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Report A journey of self-discovery and development

September 9, 2004

Background: “Poetry For Peace” is a project of Ripples of Hope, International (ROHI) - a humanitarian non-profit organization committed to human rights and community development, based in Rhode Island. ROHI’s vision is to restore dignity and strengthen the capacities of war-affected and vulnerable populations in the United States and the world. ROHI’s primary objective is to empower war-affected populations through building the capacity of local non-governmental organizations through advocacy, technical assistance, peace-building initiatives, psychosocial program development, and helping them to make connections with larger donors. Introduction: The first annual “Poetry for Peace” Workshops were held in Ghana and Guinea in July and August 2004, funded by the Fang Foundation of Ohio (with additional assistance from the Black River Project and George Washington University through Dr. Stephen Lubkemann). The workshops were held at the Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana and at the Boreah Refugee Camp in Guinea. The project was organized around the premise that the process of writing poetry has cathartic power for young refugees. Ultimately, the project sought to restore dignity, respect and hope to all participants. Through poetry as a form of self-expression, it explored the impact of the participants’ current situation, while tapping and harnessing their hidden gifts and talents. Target Group: The project originally targeted 40 young refugees (including former child soldiers) in the two refugee camps –Boreah in Guinea and Buduburam in Ghana. At each location, ROHI worked with local partners to achieve its goals. In Ghana, we worked with the local Poetry Club: “The Strength Within” and in Guinea, we worked with Relief Emergency Program for Counseling (REPC). Participants were children will be recruited through churches, schools, social clubs and the various camp-based organizations. Design and method: The project was original designed as one-week intensive workshop (4 hours per/day), where participants would learn how to turn current events, their stories and experiences in poems, as they focus on various themes. Facilitators used interactive group facilitation methods to focus the group on issues affecting their lives to help them generate and share individual and group poems. This would hopefully help them develop a deeper understanding for the issues addressed in each poem.

Objectives: The project had five major objectives, which were:

1. To create a space for the writing and sharing of poetry, as a way to explore and begin new conversations and discussions of hope, peace and reconciliation.

2. To explore the impact of participants’ current situation, while tapping and harnessing their hidden gifts and talents, through poetry as a form of self-expression

3. To help participants discover and use poetry as a medium for self-expression and healing 4. To document the expressions of exile and displaced people 5. To explore how such expression can be cathartic and serve to reconstitute a sense of meaning, place and purpose

for people who have suffered the ultimate ills of conflict.

Challenges and Successes: The project endured several logistical challenges as well as enjoyed varying degrees of successes at each location. In Ghana, the selected venue was a challenge because it was easily accessible to almost anyone. During the first two days of the workshop, there were frequent interruptions from members of the community who wanted to join the workshop. Many complained that they were being excluded from something that was clearly intended to benefit all of them. These interruptions did not stop the workshops, but they cause significant distractions. Facilitators in Ghana were adequately trained and prepared. The local partner in Ghana, “The Strength Within” Poetry Club had done a lot of ground work with publicity and outreach. Being an established camp-based club, it already had great connections with schools, churches and other community organizations. Recruitment there was a lot easier and structured.

