Real Development

Helping others can be in the form of (1) emergency aid, (2) pure charity or (3) real development. Emergency aid is necessary, but does not lead to long term development. Charity is heartwarming, but often deters or reverses long term development. Real development is often slow and steady, with few "feel good" moments for the donors or agencies.

There is always a balance. Some projects may not be profitable, but they might serve a beneficial or social need that can't be measured in dollars and cents. Making them profitable, which can be done, can still be the goal. Bringing together a profitable business to support community projects is a useful avenue.

How do you tell?

Over the years, we've developed five keys to determine if development is real, sustainable and actually beneficial to the communities.

1. Local

Who's driving the priority? The donor, the organization or the community?

Are materials locally available, or imported?

Are methods appropriate for the local environment?

Details: Organizations love to erect buildings, leaving a lasting landmark to their accomplishment. Expensive imported materials are trucked to the site, resulting in a structure perfect for a photo opportunity, serving the needs of the organization and pleasing the donors far away. After the ribbon cutting, these same materials fail, leaving the community to be responsible for the maintenance. Since there were no means for the original construction, there are no means for upkeep. Local materials and building methods have evolved over time because they meet the environmental demands, and are available for the inevitable repair.


2. Ownership

Does the individual you are working with have an investment (and thus a real risk) at stake?

Is the "assistance" a gift (thus addressing a "want") or a loan (thus addressing a "need")?

Does the project create an unfair advantage?

Details: When donor agencies approach a village with free support, lists of wants have little relationship to practicality. Requests often "shoot for the moon," listing requests for expensive materials, food for work, printed t-shirts to display the organization, paid consultants and transportation for any reason. When you are making a loan and the recipient must first have a stake in the business, and ultimately be responsible for the funds spent, needs rise to the surface and narrowly address the goal. Business plans need to be assessed for practicality and profitability, steering applicants away from projects that have a propensity to fail. Loans need to include repayment of the principle, payment of a fair interest rate, and follow through to insure payment. Projects that compete against existing enterprises should be prevented.


3. Repeatable

When the project is over, could the individual replicate what was done?

Could others, in surrounding communities without additional support, replicate the "development?"

Details: When the NGOs have left, the extension workers have moved on and the hype has ended, what happens? If the physical inputs have eroded or corroded, are the concepts still viable enough to rebuild? Can a citizen miles away emulate the project without assistance? It's not the project you complete that is considered development; it's the project completed without your assistance that is true development.


4. Profitable

Does the project actually return the costs (capital and operating)?

Does the project generate a profit?

Details: When determining profitability, you have to consider the true costs like any other business. Ignoring capital costs because they are paid by outsiders is a recipe for failure, insuring that others can not emulate unless they too have capital costs "donated." What are the true costs to operate, including labor, repair, maintenance, and ultimately replacement of the original investment? What are the revenues, and do they cover the true costs? In a world where failure can mean starvation and suffering, profitability means value for effort. If profitability only occurs with outside influence/contributions, when that support stops the project will fail.


5. Sustainable

If you walk away, what happens to the project?

Was the project really local, truly "owned," repeatable and profitable?

Details: Real development does not happen when the organization or donor is involved. Real development happens months, years or decades later when everyone but the recipient has walked away. Have the concepts been left behind? Was the project dependent on outside support? Even under unseen challenges and environmental stress, can projects survive? Has anyone else repeated the project? Is anyone making a profit?


These "tests" are not perfect. Some projects address some of these concerns, and are weak in others. Some score poorly in the initial phases, and improve over time. Awareness of these concepts, and establishing a plan to work towards real development, is the real key.

Sept 2008 Update

The major focus of the Sept 2008 trip was to make micro loans in areas rarely (if ever) served by banks or NGO's. The CIP reviewed applications from individuals located in villages throughout the Tonkolili region. Below are summaries of the loans (in US dollars):

1. Cassava grating Machine investment - $1,523 - the machine is purchased within Sierra Leone, with repair parts readily available within country. The machine is moved from village to village, allowing villagers to process their cassava efficiently. A team of two will manage the machine, receiving 20% of revenue (encouraging profitability). This is our biggest investment.

2. Livestock - $260 - qualified candidates will receive a loan of five goats. After the first year they pay back three goats, and after two years they pay an additional four goats (thus two goats in interest). One goat goes to the extension worker managing the loan. Six goats go back to CIP (five principle and one interest) to be loaned again. A candidate must have a completed goat house to qualify. Completion of a goat project now qualifies and individual for tree or vegetable loans since they now have a free source of fertilizer.

3. Fishing Nets - $212 - CIP will invest in the initial costs for nets, thread and rope to enable a fisherman (hook and line) to more efficiently fish the local river. After paying for an assistant, repairs and interest of 15%, conservative estimates show favorable chances for success.

4. Groundnuts - $200 - In order to qualify for a loan, an individual must build their own storage facility using only local materials. Once completed, CIP loans five bushels of seed nuts are loaned. With extension assistance from CIP, two crops are harvested each year. At the end of one year, the five bags plus 1.25 bags are paid back. The farmer can then use the proceeds to improve the storage facility, possibly changing the roof to a more-permanent zinc (as compared to the thatch).

