and his body grew tired. His infectious giggle as he threw himself in the sea at the end of an Isa Lei waving with all his might at those departing the island would leave most of us crying with laughter and sadness, as we do today. Age did not weary Crimestopper!
It’s perhaps too early to decide how we can honour this great man. Perhaps we can start by sharing our stories of him online and then gathering them for his family.
As Ulai said today, Vina’a va’alevu Api sara na lasa va’a na vei ’o’ani – thanks Api for the fun and company.
Life was better with Leavi. For me he represents how the world should be. He was the best wingman anyone could ask for. Rest as you lived tavale, in Peace.

Vorovoro September 2011 by Ben Keene

Ben Keene — Thu Oct 13 16:30:13 UTC 2011

Dear Tribe,
I am writing to you today from the solar house in Sierra Leone. After nearly a year of discussing a new partnership with Vorovoro, Fiji, we have decided it makes the most sense to step-back from the management of the project and hand over the infrastructure to the local community. I have written to Tui Mali and the Mataqali this week to communicate this.
Professionally for Tribewanted it is the right decision. Personally it was a harder one to make.
Vorovoro was always ambitious – we agreed a lease in 2006 that was, in hindsight, too expensive putting pressure on the project when business was slow in 2010. New lease fees from the government are even higher which is why it does not make sense to pursue a long-term one.
For 5 years we enjoyed being part of something very special on Vorovoro. We learnt a huge amount from our Fijian family as well as ourselves and what it really means to live more sustainably. I will be surprised if I ever meet such a hospitable and beautiful people again. I thank Tui Mali especially for everything he and his family has done to share their culture and community with the ‘Vuravura’ (the world). Living on Vorovoro often did feel like a paradise not so much because of the island but because of the people that came together on it. I’ve not experienced anything like it before or since. Maybe I never will. It was and I am sure will continue to be one of the happier places in the world.
At this moment I also fondly remember those that helped Vorovoro grow but who are no longer with us today: Peta Tale, Raina Jensen, and Justin Martindale.
The Cahills (Tribewanted Project Managers in 2009/10) are now formally seeking a partnership with the Mataqali to continue community tourism on Vorovoro, run locally in Fiji. This is good news. As soon as this progresses I will let you know so that those wishing to return to the island can. I look forward to returning myself. We wish the Cahills, the landowners and the community of Mali the very best of success. Everything Tribewanted and its members built and left on the island will remain to help provide a platform for the next phase of the project.
The idea of Tribewanted has always been to build a new type of international and local community that was sustianble, innovative & significant in its positive impact. This mission has not changed. The momentum and lessons that Vorovoro gave us have rolled on and with a great team we will continue our successful start in Sierra Leone where this week we opened the project at John Obey for season two . In 2012 we will open a new location and based on recent tribe survey feedback will launch an exciting Co-op model through a brand new online platform that is already well on its way to being built.
So, sad as I am not to be making regular trips back to Fiji I know this is the right decision and now feel freer and more focused on taking our tribe forward.
Thank you for playing your part.
Ben
-——
ben@tribewanted.com

The Opening of Tribewanted Season Two in Sierra Leone by Ben Keene

Ben Keene — Thu Oct 13 14:19:48 UTC 2011

Tribewanted opens for season two at John Obey with mission of: ‘Sustainable Salone Small Small’

Libation was poured on the earth at John Obey beach this weekend to formally celebrate a safe and successful first year of the Tribewanted eco-tourism project and to ask the village ancestors to look after the community for the next 12 months.

Speeches from councilors, headmen and tribe members talked of the pride both the John Obey community and Sierra Leone now have in the project.

Paul Sia, John Obey village secretary said: ‘We are very happy to have Tribewanted as part of our community. Their goodwill supports our school development and salaries every month and their employment helps us.’

Samuel Kamara, earth bag builder said: ‘With a 34cm bucket of dirt we are filling rice sacks and building new homes.’

Ben Keene, founder of Tribewanted said: ‘The libation from last year clearly worked – we have felt safe and happy at John Obey – for that we are grateful to the ancestors. The project was 80% of the way their to breaking even in year one. In year two we hope to welcome over 200 international tribe members for a week or more as well as local guests to make the project profitable.’

