A group of men at the Pikworo Slave Camp in northern Ghana demonstrate how slaves would use the rock to make music. It is apparently not hollow, but has some property that makes it sound melodious when you beat it on with smaller rocks.
Recently in Africa Category
A reader visits Dounko in the FAVL office in Burkina Faso:
Le samedi 05 mai 2012, visite de George Gnoumou, Sergent des eaux et forêts, au siège de FAVL.
"Après avoir arrêté mes études en classe de seconde au lycée Provincial du Tuy en 2007 moi et mes deux camarades avons fait de la bibliothèque de Bereba notre lieu de recherche et de préparation aux concours. Ceci faisant, nous trois avons réussi aux concours de la fonction publique. Moi je suis forestier, l'autre Agent technique de l'agriculture et le troisième est enseignant du primaire dans la province des Balle. La bibliothèque reste et restera dans ma mémoire et je souhaite que mes frères et sœurs en milieu rural font comme nous. La lecture est ma passion actuellement. Au nom de mes camarades je remercie tous les donateurs de même que ceux qui œuvrent pour la réussis des élèves en milieu rural grâce à la lecture. Les mots me manquent car celui qui ta donné le savoir ne peut pas être oublié dans ta vie. Que Dieu accorde à chacun d'eux longévité et surtout le succès dans leurs services ou dans leurs activités rémunératrices afin de soutenir l'éducation complémentaire en milieu rural."
Le samedi 05 mai 2012, visite de George Gnoumou, Sergent des eaux et forêts, au siège de FAVL.
"Après avoir arrêté mes études en classe de seconde au lycée Provincial du Tuy en 2007 moi et mes deux camarades avons fait de la bibliothèque de Bereba notre lieu de recherche et de préparation aux concours. Ceci faisant, nous trois avons réussi aux concours de la fonction publique. Moi je suis forestier, l'autre Agent technique de l'agriculture et le troisième est enseignant du primaire dans la province des Balle. La bibliothèque reste et restera dans ma mémoire et je souhaite que mes frères et sœurs en milieu rural font comme nous. La lecture est ma passion actuellement. Au nom de mes camarades je remercie tous les donateurs de même que ceux qui œuvrent pour la réussis des élèves en milieu rural grâce à la lecture. Les mots me manquent car celui qui ta donné le savoir ne peut pas être oublié dans ta vie. Que Dieu accorde à chacun d'eux longévité et surtout le succès dans leurs services ou dans leurs activités rémunératrices afin de soutenir l'éducation complémentaire en milieu rural."
From lefaso.net:
Le Premier ministre, Luc Adolphe Tiao, a visité, les 13 et 14 avril 2012, les sites d'accueil de réfugiés maliens de Mentao dans le Soum et de Gandafabou à Déou dans l'Oudalan. Sur ces deux sites, le chef du gouvernement a promis à la forte communauté touarègue et arabe, le minimum vital pour leur séjour en territoire burkinabè.
Des huttes confectionnées avec des vieux pagnes, des tentes offertes par le Haut-commissariat des Nations unies aux réfugiés (HCR), le tout sur une superficie à perte de vue. Une colonie de gamins massés à même le sol et une grande communauté touarègue réfugiée au Burkina Faso mobilisée pour la circonstance, afin d'accueillir le Premier ministre, Luc Adolphe Tiao, le vendredi 13 avril 2012 à Mentao, village situé dans la commune de Djibo. Sur le terrain, la présence des partenaires est visible pour tout visiteur à l'image du HCR, du Programme alimentaire mondial (PAM), du Fonds des Nations unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture (FAO) et des institutions rattachées au ministère de l'Action sociale.
Ce site qui compte plus de 3 mille réfugiés, selon le haut-commissaire de la province du Soum, Barké Ima, fait partie des premiers à accueillir la communauté touarègue qui a fui la crise du Nord- Mali. Mais ces réfugiés qui n'ont pas caché leur satisfaction d'avoir reçu la visite du chef du gouvernement ont indiqué vivre de nombreux problèmes qui compliquent leur séjour à Mentao. Cheick Mohamed, étudiant en 3e année en lettres, a souligné que les conditions de vie sur le site sont très difficiles. « Nous avons besoin de l'aide par rapport à la nourriture et au logement. La cohabitation même entre nous refugiés est un peu difficile. Il y a ici des Touaregs et des Arabes et au niveau de la nourriture, on assiste à des querelles.