5. Cassava Planting - $327 - An individual is loaned up to 70 bundles of cassava (only after clearing and preparing up to 2 acres of land). The cassava yields valuable leaves and tubers. Interest is calculated at 15%, and loans are to be paid back after the first year.

6. Vegetable Gardens - $133 for five loans - In order to qualify for a vegetable garden lending program, you must first have a source of "free" fertilizer (via goats or sheep with a goat house built for easy retrieval). Because of the relatively low investment (making it economically inefficient to make just one loan), villagers are grouped in teams of five. CIP loans seed and watering containers, and provides an extension worker to coach the group on the most efficient methods of operating their garden. Besides having the available fertilizer, the farmer must also have prepared a nursery plot and land sufficient for crops. Loans are paid back after the first crop.

7. Oil Palm Production - $500 - This is a combination short term & long term loan. After preparing a proper nursery site, the farmer is loaned the funds for seed and poly bags, allowing them to raise 1,250 seedlings. After the first year, the farmer takes 600 plants and transplants them to 10 acres of land. The remaining seedlings are then sold to neighboring farmers, with 1/2 of the proceeds going to CIP to pay back part of the loan, and 1/2 going to purchase more seeds and poly bags. The farmer then raises more seedlings to continue paying back the loan. At the end of the sixth or seventh year, the farmer will begin to harvest palm kernels and process it into oil. They pay back the loan, calculated at 15%, but based on the value of palm oil. A loan of $500 would require a payback of 45-5 gallon containers of palm oil after seven years.

8. Library - $600 - A second library is planned for the Yoni Bana area. In order to qualify to open a library, the community must provided an appropriate building, a mixture of tables, chairs or benches, and a librarian from the local community. Land must also be allocated to the library for a garden. CIP invests in books (primary and secondary school text books), brings in current periodicals from the capital, and hires a local carpenter to build bookshelves. Patrons of the library are required to pay Le 1,000 (30 cents) each month for access to the library. Those who cannot afford the fee can work in the garden to earn their entry. 1/2 of all revenue goes to pay the librarian, with the balance going back to CIP.

9. Solar - $300 - Two solar panels brought from the US (7.5 watt and 12 watt) were loaned to the library at Rochen. In addition, funds were loaned to hire a local electrician to install the panels and connect them to a battery (motorcycle or car battery) to charge them during the day. At night, the battery would be used to power lights, allowing the library to operate at night (which is when most children are available to read). Further, the power would be used to charge cell phones, which is commonly done for Le 1,000/charge. If the library is able to charge 10 phones/day, they could earn over $3 per day, or over $900/year. The only item that is "imported" is the panel, which should become more available in country as solar becomes more cost effective. This is very much an experiment at this time.

10. Theater - $248 - A local theater group comprised of secondary school students have taken a loan for costumes and other initials costs for their productions. CIP calculated a loan at 15%, with payback occurring over a five show period. CIP hopes to provide a creative outlet for the students, entertaining productions for the community, and a profitable venture as well.

11. Sports for Women - $0 - CIP previously invested in uniforms and soccer balls for sport teams. The only change to the prior investment was to let the women of the community know that the investment was meant for both men and women. CIP hopes to have a gala in February 2009, with all teams competing leading up to championship games for both men and women.

12. Educational Toys - $55 - The toy program continues to be refined, with the focus now on the geometric shapes. These toys can be used to teach basic math all the way through geometry, and also can be used for a fun and creative game of balance and strategy. Ten sets have been made, with one going to each library and eight going to schools. Each school is being asked to give their feedback about the usefulness of the toys.

13. Mosquito Nets - $20 - Five nets were purchased for the local health center. This was purely a gift to the community, with no expectation of a return.

14. Radio Broadcasts - $50 - The CIP participated in two radio broadcasts (Mile 91 & Makali area), allowing the communities to hear what plans were being made, and explaining the loan process. Each show lasted about 30 minutes, with contributions being made to the stations to offset costs for fuel to run the generator to facilitate broadcasts.


CIP team members will follow up on each loan on a monthly basis, providing guidance as necessary. Dan Lavin will return to Sierra Leone in February 2009 to follow up on the loans, and make additional loans if funds are available.

CIP on the Radio

CIP was invited to discuss their projects to the Milel 91 audience in February 2008. The station exists due to the work of the Foundation for West Africa (a worthy organization).

Micro Loan #4 - Seed Rice

Background: Rice is the most important food in Sierra Leone, and a staple which they used to export. International agencies historically have flooded the country with cheap, highly processed rice to "eleviate suffering," creating an artificial dis-incentive to farmers. Imagine producing a crop for resale, only to have another nation flood your area with a competing product. In addition, due to the challenges of the war, farmers have not had the available cash to finance seed rice.

Simple Solution: One bushel of seed rice costs Le 40,000 (about $15). I am going to personally invest in 20 farmers ($15x20=$300). Patricia Turay (see Micro Loan #1) will be "hired" to locate the farmer, make the loan of $15, track all loans outstanding, and retrieve the principle and interest. I will split all profits with her, compensating her for her time and encouraging her to make the most of this opportunity. I have know her since 1988. Results will be posted here.

