We have eleven people in Sierra Leone during the first week in March to undertake Community Healthcare teaching. The first task will be to meet with the local community in Looking Town on the outskirts of Freetown. What will their leaders and influential people in the area see as the most pressing health needs? Linden Boothby, who is leading the training, was in Tanzania last December. She described her first meeting there. "We started this session carefully feeling our way, being very sensitive to local issues and local culture. “What makes you feel unhappy when you wake in the morning”, we asked and out it all poured! Relationship breakdown, wife beating, unfaithfulness, children dying, female circumcision, child marriages, HIV/AIDS, diarrhoea, alcoholism, malnutrition and so much more. When the group prioritised the issues, it clearly showed that they wanted us to start teaching on Family Matters, e.g. wife beating, unfaithfulness, HIV/AIDS."
But it could be quite different in Sierra Leone. We must wait and see what issues we shall tackle together.
Did you note how this video ends? What did the lady want? Good health, safe water, shelter, the right to life. "We are dying because of lack of knowledge, because we are poor and because no one is hearing our stories."
Together we can make a difference!
The world is currently concerned with the terrible situation in Haiti. Money is pouring into that nation. This follows a familiar pattern as the spotlight of publicity moves around the world from one disaster to another. At one time, just after the end of the civil war, it fell upon Sierra Leone. But it has covered famine in Ethiopia, the aftermath of the war in Bosnia, the plight of those areas affected by the 2004 Tsunami, the flooding in New Orleans, refugees in Rwanda and Burundi - the list goes on. This is much needed relief work and aid. At the same time there is work growing slowly over the years which escapes the spotlight, but over time can effect radical change. This is how we work with our Partners in Sierra Leone. We seek to care for the carers, the teachers, leaders and influencers who are making a real difference in their community. With better health they have more chance of making a sustainable living and a brighter future. Please support us in prayer. If you wish to be considered to join a team in the future, or you wish to support the work financially, please contact tswindaleuk@yahoo.co.uk for more details.
Thursday 28 January 2010
Tuesday 12 January 2010
Samuel Crowther
In the last post I mentioned that Adjai Crowther was one of the first students to be educated at Fourah Bay College in Freetown. His story shows the fascinating interaction between the United Kingdom and West Africa two hundred years ago. At that time Freetown, founded as a home for liberated slaves in 1787, was also home to the British Navy because of its fine natural harbour. The West Africa Squadron liberated Samuel Crowther from a slave ship in 1822.
Samuel had a gift for languages and learnt to speak English fluently; he also studied Greek, Latin and Temne, the major language in the North of Sierra Leone. In 1826 he attended Islington Parish School in London for a year, and then returned to study as a teacher at Fourah Bay, later joining the staff. He met another schoolteacher, Asano Susan, who had been rescued from the same ship as himself, and would later become his wife.
In 1841 he became a missionary on the Niger, but soon returned to London to train as a Minister. He was ordained by the Bishop of London in 1843 and returned to Africa to open a mission of his own in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Here he translated the Bible into Yoruba, wrote a Yoruba dictionary and published several books of his own on African languages.
In 1864, Samuel Crowther was ordained in Canterbury Cathedral as the first African Bishop of the Niger. Among those at the service was Sir Henry Leeke, the captain of the ship that had rescued him forty-two years earlier. The same year he also received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Oxford University. He died on the 31st December 1891.
The curator of a 2008 exhibition about Crowther in Islington commented on his importance. Cheryl Smith acknowledged, "Not only did he have to endure the traumatic aftermath of being captured by slave traders and separated from his family, but he was obviously a highly intellectual and spiritual person who achieved great things within the Church and followed through his convictions. He experienced and achieved so much in his life."
Adjai was born in Nigeria in about 1809 and when only 12 or 13 was kidnapped along with his mother and sister and his entire village, by Muslim Fulani slave raiders. They never knew whether his father and other relatives were killed or captured. After being separated from his remaining family, Adjai was sold to Portuguese slavers. He was placed on a slave ship to be transported, but before the ship left port it was detained by HMS Myrmidon of the West Africa Squadron.
Liberated slaves arriving in Freetown
Adjai and many others were rescued and taken to Freetown, where he was educated at a missionary school for several years. On the 11th December 1825, he was baptised and took the name of Samuel Crowther.
Samuel had a gift for languages and learnt to speak English fluently; he also studied Greek, Latin and Temne, the major language in the North of Sierra Leone. In 1826 he attended Islington Parish School in London for a year, and then returned to study as a teacher at Fourah Bay, later joining the staff. He met another schoolteacher, Asano Susan, who had been rescued from the same ship as himself, and would later become his wife.
In 1841 he became a missionary on the Niger, but soon returned to London to train as a Minister. He was ordained by the Bishop of London in 1843 and returned to Africa to open a mission of his own in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Here he translated the Bible into Yoruba, wrote a Yoruba dictionary and published several books of his own on African languages.
In 1864, Samuel Crowther was ordained in Canterbury Cathedral as the first African Bishop of the Niger. Among those at the service was Sir Henry Leeke, the captain of the ship that had rescued him forty-two years earlier. The same year he also received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Oxford University. He died on the 31st December 1891.
Samuel Crowther with his son, Dandeson.
The curator of a 2008 exhibition about Crowther in Islington commented on his importance. Cheryl Smith acknowledged, "Not only did he have to endure the traumatic aftermath of being captured by slave traders and separated from his family, but he was obviously a highly intellectual and spiritual person who achieved great things within the Church and followed through his convictions. He experienced and achieved so much in his life."
Monday 11 January 2010
Is Sierra Leone a suitable place for tourists?