He continued: ‘The two biggest threats to this project locally are the destruction of the peninsula forest and the Salone tendancy for excessive ‘palava’! The biggest attraction of staying at John Obey is the chance to experience Sierra Leone in a safe, friendly, healthy and beautiful environment. This is one of the best beaches in Africa.’

The ceremony was followed by drumming, dancing and a beach BBQ enjoyed by 100 plus villages and friends; including visitors from the Mercy Ships, Visit Sierra Leone and the Craig Bellamy Foundation. A thunderstorm soon arrived which sent everyone into the kitchen to
carry on enjoying the palm wine and seafood chop.

Local accommodation now includes 2 (soon to be three) earth domes, 2 beach bungalows and tents. Compost toilets, bucket showers, gardens and solar power make the project a good example of what sustainable tourism in SL can look like.

The project will remain open until June 2012 when it will close for the rainy season.

For more information visit sierraleone.tribewanted.com or for local bookings and rates call Daniel Macauley on 078 290 578 /

sierraleone@tribewanted.com

My first challenge: Palm Oil! by Kat Cacavas

Kat Cacavas — Thu Oct 13 14:05:40 UTC 2011

“Welcome Home”, Ben said to me as I walked down the jetty in Aberdeen. And I couldn’t think of a better place to call home at the moment, than Tribewanted at John Obey beach in Sierra Leone. I spent 6 weeks in Sierra Leone earlier this year, and remember feeling strangely sad as my plane took off from Lungi airport. I thought that my longing for ‘Sweet Salone’ would fade as the days, weeks and months passed. But alas, it didn’t. The country had succeeded in capturing my attention… and my heart, and drawing me back in…

After a bumpy ride back to the beach, I arrived in the dark to a delicious meal of freshly-caught fish and locally-grown salads (drowned in mayonnaise, oil and vinegar… nutrition goal # 1, undress the salads!). I was settled into my beach hut and quickly crashed, feeling the effects of a long trip and busy lead up to this journey.

I woke up the next morning and the scene from my window took my breath away! The sun was glistening off the lagoon and just past that, the ocean. Beautiful, big, leafy trees shaded my doorstep and beyond. The waves crashing and colliding were like music to my ears. A big smile crept onto my face – I had this moment to look forward to for many more mornings to come!

I walked out onto the golden sands, yoga mat in hand, and enjoyed my first stretching session back on the beach. Can you imagine a better studio than the blue Atlantic Ocean in one direction and the vast, green of the Western Peninsula forest in the other?

My session was followed by Monday morning meeting time. All the Tribewanted workers gathered and I was warmly welcomed back to the community. It was great to see the team all looking healthy and happy (including 2 very pregnant ladies!). To look around and see that the hard work completed in Season 1 had survived its first rainy season and that the team was confidently and proudly taking ownership and moving forward with the project was both reassuring and refreshing.

I had returned to Tribewanted Sierra Leone for many different reasons. First and foremost, I believed in their values: the idea of sustainable development; working with, and learning from communities, rather than enforcing Western ideals; utilising locally produced, fresh foods wherever possible; and appreciating and using the surroundings to ensure a healthy, natural environment.

I also felt that I had a lot more to share with the Tribewanted project and the John Obey community. My background is in nutrition and dietetics and I love working with groups and applying these skills. I am a serial traveller and have been blessed with opportunities to travel, study and work in many countries and with many different cultures. My aim was to continue to develop and encourage healthy lifestyles within the Tribewanted and John Obey communities and beyond in Sierra Leone.

My first challenge involved a four-letter word that makes heads roll in most countries, but is enjoyed immensely (and excessively) in Sierra Leone… PALM oil! How was I going to convince these people that palm oil in large quantities was actually detrimental to their health? Especially when, as I was quickly informed, medical personnel in Sierra Leone often prescribe palm oil to cure many ailments!

The Tribewanted workers gathered in the beach classroom after lunch and as one guest put it I attempted to “cleverly construct a nutrition session that ultimately led to a discussion on palm oil!” I opened with some background information about what a nutritionist or dietitian actually is. I explained about what type of work I had been involved with in the past, often working with overweight and/or obese people – a concept that was hard for an African to grasp in itself! I then asked the team “What does it mean to you to be healthy?” I was more than impressed at some of the answers the guys came up with:

“Health is to be happy”… “Health is being well”… “Health is no absence from work”… “Wel bodi na gentri (Health is wealth)”.