Micro Loan #3 - Peanuts

The Pitch: Sammy and I received a note from a village that they were interested in "micro credit," specifically requesting funds for a storage building and bushels of groundnuts for planting. We immediately hiked along an inland valley swamp farm and met with the village, interested in hearing what they had to say. As in most requests, they wanted a small fortune to pay for a storage shelter and huge amounts of seed (30 bushels @ $40US per) for their project.

The Response: We said no. Dumping huge amounts of money on anyone is unsustainable, impractical and counter-productive.

An Alternative: We noticed a storage building in the village, made of sticks, mud bricks and thatch roof. We asked "who made this?" They responded proudly "we did." We made them a deal, on the spot. If they would build another storage building using locally available materials, we would deliver five bushels of groundnuts (5x$40 US), and provide technical assistance. Each bushel yields five after harvest, so the initial five would become 25. The 25 bushels would be stored in their new "facility" and replanted in the next season. The 25 would become 125 bushels, giving them the capability to pay back the loan with interest.

Total Investment: $200 US (out of my pocket)

The Progress: to date (May 08) the storage building has been completed, the seed has been delivered, and planting is proceeding.

Micro Loan #2 - Bisso Plants

Background: Alli "Bisso" Conteh lives in Makrugba with his wife and children. Makrugba was completely destroyed by Rebel Forces who camped nearby. They survived the war, and have remained in the village to rebuild. Bisso has started a small tree crop project of his own, and wishes to expand his efforts.

The Loan: Bisso requested Le 50,000 ($16.67 US) to purchase plastic bags to move his project forward. I made him the loan personally, on the spot.

Video: Bisso's existing project

Micro Loan #1 - Turay Farm

July 7, 2008
From Patricia "We have brushed the whole place (meaning swamp portion of farm). I (had) one problem. One of the men that helps me to brush the swamp snake bit him. It caused me to take him to Magburaka for treatment because there is no black stone at Makali. I spent Le 100,000 ($30) which includes transporation, feeding and medicines but thank God (he) is much better and he returned back at Makali today."

June 8, 2008 Update:
(1) Swamp - rice is being nursed (planted in a protected area, later to be relocated to swamp plots)
(2) Upland Farm - one bushel planted.
(3) Transportation - for now Patricia's daughter and extended family still live in Freetown. When she travels to Freetown from the farm, she purchases palm oil and gari (ground casava) to sell at a profit. Before returning back to the farm, she purchases items like men's shirts in Freetown, again selling them at a profit up country. A majority of items get to market in this way.

Background: Patricia Turay and her brother Alfred are from the Tonkolili District of Sierra Leone. Patricia (31 years old) is the matriarch of her family, caring for her daughter, her grandmother and the entire extended family. She lived in Makali when the war broke out, fleeing to Freetown and living by selling bags of water. Patricia carried her daughter on her back for 30 miles through the bush, and then fought her way out of the provinces. She is a survivor. Recently, Patricia has volunteered to help out CIP, and recently she worked to assist a research program from the UK focusing on Woman and the War. Alfred is about 10 years younger, and a watch-maker by trade. See photo below to know he is a hard working young man. The family lives in a rented home in Freetown, crammed into a few rooms with an open sewer running through the compound.

Specifics: The siblings have decided to do something about their situation. They have returned to Makali to grow rice and corn, preparing the land with hand tools and taking advantage of the coming rains. They worked the land as children, and know what it takes to survive.

The Loan: Patricia and Alfred have asked for $300 to establish both an upland and swamp farm. Their agreement calls for them to pay back $360 after one year. Patricia's plan is to plant two bushel of seed in the upland farm, and one in the swamp. Her grandmother will care for her daughter (who has sickle cell anemia) in Freetown, but who can join her upcountry after her school exams in June. Patricia knows she will get NO LOAN next year, so she must plan on saving sufficient seed for the coming seasons.

The Big Picture: The donation of money to a developing nation is a big problem. It causes inflation for everyone, and massively increases demand while doing nothing for supply. This loan is meant to do the opposite, leveraging the small amount of money to increase the supply of food in the provinces. If you loan too little, there is no economy of scale. If you loan too much, you create an advantage over existing farmers. The loan is necessary because the traditional means of borrowing from you elders, and then supplying yourself from the prior harvest, does not exist due to the 10-year war.
Reality of the "loan": I made the loan personally, and know I will never see the principle back. It will cost $15 to send the funds via Western Union. If she sends the principle and interest back, it will cost another $15 in fees. Instead, I will turn over the "asset" to CIP. Patricia will pay the loan back to CIP next year, and then CIP will loan out the funds again.

Feb 08 Trip Videos (4 in all)

Video No. 1 of 4 (5 1/2 minutes)

Video No 2 of 4

Video No. 3 of 4 (13 minutes)

Video No. 4 of 4

Aquaculture

This video encompasses Dan and Sullay's experiences as Fisheries Extension Agents from 1988 - 1990, and Dan's review of the project 20 years later.

The lessons learned in aquaculture are being used in the CIP programs today.

Concept: Trades

CIP seeks to re-build trade skills in the providences. We have developed a unique way of doing so...