Les chefs ne font d'ailleurs pas les choses comme il se doit. Ils ne luttent que pour leurs propres intérêts », a déploré l'étudiant en lettres, obligé d'abandonner les amphis à cause de la guerre. Pour le représentant des réfugiés, Mohamed El Maouloud, les principales préoccupations tournent autour, non pas des guerres intestines, mais de l'insécurité alimentaire, de l'habitat et de la sécurité du bétail. Le chef du gouvernement a indiqué aux refugiés qu'il est venu les encourager de la part du président du Faso, médiateur dans la crise malienne et surtout, s'imprégner de leurs conditions de vie. « Nous sommes conscients que vous vivez dans des conditions difficiles. Mais vous êtes venus à un moment où notre pays traverse une crise alimentaire. Il est donc difficile pour nous de vous donner tout le confort pour votre séjour », a relevé le chef du gouvernement aux réfugiés maliens.
« Nous ne sommes pas contre vos us et coutumes, mais... »
Toutefois, Luc Adophe Tiao a promis à ces réfugiés la sécurité et le minimum vital pour assurer leur alimentation, l'éducation de leurs enfants, leur santé et la prise en charge de leur bétail. « Notre souhait est que la paix revienne au Mali. C'est pourquoi le médiateur travaille à cela. Mais après la crise, tous ceux qui veulent rester au Burkina Faso, nous les accueillons à bras ouverts », a indiqué le Premier ministre, à la grande communauté malienne venue l'écouter. Il les a invités à vivre dans la paix avec les populations autochtones. Le samedi 14 mars 2012, Luc Adolphe Tiao était à Gandafabou, dans la commune de Déou, province de l'Oudalan, pour s'enquérir aussi des réalités des 3420 réfugiés sur ce site. Selon le gouverneur de la région du Sahel, le colonel-major Boureima Yiougo, la province de l'Oudalan compte au total, plus de 20300 réfugiés.
A entendre leur représentant, Mohamed Youssouf Ag Ghallas, ils sont bien intégrés dans la localité et leurs us et coutumes sont bien respectés. Il a précisé que leurs préoccupations sont les mêmes que celles vécues dans les autres sites. Luc Adolphe Tiao a prêché aussi à Déou la même nouvelle qu'à Mentao. Il a promis, en outre, de tout mettre en œuvre pour permettre aux élèves et étudiants réfugiés de pouvoir poursuivre leur cursus scolaire et universitaire normalement. Sur le respect de leurs traditions, le Premier ministre leur a dit ceci : « Nous ne sommes pas contre vos us et coutumes, pourvu qu'ils ne troublent pas l'ordre public et la sécurité nationale. Respectez les lois en vigueur dans notre pays, ainsi que les traditions des habitants avec lesquels vous cohabitez ». A Mentao comme à Gandafabou, le Premier ministre a procédé à des remises de vivres et de matériels divers aux réfugiés.
Lassané Osée OUEDRAOGO (oseelass@yahoo.fr)
Sidwaya
A little while ago, during all the Kony 2012 hoopla, a friend posted: "Call me crazy, but let's all shut up for a minute and ask a Ugandan what they think."
I think this article just might answer that question:
I think this article just might answer that question:
"It was planned as a tour of Uganda's poorest towns and villages: the first chance for Joseph Kony's victims to see the viral video sensation that has excited so many millions of people in North America. But after a furious reaction, the tour has been cancelled. Too many Ugandans were outraged by the "Stop Kony" video when they saw it. Some even threw stones and shouted abuse, forcing the organizers to flee"...
Every other year in Dédougou (a city in northwestern Burkina), a festival of masks takes place called FESTIMA or Festival International des Masques. It showcases masks from Burkina as well as other west African countries. There are several performances each day, each featuring a different type of mask. The concept of a mask is not as simple as it is in the United States. It is said (in Burkina and I'm sure elsewhere) that once a person places a mask on their face, they embody the spirit of the mask they are wearing, whether it's a bird, an alligator or an antelope. Also the person does not only wear the mask, but they also wear a suit of sorts, made out of tree fibers, leaves or other materials.
I did not attend the mask festival, though I am somewhat familiar with the masks that are a part of the Bwaba culture because of Abdoulaye in Boni, a sculpture and a good friend of FAVL. When I was in Boni for reading camp last year, there was a funeral, and Jonas (the librarian in Boni) took me and the other volunteer to see the masks dancing. People were playing drums and balafones in the background and the masks were dancing in a circle to celebrate the life of the man who'd died. Women (who are not allowed to wear masks) danced in a bigger circle around the masks. The dancing and music went on day and night for four nights, the masks going in shifts. It was really interesting to see, though I've heard that some masks can get violent (they hit people with sticks) and ask people (especially tourists for large sums of money).
A fellow PCV and another friend of FAVL, Scott, did attend the festival and also happens to be an excellent photographer. For absolutely amazing images of FESTIMA 2012, visit Scott's blog.
