A Volunteer's Journal

HARDA's HORN OF AFRICA FAMINE AID APPEAL |

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:26:00 +0000

FAMINE IN HORN OF AFRICA

What is HARDA doing??

HARDA is working with our on the ground partners whom, as you can see from the photo on the left, are distributing food aid right now. Dr Mohamud Sheikh, an executive member of HARDA, has been using his holiday to help with our initial aid effort in Northern Kenya, thanks to a very generous donation from Muslim Aid Australia. He reports "we fed up to 5,927, buying only essential food stuff to increase the number of people that we can reach. We provided Corn meal (maize flour), Oil and Beans – the common diet of the people. The community elders were so pleased that we dd not leave without feedng anyone who turned up for food".

Help urgently needed

The United Nations declared a famine in parts of Somalia. Famine is declared when a number of preconditions are met. These include when hunger rates among children rise above thirty precent and many people are unable to get food and other basic needs. The UN believes that it is likely that tens of thousands have already died, the majority of these being children.

And the famine is spreading with the Horn of Africa experiencing its worst drought in sixty years. UN officials have said more than eleven million people are in need of food aid.

What can you do??

Please HELP those in such desperate need. Each life is precious and each donation helps preserve a life!

100% of what you donate is going directly to those in need, providing much needed food to those heading to the camps and to those outside the camps who are dying so close to help.

PLEASE DONATE NOW

The pictures and stories coming out of these regions would break your heart; and we have so much in comparison to their need!

Donate to HARDA's HORN OF AFRICA FAMINE AID APPEAL | www.harda.info

Twitter: @AussieActivist

Crisis In The Congo: Uncovering The Truth - Japanese subtitles

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:02:00 +0000

Uncovering the Truth about US involvement in the Rwandan and Ugandan
invasion of DR Congo after the Rwandan Genocide in 1994.

Almost 6 Million people have died in this ongoing conflict. Rape as a
weapon of war to the woman and children of villages.

Photographs Of The Day: Top 3

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:11:00 +0000

I was going through the collection of photographs and pictures i have on my computer and found so many that were great, but here are my top 3 Photographs of the Day.

#1 Polar Bear - Up Close & Personal.

#2 An Electrical Storm - Love watching these.

#3 Amazing Natural Beauty - "Mirror Image - Greenland". Beautiful!

I just thought i'd like to share a few pictures that i find to be the most beautiful in the collection of wallpapers i have.

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 02:49:00 +0000

9th July, 2011 - Rebecca Fowler

South Sudanese celebrate Independence Day in Parramatta, Western Sydney NSW.

Women Celebrating Independence
Parramatta UWS. July 9, 2011

Today i had the honour to stand alongside my Southern Sudanese friends in celebration of their Independence Day. The mood was electric, over 2000 Southern Sudanese living in Western Sydney made the trek out to UWS Parramatta for their day of celebration. In attendance were Elders from the local Southern Sudanese Tribes, Honorable Local MP for Parramatta Julie Owens, SPLM Chapter and many local media and journalists. The day was filled with people coming and going, chanting "South Sudan Oyeee". Dancing outside the UWS Audatorium starting and everyone seemed to get into the mood of celebration.

Australian Born friends of Southern Sudanese were also in attendance, and I also met an Arab man from Northern Sudan who had moved to Australia and was standing alongside his Southern Friends. I was able to have a great discussion with him and many others about their lives back home in Sudan and what the future now holds for not only Southern Sudan but the North as well. Many were happy to share their tales from the war, from being displaced and their journey to Australia.

Celebrating Independence
A Jubilant Southern Sudanese Man holds
his countries new flag.

Many faces were happy, smiles were everywhere, but the deep concern over the next steps is always present. In each and every speech that was made, people were congratulated but also reminded of the challenges that now face Southern Sudan in their rebuilding, the first new steps of their newly elected government GOSS, solving volatile issues such as those in Abyei, South Kordofan and Nile State as well as Darfur and upholding Human Rights and Democracy for the people. As President Salva Kiir Myardit said in his speech "to those in Darfur, Abyei, South Kordofan and Nile State, we have not forgotten you", and I truly hope that the rest of the world stand alongside President Kiir Myardit in his words. Freedom may have been obtained for the South, but those area's still under dispute are far from seeing Freedom and Peace. This MUST remain the top priority for GOSS as well as ensuring democracy and human rights will be upheld.

In the last 2 years of working with some of these Men and Women i have seen that their Courage, Determination and Faith in God is inspirational. The atrocities these communities faced are some of the worst in recorded history, but yet they do not hold revenge in their hearts, they forgive, move forward and strive to ensure they have what every human deserves, Freedom. It is in true honor these people have fought for their freedom and dignity and i am so honored to be able to work along side some of the most remarkable and passionate people i have ever met.

A Sudanese Australian Toddler holds the flag
of the Republic of South Sudan.

Congratulations to the Republic of Southern Sudan, May God bless your fertile land with abundance, freedom and happiness.

For more pictures CLICK HERE (Copyright: R.Fowler)

My Lords and Ladies Medieval Fayre

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Tue, 24 May 2011 07:24:00 +0000

Saturday May 21st - Blacktown Medieval Fayre - Nurragingy Reserve.

We decided to head out the the My Lords and Ladies Medieval Fayre at Nurragingy Reserve this year. We had seen it advertised for a few years but had always had plans the weekend it was on. This year we made it there and i must say, it was quite amazing. Saturday, the sun shone down and the wind was low and the people were dressed up in all their Medieval Gear.

