It has been a very busy week and a half here in Bamenda. I requested to visit some other NGOs in Bamenda in order to get a better sense of working relationships NGOs have with each other. Last Monday I visited the Justice and Peace Commission which has recently put out a PowerPoint report in conjunction with the Bamenda Archdiocese on human trafficking in the North West Region of Cameroon. There was some good information and some information that was possibly not useful or put into practice in the best way. I have become quite critical of anti-human trafficking practices they assume are useful here.
Tuesday I visited the ILO (International Labor Organization/Office). Unfortunately the “expert” in human trafficking was in Italy but I was able to get some French reports the ILO in Yaoundé created regarding child trafficking in the NWR. Tuesday I also went to Youth Outreach Program whose volunteers work to empower children, make children responsible, viable people who are aware of the benefits of schooling and not entering into the workforce at such a young age. They also conduct several different programs on poverty, access to clean water, etc… They are a fairly stable working NGO and are working to proceed with anti-trafficking awareness. I tried to express to GLOWA the benefit of working with them. There have been many unfortunately issues with GLOWA which has made it difficult to be positive as of now. Most of my frustration is a result of the organization sending misleading information to me about the status of the organization. I know obstacles are not always foreseen so I’ll continue working for the children.
Continuing, Wednesday and Thursday we spent working on and conducting a child’s meeting and an adult’s meeting inviting community members to come to their respective meeting and learn about GLOWA, human rights, child’s rights, and more specifically human (child) trafficking. The child’s meeting included all trafficked victims. I would like to welcome children whom have not been victimized in order to prevent possible exploitation. GLOWA had not had any visitors to the NGO and I thought it would be appropriate for children to feel as though GLOWA is a safe place for them to freely discuss child rights related issues with any volunteer. I also want adults/parents to understand what we are working toward so they know where their children are going each week.
I have one week left in Bamenda before I go to Yaoundé for the tail end of my research and assistance with GLOWA. Primarily in Yaoundé I will be gathering information from anti-trafficking organizations about developing these sorts of NGOs and possible partnership opportunities. Due to GLOWA’s extreme underdevelopment, I feel untrained to give much input. I will be staying with a woman who works at the U.S. Embassy and she has helped gather contacts. I am hoping/assuming this will be very helpful for GLOWA.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Tired Girl
Today started off well when Richard’s (Jamils’ English name) cousin Angela came to pay me a visit. I received a big hug, hand shake, hands on my face, the whole nine yards. Then, she proceeded to tell me that she has Malaria. Of course my first naïve American touristy mind went straight to thinking “Thank you so much for putting your hands all over my face when you are deathly ill.” Unfortunately Malaria is all too common here which is why I am continuing to take the doxy even though it makes me feel horrible.
Tuesday was the 19th “Edition” (as they say) of The International Day of the African Child. We went to the Bamenda Congress Hall run by the President’s party CPDM. The Secretary-General representing the Governor’s office of the North West Region gave a speech in conjunction with many other speeches given by public officials. Groups of children produced little performances for the Governor which was nice to see. The Secretary-General spoke a lot about children’s rights and responsibilities as well as responsibilities and rights of adults. He neglected to mention any responsibility of child’s rights violations falling in the hands of the government. Nevertheless here is a passage I frantically scribbled down from his address to the community:
“If a child lives with hostility, he learns to part; if a child lives with pity, he learns to feel sorry for himself; if a child lives with jealousy he learns to be guilty; if a child lives with honesty, he learns to know the truth; and if a child lives with love he learns to know that the world is a wonderful place” (Secretary-General of the office of the Governor of the NWR).
Although I know it’s necessary for children to carry responsibility, it is also the responsibility of adults to teach children how to act in a responsible manner. I suppose I’ll save this little rant for a class essay…
Since I begged for an implementation of some sort of schedule at GLOWA (because I’m neurotic and wrote one), the days have been fairly similar with staff meetings in the morning discussing the previous day’s work and upcoming events for the present day; individual and group work based upon the children and adult meetings and individual sessions with victims; individual reading and legal research on the matter of trafficking; and usually a trip of some sort to an orphanage, radio where we are interviewed, field campaigns, etc… Unfortunately the NGO is much more underdeveloped than what was explained to me by employers prior to my arrival. Nevertheless, not all situations will go as planned so I am trying to alter my research a bit and my plans with the NGO.