I did not attend the mask festival, though I am somewhat familiar with the masks that are a part of the Bwaba culture because of Abdoulaye in Boni, a sculpture and a good friend of FAVL. When I was in Boni for reading camp last year, there was a funeral, and Jonas (the librarian in Boni) took me and the other volunteer to see the masks dancing. People were playing drums and balafones in the background and the masks were dancing in a circle to celebrate the life of the man who'd died. Women (who are not allowed to wear masks) danced in a bigger circle around the masks. The dancing and music went on day and night for four nights, the masks going in shifts. It was really interesting to see, though I've heard that some masks can get violent (they hit people with sticks) and ask people (especially tourists for large sums of money).
A fellow PCV and another friend of FAVL, Scott, did attend the festival and also happens to be an excellent photographer. For absolutely amazing images of FESTIMA 2012, visit Scott's blog.
Photo courtesy of Scott Worthington (available on his blog).
The Aya de Yopougon film will debut tomorrow at the Salon du Livre in Paris.
(from Clement Oubrerie's here.)
I've found that books always tend to be better than their movie versions, no matter if it's a novel or comic book (after all the great memories of reading The Adventures of TinTin in French with my mom as a child, the film did not compare). But who knows, maybe the Aya film will surprise me.
(from Clement Oubrerie's here.)
I've found that books always tend to be better than their movie versions, no matter if it's a novel or comic book (after all the great memories of reading The Adventures of TinTin in French with my mom as a child, the film did not compare). But who knows, maybe the Aya film will surprise me.
Kate Parry responds to Kony 2012:
The video that Emilie recently posted on this blog has brought Uganda into the news again, but I hope that people have also seen the article that the New York Times published yesterday about it: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/10/world/africa/few-in-uganda-can-see-video-of-rebel-leader-kony.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=uganda&st=cse. There are some interesting Ugandan responses published on the New York Times blog too. Rosebell Kagumire is one of the people quoted, and I think she's got it about right:
"This is another video where I see an outsider trying to be a hero rescuing African children. We have seen these stories a lot in Ethiopia, celebrities coming in Somalia, you know, it does not end the problem. I think we need to have kind of sound, intelligent campaigns that are geared towards real policy shifts, rather than a very sensationalized story that is out to make one person cry, and at the end of the day, we forget about it."
I share her anger. And I would like to add, as my own contribution, that one serious problem with the video is the suggestion that all you have to do is "get rid of Kony" and all will be well. Actually, Uganda got rid of him five or six years ago, but the work of social rebuilding is still going on and will go on for years yet.
Social building, of course, is needed everywhere all the time, but it is especially important in places where nearly everyone is poor and feels marginalized. That is where FAVL's work comes in: we are building institutions that help people take control of their own learning and put them in touch with the world beyond their village. In Uganda the work is being done mainly by FAVL's affiliate in Uganda, the Uganda Community Libraries Association (UgCLA), which now has nearly 100 member libraries, most of them founded by Ugandans who have minimal resources but tremendous enthusiasm. The enthusiasm was manifest last January when UgCLA held its annual conference: the library managers present took part eagerly in the discussions, contributed excellent ideas on the conference theme--"Libraries and the Environment," and willingly accepted the need to raise their subscriptions so that UgCLA could move towards self-sufficiency.
Self-sufficiency for African libraries is what we should all be working for. That is not to say that volunteers, funds, and books from overseas should not be welcome, but, as Rosebell and other respondents to the Kony video have said, it's not good for Africans, or for anyone else, to be constantly cast in the role of helpless victims. The members of UgCLA have demonstrated that they do not accept that role. In setting up and managing their libraries they are taking charge of their lives and contributing to the building of their communities.
Kate Parry
March 10, 2012
The video that Emilie recently posted on this blog has brought Uganda into the news again, but I hope that people have also seen the article that the New York Times published yesterday about it: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/10/world/africa/few-in-uganda-can-see-video-of-rebel-leader-kony.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=uganda&st=cse. There are some interesting Ugandan responses published on the New York Times blog too. Rosebell Kagumire is one of the people quoted, and I think she's got it about right:
"This is another video where I see an outsider trying to be a hero rescuing African children. We have seen these stories a lot in Ethiopia, celebrities coming in Somalia, you know, it does not end the problem. I think we need to have kind of sound, intelligent campaigns that are geared towards real policy shifts, rather than a very sensationalized story that is out to make one person cry, and at the end of the day, we forget about it."
I share her anger. And I would like to add, as my own contribution, that one serious problem with the video is the suggestion that all you have to do is "get rid of Kony" and all will be well. Actually, Uganda got rid of him five or six years ago, but the work of social rebuilding is still going on and will go on for years yet.
