How we build Virtual Bunabumali

“It does not matter how slow you go so long as you do not stop.”

The follow was copied from Bunabumali Chronicle, at http://bunabumalivt.tumblr.com/ by Ben Koot.

A year ago I started the VT Bunabumali challenge with nothing but the big picture of building the school rebuilding the dormitory and taking care of the childern. All I had was this picture and no idea what Bunabumali looked like, nor any experience in running such a project. The little information I had on Africa was what I’d learned during my days in the travel industry, so not realy related to coaching people on-line on topics I was not familiar with.

When folks in the North are asked for assistance, the natural response is; “Write a businessplan” Norman had done that, like many thousands of other people in africa that try connect to NGO’s, on-line volunteer services and other institutions. Over the past year, I have seen a lot of these plans for other development initiatives, based on questions relating to starting a business, with the aim of satisfying the needs of the donor organisation instead of the the needs on the ground.

Even trying to apply for a moderate microcredit involves anwering impossible questions, created by people that had little idea of local conditions. We have trried a number of organisations but were unsuccessfull, which got me thinking…

Continue reading at http://bunabumalivt.tumblr.com/

A Sew Machine that Changed the World.

Shortly after returning from Uganda, I was asked to speak to a Rotary Club. A man with a smart tone said to me, "Do you think the Africa problem will ever be solved?"

I've heard this pessimistic line of reasoning before. It is a cop-out for really caring about individual people who deserve no less than you or I.

Africa is a very large continent and people living there face many difficulties. The way I look at... if we can help one kid, then we changed the world for that kid. If we can do something for a school, then we can change the world for a village.

Since noon, I've been on the sewing machine, and it is now 9:30pm. This is where I began, at this time last year, sewing to raise funds for the project. I've made lots of hammocks and many people are feeling more rested and relaxed. With the profits, I was able to go Uganda and donate four sewing machines to two non-profits with enough fabric to make 20 hammocks for each.

In Uganda, I shot 11 hours of video, and yesterday, Steve at Hemmings House gave me the software to start editing a movie to share the experience and promote the non-profit projects I worked with: Life in Africa, and Good Samaritan Orphan and Needy school. Andrew MacCormack at Hemmings House had loaned me the video camera. They are also teaching me how to use the editing software, and will offer advice on the storyboard, so those boys are heroes in my books.

Two large bags of beads came home with me from Life in Africa. Thus far, with the help of friends and students at Mona Heights and Forest Hills School, we've sold over $2000 worth of beads. $1000 has already been sent, and another $1500 will be sent soon. Money transfers cost $45, so we want to send as much as we can all at once. If you want to buy some beads, I still have another bag full. Just give a call: 506-654-3073 or email: cor.contact@gmail.com

On top of the bead money, $200 will go to pay for Daniel Olara's school fees, and $300 will go to buy fabric for Norman to make more hammocks to sell, which should more than triple that investment. Now we need to find inexpensive transportation to carry hammocks from Uganda to North America. We are also looking to find markets in Uganda, and other places in Africa. Your suggestions will be welcome.

This project isn't about making money for people in Uganda. The mission is to create a center in Uganda that teaches people how to live in harmony with nature, without money. It will be a place for travelers and locals to share ideas. We get a great experience and they get a school-- but who wants to be in school, right? We want a life-style that allows us to be creative and free. Hammocks are just the beginning. If you want to go to an amazing place and live with lovely people, Norman's family will host you in Bunabumali. A hammock is waiting.

The following link takes you to Siena's journal, which has a great little slide show of photos from her recent trip to Good Samaritan Orphan and Needy school. You'll see the kids are wearing new bright gold school uniforms, made using the sewing machine we gave them.

http://siena-anstis.livejournal.com/

A lot of people contributed to make this project a success. Stephanie at Market Square was one of the first supporters, allowing free space at Buskers festival to sell hammocks. That event is coming up next weekend... I'll have to ask her again. Carolyn at Sterling Rope donated webbing, and recently asked if I needed more. Elaine at Cultures in Fredericton bought seven hammocks, and sold six thus far... so I need to ask if she wants more. Mike at Albert Draperies donated fabric for kids at Forest Hills School, Beaconsfield, Mona Heights and Rothesay High to make hammocks(see photo... my students in music class at Forest Hills).

I could go on and on about those involved... but I need to get back to sewing hammocks, because I don't have much time to get a bunch ready for the festivals.

BIG THANKS to everyone who took part, and bought hammocks and beads! Don, Amy, Barb, Philip, Irene, Donna, Lisa, Jen, Shawn, Glen, Debbie, Mike, Karenann, Bre, Megan, Ela, Chris, George, Norman, Esther, Francis, Kate, Leanne, Joey... and the rest... you've made a dream come true!

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