Showing Medieval times swords, clothing, cooking, tapestry, jousting, fighting, sleeping, woodwork and metal work. It was quite the show!

Ladies Creating Tapestry

With Free Camel and Pony rides for the kids, a huge tent filled with craft items so the kids could make their own Shields or Swords or Princess Crowns. There were Jesters and Robin Hood, The Fryer Tuck and Maid Marion. Hagrid and Dumbledore even turned up!

The crowds were great, with food stalls and festival stalls selling all sorts of items from Medieval Trinkets to Plants to Home Grown Honey's and Jams.

The International Jousting Competition was truly the highlight of the days. Watching these Knights and Ladies (Yes, Lady Sarah!) were hot in the arena drawing huge crowds to watch. With riders from the UK, US and Australia and NZ it was a thrilling event.

I can't wait for next year as i'll definately be going in some sort of costume and get right into the feel of the day!

Well Done Blacktown Council and all of the Medieval Groups for making this day a HUGE Success!

Sudan's Abyei 'ablaze' after capture by North

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Tue, 24 May 2011 01:38:00 +0000

Sudan's disputed border town of Abyei is ablaze, with gunmen looting properties days after troops from the government in Khartoum entered the area, UN peacekeepers say.

The peacekeepers belonging to UNMIS, the UN mission in Sudan, said on Monday that the burning and looting was perpetrated "by armed elements" but it was not clear whether they were from the north or the south.

Omar-al-Bashir, the Sudanese president, said a "peaceful resolution" for Abyei would be found.

"We are efforting to solve the remaining issues and remove tensions in Abyei," he said in a speech.

The developments in Abyei drew strong reaction from the US, with its special envoy to the country saying Washington would rule out dropping Sudan from a terrorism list if it continued occupying the oil-rich district.

Princeton Lyman said the "occupation" of Abyei by northern troops is "an extremely disproportionate response by the government of Sudan" to an attack on a UN convoy escorting the troops last week.

Envoy 'optimistic'

But Lyman added that there was still hope of the two sides resolving the crisis.

"I am optimistic in this sense: These two entities - Sudan and soon-to-be independent South Sudan - need each other," he told Al Jazeera.

"They have to collaborate for their own good, and while we're now facing a major crisis in Abyei, we're hopeful that the leadership, particularly president al-Bashir [in the north] and vice-president Kiir [in the south] will re-establish the spirit that they talked about ... "

Read the full Report here --> Sudan's Abyei 'ablaze' after capture by north - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Snaptu: Clashes in Abyei kill 30

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 05:14:00 +0000

February 28, 2011 (WAU) - 30 people have been confirmed dead and 26 wounded following another brake-out of heavy fighting in Abyei on 28 February, between local police and what were believed to be members of the Misseriya tribe. On 27 February, armed…

Click here to read the full story

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This email was sent to you from Snaptu mobile application.

Dramatic video of flash floods raging in Toowoomba Australia 2011

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 03:01:00 +0000

Southern Sudanese Women Dancing at Celebrations in Sydney

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 03:03:00 +0000

Video taken from my visit with the Southern Sudanese Communities last night. A wonderful experience and i am so honored to be welcomed into their lives. Thank You to the Southern Sudan Community in NSW your amazing!

Sudanese Australians Celebrate after first day of Referendum

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 02:54:00 +0000

In My Words: "10th January, 2011 – Rebecca-Anne Fowler

The second day of referendum voting for Southern Sudanese in Australia has started again at 8am this morning.

Last night i was invited by one of my Southern Sudanese friends William, to attend a celebration/meeting of Southern Communites after the first day of referendum voting ended. The night was a mix of speech’s, dancing and celebration for the coming months ahead.

Speech’s were given by elders and leaders, women were dancing and singing and the mood was electric, the theme: A New Sudan. When anyone mentioned a New Sudan the place erupted into cheers, it was amazing to see the Unity of the Southern Sudanese Tribes in this room. I myself was even called to give a speech. This was totally out of the blue and not expected. I did my best unprepared speech and got a huge round of applause. I felt so welcomed by all who attended."

It was also a great night for me to catch up with a few of my students and others whom i met at the Youth Conference in Sydney in NOV. I got to catch up with the wonderful Mr John Garang (not the late of course) and he was dressed in his military attire. He was happy to pose for a photo with one of his friends.

After speaking with a few of the attendee’s last night, i got a brief feeling that the general consensus for this vote will be a separation. One of the speakers said “The Late John Garang fought for this freedom for us, our fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers who were killed in the war have fought for this for us, now it is our turn to fight for them by voting in the referendum for separation.” Words than rang so true with most of the attendee’s.

I also spoke with a former “lost boy” who whilst not going into full details of his life, i could see that it had taken a devastating toll on the life of many. This particular gentleman now works for ActionAid and is doing great things here in Australia for his own community and many other communities around the world. It is so inspiring to know that someone who has been tested in the most atrocious of ways in life, has come through and is now giving back to community. I am inspired and at awe of these wonderful resiliant people who have come through devastating times to find some hope in their future. It simply amazes me.

This Tuesday i will be heading into the referendum centre here in Homebush Sydney and will be speaking with some Southern Sudanese on their hopes and dreams for the referendum. I feel so simply honored to be able to be a part of their lives here in Australia and to share their stories with the world is truly a blessing for me.
This year i hope to start writing a book with a few of my students, their life stories. Its going to be an amazing year for the Southern Sudanese communities and i wish them all the hope and happiness for their futures.