We then brainstormed together common Sierra Leonean foods and drinks and I categorised them into “carbohydrates”, “proteins” and “fats and oils”. I explained why each of these macronutrients was important for our bodies. It was time now to broach the touchy subject – palm oil. The workers had already noticed a reduction in the amount of palm oil that we were using in our “chop” [food], and were not happy! The usual amount of palm oil used to cook here for around 25 people was 1.5 litres!!! Through educating the Tribewanted cooking team last season, I was assured this figure had decreased by at least 60%.

The discussion that followed reassured our workers that we were not going to be cutting palm oil completely from the meals (heaven forbid!), but that palm oil in excess could lead to “bobo bele” [overweight] and other health complications, including heart disease, diabetes and stroke. The other factor that we discussed, a very important consideration within these communities, was price. The cost of living is continually rising in Sierra Leone, often disproportionally to income. If we were to reduce our palm oil consumption at Tribewanted and encourage our workers to continue these practices at home, there would be more money available for their families at the end of the day.

Naturally changes in knowledge, and subsequently, behaviour take time. I’m looking forward to working closely with the cooking team and the Tribewanted workers to increase the focus on nutrition in John Obey. Apart from nutrition education sessions, we have commenced some exciting projects to further develop awareness about where our food comes from. We have begun to measure our ‘food miles’, in an attempt to source as much as possible from local supplies. We are also working continuously with the team to ensure appropriate catering, and in turn, reduced food waste. A menu planner has been devised to assist with this and also to encourage an increased variety of foods consumed.

I can see that my time at John Obey beach and Tribewanted is going to be a journey on multiple levels. Professionally, I hope to continue to develop my knowledge and skills in community nutrition. I will also have additional responsibilites as an on-site volunteer manager to ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible for both our workers and our guests. Emotionally, particularly as communication remains difficult in Sierra Leone, I anticipate that I may feel more disconnected from my family and friends. I will attempt to embrace the slow internet and inconsistent telephone networks and enjoy every moment of contact I have! It helps, of course, that I will be joined by Tribemembers from all over the world that will help share and shape my experience. And personally, after many months on the road, I will be settling into life in an African eco-village. I am looking forward to enjoying the beautiful simplicity of village life in Sierra Leone, learning from this community every day and seeing that my own behaviour changes can commence now and continue with me beyond my time here on the beach.

Update from John Obey Sept 2011 by Ben Keene

Ben Keene — Mon Sep 26 10:41:56 UTC 2011

Great to be back at the beach – lots happening and team well motivated. Weather is dramatic and the plant life is flourishing. October 8th will be our Season 2 official opening with ceremony, bbq and beach party.So good to be eating fine fish, swimming in the river and getting dirrrty with the team.

Here’s a quick update of all that’s going on…

Power

New inverter installed by Siaka Massaquoi from Energy for Opportunity 23.9
Prob identified as poor wiring junctions outside domes / shacks
Solution: build box -house for main junction distributor for accommodations
Re-connect lights in domes / shacks 30.9

Water

Rainwater catchment effective – full tank
Taps fixed after storm damage
Well water intermittently saline/small dirt – hydrologist visit this week

Buildings

Honeydome – courtyard floor to be earthed and toilet interior wall rendered 26-28.9
Cally’s Shack – Roof leaking, zinc changed 24.9
Hanging baskets to be installed (Tribe)
Walkway to shower to be built (Tribe)
The Wall foundations done with short-bags. Earth Team strong ownership!
Bucket showers (x4) pulleys rusting during rains – change
Kitchen – survived thanks to earth wall behind. Drop-down shutters in-place. Chop-house needs table / fire stone (Elijah’s Salone pizza) & low earth-wall

Gardens / Landscape

Tree saplings have flourished, esp on pathways & banana trees front of compost toilets huge (good tribe urine)
Mandala composting bearing results after long-grasses cleared including carrots, pinapple, pepper, okra & lots of lemongrass.
Flowers planted around accommodations
Considering planting seaweed to strengthen lagoon sandbanks as erosion evident from rains – advice from marine biologist needed.
Outdoor map of village & community tourism model (Tribe)
3 min film to be produced for MTV on sustainable living at JO (Tribe)