First: We are going to find experts in the trades (carpetry, masonry, etc.)

Second: The expert will find apprentices.

Third: The expert will teach the apprentice for free, using projects around the community as practicals. Ex: repair benches in the schools. CIP will invest in the program by providing tools.

Fourth: Once the apprentice is ready for a paying job (for the first 3 years) they pay the expert back 10% of their earnings, and 10% back to CIP.

CIP already has land allocated for this project at Rochen Komandao. We will build the training center with locally available materials as part of a practical for carpentry and masonry students.

Budget: Funds are needed to invest in tools. $2,000 goal investment.

Women & Sports

Our sport program was a huge success, but benefited boys exclusively.

We are going to fix that!

Background: The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Education, Youths and Sports is encouraging all sport fans including NGOs and private enterprises to promote female soccer in the country, especially for those in the rural areas. A project of this type will give an opportunity to our female youths in Yoni Chiefdom and environs to participate in the proposed activity.

Our Program: We are going to sponsor a three day soccer gala for female youth, organized among the schools that benefited from the sport project in February 2008. 80 individuals would directly benefit, and the entire community of women (about 2,000) would indirectly benefit.

Program Specifics: We will hire local tailors to sew 80 pair of sport shorts. We will have 80 shirts printed for the event. Teams will receive refreshments, and the community will provide food. CIP will provide prizes for the winners and consolation prizes. Games will be officiated, and photographed by CIP.

Event Date: Proposed for Fall 2008!

Budget needed: $1,000 US

CIP Contribution: $300 Community Contribution: $200

HOW TO GIVE: Please email Kari Finn at KariFinn@msn.com with your name, address and amount you are pledging. She will get back to you with donation instructions.

Contact: Please contact Kari karifinn@msn.com

Travel: Salone 2/07

Written History

As of Feb 2008 Trip: CIP is now working with local secondary students to get this program moving. The students will be encouraged to write a paper about their own society, focusing on biographies, history, food or any other topic they are interested in. Once they receive a passing mark from their teacher, the paper will be taken to Freetown to be typed by CIP staff. The papers will be printed and available to the public in their own library. Each student will receive a small "gift" for their efforts, including a pen, pencil, notebook and passes to the newly completed library.

Budget: We estimate that costs for each paper will be about $3 US. We are actively seeking donors for this project.

Concept: As we begin to populate our libraries with books, the missing volumes are books about the people themselves. This is a wonderful opportunity. We also have a number of educated children with the ability to write.

Solution: We would like to establish small grants to support educated students, allowing them to record their own history. They would interview elders in the community, learning and recording topics that are important to themselves. Their drafts can be typed by CIP staff, copied, and printed for local libraries.

A fantastic example can be found at Tapestry of Tales: Stories of Self, Family, and Community Provide Rich Fabric for Learning. We were guided to this website by Jana Potter, who currently works for Mercy Corps (and who also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Makali).

Concept: Makali Village

Concept: Tourism brings awareness, appreciation and currency. It can also bring inflation, disparity and corruption. Sierra Leonean villages have so much to offer which usually only people like Peace Corps volunteers get to see. Taking the right approach, we believe CIP can encourage the positive aspects and minimize the negative ones.

Specific Idea: Discussions have started between CIP and the new leader of Makali, Chief Abdul Kanu. After spending 17 years living in Boston and working for Comcast, Abdul is returning to his home to take off where his late father left off. Makali has a rich history of development, and recently built a public radio station with the help of the Foundation for West Africa. The people of Makali can provide land, the skilled labor and the materials. Chief Kanu pictures a series of six native huts, decorated with art produced from local craftsmen. The huts would surround a central barri to gather under the midday sun. This would be a working village, with gardens and a cooking area. Guests could volunteer at a local school, work in the clinic or hike into the nearby Kangari Hills. Since materials are all sourced locally, repair is feasible and sustainable. Guests would be encouraged to help prepare meals, clean the huts and compound (native brooms of course), tote water and join the community. Profits generated would be controlled by CIP, utilized to benefit the community for the health, education and welfare of the local population. Guests can make contributions to the Program, but not to individuals.
Outside input: Outside funds would be needed for mattresses, sheets, etc. All other materials would come from the community. Any funds provided would be a "loan," with funds paid back to CIP for future projects. Estimated seed funds needed: $1,000

We are NOT talking about: This would not be like a Masai Village in Kenya, where the 10am and 2pm shows have the locals dancing for the tourists. Farmers will remain farming, teachers will remain teaching, etc. Guests "evolve" into the world of a village instead of the town evolving into a "side show."

Concept: Letters and Numbers

Inside the classroom: A school may provide the space, but it's the teachers and the environment that makes for learning. An American classroom is filled with decorations, encouragement and educational examples such as letters and numbers on high-gloss posters. Sierra Leonean classrooms have bare walls. Exporting European or American signage my seem like a good idea, but it doesn't always work. American versions of "A is for Apple" may make no sense since there are no apples in Sierra Leone. An avocado is called a butter-pear. A truck is a lorry. Also, when the signs age, there is no means of local sustainability.
Sustainable solution: craftsmen can make colorfol and meaningful, functional and culturally relevant classroom art. Many children learn english and arabic. Alphabet representations can be tailored to the community since it is the local people making the designs.