-Freeuganda
All photographs are Copyrighted to Rebecca-Anne Fowler, DO NOT reuse or distribute WITHOUT permission

Child Headed Household Christmas Appeal

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 01:41:00 +0000

With Christmas fast approaching, i just wanted to remind everyone of the Child Headed Household that i help to support through Joy for Children Uganda.

I have opened this STORE to enable me to sell items i create to help me cover the costs of the sponsorship $157US a month, 100% of the profits made on these items are sent directly to Joy for Children and then used to pay for their education, food, kerosene (no elec), clothing, blankets, medical expenses and more. I currently pay this by my own finances and as a lower income family with 3 children of our own to support we sometimes struggle to make the full amount to send. For more information about my sponsored children visit HERE

It would be greatly appreciated if you could purchase 1 item from our store and help us to help support 5 Children ranging from 8mths to 17yrs in Uganda to have a better life and some hope for the future.
VISIT OUR STORE HERE.

From Right: Norman (baby), Betty, Isaac, Naume(Monica) and Peter.

-FREEUGANDA

Volunteer Journal December 13th 2010

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 01:35:00 +0000

So today is my second last day at the HARDA office for this years African Men’s English Program. Tomorrow we will be having our graduation for 2010 and my students are excited yet aprehensive.

“What will we do for the next 8 weeks?” is a common question that is arising. With both our classes and TAFE classes finished for the year the men seem to be at a loss at what they will do with their time. Alot of them are asking about employment over the holidays, what can they do to gain some casual employment.
I feel troubled by the prospects of them going back to the parks they were sitting in before we were able to gain their attendance. With all the weeks of nothing ahead (f0r our single students) they are at a loss. It pains me that i can not do more. I feel like i’m sometimes caught between a rock and a hard place. But yet again, i am only one person. I do what i can to make the lifes of those around me better and i guess that is all i can do.

I am looking forward to our graduation ceremony tomorrow morning and i know my students are as well. They have invited their families and i am hoping to see a great turnout in support of them. I have started to receive the tutor reports and am amazed at how well some of them have come in the last 12 months due to our program. It makes me feel like we are doing something worthwhile and giving back to those who need our help.

I have made some wonderful friends with the Sudanese males that i have been involved with and the stories they can tell, wow they will blow you away.

Just this morning one of my students was telling me that he finally got to speak to his sister last month after 24 yrs of absence. She had no idea he was living in Australia and had not seen him since he was a small boy. I think of my own family and not seeing my sister for 24 yrs and how hard that would be on my family so i can only imagine how hard it has been for him. Living here in Australia with NO family. A Lost Boy, still searching for the life he wants. It pains me to hear his stories, so we made a pact, we will go to Sudan together one day and meet with his family. I myself am not rich, i struggle on financially with my own family and life but somehow, someday, god will help us take this journey together, so i can retrace his steps, meet his family and learn more about how my fellow friends from southern sudan have been forced to live for far too long in unresolved war like conditions. Ipray for nothing more than peace for southern sudan and for my friends to be able to return home to a democractic society that they so enjoy here in Australia.
I have also been trying to get on here and blog about my experience at the Horn of African Youth Conference a fortnight ago but am having issues with my internet cable (kids have tripped over it one too many times and its not working) and then my camera decided it did not want me to print the pics on the SD card when i took it to officeworks. So once i have fixed the “Technical” issues facing me ill have the blog up and the pics of the weekend up as well. (I am blogging from the HARDA office this morn).

Also Please Please Please if you want to do something for someone this Christmas purchase one of our Shirts or Products from ALL FOR CHARITY STORE and 100% of the profits made are used to support a Child Headed Household in Uganda of 5 Children. Betty the eldest girl is a budding scientist and we would love nothing more than to see her acheive her goals. For more information on Betty and her family, please VISIT HERE

Journal Entry 23rd November, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:53:00 +0000

Tuesday 23rd November 2010

I was at the HARDA (Horn of Africa Relief & Development Agency) office today as usual for my Tuesday Morning Volunteering to co-ordinate the African Men's English Program. We had a great conversation at our Morning Tea session and i thought it was worthwhile to discuss.

John, (our dear leader) had raised the subject of how hard it was for African Refugee's to gain employment in Australia and what services are available out there for further training. It was a great topic. A few of our students were really encouraged and opened up to us. "I worked for 20 months after coming to Australia as a printer" Santino from our level 3 english classed divulged. "In Sudan i worked as a printer in Khartoum". He also added. "In Australia i learnt great lessons in my 20 months working, that quality of product is very important, the machinery is different and up to date in technology, that arriving on time to work is very important." Santino advised. "I've applied for over 30 jobs in the Construction Industry" Spoke Ateem, "yet i've not gotten a job yet". Ateem previously worked in construction for 12-18 months but was unable to continue his employment due to his english skills. This is why they attend our Mens English and Computer Classes, so he can gain a better understanding of the english language and how to adjust to life here in Australia in a casual and stress free setting. Even though they have completed 500 hours of English training through TAFE, they found that coming from a non english speaking country (in particular Dinka, tribal or Arabic languages) it is much harder to understand and learn english. They found that TAFE did not make them feel confident in learning the english language and they could not have too much extra help due to the high amount of students per teacher. Our courses offer low student to teacher ratio to ensure effective learning and absorbing of information.