Kitchen

Increased focus on nutrition this season (Kat Cacavas + Elijah Beccles)
Constant focus on hygene
Both female kitchen team pregnant, maternity leave policy to be introduced.
More variety in preparation of seafood

Community

20 full-time workers happier with one-on-one contracts this season compared to community contract last season – great welcome back
Security no problems during rainy season
All micro-loans (salaried) paid back in full on time + all group-loans (solidarity) paid back except one individual with excessive debts. Matter dealt with in Waterloo.
Goodwill from TWSL (L2m per month / $500) structured this year split between Chief/leaders, elders fund, school & community development projects. To be seen whether this has greater impact on development.
Large community centre being built next to school with funding believed to be from future estate developer in the area.
Small youth community centre built by road-side in village
WHH (NGO) funding projects in village – dam, forestry training and tree nursery.
Fisherman community still not finished toilets with funding from TWSL end of 2010. Poor leadership and transitional community main reasons.
Observed large number of newborns since June. Quality of healthcare improving leading to growth in local population?

Official opening of season two for team, tribe, VIP guests & friends will be October 8th with small ceremony, Salone BBQ, beach football, fire & drums.

Target International visitors for 1 week or more Oct 2011 – June 2012 is 200

Season 2 Team

TWSL Directors: Ben Keene, Filippo Bozotti, Michel Sho-Swayer

Local Managers: Ibrahim Fatorma (Project Mgr), Daniel MaCauley (Tribe Mgr), Ali Conteh (Transport & Logistics)

Kitchen: Elijah Beccles, Isatu Sesay, Aminatta Jalloh, Alfred Marrah

Earth: Abas Bangura (Mgr), Alfonso Bangura, John Bangura, Mohammed Jalloh, Samuel Kamara, Abu Bayoh, Mohammed Sesay

Permaculture: Pa Brima, Issa Turay

Security: Junior Bangora (Mgr), Alusine Conteh, Saidu Conteh

Tribe Volunteer Oct-Dec 2011: Kat Cacavas (Australia)

Airport: Idrissa

LATEST PICS FROM JOHN OBEY (TOP RIGHT OF THIS POST)

meet Kat, JO live-in volunteer + village school report by Ben Keene

Ben Keene — Thu Sep 15 10:28:40 UTC 2011

Kat says: "I’m an Australian girl who landed on the other side of the world in April 2011 after following my heart to Sierra Leone (I have two gorgeous cousins from there!) I had an incredible, life-changing experience in Sierra Leone and at Tribewanted John Obey beach during this time, and it has succeeded in drawing me back. I am a Dietitian and Nutritionist and I love working with communities and applying my knowledge and skills. A serial traveller since 2002, I have been blessed with opportunities to travel, study and work in many countries and with many different cultures.

During my last visit to John Obey beach I was involved in running nutrition education sessions with the Tribewanted staff, the Craig Bellamy Foundation and the John Obey Primary School. I braved the local market in Waterloo to learn about available and accessible produce and then worked with the kitchen team to design and implement a varied and healthy menu planner. I hope to continue to develop and encourage healthy lifestyles within the John Obey community and beyond in Sierra Leone. Come and join me for sunrise yoga on the beach!"

Whilst at JO earlier in the year Kat completed a quick survey with the local village primary school…

John Obey Primary School

Summary – June 2011

Enrolment: 50 students
– Nursery school (students commence at ~4-5 years) = 10 students
– Class 1 = 20 students
– Class 2 = 3 students
– Class 3 = 6 students
– Class 4 = 6 students
– Class 5 = 3 students

- Class 6 = 2 students

Class organisation (one teacher per group, i.e. 4 teachers):
– Nursery school
– Class 1
– Class 2 and 3

- Class 4, 5 and 6

Term dates (approximate):
– Term 1 (September-November)
– Term 2 (December-March)
– Term 3 (April-June)

School holidays:
– December (2 weeks)
– March/April (2 weeks, dependent on Easter)
– July-August (2 months)

Schedule:
8am – School commences
8 → 10am – Class
10 → 10.30am – Break (may be longer to allow children to return home to eat)
10.30am → 12midday – Class
12midday → 12.45pm – Lunch (with PE class occasionally included)
12.45pm → 2pm – Class
2pm – School finishes

Teachers do not follow a strict class timetable, but cover all subjects. Students are given a report card at the end of each school term/year.