Poetry for Peace 2004 Page # 2

Presentations were made at schools’ assemblies and during church services. Several announcements were made through out the camp, using bullhorn – the local method for making such announcements. Communication between ROHI and the local partner was excellent, since there was already an existing link. Accordingly, where the workshop ran its full course, the objectives were mostly achieved. In Ghana, most participants commented that they felt different after the workshops. One participant commented at the conclusion of the workshops “I wish I could stay here and not go home.” Many of the participants said that when they were first told about the workshop, they saw it as another opportunity to skip class and “eat free food”, but as the days went on, they realized that this was a different kind of workshop. Micayah Johnson, one of the young female participants of the workshop emerged out of more than 40 contestants as the winner of the camp-wide poetry contest. She cited her participation in the workshop as the main reason why she won. All of the participants praised the idea of having a guest poet from amongst them to come and share her/his work with them. Albeit they did not always agreed with the guests, but the discussion gave them the opportunity to not only listen but also ask questions and discuss the work. In addition, the workshop started new relationships among young people and adults that is built on respect and development. Participants also indicated through their daily evaluation that they enjoyed the interactive exercises, not only because they were fun, but more because of the lessons they taught them. One participant said he particularly liked the warm up questions (please see appendix for workshop agenda) because they helped him focused on key issues. All of the participants indicated that they would work in the respective schools and community groups to establish a poetry club of their own. Most participants also indicated that the workshop increased their appreciation for and understanding of current issues affecting their lives. In Guinea, the workshop was significantly reduced and redesigned to accommodate for local bureaucracy, poor communication, travel and access to the camp. Prior to the workshop, the only communication with the camp was facilitated through Lacey Andrews, a Ph.D. candidate at Brown University who previously worked with the residents of Boreah. Our initial contact was with Mustapha Allegalie, leader of the Black Leos (a.k.a. “The New Exile Heroes”). Contact was mostly by emails. Lacey later facilitated a connection with Pastor Olah J. Williams of REPC who took on the role of our official local implementing partner. Given the lack of access to computer, we were unable to make contact with pastor Olah, until we got to Guinea. Unlike Ghana, where security was not much of an issue at the time, Guinea presented a different situation. Due to previous incidents of refugees being attacked and abused, the Guinean government and the UNHCR imposed strict security procedures around the camps. Accordingly, all guests and NGO workers had to obtain passes before access to the camps was granted: obtaining such pass from the local BCR proved more tedious than expected. We were greatly assisted in this regard by Tchande Tchandiley, the Senior Protection Officer of the UNCHR in Kissidougou, who was the acting head at the time. He not only helped us to obtain the pass, but he provided REPC with a vehicle to facilitate our trip to and Kissidougou. Another challenge at Boreah was the perception of our original contact as to the purpose of the workshop. Mustapha’s apparently believed that ROHI was going to Guinea to work exclusively with the Black Leos. Accordingly, no publicity was done to encourage other residents to participate. We are convinced that more residents would have expressed interest, if there were informed earlier. Nonetheless, we were able to make announcement around the camp encouraging all to show up.

The timing of the workshop was also a challenge. The workshop was scheduled at a time when the UNHCR and the Guinean government had decided to withdraw support from Sierra Leonean refugees in Guinea. Only Liberian refugees were qualified to receive rations. They were also in the process of relocating Sierra Leonean refugees to Boreah and moving the Liberians to Kountaya. In the light of this, we brought the workshop to a camp filled with hungry and frustrated refugees, mostly wondering they would get their next meal. With no time to train facilitators, the challenge was to readjust the agenda to have the maximum impact in view of the above challenges. We had no time to gauge participants to determine their level of interest in poetry or the arts in general. Given other logical challenges, it was almost impossible to find time to plan the session with pastor Olah J. Williams. Nonetheless, the


workshop left a lasting impact on one participant who said “Before the workshop, people thought I was crazy, when they saw me practicing my rap music. Now, they think I am a star.” Another participant comment that before the workshop, he knew many of the other participants, but he never interacted with them. “Today, I talk with different 5 persons, I didn’t know before”, he said. In view of the foregoing, it is easy to see that the project was more successfully implemented in Ghana than it was in Guinea. In Ghana, the project ran its full course, while in Guinea it was shortened to accommodate time lost to local bureaucracy, travel and facilitator’s fatigue. In Ghana, there was enough time to recruit, train and prepare facilitators, while in Guinea there was no time. Nonetheless, the impact of the workshop was felt significantly in both places. OUR PARTNERS: In Ghana, our local partner is “The Strength within Poetry Club”, a program of ROHI, whose mission is to encourage the use of oral and written poetry as therapeutic, reflective and healing tools for war-affected populations. The Strength within Poetry Club is a nonpolitical, nonprofit, educational and community-based organization that is dedicated to the development and promotion of poetry as a reflective and therapeutic tool for war-affected population. The goal is to promote the teaching, reading, writing and sharing of poetry among all people, especially those affected by war. In Guinea, our local partner is The Relief Emergency Program for Counseling (R.E.P.C.), a nonprofit organization working to address the emotional and physical needs of refugees in Guinea. The organization provides varying types of assistance to all refugees, mostly Liberian and Sierra Leonean refugees. R.E.P.C. works in collaboration with the UNHCR and other International NGOs operating in Guinea.