This journey i have begun with the Southern Sudanese Community in NSW has been an amazing journey full of interesting, heart breaking and couraging stories of life. I really cannot fathome how there is so much racism and misinformation surrounding these lovely people living in our beautiful and free country. My dear Aussies, i ask of you to just take the time to get to know these wonderful and resilient people and the friendships you will make are ones that will last the tests of time. My friends have such wonderful faith and kindness to share with the world, their amazing culture and traditions are to be retained for their future generations and their expressions of love and life through dance and song is to be adored. They make the most amazing music and dances i have seen.

So its now time for me to sign off for tonight but i leave you with a refreshed and revamped website that i have been working on tonight to update my information as my paths entangle and my life takes on new challenges and projects, i hope to continue on this journey with you.

Declaration of Human Rights (Plain English Version)

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:09:00 +0000

“I came across this today on my travels throughout the internet and thought i would blog about it as its quite a well known thing but most people don’t actually know what our Universal Human Rights are. Before you judge those refugee’s you see walking the streets, before you judge those asylum seekers in camps, read through this first, then ask yourself the question: “what has happened to them to make them leave their home and seek refuge in a country elsewhere that they do not know or belong”? Maybe when you can actually answer it with knowledge and fact, then you may finally change your mind about supporting Refugee’s and Asylum Seekers. – Freeuganda” Universal Declaration of Human Rights Plain Language Version
1	When children are born, they are free and each should be treated in the same way. They have reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a friendly manner.
2	Everyone can claim the following rights, despite - a different sex - a different skin colour - speaking a different language - thinking different things - believing in another religion - owning more or less - being born in another social group - coming from another country It also makes no difference whether the country you live in is independent or not.
3	You have the right to live, and to live in freedom and safety.
4	Nobody has the right to treat you as his or her slave and you should not make anyone your slave.

5	Nobody has the right to torture you.
6	You should be legally protected in the same way everywhere, and like everyone else.
7	The law is the same for everyone; it should be applied in the same way to all.
8	You should be able to ask for legal help when the rights your country grants you are not respected.
9	Nobody has the right to put you in prison, to keep you there, or to send you away from your country unjustly, or without good reason.
10	If you go on trial this should be done in public. The people who try you should not let themselves be influenced by others.
11	You should be considered innocent until it can be proved that you are guilty. If you are accused of a crime, you should always have the right to defend yourself. Nobody has the right to condemn you and punish you for something you have not done.
12	You have the right to ask to be protected if someone tries to harm your good name, enter your house, open your letters, or bother you or your family without a good reason.
13	You have the right to come and go as you wish within your country. You have the right to leave your country to go to another one; and you should be able to return to your country if you want.
14	If someone hurts you, you have the right to go to another country and ask it to protect you. You lose this right if you have killed someone and if you, yourself, do not respect what is written here.
15	You have the right to belong to a country and nobody can prevent you, without a good reason, from belonging to a country if you wish.
16	As soon as a person is legally entitled, he or she has the right to marry and have a family. In doing this, neither the colour of your skin, the country you come from nor your religion should be impediments. Men and women have the same rights when they are married and also when they are separated. Nobody should force a person to marry. The government of your country should protect you and the members of your family.
17	You have the right to own things and nobody has the right to take these from you without a good reason.
18	You have the right to profess your religion freely, to change it, and to practise it either on your own or with other people.
19	You have the right to think what you want, to say what you like, and nobody should forbid you from doing so. You should be able to share your ideas also—with people from any other country.
20	You have the right to organize peaceful meetings or to take part in meetings in a peaceful way. It is wrong to force someone to belong to a group.
21	You have the right to take part in your country’s political affairs either by belonging to the government yourself or by choosing politicians who have the same ideas as you. Governments should be voted for regularly and voting should be secret. You should get a vote and all votes should be equal. You also have the same right to join the public service as anyone else.
22	The society in which you live should help you to develop and to make the most of all the advantages (culture, work, social welfare) which are offered to you and to all the men and women in your country.
23	You have the right to work, to be free to choose your work, to get a salary which allows you to support your family. If a man and a woman do the same work, they should get the same pay. All people who work have the right to join together to defend their interests.
24	Each work day should not be too long, since everyone has the right to rest and should be able to take regular paid holidays.
25	You have the right to have whatever you need so that you and your family: do not fall ill or go hungry; have clothes and a house; and are helped if you are out of work, if you are ill, if you are old, if your wife or husband is dead, or if you do not earn a living for any other reason you cannot help. Mothers and their children are entitled to special care. All children have the same rights to be protected, whether or not their mother was married when they were born.
26	You have the right to go to school and everyone should go to school. Primary schooling should be free. You should be able to learn a profession or continue your studies as far as wish. At school, you should be able to develop all your talents and you should be taught to get on with others, whatever their race, religion or the country they come from. Your parents have the right to choose how and what you will be taught at school.
27	You have the right to share in your community’s arts and sciences, and any good they do. Your works as an artist, writer, or a scientist should be protected, and you should be able to benefit from them.
28	So that your rights will be respected, there must be an ‘order’ which can protect them. This ‘order’ should be local and worldwide.
29	You have duties towards the community within which your personality can only fully develop. The law should guarantee human rights. It should allow everyone to respect others and to be respected.
30	In all parts of the world, no society, no human being, should take it upon her or himself to act in such a way as to destroy the rights which you have just been reading about.

Bahr El Gahzal Community Culture Night

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 00:06:00 +0000

7th November 2010; © Copyright Rebecca Fowler

Sydney Baha’i Centre in Silverwater came alive last night (saturday 6th November) as the Bahr El Gahzar Community of NSW Youth Union held their 2nd annual Culture Day.