A man from a local organization came by GLOWA and said that there was a woman who gave birth at the local hospital. She had apparently made plans to sell the baby to a trafficker. The trafficker was caught before the transaction was complete; however due to the government system, the mother was discharged with the baby and the trafficker was released from jail. I thought several of you would be interested in this development (especially my M.A. Committee).
Hope all are well.
Emily
Tuesday was the 19th “Edition” (as they say) of The International Day of the African Child. We went to the Bamenda Congress Hall run by the President’s party CPDM. The Secretary-General representing the Governor’s office of the North West Region gave a speech in conjunction with many other speeches given by public officials. Groups of children produced little performances for the Governor which was nice to see. The Secretary-General spoke a lot about children’s rights and responsibilities as well as responsibilities and rights of adults. He neglected to mention any responsibility of child’s rights violations falling in the hands of the government. Nevertheless here is a passage I frantically scribbled down from his address to the community:
“If a child lives with hostility, he learns to part; if a child lives with pity, he learns to feel sorry for himself; if a child lives with jealousy he learns to be guilty; if a child lives with honesty, he learns to know the truth; and if a child lives with love he learns to know that the world is a wonderful place” (Secretary-General of the office of the Governor of the NWR).
Although I know it’s necessary for children to carry responsibility, it is also the responsibility of adults to teach children how to act in a responsible manner. I suppose I’ll save this little rant for a class essay…
Since I begged for an implementation of some sort of schedule at GLOWA (because I’m neurotic and wrote one), the days have been fairly similar with staff meetings in the morning discussing the previous day’s work and upcoming events for the present day; individual and group work based upon the children and adult meetings and individual sessions with victims; individual reading and legal research on the matter of trafficking; and usually a trip of some sort to an orphanage, radio where we are interviewed, field campaigns, etc… Unfortunately the NGO is much more underdeveloped than what was explained to me by employers prior to my arrival. Nevertheless, not all situations will go as planned so I am trying to alter my research a bit and my plans with the NGO.
A man from a local organization came by GLOWA and said that there was a woman who gave birth at the local hospital. She had apparently made plans to sell the baby to a trafficker. The trafficker was caught before the transaction was complete; however due to the government system, the mother was discharged with the baby and the trafficker was released from jail. I thought several of you would be interested in this development (especially my M.A. Committee).
Hope all are well.
Emily
Monday, June 15, 2009
Busy Busy!
Hello from Bamenda,I have had quite a busy week. For those of you that don’t know, a film crew from Orange County, California was here for a few days filming a documentary on child trafficking. I conducted several interviews with trafficked victims and I was also interviewed several times. The documentary will be out in October and they promised to send me a copy so I will show those of you who are interested.
I have been working with three separate child trafficking cases. One case is very serious because the child is infected with HIV and her mother refuses to allow the child to take ARVs. She was trafficked on foot to Gabon and was kept captive as a sex slave. A second case is problematic as well because the child is living currently with a woman as a “house girl” which consists of domestic labor. The third case involves a young boy who worked as a “house boy” for several years, received no payment and is socially fragile.
Tomorrow is the International Day of the African Child. The theme this year focuses on making Africa fit for children. GLOWA will use this as an opportunity to interact with people, hand out information about the organization and our location.
I have been spending these past couple of days on my computer creating a simplified version of the Declaration of Human Rights produced by the OHCHR and the Convention on the Rights of the Child for children in the community. These hand-outs will be in conjunction with a brochure I made stating the current Cameroon anti-trafficking law that. I proposed to the organization that we have an “Adult’s Group” and a “Children’s Group” where we can each week provide refreshments and discuss the objectives of GLOWA, human/children’s rights, and the prevalence of child trafficking in the North West Region. I found this really helpful book by the UN which lists activities and explains how to properly discuss human rights with children. I thought it would be most effective separating adults and children for a period of time for several reasons: 1. Children may be more open to discussion without the influence of adults; 2. Adults will be educated on different prevention and protection tactics than children; 3. And finally, many of the adults and children will be at different learning levels so information on trafficking will need to be presented in a different manner.
After discussing with Jamils, I have decided that I will spend a couple of weeks in the capital city of Yaoundé. There are several human rights organizations in Yaoundé who dedicate their efforts to upholding children’s rights. I am hoping to visit these organizations and discuss possible partnerships with GLOWA. Several of these organizations in Yaoundé have psychologists who work with children which is a very imperative aspect to rehabilitation and reintegration. I am going to see about pro bono work for GLOWA’s benefit.