Social building, of course, is needed everywhere all the time, but it is especially important in places where nearly everyone is poor and feels marginalized. That is where FAVL's work comes in: we are building institutions that help people take control of their own learning and put them in touch with the world beyond their village. In Uganda the work is being done mainly by FAVL's affiliate in Uganda, the Uganda Community Libraries Association (UgCLA), which now has nearly 100 member libraries, most of them founded by Ugandans who have minimal resources but tremendous enthusiasm. The enthusiasm was manifest last January when UgCLA held its annual conference: the library managers present took part eagerly in the discussions, contributed excellent ideas on the conference theme--"Libraries and the Environment," and willingly accepted the need to raise their subscriptions so that UgCLA could move towards self-sufficiency.
Self-sufficiency for African libraries is what we should all be working for. That is not to say that volunteers, funds, and books from overseas should not be welcome, but, as Rosebell and other respondents to the Kony video have said, it's not good for Africans, or for anyone else, to be constantly cast in the role of helpless victims. The members of UgCLA have demonstrated that they do not accept that role. In setting up and managing their libraries they are taking charge of their lives and contributing to the building of their communities.
Kate Parry
March 10, 2012
This "Kony 2012" video has been stirring up the web like crazy this week. I would love to hear what FAVL supporters think! I myself don't know yet. Its either a fantastic concept for targeting international warlords, or simply the biggest marketing ploy I've ever heard.
Please comment and share your thoughts...
Please comment and share your thoughts...
Today is International Women's Day, which is celebrated annually in many countries in the world (though not the United States) on March 8th. The holiday is intended to shine the light on women's issues and allow women who are generally bear the brunt of work and toil in countries all over the world to celebrate their womanhood. Each year has a different theme - this year's recycled theme from 2011 is "Donner la vie sans être en péril" or "Give life without risk."
The holiday begins when the year's specially designed cloth is "released" at the market. Women rush to purchase it and take it to the tailor to have a special outfit made. The day is marked by speeches by officials and activities like bike races. Each city, town and village marks the holiday in their own special way, usually with lots of dancing, drinks and the obligatory holiday chicken.
Monique wanted to express her thoughts about how the holiday takes shape in Burkina Faso. Here are her thoughts:
The holiday begins when the year's specially designed cloth is "released" at the market. Women rush to purchase it and take it to the tailor to have a special outfit made. The day is marked by speeches by officials and activities like bike races. Each city, town and village marks the holiday in their own special way, usually with lots of dancing, drinks and the obligatory holiday chicken.
Monique wanted to express her thoughts about how the holiday takes shape in Burkina Faso. Here are her thoughts:
Le 08 mars au Burkina
Même si une place de choix est accordée dans les médias et dans les discours aux sujets qui touchent la condition féminine pour apporter un changement positif, les femmes du Burkina elles-mêmes semblent ne pas vouloir rompre avec le trin annuel de cette bamboula d'une journée et pour passer aux choses sérieuses. Qu'elles soient jeunes ou non, le pagne, le tee-shirt, le foulard à l'effigie de la fête doivent être porté le jour. Pour certaines sac et même chaussures confectionnées à partir pagne du 8 mars sont obligatoires pour être simplement la plus belle.
Mais pourquoi donc les djandjoba (danses populaires) ne veulent t'ils pas laisser la place aux réflexions pouvant permettre à la femme de mûrir, d'avantages et des solutions pour son propre développement ?
A quoi sert la Journée Internationale de la Femme, si elle ne peut être une grande tribune de sensibilisation massive et réussie sur le planning familial, du cancer de sein, du col ou de l'utérus ou encore de la scolarisation des filles par exemple?
N'est il pas temps leaders des quartiers, des communautés et des villages du Burkina, de prioriser des conférences -en Dioula, en Mooré, en Fulfuldé, etc. - sur les thèmes annuels de la Journée International de la Femme au lieu distribuer des pagnes ?
The women of Burkina Faso, like those in many other countries, celebrate this Wednesday, March 08, 2012 International Women's Day. Parades and parties will take place in neighborhoods, communities and associations to name a few.
Although a prominent place is given in the media and the discussions that affect the status of women to bring about a positive change, the women of Burkina themselves seem unwilling to break the tradition of the day's parties in order to get down to serious business. Whether young or old, the cloth, the t-shirt and the scarf bearing the designated International Women's Day message of the year have to be worn on this day. For certain women, bags and even shoes are made from the International Women's Day cloth are obligatory simply to be named the most beautiful.
But why don't we leave the dancing and use the day to allow women to reflect on the benefit of and solutions for their own development?
What good does International Women's Day do if it cannot be a day of mass education on family planning, breast, cervical or uterine cancer or on girls' education, for example?
Isn't it time for neighborhood, community and village leaders of Burkina Faso to prioritize conferences in Dioula, Mooré, Fulfuldé, etc. on the annual themes of International Women's Day instead of distributing cloth?A market vendor showing of the holiday bag behind a display of the 2010 International Women's Day cloth(Photo courtesy of www.lefaso.net, March 5, 2010)