Invited by a student that i work with through the HARDA African Mens English Project, i was enthralled in culture the moment i walked through the doors.

Arriving at around 6.15pm i was greeted by some 500+ Bahr El Gahzar community members. Speech’s were made by community leaders and Youth leaders and songs from the homeland sung to unite the community. I was engaged in cultural dancing and song. A local Bahr El Gahzar rap group of Youth’s took to the stage and the atmosphere turned electric. As soon as these youth picked up the microphones the crowd went wild. they belted out their tune singing about a “New Sudan” and “Unity” between the Southern Sudanese. It was a great moment, part of it i was able to capture on video but due to the noise of the screams had to cut it short…VIDEO HERE

The Youth Leaders spoke to the youth of the community about how they need to use their time in Australia for good. To stick with their education and be motivated by the prospects of a New Sudan in the year ahead. Supporting the referendum in January was also high on the list, as well as keeping the youth off the streets.

As a westerner looking in on African Culture it seems we are not so different. The challenges they face with their youth here are exactly what we face with our youth. Our culture is as baffling and confusing to them as theirs is to us and yet they carry on each day with such resiliance and motivation it needs to be commended. Imagine coming from a very rural village to a major city bustling with trains, cars, traffic, traffic jams, accidents, sirens, complete and utter chaos is basically how you could describe the transition. But it has its up side, our country is at peace, and unfortunately Sudan is not. Decades of war have taken its toll on these people and the only way to sustain their lives and culture was to leave their homeland and seek shelter in a country of peace. We are so lucky to have such resiliant visitors to our shores, let us hear of their stories, learn a bit about them and their cultures and you will find they are just sooo much like us. Family is important, community is important, love, friendship, fun, entertainment, dancing, singing, you would be utterly surprised how alike we are. Aside from skin colour, we are all similar and i really don’t know how people cannot see this.

Coming from Rural Sudan to Blacktown City of Australia must be a huge and amazing change of life and circumstances. Blacktown City is a vast city that has expanded massivly in the last 30 years. I should know, i was born here. As a local Blacktowner i have seen my town grown into a vast city, seen our vast array of bushland be cleared for Urban development, seen our infastructure fall behind due to the vast rise of population and seen the massive change in the community. The Southern Sudanese who have came here have done a remarkable job to adjust to the hustle and bustle of Australian life after years of living in war torn areas. We don’t realise being Australians how confusing our rail or bus system can be to a new Australian. How our tax system can boggle their minds and how even using our vast array of electrical knick knacks can seem like you need to take course to use it.

After my experience last night, being welcomed into the Bahr El Gahzar community i feel so completely honored and motivated. I hope that in January of 2011, A New Sudan will emerge through the referendum and my dear friends who would love to return to their homeland are able to do so as free and democratic citizens of a “New Sudan”.

-FreeUganda (Apologies for the poor quality footage, my video camera is requiring a new charger cable)

Journal Entry October 18th 2010

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:04:00 +0000

So i know its been a real long time since i wrote a journal entry, since back in August i do believe. I was actually going to write one at the end of August but received a phone call that changed my life, we had lost one of our nephew's in a car accident and another was seriously injured, the other 2 had minor injuries also. It was a day i will never forget and since then have taken some time to be with family and deal, learn and be there for others who need it.

Its with a sad heart i move forward in life to bring my mind out of the clouds and back down to earth....
I've started back at the HARDA mens english program and am learning so much from my students. One of which i found out today was "A lost boy". It pained me to watch last weeks Foreign Correspondant report with them and hear them speak first hand of what life was like, it bought me to silent tears as i stood at the back of the room whilst 9 or so Southern Sudanese Men watched the report, all crowded over a small laptop, their resiliance and hope shone so bright right at that moment. One of my students commented "i have not seen my family in 30 years, and im only early 40's". How sad it made me knowing this grown man had not seen his family since a child, how much pain would this have caused. And that is not just one, but alot of them havnt seen part if not all of their family in years if not decades.

On speaking of the upcoming referendum in Sudan, they have high hopes for a new Southern Sudan in 2011, a country separate from the North. One in which their current Southern Sudanese Govt will be in control of. With the announcement of Peacekeeping troups to be placed in hotspots they are delighted that the world is watching, that people are hoping for peace in the region. They have welcomed the peacekeeping troups as they beleive the presence there will deter a new war from erupting, one at which they know all to well the concequences of.

Its with their strength and courage and determination i move my life forward to a new journey and path. This year Invisible Children Australia will be closed and free up my time to work with the Horn of Africa Refugee's here locally in Blacktown and other local communities, i am also going to try and learn Dinka, a tribal Southern Sudanese language. I have so many projects going on in my mind and hope to see alot of them come to fruition both here in Aus and overseas in Africa.

Whilst on this journey in life im on, i've also been delving into the history of my family, in particular, my mothers family. I watched a documentary on Nazi occupied Holland in 1944 and it pained me to see what my Oma (grandmother in dutch) and Opa (grandfather in dutch) had to survive also. A great European country such as Holland taken by Germany in just a few hours, the hard times the people faced and how they lived. My mum also shared stories with me of what they went through and how life was for them at this time and it gave me a new strength inside, knowing my own grandmother had to survive under such hard times, hiding a deaf and mute mother and father in war times must not have been easy. With their determination for a better life, they were able to move to Australia and so began my life. It to me, was a blessing, to know that all that could have possibly taken away had my Oma & Opa not survived Nazi occupied Holland.