Part One: Ghana The first stage took place in Ghana over an 8-day period, from July 16-23. The workshop was followed by a special event, held on July 26, 2004. As part of the workshop and event, a special poetry competition was organized among residents of the camp. The experience of the workshop and the suggestions of the participants in Ghana provide guidance for a similar event in Guinea. In Ghana, the workshop brought together 26 participants (20 males and 6 females): of this number, 20 were students from 5 camp-based school; 2 from two local community colleges and 4 were dropouts or former students. Recruitment: Facilitators were mostly recruited from the membership of the Strength within Club and the community-based schools. Facilitators underwent three days of training and briefing for the entire project, led of Saah Charles N'Tow, ROHI’s Director. At the end of the training, 5 of 6 facilitators were selected to lead the workshop and help plan the rest of the programs. The facilitators were: N. Folley Jaleiba (Country Director of the Strength within Poetry Club-Ghana), Nehemiah Ginger Williams, Frank Glen Traub, Fole Harvey, Rev. Decontee Panton. Arthur Tamba coordinated logistics for the project.

Participants were recruited through a series of presentations at camp-based schools, public service announcements around the camp (using bull horns) and announcements in churches and other public meetings and forums. Name School/Org. Name School/Org. Name School/Org.1. Cecelia Collins

Buduburam Secondary School

4. Richlue O. Burphy


7. T. Alex Quiah Buduburam Secondary School

2. Micayah Johnson

Buduburam Secondary Sch.

5. Sam Buoay Buduburam Secondary School

8. Amelia Flumo Dominion Christian Academy

3. Lance Gba Gonyon

Buduburam Secondary Sch.

6. Moses G. Bawon


9. Princess Brown

Dominion Christian Academy

Name School/Org. Name School/Org. Name School/Org.10. Princess Lobbo

Lutheran School

16. Gardea Kortee Menyon, II


22. Eddie Payne Precious Jewel Foundation Sch.

11. T. Botta Cojolo

Lutheran School

17. Cammuel Nyernie


23. Abel S. Quiah

St. Gregory Academy

12. Gordon Duncan

Lutheran School

18. Ballah Narmah

Precious Jewel Foundation Sch.

24. Lionel Capehart

Accra Tech.

13. Eney Nagbe


19. A. Jungkai Gray


25. Joseph Saye Rap Association

14. Samuel Varney

CCC Graduate 20. Mark Wesley

Community Resident 26. Samuel Jones Community resident

15. Richmond McCintosh

Community Resident

21. John Goodridge

Community Resident


Commitment: During registration, each participant committed to attending the full workshop. Two participants had conflict with exam schedule. Their respective schools replaced them. 28 participants registered and 26 completed the 6-hour daily workshop: collectively, participants completed 954 hours of training and discussion Workshop design and structure: The workshops were designed to help participants analyze and understand their current realities, while tapping and harnessing their potential to write poetry. While the workshop primarily sought to generate interest in poetry, it was not designed to teach poetry. Each workshop followed a simple agenda

• An Overview and Introduction - • A warm-up Question • An interactive Exercise – process and discussion • A Wordstorm Exercise • Break • Guest Poet’s presentation and discussion • Small Group work • Report Back and Poetry Wall • Evaluation • End

Each agenda item carefully selected and developed to support a daily th

eme.