School fees (per student each term):
10,000 Leones

Note – the school principal advised that fees were 15,000 Leones/term however families were unable to afford this. Principal keeps leger of all paid students and subsequent teacher wages

School donations:

Donations currently stored away with the school principal. Many donations of stationary have been left untouched as the teachers are unsure of how to divide these evenly. Donated books are occasionally read out in class or borrowed out to Class 4, 5 and 6 students in a ‘library’ system.

Additional book donations remain stored at Tribewanted John Obey beach until school is better organised.
After school club:
– Recommenced Wednesday 25/5. 49 students and all teachers attended John Obey beach for the afternoon for education sessions and games
– Follow-up session Wednesday 1/6. 47 students and all teachers attended.
– School very happy to continue weekly visits to John Obey beach

Goodwill from Tribewanted to John Obey ($500 per month) in-part supports school teachers

Plans for turning Tribewanted into a co-operative and survey for members by Ben Keene

Ben Keene — Mon Sep 12 16:33:18 UTC 2011

Bula Sia & Ow di Bodi!

You will remember that 5 years ago this month a few of us landed on the beach of Vorovoro Island, drank some kava, made friends for life, and built a new community.

Since then a lot more of you have played a part from your armchairs, in Fiji and in the last year in Sierra Leone. Our
little tribe has had a big adventure with lots of happy memories and positive stories. 10,000 of you have participated online. 1500 of you have visited. And a few of you have even married each other and started your own tribes.

So it’s a good moment to take a pause and remember what’s happened and what we’ve learnt.

FIJI
Many of you have been as frustrated as I have about not being able to re-open Vorovoro after the rainy season this year as hoped because of lease negotiation issues. I’m sorry for this. It’s never been a case of the Mataqali (landowners), me or others not wanting the project to continue. We visited Tui Mali in May and made an offer where the Mataqali would take more ownership of the project. There has been ongoing discussion between all parties ever since. As soon as there are any further developments we’ll let you know.

SIERRA LEONE
Sierra Leone season two begins on October 1st at John Obey and I’ll be travelling back next week to start post-rainy season work on new earth domes and gardens, along with Fatorma, Daniel, Elijah, Mr.Ali and the rest of the team. It’s been an amazing experience living on what has to be one of the best beaches in Africa – I hope to see some of you for a Salone sunset or two soon.

TRIBEWANTED 2012
The exciting news is that this year with the support of my business partner Filippo and other tribe members we have secured new funds and resources to re-launch Tribewanted online in 2012. The plan is to launch a new Community Interest Company that allows our members to become part-owners in our local communities. Similar to a co-operative model, for £10/$16 a month members can save up for tribe-time, make decisions as a tribe as to where our next communities will be and make each community financially sustainable. For every 1.000 tribe members we can launch and sustain a new community together! We have the opportunity to prove that it is possible to live sustainably not only in exotic locations and developing countries, but also in developed countries and even urban settings.

Before we begin to develop the new online platform I’d really appreciate your feedback and ideas on our plans. The survey will only take two minutes (or longer if you wish) and will really help shape the direction for Tribewanted 2.0

Vinaka vakalevu & Tanki Borku!

Ben

2 MIN TRIBE SURVEY

mail me: ben@tribewanted.com

tweet me: [http://twitter.com/benkeene]

Tales of Tribe Members... by Emma Baker

Emma Baker — Sat Aug 20 15:54:31 UTC 2011

Hi everyone,

I’m a Geography undergraduate at the University of Exeter in the UK, and I’m currently writing my dissertation on Tribewanted. I’d really appreciate feedback from anyone who’s been to Sierra Leone. Please fill in my questionnaire by clicking on the link below…

Thanks!
Emma

http://FreeOnlineSurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=bx1o36n7w45w9r3951614

Farewell from the Tribewanted Dream Foundation by Helen Lang

Helen Lang — Mon Aug 08 17:28:14 UTC 2011

After careful consideration, the Tribewanted Dream Foundation board of trustees agreed to close operations in the latter part of 2010. This was not an easy decision to make given the roots of the charity, hard work of all involved, not to mention the wonderful support we received from Tribewanted members. However the decision was made as a result of unresolvable challenges in local delivery. Having spent 18 months looking for ways to address these problems and with no viable solution found the Board felt its position as a charity was no longer tenable as the organisation was no longer in a position to successfully fulfil its obligations to support communities in Northern Fiji and therefore concluded that there was little choice but to cease operations and close.