I've never really thought about it that way until now. A new strength inside to carry on in seeking peace for all human beings, others who are not as lucky as us to live in the land of such a beautiful and free country. We all have strength inside to fight for peace and for injustice, i invite you to join in the fight....
Freeuganda.

Journal Entry, August 6h 2010

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 01:03:00 +0000

So its been a while since i have put a journal entry in as i have been quite busy recently.
A few family issues arose that i needed to take care of as well as continuing to run my Sudanese Mens English Courses through HARDA and also spending time with my children, who are ages 9, 4 & 3 so as you can imagine, they are quiet time consuming! lol My children are awesome kids and i hope they grow up with a moral respect for others and continue the fight for injustice.

In recent weeks i found out that one of the Invisible Children USA Team was taken away by an act of Terrorism. Nate from IC USA was in Kampala with 3 of our Northern Ugandan Students when a suicide bomber let of his bomb. Unfortunately, Nate did not survive the blast and our 3 students managed to escape with their lives, just to add more terror and scars to their already scarred lives. Such a sad thing to happen to those so innocently watching a soccer match. It just makes no sense. I send my condolences to all of those affected by the World Cup Bombings in Kampala, our prayers and thoughts are with you and your families.
It seems the world is falling apart right before my eyes, i feel helpless that i cannot do more to help others who are suffering, but as i know, i am only one person and i can only do so much, so i will continue to do as much as i can for others.

I must end this journal for now as i have some hungry little children asking me for morning tea so i must end this post early.

I thank all of you who read my posts and support my efforts to help those less fortunate. Thank you for coming on my journey with me.
Freeuganda

Journal Entry, 21st June 2010

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:55:00 +0000

So it's been a little while since i've done my last journal entry, but i've been so flat out lately with volunteering and then a few family issues that arose.

So whats been going on!?!

Well as you know i've been the program co-ordinator for the sudanese mens english classes here at the HARDA office in Homebush West. These are held on Monday and Tuesday from 10am to 12.30pm. I've met some wonderful Dinka and southern Sudanese men since i've started. All each with a tale to tell of back home life.

Sadly, i've seen how hard it is for them to change their lives from what they are used to, to what we have to offer here and the change for some has been overwhelming. The stories i've been told of how some of our refugees have been treated, victimised and such is disgraceful. We need to join together to create an understanding of eachother. For us to understand what they have suffered through and for them to understand how to live a new life in our country (which is completely different to theirs!)
In between all of this i've been dealing with issues closer to home, such as my dearly beloved dog falling ill and becoming a paraplegic. We sadly had to lay him to rest. RIP Spike 2005 - 2010.
It also looks as though i will have to delay my African trip for a few months as i have not reached the level of sponsorship that i require to be able to cover the costs of this volunteer trip. I do hope to make to africa in 2011. A goal i really want to achieve. This afternoon i will be sending out the final batch of my sponsorship letters.

I will also be heading to the Blacktown Sudanese Settlement centre to start co-ordinating the mens english groups there so that we can start next term with new english classes. If anyone from the Blacktown Area is interested in being a program co-ordinator each thursday for english classes it would be much appreciated! simply EMAIL ME!

So that is it for now i must be getting along and doing some other things but ill update some more news this afternoon when i return home.
Peace to all.
Freeuganda

Journal 09/03/2010

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:41:00 +0000

So i’ve been reading a few books lately and i really need to let people know how amazing these books are. Stories of real life struggles, survival and courage in the face of hardships.

Cola’s Journey – The story of a young sudanese man’s journey from Sudan, throughout africa and to finally become an Australian Refugee and Citizen. This book amazed me. The courage and strength of Cola (chol) and all that he has survived and lived through totally amazed me, how can one person have so much courage and strength to keep on going? 14 years of travelling, mostly by foot! but its not just one person that has gone through this, there are thousands upon thousands of kids with similar stories that still remain unheard. Cola’s determination, courage and strength inspire me to keep on doing what i do for Human Rights. NO ONE should have to be faced with the life he was dealt. No Human deserves to live in fear, be abducted, forced to do something against their will. No One!

First Kill Your Family – Child soldiers of Uganda and the Lords Resistance Army. This book is a great informational tool. Contains facts and information about the war, theories and stories of those who were abducted. All that i had suspected previously was confirmed in this book. Peter, thank you for bringing to light the stories of these beautiful children and the Acholi and Langi Tribes of Northern Uganda. Your book has just inspired me to be all i can be and to never give up. None of these children ever gave up on hope, nor will i.

I stand firm with my beliefs and hope that through my work with Invisible Children and other local non profits i can help bring about change. I can help inspire our nation to change the lives of others.
Australians have compassion, love and sympathy, yet sometimes they are lazy. The typical way of “laid back” life for us is someone else’s pain and suffering, when we are “laid back” they are dying, suffering and starving.You don’t need to be a martyr or a genius to help. Each person in this world has their own unique ability, a way in which they can help. Find your ability, find a cause and go on a mission, a mission to change.
I was bought up with parents who have served many years (even still serving) in the local Lions Club organisation. Through my childhood years i spent many hours volunteering in Blacktown with them. Through all i have done, it has given me a renewed sense of life, a greater meaning for me being here. I see myself as “a voice for the voiceless” one whom is willing to stand up when injustice happens and say “NO, this is NOT right!”