Poetry Competition: In addition to the workshop, a special poetry competition was organized to commemorate Liberia’s 157th

order to avoid prejudice or bias of any kind, the identities of entrants were kept from the judges. Judges therefore used a

pecial Event:

Independence Anniversary. The theme “Liberia at 157” was selected and the competition was open to all residents of the camp. Three prominent members – Rev. Dan Brown, Mrs. Philne Browne Leigh and Mrs. Alette R. Haick Prempeh of the community who are also members of the “Strength Within” Poetry Club’s Advisory Board judged the competition. Innumbering system to judge the entries. In the end, five finalists were picked from a pool of 45 entries and asked to read their

work during the July 26 event. Of the five, three emerged winners of the ultimate prizes. Although the competition was open to the entire population, Micayah Johnson and Sam Buoay, both participants of the workshop, won 1st and 3rd prize respectively. S

e theme as the

roduction:

A special Independence Day Poetry Reading under the samcompetition was also organized on July 26 in collaboration with the Liberian Musical Union in Ghana (LIMUG) to climax the workshop and the competition. The event drew together more than 300 residents of the camp. In addition to workshop participants and facilitators receiving certificates, winners of the poetry competition were announced and awarded their prizes at the event. P

rious exercises, participants produced a total of 149 original

The competition attracted a total of 45 entries froproduced an additional 15 original works. In total, Poetry for Peace 2004 Ghana generated a total of 209 original poems reflecting various themes addressing the current realities of Liberian refugees living in Ghana.

Through the vapoems (including 5 guest poets’ contributions) during the 5-day workshop. m across the camp and neighboring villages and the special July 26 reading


Follow up and next steps As the result of workshop, participants committed and were briefly

poetry club in their respective schools. In ddition to the 5 participating schools, two more schools expressed

trained on how to set upainterest in starting poetry clubs. Ripples of Hope International also secured a permanent office and meeting space, as well provided equipments for the “Strength Within Poetry Club” – Ghana to allow for the necessary follow up and support to the schools and other relevant community efforts. A completion of the workshop granted automatic membership to the “Strength Within Poetry Club”. The club will continue to hold its monthly public readings and work to support the clubs soon to be established in the 7 schools.

Equipments: A set of music equipment (PA system, Lights, Bullhorns, microphones, Generator) was purchased in order to help the club fulfill its mission. A memorandum of understanding detailing the terms relating to the management and care of the equipment is developed. The set of equipment will also help the club raise funds to sustain its operations. Library and Work Space: As part of follow up, the above- mentioned space will house a reading space and a poetry library open to residents

f the camp. Students of Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and oFriends of Daniel, a US-based advocacy group donated books and CDs to the library. An active campaign to collect books for the library is being launched in the US. Publication: Ripples of Hope International in collaboration with the Strength Within Poetry Club – Ghana will publish an anthology of

oems from the camp. The book will include most, if not all, poems pproduced through the Poetry For Peace initiative.



Part

Tw

o: G

uine

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Part Two: Guinea:

The second stage of the project was a condensed version of the workshop (held in Ghana). It was held with Sierra Leonean refugee youth in Guinea and it was focused on the music and arts of participants (especially those willing to present and display their work). In collaboration with Relief Emergency Program for Counseling (REPC) and the New Exile Heroes (formerly called, the Black Leos), Ripples of Hope International (ROHI) organized a one-day interactive “Arts for Peace” workshop on the refugee camp in Boreah, Guinea on Saturday, July 31, 2004. The workshop was facilitated by ROHI’s Executive Director, Mr. Saah Charles N'Tow, assisted by Pastor Ola J. Williams the Coordinator of REPC. Due to logistics and other security requirements, the workshop originally designed for five days was cut down to one day. Nonetheless, the one-day workshop has left an indelible mark on the residents of the camp at Boreah. Following the workshop, an event was held on Sunday, August 1 to celebrate the wealth of artistic talents among the residents of the camp at Boreah.

Sylvester Fomba dancing during the event

Attendance: A total of 49 residents participated in the daylong workshop: Of this number, there were 40 males and 9 females - 28 Sierra Leoneans and 21 Liberians-these included 27 known or self-declared groups, along with 27 individual artists.