Budget: We would like to start a pilot project, allowing craftsmen to design the items and then examine possible larger-scale production for other schools. Initial request from donor: $500

Concept: Student Murals

Background: In February of 2007, I had the opportunity to visit the health clinic at Rochen Komandao. The facility serves 3,500 people from 25 neighboring villages. I entered the building, quickly noticing the stark walls and empty rooms. CIP solved the most pressing need, building five beds and other necessary furniture. The walls are still stark and sad. Some see poverty. I see opportunity.

Note the stark walls!

Solution: Art. Child-designed and child-performed. CIP can provide the materials, the health center can provide the canvas, and youth leaders can provide guidance. The children can provide the inspiration!

A fun mural in a local town

Budget: to be determined, but $150 - $200 could get brushes and paint.

Concept: Intended Consequences

Background: Sierra Leone has a old history of creating beautiful and function art as part of their daily lives. Intricately woven baskets, hand made country cloth, carved cooking utensils... all items that are useful and part of their cultural heritage. With the importation of plastic bowls from China, donated clothes from the Salvation Army and the influence of Western Culture, there have been unintended consequences. New generations are loosing the skills developed by their forefathers, loosing their culture in the process.

Solution: We seek to bring the generations back together, helping to facilitate a revival of cultural legacies. We want to provide small incentives and offset material costs, allowing elders in the village to teach younger generations how to do what used to be part of daily life. As the experienced members of society pass on skills to the new generation, we hope to rebuild bonds that were shattered from the war, and from an evolution away from the past. Items produced can be proudly displayed in the library, and proudly instilled in future generations.

Spin off Project: Students can record the projects, writing descriptive instructions of how things are made. These can be accompanied by drawings, and purhaps digital photography. These records can be kept in book form in the library.

A beautiful example of country cloth.

What we DON'T mean: We are not talking about creating a cottage industry to mass produce items for the open market. We are not talking about producing items to be shipped to America so the western world can decorate their homes. We are not talking about setting up rows of tables to exploit child labor to produce items for sale at Cost Plus World Imports.

Specific Example: Learning to weave a basket is an art. Collecting the raffia and inner strands of wild grass takes knowledge. Learning to make native dyes takes skill. Weaving intricate and functional designs takes painstaking effort. Sitting with an elder for long hours to learn these skills, and to learn life lessons along the way, is a bond that holds a society together. Just because the western world lost these cultural ties long ago does not mean it has to happen in Rochen Komandao.

Budget: We mean to start small. For $100 we can start, identifying those in the community with skills and the willingness to teach. This program really isn't about money... it's more about the logistics of putting it together, which is an area where CIP excels.

Village Theater

As of Feb 08 Trip: This group is live and active. The secondary school has formed a theater group called the "Paramount Theatre." They write their own plays and perform for the local community. CIP is providing guidance, encouraging them to continue their work and to charge a minimal amount for their performances. This money can be used to enhance their troupe.

Concept: Theater serves as an entertaining means of communication. Stories can be dramatic, comical, historical, fiction or a combination. Production requires planning, organization, logistics, preparation, direction, creativity, rehearsal and performance. The community benefits in many ways.

Take a look at these performers!!!!



Specific idea: CIP has the capability to coordinate a village theater group. By bringing together individuals who are interested in producing their own theater, this "troupe" could write and produce works that were truly from within the culture. With only a small amount of initial subsidies, this program could be self-sustaining by charging admission to their productions.

Status: Concept is before the CIP for their thoughts and comments.

Concept: HIV/AIDS

Written by Mr. Manfred Musa of CIP - Sierra Leone

SHORT SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT

The impact of the conflict, which lasted for almost 11 years, has been immense. Apart from its effect on sexual behaviour, leading to increased incidences of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, the war has impacted both physically upon the country’s infrastructure and economy and psychologically in terms of the trauma suffered by the many war-affected Sierra Leoneans. It is estimated that at one point, over two million Sierra Leoneans were either internally displaced or refugees in neighbouring countries. Whilst some sought refuge for several months, others have been displaced in one from or other for more than five to eight years. Years of socio-economic inequality high levels of unemployment and large rural populations with few education or employment opportunities meant that there were many, particularly rural youth, who could easily be manipulated and recruited by fighting forces during war years.


The CIP, in conjunction with Cordaid, conducted an AIDS Awareness campaign in 2006.