We were terribly saddened to hear of Raina Jensen’s tragic accident last year. She was a friend and valued member of Tribewanted from the beginning and we know how deeply she cared about all the people she came into contact with in Fiji. When Stuart Kimberly contacted us in January regarding plans to set up the Raina Jensen Foundation, we saw this as a positive opportunity to donate our remaining funds of £286 to continue the good work in Northern Fiji. Given the shared objectives of both organisations to support development in the local communities in Mali we are reassured that it will be spent in the places that need it most.

Raina was an inspiration to many people around the world and we hope that this donation will help in some small way to building what we are sure will be a successful and innovative foundation for many years to come. We wholeheartedly offer our support to the charity, to her family and reassured to feel that there will be a legacy of our work in the Raina Jensen Foundation for the communities we all care about so much in Fiji.

How to Wirelessly Charge Your Tools in 3 Easy Steps by Zara Dobson

Zara Dobson — Sat Jul 02 08:15:27 UTC 2011

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When the technology gizmos initially hit the scene there were cords wired with the Flash ports on the personal computer. This was like a lovely innovative approach to me at first. I was a fan of the ease that one could easily put the unit in at nighttime while viewing e mail. Unfortunately, like several things, this quickly became a problem. How can I have my accessory with me throughout the house if it has to remain plugged in at the personal computer?

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During the last two years, I’ve started to discover and experience things relating to wire-less recharging mats. From whatever I understood in the early stages, they were wanting certain cases for the gizmos to make use of them. In recent times, this was removed. The world of wifi charging is about to bust wide open.

We have to put a pin in that topic. We will be back very quickly. For now, we must focus on the power of eco-friendly technology ². Many naysayers to renewable tech will believe it’s tree-hugging talk to get people to acquire higher priced devices and that it’s all a ridiculous attempt due to the fact none of the negative consequences are essentially taking place. Whether or not that is correct, the exclusively complication with that statement is what number of people are in the world. Because of the number of people living on the entire world and how many of them using coal and natural gas driven energy, we’ve started to have a drawback. Now carefully consider the group of them that will have kids and precisely how that will multiply the sum of folks making use of electrical energy and non-renewable fuels. The single responsible thing to try is for modern technology to supply efficient answers at the present that can become natural green needs later ³.

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Precisely what is Qi you may ask? Qi has been invented by the wire-less power consortium as a default specification to be employed by the producers of charging accessories, like our recently released table, and the gizmos which they will charge, just like your brand new smartphone that is touch screen enabled, sees information and has a foldout full-sized keyboard set. This completely new Qi technological innovation has only existed since the beginning of this season, but most people are wishing rapid integration and a score of device releases. The utilization of Qi with older wifi gadgets is self-assured, and we will undoubtedly be experiencing more details on Panasonic’s brand-new solar-powered wireless recharging table and many other Qi facilitated battery chargers in the future.

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The author:

Doctor Zara Dobson (Twitter: dr_zara_dobson) is a former postdoctoral analyst at the Program of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Scotland. She got a qualification in computing research and technology, and proceeded her research into a Ph.D. working in the Bio Medical and Multi-media Information Technology at the University of Sydney, Australia. She was a writer for various leading magazines in the renewable energy niche i.e. “Renewable Energy World”. From ’05 to the present she is a guest journalist for renewable energy online sites, personal blogs and boards.

Update on Vorovoro - June by Ben Keene

Ben Keene — Thu Jun 23 07:32:46 UTC 2011

Heading back to Fiji for the first time in almost a year it felt like going home. The warm welcome first by Tui Mali and his family and then Poasa & Francis on Vorovoro was as generous as ever.