Participants

# Name Nationality # Name Nationality 1 Adam K. Sheriff Liberian 26 Alie Tengbeh S. Leonean 2 Alvin L. Smith (a.k.a. Clean Soul) Liberian 27 Gladys Saquee S. Leonean 3 Amara Keatter (a.k.a. Amoroso) Liberian 28 Jarrie Jalloh S. Leonean 4 Anna Gaye Liberian 29 M.T. Kamara S. Leonean 5 Benjamin King Liberian 30 Mariama Bangura S. Leonean 6 Fanta Kanneh Liberian 31 Mariama C. Kamara S. Leonean 7 Gibba Fofannah Liberian 32 Mohamed P. Barrie S. Leonean 8 Ibrahim Massaray Liberian 33 Mohammed Libbie S. Leonean 9 Isaiah Yattor Liberian 34 Mohammed Lamie Koroma S. Leonean 10 Jeremiah Bundoo Liberian 35 Mustapha Algallie S. Leonean 11 Mohamed Kamara Liberian 36 Rashid Bangura S. Leonean 12 Morrie Kamara Liberian 37 Sahr Jimmy S. Leonean 13 Prince N.W. Bleweay Liberian 38 Sahr S. Foko S. Leonean 14 Rhoda Sebo Liberian 39 Steven A. Kpakiwa S. Leonean 15 Sao Massaray Liberian 40 Sylvester Fomba S. Leonean 16 Sidiki Kanteh Liberian 41 Tamba Musa S. Leonean 17 Simon T. Tengbeh Liberian 42 Tijan Fofanah S. Leonean 18 Tony Myers Liberian 43 Watta Ellen Brima S. Leonean 19 Pauline Bannah Liberian 44 John Duada Kamara S. Leonean 20 Abdul Karim Sesay S. Leonean 45 Alhassan G. Bah S. Leonean 21 Alicious S. Foko S. Leonean 46 Izio Rymes S. Leonean 22 Alusine Sesay S. Leonean 47 Mohammed Lamin Jalloh Liberian 23 Aminata Sheriff S. Leonean 48 Ibrahim Mansaray Liberian 24 Emmanuel Meidu S. Leonean 49 Adam Sheriff Liberian 25 Foday Sesay S. Leonean 50

Special Event: Following the workshop, a special event was organized to allow the participants and other artists to display their talents. This event drew together nearly 300 residents, artists and others. A total of 19 acts signed for the show.

The work of Ripples of Hope International was greatly assisted by the partnership of the Relief Emergency Program for

Counseling (REPC) and supported by the UNHCR – Kissidougou, through the acting head, Mr. Tchakoly Ali Tchanile (Senior Protection Officer). Recruitment: Pastor Ola J. Williams, REPC’s Coordinator facilitator mobilization of youth, security details and logistics through several agencies and individuals, including the local Guinean security – BCR and the UNCHR. The acting UNHCR Chief was very helpful in helping us acquire all the necessary security permits, as well as transportation to and Boreah and Kuntaya camps. Follow up Formation of an organization: As the direct result of the workshop, a group was formed to create to develop, encourage and enhance the artistic talents and activities of refugees. The specific details of the group are listed below (please appendix for details). A core of

officers has been elected in Boreah. They are: SIMEON T. TEMGBEH - CHAIRMAN, MOHAMED L. JALLOH (a.k.a. MLJ) -VICE CHAIRMAN, STEVEN A. KPAKIWA – SECRETARY; ORGANIZERS -MOHAMED KAMARA, ALUSANE SESAY, ADAMS K.SHERIFF, MARIAMA C. KAMARA, RHODA SEBO, D.J GROUP, MUSTAPHA ALGALLIE, YUSUFU KAMARA, ADAMS K. SHERIFF, SIDIKIE KANTEH.


Equipments: A set of music equipment (PA system, Generator, Keyboard and Tape player) was purchased in order to help the club fulfill its mission. A memorandum of understanding detailing the terms relating to the management and care of the equipment is developed. The set of equipment will also help the club raise funds to sustain its operations. Kountaya: A similar group of artists in nearly Kuntaya, a refugee camp hosting mostly Liberian refugees has been formed. Under the guidance REPC, it is the understanding that both group will work out ways to utilize the purchased equipment among themselves.