JUSTIFICATION
Poor health conditions, emanating from malaria and other diseases such as HIV/AIDS also contributing to low productivity. Since the first HIV/AIDS case was detected in Sierra Leone in 1987, well over 2,399 individuals tested positive for HIV/AIDS, 794 of whom developed the AIDS disease and 438 are reported to have died. In April, 2002, a national Sero-prevalence survey conducted jointly by the Sierra Leone Central Statistics Office (CSO) and the U.S. Centres for Disease Control (DCD) showed a national HIV Prevalence of 0.9%, while a recent one conducted revealed an increase to 1.5%. Report on prevalence remains highest among particular vulnerable groups such as adolescents, commercial sex workers, military, ex-combatants and other uniformed personnel. Whatever the actual rate, it is widely accepted that the rate is on the increase and that the critical threshold of 5% is fast being pursued. In general, knowledge about transmission is low among women 15-49 years is relatively low with only 54% (78% urban and 44% rural) having heard of AIDS and 21% able to state three ways of avoiding HIV infection. Also one 34% are aware of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, 76% do not know any specific method of how HIV can be transmitted from mother to child. In addition to lack of knowledge about the disease, factors such as the 11 years civil conflict, widespread rape, sexual violence and abuse, major troop deployment, high unemployment and chronic poverty, indications of increased commercial sex work, massive population movements as well as destroyed infrastructure resulting in disruptions in STI diagnosis and treatment have been identified as contributing to the increase in HIV/AIDS prevalence.

In response to this, CIP-SL proposes to implement this project in Moyamba District.

PROJECT GOAL: To increase knowledge about HIV/AIDS transmission among 100 rural youths.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES:
The project objectives are as follows:
Enhance knowledge on HIV/AIDS prevention, transmission and care among 100 targeted rural youths in lower Banta Chiefdom, Moyamba District.
Increase the incidence of safe HIV/AIDS practices and behaviours among 100 targeted youths and their families in one month.

ACTIVITIES
· Develop awareness and sensitization package and strategy
· Develop and reproduce IEC materials
· Train IEC and sensitization/awareness team members
· Conduct sensitization activities
· Conduct football gala for targeted youths

PROJECT OUTCOME
· Reduced HIV/AIDS/STI high risk behaviours among targeted persons.
· Targeted persons can state at least 3 modes of HIV transmission
· Targeted persons can stated at least 3 methods of preventing HIV.
· Targeted persons exhibit at least one practical action to prevent HIV infection.

Budget

1. Develop and reproduce Materials Le 3,268,000 ($1,091 US)
2. Train 30 IEC and Sensitization Team members for one day Le 887,000 ($296 US)
3. Conduct Football Gala for targeted youth Le 3,330,000 ($1,113 US)

Total Le 7,485,000 ($2,500 US)

Funding: We are currently hoping to submit a proposal to Path in Seattle Washington.

Project Leader Needed: I would like to find someone to lead this project. Anyone interested would be encouraged to contact me DanLavin@hotmail.com

Concept: Birth Attendants

Thoughts as of 2/5/08

I have been awake since 3:30am trying to come up with a creative way to achieve the TBA program.

Some of the “net” results must be (1) sustainability, (2) community participation and (3) low cost.Without sustainability, we are creating a program that will ultimately fail.Without community participation, it’s not CIP (by definition), but something imposed by the outside.Without low cost, we significantly threaten the chance of a donation, and take away funds from other worthy programs.

My suggested approach….

Step 1: Let’s identify five strong candidates and have them come to Rochen Komandao to be trained as TBAs at the health center. The community can provide room and board. Upon completion of the course and a practical demonstration of skills, they individual would be issued a TBA Kit. These five would be District Leaders. The Health Center director would be paid an incentive upon successful completion of the practical skills test.

Step 2: The District Leaders would then be allowed to go to the outlying communities and train the other 45 TBAs. The villages where the TBAs are located would host the District Leader. After training, the TBA would be required to go to the Health Center at Rochen Komandao to demonstrate practical skills. Upon successful completion, the TBA is awarded a kit and the District Leader is paid an incentive bonus for teaching excellence.

Step 3: Now trained as a TBA, an agreed upon fee for services must be allowed (either paid in leones of commodities) so the TBA can restock supplies and be compensated for their responsibility. TBAs would be responsible for restocking their own kits.Step 4: On an annual basis, TBAs must be retested for practical skills. Upon annual completion, their kits are cleaned, restocked and upgraded if necessary.

Result: If TBAs are valued in the community, the program will be self-sustaining, beneficial to the families and profitable to the TBA. Remove any of these constraints and failure is guaranteed.I welcome thoughts and suggestions.Sincerely,Dan

Details about the program below


Concept: Rochen Kamandao is the home of the only health center, surrounded by 25 remote villages. Roads are poor, the environment is harsh, and public transportation is practically non-existant. A pregnant woman about to give birth would either travel by foot, or remain in her village to give birth. Recognizing the limitations villagers face, the local Health Officer wants to train 50 Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs). This would allow two individuals per village to be available to assist in births in the local village.

Project: CIP would like to facilitate the training of the TBAs at the healthcare facility in Rochen Kamandao. A detailed budget has not been established, but costs would include production and replication of educational materials for trainees, and any training coordinators necessary to train and test the TBAs. The cost of feeding and housing the participants would be covered by the local community.

Budget: Not established yet.
















Project Leader Needed: I would like to find someone to lead this project. Anyone interested would be encouraged to contact me DanLavin@hotmail.com

Concept: Village Cookbook

Concept: Food is one of the most important parts of village life. It is the cement that connects each family, every single day. Recipes are passed on from mother to daughter, perfected in daily rituals. It is our hope to record these recipes, and a small part of those in the community.