Imagine if our beloved country had rebels? Imagine YOUR children being abducted and forced to be soldiers? Imagine our government telling us we had 24 hours to leave our homes and go to displacement camps? How would this make you feel? Find that emotional connection and work with it. I found mine in an ex-child solider called “Jacob”. I connected with his pain as my son is called “jacob”, how easy it is to connect, to make something emotional and personal. Once we make it emotional and personal, we find our lives changing. Open your eyes to the uncomfortable, embrace it, work with it and change your life!
My life, will never be the same, it changed dramatically 3 yrs ago when i was introducted to Invisible Children’s Rough Cut DVD. This is my mission now, to help those who have been “invisible” through this 24 year war of madness. I am a new person, a different person, a fighter and challenger of evil. I will not stop until the day i die. I hope, once my children are older, to be able to take my mission international. To visit and help locally with those who are affected by evil’s, war and poverty. Be it Africa, Indonesia or any other country that requires help. I have found why i was placed on earth, i challenge you to find your reason for existence.

My father said to me only a few weeks ago “you know you can’t save everyone”. Deep in my heart, i really wish i could, but i am only 1 person in a world of billions. I may not be able to “save” everyone, but i can educate those who will listen. Education to me is something i never really cared to much about, but as i have grown older, i know that it is the key to everything. At 29 yrs old (pushing 30 next month!) i am only now realising how important education is, i am hoping to apply to university next year (2011) and to continue with my education. Each day i browse the net, looking for information, seeking education, seeking that which is not known and sharing with others. What satisfaction do i get out of this? Not Money or gifts, i get personal and spiritual satisfaction knowing that i CAN CHANGE THE WORLD one person at a time!

Without education, where would humanity be?

- Rebecca Fowler (freeuganda)

Compassion Australia - Haiti Earthquake Fund

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 03:56:00 +0000

Compassion Australia Help Haiti Earthquake Fund.

The organisation has committed 100 per cent of funds raised through the Haiti Earthquake Disaster Appeal to the people of Haiti. Compassion is not withholding ANY funds for administration purposes.

Compassion CEO Paul O’Rourke said the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated the country of Haiti this morning was cause for grave concern for the thousands of Compassion assisted children in the region.

He said the organisation had already mobilised an emergency response team from Miami that will fly to the Dominican Republic and bus into the capital of Port-au-Prince, as the airport has been closed.

“We have struggled to communicate with our Haitian office because communications across the city are down. However, a senior staff member in our Latin American office received an email from a friend saying that it was a terrible day for his country, a catastrophic event where whole mountains have collapsed,” Mr O’Rourke said.

Electrical power was lost during the event, which occurred just before 5pm local time, resulting in communities now being forced to seek out loved ones and begin recovery efforts under a shroud of darkness.

Read the Full Report here Via Compassion

DRC: Massive displacement and deteriorating humanitarian conditions « In My Words

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 10:09:00 +0000

DRC: Massive displacement and deteriorating humanitarian conditions « In My Words

The Silent Children - Poem

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:21:00 +0000

We hear their cries,
their words and dreams,
Yet nothing changes,
Or so it seems.

The children are hurting
The mothers, they cry
There is no one nearby that can help
And they want to know why.

why are their cries silent
to the ears of the west
why do their dreams fade
when we can offer them the best.

the best hope for these children
it comes from you and me
so open up your wallets
and take the time to see.

the dreams of the silent children
who are suffering so bad
lets give them some comfort
and some things they never had.

like love, care and support
from a stranger they’ll never know
you may not believe it
but it can really help them grow.

to know someone they never met
cares and supports their choices
gives them something to inspire to
and makes them use their voices.

for far too long
they have sat silent
living with war, displacement and fear of abduction
in an area that is just so violent.

for the children of Uganda
life has been so unfair
so we all need to take a stand
and make sure that change comes there.

lets show them that we’re here for them
lets show them that we care
lets show them that the world is listening
and lets help end their despair.

I urge you to open your eyes
And see them through your heart
Donate some of your hard earned cash
And give these kids a head start.

A poem i wrote dedicated to the Silent Children of Ugand & for all of those who have been and still are silent, we hear you.

The Plight of Women and Children in Northern Uganda

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:25:00 +0000

(An Article i wrote for Female2Female.co.za)

Not many know, but northern Uganda has been terrorised by war since approx 1986, those most affected by this war are the Acholi women and children.

In 1994 the Museveni Government of Uganda, forced the Acholi people out of their villages and into displacement camps, in what they say were camps designed to protect the Acholi against the Lords Resistance Army rebel attacks, however the camps were largely unprotected, and approx 35,000 children have been abducted since this war started.

In the Camps, Women face on a daily basis, violence, poverty, hunger and complete hopelessness. There is no room to grow crops and farm within the camps so the women and children need to leave the relative safety of the camps and farm elsewhere, leaving them open to be raped, abducted or murdered by the rebels. Starting their day to find the food they need to use for the days meal, a womans day in the camps is basically spent, securing, cooking and providing the days meal.

Children are faced each day with a struggle to survive, at the height of the disaster in approx 2003 2005, thousands of children used to commute from the IDP camps and villages to the main towns to seek safety and refuge from the rebels, their homes were no longer safe for them to be at night. The rebels used to come during the night and kidnap the children, slaughtering families and leaving hundreds fleeing for safety. These children were known as the Night Commuters. Since approx 06/07 most night commuting has now ceased due to the rebels leaving the northern Uganda area.