Monthly events: The group has agreed to organize monthly events to allow for the continuing development and exposure of their skills and talents. Future possibilities: Recordings of groups and individuals songs were brought to the US for further work. In collaboration with Lovevolv, Inc. and Midget Dance Company, two US-based organizations, Ripples of Hope International is hoping provide some technical assistance and exposure to the two groups of artists in Guinea.

Vote of Thanks This project would not have been possible without the support of the following: 1. Fang Foundation of Ohio 2. The Black River Project of Massachusetts 3. “The Liberian Diaspora in War-Making and Peace-Building” Research Project: led by Director and Primary Investigator

(PI): Dr. Stephen Lubkemann, George Washington University/Brown University, Funded by: Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation (2004 and 2005), United States Institute for Peace (2004 and 2005)

4. Lovevolv Inc. 5. Relief Emergency Program for Counseling (REPC) -Guinea 6. UNHCR Guinea for logistical support 7. The Strength Within Poetry Club – Ghana (including advisory board members) In addition to the above, Ripples of Hope International benefited immensely from the guidance and support of Lacey Andrews of Brown University, Agatha Farngalo of Africans Helping Africans, Dr. Thomas Jaye of the UK, Mr. Francis Hinneh of the Buduburam Refugee Welfare Council and Dr. Stephen Lubkemann. We appreciate the support, guidance and friendship.


Appendix OneMemorandum of Understanding regarding the use of AFRAG’s equipment/propertiesMemorandum of Understanding regarding the use of AFRAG’s equipment/properties Section 1 Full ownership: Under the guidance and custodianship of Relief Emergency Program for Counseling (REPC) and the sponsorship of US-based Ripples of Hope International, the Association of Future Refugee Artists in Guinea (AFRAG) has full ownership rights to all the following equipments (indicated with their serial numbers below):

(Please attach another sheet, if necessary) Note: The aforementioned equipment and all future equipment are properties of AFRAG and not for the exclusive use of any one individual member of the organization. In the event this organization ceases to exist, such equipment must be turned over to the REPC Mission for action to be determined jointly by Ripples of Hope International and REPC. Section 2 The aforementioned equipments are for the exclusive use of the organization-AFRAG and by other pre-qualified camp-based NGOs subject to such NGOs or groups satisfying the requirements listed in section (5) of this agreement. Section 3 No member and/or officer or advisors shall be allowed to use the above mentioned equipments for another organization(s), without full fulfilling the requirements laid out sections 4(2) and 5 of this agreement. Section 4

1. Membership or affiliation to the Organization does not grant any special privileges to the use of these equipments outside of the organization’s activities.

2. No member and/or officer or advisor will seek to use their membership or position to influence the use of the organization’s properties for non-organization business

Section 5

A. Institutions and organizations seeking to use these equipments must fulfill the following: B. Be a registered camp-based NGO/Church or School C. Must accept full responsibility for the safety and upkeep of the equipment(s) during use. In the event

of problems arising as the result of use, said organization will bear the cost of repairs or replacement D. Must give assurances that the equipments will not be used to promote subversive or unlawful

activities. E. Must give assurances for the timely return of the equipments

Note: For the safety of the aforementioned equipment, AFRAG will appoint a committee of 5 to manage and care for said equipment. With the exception of the committee of 5 no other member will be allow to handle said equipment. ______________________________ Date:_______________________ Representative Association of Future Refugee Artists in Guinea __________________________ ______________________________________ Saah Charles N'Tow/Executive Director Pastor Olah J. Williams/Coordinator Ripples of Hope International, Inc Relief Emergency Program for Counseling (REPC)


Founding Document

Name: The name of the association shall be the “Association of Future Refugee Artists in Guinea”, as known as AFRAG.

Mission: The mission of AFRAG is to create a space for the development, support and enhancement of artistic talents and activities among refugees.

Objectives

Through training, workshop, regular events and support meetings, AFRAG, will seek to fulfill the following:

1. Create a space for the development, promotion and sharing of all forms of art, as a way to explore and begin new conversations and discussions of hope, peace and reconciliation.