We discussed at length (around the tanoa – where else) the re-opening of Vorovoro and the different partnership options. What is clear is that the Mataqali (the landowners – Tui Mali and his three brothers and families) are determined to re-open the island for tourism but are also not in a rush to do so. They are keen to get the structure of any new partnership absolutely right and are going through a long process of consultation with different government bodies.

After paying our outstanding debts I explained how a new partnership model with Tribewanted might work with us providing a guaranteed minimum monthly income for the land and jobs but the business being majority owned by the Mataqali. We spent several hours on Tui Mali’s veranda going through ‘banana cake’ pie charts with torchlight. We have learned a lot together over the last few years!

The NLTB have endorsed the offer we made and it was well received by the landowners. Tui Mali is aware that lots of people still want to visit Vorovoro and at the moment they can’t – which is frustrating to all. He is currently waiting for the FTIB (Fiji Trade & Investment Board) to visit the island and at his request re-value the land. I’m not sure this is going to make any difference to the future of Vorovoro but I understand why the landowners want to do it.

I am in contact with Ulai, Tui Mali and the NLTB on a regular basis and as soon as there is any progress in Fiji I will let you all know. The good news is that Maddy & Savenaca will be getting married on Vorovoro with their families in July. I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing them a great day and a happy long-life together.

Whilst Sierra Leone is in rainy season (project is closed for July & August) I am working with righttodream.com in Ghana – amazing education and sport project. Check it out.

Please send me questions you might have about Vorovoro at anytime

Moce mada

Ben

ben@tribewanted.com

Update on Vorovoro - May by Ben Keene

Ben Keene — Mon May 16 07:19:10 UTC 2011

I finally made it back to Fiji earlier this month and was able to spend some quality time with Tui Mali, the family and friends of Vorovoro – all are well.

Debts have been paid and an offer for a new partnership was formally submitted and discussed in detail with the landowners and the Native Land Trust Board.

The landowners were given two weeks to respond and I’ve been in regular contact since then. I spoke again to Tui Mali yesterday who has since been advised by the Fiji Trade & Investment Board to re-value Vorovoro before moving forward with any kind of new partnership.

As such we have had to withdraw our current offer for now as budgets for upgrading current island infrastructure cannot be available in the short-term unless a decision could have been quickly made.

I understand the landowners position it’s just frustrating that its taking so long and that bureaucracy much more than lack of will on the partners side is preventing a number of you from visiting Vorovoro this year.

I expect to speak to Tui Mali at the end of the month and take it from there. When I do I will let you know what happens.

Vorovoro, despite being slightly overgrown in parts, is as beautiful and welcoming as ever. Read Kim & Simon’s caretaker blog .

Vinaka for your continued support and Vorovoro memories. I am now back in Sierra Leone managing the rest of the first season of the John Obey project.

Ben

Study in West Africa at Tribewanted, Sierra Leone by Mariah Boyle

Mariah Boyle — Wed Apr 20 20:53:20 UTC 2011

One of my most favorite experiences in college was taking a 6 week study abroad coast in Australia, traveling the entire east coast of the country listening to science lectures and exploring the reefs. The lessons were easily retained since everything was hands-on and new, and I made friends that I still keep in touch with years later. That unique experience can now happen in Sierra Leone.

Tribewanted is ready to host high school and university classes that want to study any number of topics, including marine science, sociology and tribal life, renewable energy, and many others. Students can stay in John Obey, in huts or camping in tents on the beach. Professors can hold lectures in huts on the beach and field trips can be arranged to explore the area. The village is complete with a water source, solar panels for charging electronics, and kitchen serving 3 meals daily. For more information and photos of the area, download the informational sheet here.

Tribewanted has contacts in many fields that may be able to help you create a syllabus and schedule field trips. If you’re interested in taking a science class there, I’m happy to suggest topics of study and places to visit. To learn more about arranging a trip to Sierra Leone for a class, email sierraleone@tribewanted.com.

John Obey, Sierra Leone is also an excellent location for research. I’ll be returning in November to conduct marine science research fully funded by a grant. Now is an excellent time to conduct research in the country, especially research that results in support to the local economy, people, and environment.

Please forward the info sheet and this blog to any folks that may be interested in creating new study abroad programs.

Happy traveling!