The Observer on Sunday 3 May 2009 reported that Sierra Leone is emerging as a new destination for adventurous travellers. At the time Tony Blair was about to visit to raise the country's profile in the tourism market. The paper reported that UK operators were beginning to offer holidays there. Rainbow Tours http://www.rainbowtours.co.uk/ had just launched a 10-day group tour, Sierra Leone Highlights, which included visiting the historic capital, Freetown, and Tiwai Island, which teems with wildlife. The trip cost from £2,285, including flights, accommodation, meals and guide.
However, there are difficulties. In "The Guardian" a few days later, Sierra Leonean writer, Aminatta Forna, did not believe that tourism would be a quick fix for the country. "We need roads, power and water," she said. "Speaking to the entrepreneurs on Lumley Beach in Freetown," says Blair, "I was struck by their optimism ... New hotels and facilities are being built in anticipation of the increase in visitor numbers." But did they tell him how new businesses are hamstrung by the lack of electricity and water in the capital, forced to factor into their overheads the cost of running a generator and even - as some hotels do - bringing in daily bowsers of water?
The options for crossing may have their own problems - although I have always found them surmountable. On my first visit around twenty years ago, the ferry was not working and we therefore made a 70 mile road trip through hamlets and palm trees, along red earth roads that I found fascinating. But no good if you are in a hurry, average speed if it takes 5 hours to cover 70 miles is 14 m.p.h.!!! Foreign and Commonwealth Office staff, their website states, "operate a policy of informed choice and presumed competence within certain parameters. Wherever possible, they use water modes by day and, if they choose to travel, helicopter at night. They do not travel on the hovercraft." Why? They give a good explanation. "On 2 July 2008 the hovercraft lost power and failed to fully get up the beach at Aberdeen. On 23 May 2008 the hovercraft crashed into the terminal at Mahera Beach damaging the wall of the building. None of the passengers waiting in the terminal was hurt. It was reported that one lift engine lost power due to a fuel blockage. In November 2007 it experienced mechanical problems while crossing the lagoon. There was no organised emergency response and the passengers were rescued by small craft. The hovercraft was subsequently towed back to Freetown."
The Foreign Office advises against the five-hour car journey at night – when all direct flights from the UK, operated by BMI, arrive – because the roads are unsafe after dusk, while the ferry service was "warned by the Port Authorities in January 2007 about overloading, and has been known to operate in poor visibility without lights".
I have used the ferry on many occasions, including at night, and have always found it satisfactory - but the official line is worth thinking about! The other options, helicopter and hovercraft, have not been of use to me as I have not wanted to travel to the tourist areas in the West of the city which they serve.
BMI boss Nigel Turner admits that there are "issues" with the helicopter services and getting out of Lungi in general, but he is "fully expecting the government to deal with it".
But why should tourists go at all. Stunning beaches, varied wild-life, colourful and friendly people and interesting historical relics. For more information see www.visitsierraleone.org/
River Number 2 beach
However, there are difficulties. In "The Guardian" a few days later, Sierra Leonean writer, Aminatta Forna, did not believe that tourism would be a quick fix for the country. "We need roads, power and water," she said. "Speaking to the entrepreneurs on Lumley Beach in Freetown," says Blair, "I was struck by their optimism ... New hotels and facilities are being built in anticipation of the increase in visitor numbers." But did they tell him how new businesses are hamstrung by the lack of electricity and water in the capital, forced to factor into their overheads the cost of running a generator and even - as some hotels do - bringing in daily bowsers of water?
Getting there is a problem in itself. Lungi International Airport is separated from Freetown by a wide estuary. There are a number of options for getting across or around; road, helicopter, ferry, hovercraft, Pelican water taxi and local boats/pirogues. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office state that " None is without risk. You should study the transfer options carefully before travelling, especially if you plan to arrive at night".
The options for crossing may have their own problems - although I have always found them surmountable. On my first visit around twenty years ago, the ferry was not working and we therefore made a 70 mile road trip through hamlets and palm trees, along red earth roads that I found fascinating. But no good if you are in a hurry, average speed if it takes 5 hours to cover 70 miles is 14 m.p.h.!!! Foreign and Commonwealth Office staff, their website states, "operate a policy of informed choice and presumed competence within certain parameters. Wherever possible, they use water modes by day and, if they choose to travel, helicopter at night. They do not travel on the hovercraft." Why? They give a good explanation. "On 2 July 2008 the hovercraft lost power and failed to fully get up the beach at Aberdeen. On 23 May 2008 the hovercraft crashed into the terminal at Mahera Beach damaging the wall of the building. None of the passengers waiting in the terminal was hurt. It was reported that one lift engine lost power due to a fuel blockage. In November 2007 it experienced mechanical problems while crossing the lagoon. There was no organised emergency response and the passengers were rescued by small craft. The hovercraft was subsequently towed back to Freetown."
Hovercraft at Freetown
Freetown Ferry
I have used the ferry on many occasions, including at night, and have always found it satisfactory - but the official line is worth thinking about! The other options, helicopter and hovercraft, have not been of use to me as I have not wanted to travel to the tourist areas in the West of the city which they serve.
BMI boss Nigel Turner admits that there are "issues" with the helicopter services and getting out of Lungi in general, but he is "fully expecting the government to deal with it".
But why should tourists go at all. Stunning beaches, varied wild-life, colourful and friendly people and interesting historical relics. For more information see www.visitsierraleone.org/
River Number 2 beach
The Cotton Tree, Freetown
Fourah Bay College, The Athens of West Africa.
The first student at the college, Samuel Adjai Crowther became the first
African Bishop of West Africa. He gave his name to Crowther Hall,
one of the Colleges at Selly Oak in Birmingham, England
Wildlife - the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
at Regent Village near Freetown
Bunce Island - Historic Slave Trading Site.
The Law Courts in Freetown
Lumley Beach
The red earth and friendly people
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