2. Explore the impact of refugees’ current situation, while tapping and harnessing their hidden gifts and talents, through arts as forms of self-expression

3. Help refugees discover and use art as a medium for healing 4. Explore how arts as form of expression can be cathartic and serve to reconstitute a sense of

meaning, place and purpose for people who have suffered the ultimate ills of conflict. 5. Work with relevant agencies, organizations and individuals to identify means through individual and

group members can gain exposure for their work 6. Ensure unity and cooperation among all refugee artists in Guinea

Membership Pledge:

Membership to the organization is open to all refugees, especially artists. Membership can be obtained by requesting for, filling in and returning a membership form to the organization’s secretary.

Every member of AFRAG pledges to commit to the following:

1. Participate fully in the organization’s activities, as will be determined by the membership 2. Abide by the agreed rules and regulations of the organization 3. Promote peace, understanding and unity among members and all other artists 4. Ensure transparency and accountability 5. Respect oneself, members of the community, local authority and other members and officers of

AFRAG 6. Represent the organization at all times through his/her general comportment and demeanor

The organization reserves the rights to revoke the membership of any group(s) or individual(s) who

1. May consistently seek to bring division within the community and/or organization 2. May bring disrepute to the organization’s name 3. May consistently disrespect other members of the organization, including officers

and advisors 4. May consistently refuse to participate in the organization’s activities 5. May fail to give timely and accurate account of how the organization’s resources are

used 6. May be in consist violation of agreed rules and regulations 7. May willfully damage any of the organization’s property in addition to seeking

restitution for said damaged property



Dates for possible events (in Kountaya or Boreah Refugee Camp)

1. Liberian National Day – July 26 2. Liberian Flag Day – August 24 3. Sierra Leonean National Day 4. Guinean National Day 5. Other historic days for both Guinea and Sierra Leone and UNHCR 6. United Nations Day – October 24 7. Xmas Day – December 25 8. New Year’s Day – January 1 9. Day of the African Child – June 16 10. World Refugee Day – June 20 11. World AIDS Day – 12. African Liberation Day – May (?)


Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday FridayTheme Introduction and Overview Exploring Creativity Exploring the Healing

Powers of Poetry Leadership and Poetry Reviewing, Selecting and Sharing

8:00-9:00 Breakfast and Registration Breakfast Introduction

• Overview and objectives • Review of Schedule • Introduction of Facilitators,

Poetry Club and Local participating poets

• Explain Hands up Rule/Five on Three/Hands Together

• Review of Agenda

Introduction • Overview and objectives • Review of Ground Rules • Questions Answers/ Parking Lot Issues • Review of Agenda

Name and Warm Up Question Interactive Exercise: Concentric Circles Interactive Exercise: The

Story Game Interactive Exercise: Hospital Tag w/ Healer

Interactive Exercise: The Human Mirror

Interactive Exercise: Switch/Swatch

Setting of Ground Rules Wordstorm and Discussion

Wordstorm Wordstorm

9:00-

11:00

Interactive Exercise: Orange Toss (Small Group)

Wordstorm and Discussion Interactive Exercise: Three Chairs Improv Interactive Exercise:

Human Knot Interactive Exercise: The Leader Game

Interactive Exercise: The Wind Blows

11:00-11:45

Lunch Break

Wordstorm Wordstorm and Discussion Wordstorm Wordstorm Guest Poet’s Presentation and Discussion – Mr. Han W. Fahnbulleh

Guest Poet’s Presentation and Discussion – Boakai Boley

Guest Poet’s Presentation and Discussion – Rev. Dan Brown

Guest Poet’s Presentation and Discussion – Rev. Prince Pinneh

Guest Poet: Lance Gba Gonyon Small Group Preparation for presentation

Small Group Discussion and production – Self Poem

Small Group Discussion and Production – Group Poem on War and Peace

Small Group Discussion and Production – Individual and Group Poem on Reconciliation

Small Group Discussion and Production – Individual and Group Poem about Liberia and/or Leadership