Recipe Examples?: Click HERE

Project: We would like to write a cookbook. Each individual would have their portrait taken, along with a picture of the food they are writing about. We would record their recipe, and also record some kind of written record about their life. It could be a favorite story, a memory they wish to be passed on, or anything that is important to them. Once the book is created, it could be used to raise funds for future projects, and also made available in their own library for families to proudly view and enjoy.

Budget: Unknown. I hope to deliver a digital camera to CIP in February 2008. We could offer the product as a pdf on-line, saving on printing.

Project Leader Needed: I would like to find someone to lead this project. Anyone interested would be encouraged to contact me DanLavin@hotmail.com

Health Centre & Barri (2 projects)

Complete! Thes pictures were taken in February 2008! The walls are totally made with locally available materials.

Challenge: the Health Centre barri located at Rochen Komandao is in need of repair. This is a central gathering "building" that is made with a solid roof, a sturdy floor and walls that go up to about waist high. Cool winds flow through, but the rain is supposed to stay out. Sierra Leoneans deal with extremes in weather, with intense heat and up to 220 inches of rain during just a few months.

Community Contribution: The community made bricks by hand, cutting the necessary wooden supports, and collecting stones to complete repairs. They also provided skilled and unskilled labor necessary to put the facility back into working order.

Support Requested: The community had asked for a donation to purchase six bundles of zinc roofing sheets, 30 packets of assorted nails and 3 boxes of roofing nails.

1. Zinc - 6 bundles @ Le 190,000/bundle = Le 1,140,000
2. Nails - 30 packets @ Le 10,000 = Le 300,000
3. Roofing Nails - 3 boxes @ Le 20,000 = Le 60,000

Total in Leones = Le 1,500,000

Total needed in US dollars: $500

Addition to Scope: The community of Makoba-Bana seeks to complete the roof of their health center, which supports ten villages with a population of 2,136 people.

Total Leones for 2 bundles of zinc and nails = Le 420,000

Total needed in US dollars: $140

TOTAL TO COMPLETE BOTH PROJECTS: $640

FULLY FUNDED!!!

Donors: Cherrington and Lavin Families





To make a donation, click HERE

Children's Book

Concept: Sierra Leonean children are creative, talented and dedicated students. It's time they get to "show off." American students have a lot in common with their Sierra Leonean "counterparts." It's time to bring them together.

Specific Project: In February 2008, Sam Lavin (10 years old) will be going to Sierra Leone to see first-hand what school is like in Sierra Leone. He will be collecting the following from students who wish to participate in this children's book:

(1) A written story
(2) A drawing related to the story (with NO help from any adults!!!)
(3) A short biography of the author/artist

These pieces of literature and art will be carried back to the United States and compiled by Sam, and any of his classmates who are interested in helping in the project. When compiled, someone can open the book and see a story, a related drawing and a short biography of the author.

The book can be printed, distributed to teachers/schools interested, and also delivered back to the students who did the work for their own library.

Budget:
CIP-Sierra Leone portion: to be determined
CIP-US portion: to be determined.

Project Director: Sam Lavin in the US, Seattle, Washington. (10 years old)

Project Director: To be named in Sierra Leone (must be a student)

Library

Update: July 16th, 2008 - Take a look!

Update: July 11, 2008

From Director Manfred Musa "The Library has been set up. The students in the locality have been asked to start using the facility without conditions yet. Conditions shall be set up after the official opening of the library by you (Dan) in September. Meanwhile, I wiil get some pictures ready byMonday."

This is fantastic news!



Recent video from our Feb 2008 trip





Below you will find the history of the program...

Current Situation: In a rural community, reading materials can be non-existant. Educational and cultural concepts are passed on mostly through memorization, with lessons presented orally and repeated by students over and over. Students interested in specific topics or detailed discussions have few options.

Availability of Books in Sierra Leone: The Sabre Foundation in the United States, in coordination with the Foundation for West Africa, ships educational books in containers to Sierra Leone. The books are turned over to the Sierra Leone Book Trust located in Freetown. The Trust accepts requests from organizations for books, "charging" a nominal fee of 50 cents (US) per book to cover logistics costs. The CIP has been in contact with the Trust, confirming the process to procure books.

Availability of a temporary library facility at Rochen Junction: The CIP built (with the help of an international aid organization) a seed preservation facility and farmer education classroom. The facility is secure and protected from the environment, and available immediately for a temporary library. It is located on the road children travel to reach the secondary school five miles away.

Process to develop a library: Local carpenters would be contracted to build suitable bookshelves, and books would be ordered from the Sierra Leone Book Trusts in reasonable quantities to make it efficient to transport them to the library. The CIP is currently developing a budget for each unit, consisting of one set of shelves, the books and the transportation necessary to get all materials to the site. Shipping books from the United States would cost ten times the amount of purchasing them from the Trust. The community would be responsible for maintaining the library, and establishing their protocol for lending books.

Budget: (first in leones, then in dollars) - 300 book library!!!!