Over the last few years the rebel group has moved from northern Ugandan area and into Southern Sudan, DR Congo and Central African Republic, abducting more children and women, and leaving hundreds of thousands of people displaced.

Due to being in IDP camps there are no real concrete statistics as to the number of those abducted/missing but estimates are between 35,000 and 66,000 Children have been abducted, missing, or killed due to this war.

Today, relative calm in Northern Uganda has seen around 600,000 IDP 217s return home to their villages in Kitgum/Pader and Gulu Region. The daily struggles are still high for those in these areas. Poverty and Famine are everyday killers of children, education is limited, primary education is free but secondary is not, most of the returning IDPS have no income and cannot simply afford to educate their children so once primary education has finished so has the education for most Northern Ugandan Children.

Undetonated landmines are still highly dangerous in the fields nearby to the war zones and corpses/bones are still being found in fields along with abandoned artillery. HIV/AIDS is prevalent among northern Ugandans as they have no way or means for contraception. Rape is used as weapon of war and fear and many women in the north have been abused in some way.

Hepatitis E had a major outbreak recently in Northern Uganda due to the IDPs returning home to villages left unmanned since 1996/1996 and are forced to drink unsanitary water thus spreading water borne diseases such as Hepatitis E, stomach bugs including Diarrhoea and nodding disease.

In recent months, child sacrifices have been on the increase in Northern Uganda with up to 10 children so far in the last few months having fallen victim to child sacrifice.

The conditions of life for the Women and Children of Northern Uganda at this point in time is one of extreme poverty, famine and suffering.

Invisible Children a Non Profit organisation is working closely with the Acholi in Northern Uganda, creating micro-economic programs to help support the IDPs as well as educating over 750 children and re-building the schools of Northern Uganda. For more information or to see video's of the IDP Camps visit Invisible Children and discover the unseen.

by: Rebecca Fowler

Desperate Times for Save the Aids Orphans Uganda

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:47:00 +0000

At Save The Aids Orphans Uganda, The number of kids has lately moved up from 69 to 80 due to the increasing need in the community where local leaders have continued to plead with us to take in the most desperate kids in the community.

While my mind reasons that taking in more is impractical, my heart bleeds upon looking these teary kids in the faces and turning them away. I understand that STAO can't help all the needy kids in the communities but we felt like taking in just 11 more would be bearable.

The challenge however has been the state of the accommodation premises. We have rooms at present, which would well take care of 80 kids with each room taking in 7 to 8 kids and 1 caregiver. However, because we lack such supplies as beds, mattresses, blankets, bed sheets, mosquito nets and some refurbishment of the rooms i.e. plastering and painting. If we got these in place, our children would have some dignity in the rooms but due to the need, the 80 children are sharing 7 rooms instead of 11 rooms. This gives each room an average of like 11 to 12 kids per room. Imagine the congestion, some of them wet their beds and so every morning gives us work to clean and put their stuff outside to have the sun kill germs. I would pray that the Lord comes through because this state makes it hard for us to control flues skin infections and other contagious conditions.

writing to ask someone to give is one of the hardest things on any relationship or so my pride tells me. However, when more than 80 children look to you for their education and other living necessities, there is not much left to do than to ask whoever will to come alongside in the cause. tomorrow is schools' opening day, we need over $2000 in tuition, i owe the medical clinic $700, the food supplier $1050, electricity $230, water $80, nutritional supplements $210 etc etc. all this is just in debts not mentioning what is needed to run the work. All the suppliers are looking to what we owe so as to send their own kids to school. This has put us in a desperate situation which makes me frantic hence asking for givers to consider STAO. please consider to help.
Write to us at Aidsorphanseducation@gmail.com
pastor Nelson Lufafa
www.stao-uganda.org
www.stao.no

A Bulletin Received by myself from Save the Aids Orphans thorugh Myspace Australia - http://www.myspace.com/Lufafa

Volunteer Journal - Sept 10th

noreply@blogger.com (R.fowler) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:19:00 +0000

STOP THE PRESS!! WHATS THAT I READ???

A top LRA Commander has been captured by the UPDF!! YAY we are seeing action! Four other LRA junior commanders have been killed and 98 abductees rescued. Its good to see that things are being done, these scum are being pursued and those abducted are being rescued.

This war has been going on FAR TOO LONG and it is now, while action is happening that we must stand strong and UNITE our voices. Spread the word, let the world know that this is happening, that the LRA are STILL currently fighting and abducting, that the Ugandan People's Defence Force are taking action to end the War.

98 Souls Saved, that is wonderful news to hear, such a great start to the day, after the week i have had of audits at work its a good news day. Lets just hope that the action continues. Through our awareness we are seeing action. STAND STRONG and USE YOUR VOICE.

Check out the News Report - CLICK HERE

Betty & Her Family
ALSO, Ive recently started sponsoring a Child Headed Household in Uganda. Betty is 16 and has a 3 month old baby of her own. Both parents are deceased and she is the caregiver for her 3 brother siblings (17) (12) & (11). To help me financially be able to support these children i have/am creating a range of items such as shirts, bags, hats, postcards and stickers to help me fund this. 100% of the profits are sent to support the children through a registered non profit "Joy For Children Uganda". The funds are used to pay for food, kerosine (they live in a no electricity area), school fee's, medical care and clothing. Their mother passed away in 2004 from AIDs and their father many years before their mother, however the children do not recall when. Since 2004 Betty has been the main provider for her brothers.

Your purchase will help me be able to help these 5 children have a chance at a better life. CLICK HERE to go to our store