Presentation and Poetry Wall – Order: Group 5; Group 4 Group 3; Group 1; Group 2

Large Group Presentation Large Group Presentation Large Group Presentation

Large Group Presentation

Special Presentation by the Strength Within Poetry Club

Poetry Wall and Review of Day 2 Poetry Wall and Review of Day 3

Poetry Wall and Review of Day 4

Poetry Wall and Review of Day 5

Interactive Exercise: The Rain Forest

Evaluation in small group Evaluation in Small Groups Evaluation in Small Groups

Evaluation in Small Groups

Evaluation in Small Groups

11:45

-1:45

Large Group Evaluation Large Group Evaluation Large Group Evaluation Large Group Evaluation Large Group Evaluation and Review of Event Planning/ Final Words

Poetry for Peace: Schedule

End End End End End

Guinea Agenda and notes from Workshop Introduction

• Overview • Ground Rules • Review of Agenda

Warm Up Question: If you had One Million Guinea Francs to spend only on this camp, how would you spend it and why? Interactive Exercise:

• Concentric Circles • Wind Blows • Human Knots • Stand up/Sit Down

1st Performance and Discussion – New Heroes (aka Black Leos) Break Interactive Exercise:

• Human Mirror • Leader Game

Performances Planning for Sunday Final Thought Close


Expectations

• Understanding each person’s talent • Gaining knowledge about each person • Certificates • Learn our faults/strengths • Knowledge of best/worst • Know each other • Get new ideas • Know who is competent/future • Know purpose of workshop • Know if Saah is married • Individual role play • Continuation of this type of workshop • Understanding the importance of playing music • Improvement of the workshop

Warm up Question: Miriama Give more to a group to distribute Sylvester Fomba Buy something that everyone can use Rhode Sebo Use money to teach residents skills – tailoring Emmanuel Medu Buy needed supplies for distribution Ibraham Mansaray Invest in income generating training and activities for residents Simon T. Tengbeh Study the needs and then address them accordingly Alvin L. Smith Form a social union to united, develop & encourage African talents Alisious F. Foko Same as Simon Tengbeh Myers Form group and use money to support group Sidiki Kanteh Form musician group and use money to support group Concentric Circles

• Questions were asked about favorite music, artists, type of music, power, success, title of music and participants’ perception of respect

Process:

• Got new ideas • Learned to be smart • Learned music names • Learned people names • Got new experience from others • People said what they want to be • Face to face conversation • Learned people’s favorite • Bold enough to share • Learned about people’ determination • Made new friends • Learned the definition of respect


Order of Talent Show Opening song (you better Mind) Mdme Gladys Saquee Selections New Heroes Dance AMOROSO Poem Foday S. Mansaray Song New Moon in Africa Song The Miriamas Dance TESTO Boy Poem Foday S. Mansaray Selection ASUA Selection Tourist Dance Gibba Fofana Selection Pauline Bannah Song Rhode Sebo Selection Niggers from the Cemetery Dance Tourist Selection New Heroes Poem Foday Mansaray Instrumental Sidiki Kanteh Selection Kings and Heroes Closing


Evaluation Things participants liked Things they didn’t like

• Advices and rectification • Games and activities • Discussions • Meeting new friends • Discovering new talents • Generate new ideas • Appreciate Saah’s efforts • Loved the music • Got motivated • Enjoyed the dancing • Appreciated the comportment of

everyone • Loved the food • Appreciated the participation level • Enjoyed the facilitation and facilitator • Participants worked collectively • There was love and dedication • Love the boldness of people • Love the cook • Presentation of meeting • Enjoyed the poems • The example of talents as diamonds • Love the contact person • Enjoyed the use of proverbs • Liked the titles of performances • Promoter • Idea of an artist union • Interest level • Unity

• Noise during the workshop • Impromptu arrangement • Audience reaction to some

performances • Food distribution (Saturday) • People not being conscious of time • People who condemned others ideas • The Sun • Size of the bread (breakfast) • Noisy venue • Food comments (-ve comments) • Provocation and being proud • Disagreement between artists • Untimely appearance of some artists • Chewing gum during performance • Time of breakfast on Saturday • Disrespect for time • Side meetings – “Pocket meetings”

during sessions


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