BOOKS
Books:12 sets(25 per set)*50,000= 600,000
Sub total = 600,000

SHELVES
Boards,40 pieces(1*12*12)*15,000= 600,000
Nails,(assorted)100 pkts*2000 = 200,000
Polish,3 gallons*40,000 = 120,000
Cascamite glue,4 tins*8,000 = 32,000
Glss paper,4 rolls*5,000 = 20,000
Paint brush,3*5,000 = 15,000
Sub total = 987,000

FURNITURE
Boards,40 pieces(1*12*12)*15,000= 600,000
Boards,20 pieces(2*6*12)*10,000 = 200,000
Nails,60 pkts(assorted)*2000 = 120,000
Polish,5 gallons*40,000 = 200,000
Glass paper,5 rolls*5,000 = 25,000
Cascamite glue,10 tins*8,000 = 80,000
Transport cost of materials = 500,000
Workmanship = 1,000,000
Sub total = 2,725.000

GRAND TOTAL = 4,312,000
(1,437 dollars)

Youth Sports

Major Sponsors: Challenger Sports (Federal Way) & New Roots Organics (Seattle)

Update: Video as of February 2008!



We will be repeating this program in 2009 (in another region of Sierra Leone.) Donations and/or questions are always welcome! Our ultimate goal is to create revenue from our own programs, and to be self-supporting. Until that time, we request support. The entire 2008 program cost about $2,000 (the soccer balls were donated and we carried them on the plane).

Below you will find the history of the program...


Update: local tailors have started sewing!!! This picture is of a local craftsman carefully sewing each jersey taken in late November 2007.

I have never met this young man, but simply by his age, he has lived through the war and survived. He was either a child soldier, or escaped from them. He has learned a new trade, and obviously does it well.

History: Now that peace has returned to Sierra Leone, the rural population temporarily located in the capital is being encouraged to return to the provinces. Schools and communities are rebuilding slowly, with little assistance from Ministry officials. The CIP team noticed that most forms of recreation were non-existent, leaving the children with little to enhance their daily lives.

Proposed Solution: The CIP proposed to obtain soccer (football) equipment consisting of balls, pumps and jerseys for ten primary schools in the area. In order to encourage community involvement, the students would be required to design and implement their own version of a community development project in order to earn the equipment. The jerseys would be made locally by tailors on foot-driven machines, providing needed job opportunities.

Budget: $1,750

Funds Collected: $1,810 (wired in October 07)

Donors:
Challenger British Soccer of Federal Way, Washington (equipment)
New Roots Organics of Seattle, Washington (Major donor)
MoonJar of Seattle, Washington (Major donor)
Daniel Lavin of Seattle, Washington (Major donor)
Samuel Lavin of Seattle, Washington
Joshua Lavin of Seattle, Washington
Cardinals Baseball Team from the Boys and Girls Club, Seattle, WA
Carol Suto of Roseville, California

Funds Needed for 2009: $2,000

Project Progress: The CIP sought donations to purchase soccer balls ten primary schools, originally hoping for one ball for each school (a modest goal). Challenger British Soccer located in Federal Way, Washington (USA) recently donated 80 brand new soccer balls, which will be carried to Sierra Leone in February 2008. New Roots Organics in Seattle, WA donated a significant amount towards the funds necessary. MoonJar of Seattle made a helpful donation as well. Combined with a number of donations from individuals, the funds were collected and wired in October 2007. CIP team members are initiating the jersey portion of the project, and notifying youth leaders so they can begin their portion of the project.

School Uniforms

RECENT VIDEO FROM OUR FEB 2008 TRIP!



SEE BELOW FOR HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM...

Concept: Getting an education is one of the most highly valued activities of a young person's life in Sierra Leone. As an old vestige from the British colonial era, children must have a uniform in order to attend. This is a reality that won't change over night. Poor children simply won't attend school if they can't afford a uniform.

School children proudly display in their uniforms


Project: CIP wishes to purchase uniform material and then hire local tailors to sew 250 girl uniforms, and 150 boy uniforms. When healthcare workers find a child not attending school, they can offer to assist the family with a uniform. This seems simple, but it is a wonderful way to help a child into the educational system.

Budget:

PROPOSED BUDGET:

ITEM UNIT TOTAL US DOLLAR
Purplin Rolls - 30 - Le40,000 - Le1,200,000 - $400
Sivon Rolls - 10 - Le 95,000 - Le950,000 - $317
Foot wears Pairs - 400 - Le8,000 - Le3,200,000 - $1,067
Thread Pkts - 20 - Le10,000 - Le200,000 - $67
Sewing fees - Le600,000 - $200
SUB TOTAL - Le6,150,000 - $2,050

ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS
Communications - Le150,000 - $50
Photography - Le100,000 - $35
Fuel (20gals) (Freetown –Rochen RT) - Le260,000 - $90
Incidentals - Le150,000 - $50
SUB TOTAL - Le660,000 - $225

TOTAL COSTS Le6,810,000 - $2,275

Funds Raised: $2,219.00

HOW ARE UNIFORMS DISTRIBUTED?: "Distribution of uniforms will be done by CIP and the community people. Selection of beneficiaries starts at the beginning of an academic year by CIP field staff. One of the criteria used is punctuality in school. CIP will then followup with the recipients." - Manfred Musa, CIP Director

Project Leader: Dan Lavin. Anyone interested would be encouraged to contact me DanLavin@hotmail.com