While in Yaoundé I will be staying with a woman who works at the U.S. Embassy. She is in charge of the Cameroon cultural division of the embassy. She has some great contacts which she has offered and will aid me in continuing my research not only for my M.A. but for GLOWA.
On a personal level, I am still quite sick but my work has been keeping me busy. There is a 1 ½ year old that I live with who has decided to call me mama. I somehow won the joyous prize of getting her to fall asleep while she lies on top of me. She still calls me Auntie I which is her aunt who has very light skin.
I hope all is well, I miss my family and friends terribly but I am grateful to have this opportunity to be here.
SOME INDIVIDUAL MESSAGES:
Mandi, Karla and Madison, the fantastic camera you donated to GLOWA has been taking some fantastic pictures. One session which I am sure you will feel personally connected to was at a small small town called Mendakwe. There are a group of widows who have taken it upon themselves to educate and raise several dozen orphans.
Mom and Zoe I love you and miss you. Zoe stop taking my clothes out of my closet; even though I’m not there I know it’s happening!
KB, I ate some boiled peanuts the other day!!
And finally, Andy, happy birthday I love you and miss you and wish I could be there to celebrate with you
I have been working with three separate child trafficking cases. One case is very serious because the child is infected with HIV and her mother refuses to allow the child to take ARVs. She was trafficked on foot to Gabon and was kept captive as a sex slave. A second case is problematic as well because the child is living currently with a woman as a “house girl” which consists of domestic labor. The third case involves a young boy who worked as a “house boy” for several years, received no payment and is socially fragile.
Tomorrow is the International Day of the African Child. The theme this year focuses on making Africa fit for children. GLOWA will use this as an opportunity to interact with people, hand out information about the organization and our location.
I have been spending these past couple of days on my computer creating a simplified version of the Declaration of Human Rights produced by the OHCHR and the Convention on the Rights of the Child for children in the community. These hand-outs will be in conjunction with a brochure I made stating the current Cameroon anti-trafficking law that. I proposed to the organization that we have an “Adult’s Group” and a “Children’s Group” where we can each week provide refreshments and discuss the objectives of GLOWA, human/children’s rights, and the prevalence of child trafficking in the North West Region. I found this really helpful book by the UN which lists activities and explains how to properly discuss human rights with children. I thought it would be most effective separating adults and children for a period of time for several reasons: 1. Children may be more open to discussion without the influence of adults; 2. Adults will be educated on different prevention and protection tactics than children; 3. And finally, many of the adults and children will be at different learning levels so information on trafficking will need to be presented in a different manner.
After discussing with Jamils, I have decided that I will spend a couple of weeks in the capital city of Yaoundé. There are several human rights organizations in Yaoundé who dedicate their efforts to upholding children’s rights. I am hoping to visit these organizations and discuss possible partnerships with GLOWA. Several of these organizations in Yaoundé have psychologists who work with children which is a very imperative aspect to rehabilitation and reintegration. I am going to see about pro bono work for GLOWA’s benefit.
While in Yaoundé I will be staying with a woman who works at the U.S. Embassy. She is in charge of the Cameroon cultural division of the embassy. She has some great contacts which she has offered and will aid me in continuing my research not only for my M.A. but for GLOWA.
On a personal level, I am still quite sick but my work has been keeping me busy. There is a 1 ½ year old that I live with who has decided to call me mama. I somehow won the joyous prize of getting her to fall asleep while she lies on top of me. She still calls me Auntie I which is her aunt who has very light skin.
I hope all is well, I miss my family and friends terribly but I am grateful to have this opportunity to be here.
SOME INDIVIDUAL MESSAGES:
Mandi, Karla and Madison, the fantastic camera you donated to GLOWA has been taking some fantastic pictures. One session which I am sure you will feel personally connected to was at a small small town called Mendakwe. There are a group of widows who have taken it upon themselves to educate and raise several dozen orphans.
Mom and Zoe I love you and miss you. Zoe stop taking my clothes out of my closet; even though I’m not there I know it’s happening!
KB, I ate some boiled peanuts the other day!!
And finally, Andy, happy birthday I love you and miss you and wish I could be there to celebrate with you
Monday, June 8, 2009
1 Week Down!
1 Week Down and probably 5 pounds as well :( Still sick but I'm quite busy so that helps distract me. Do not worry but I got hit by a car! It is funny because it wasn't serious and I was being naive about cars stopping just for me! I specifically didn't tell my mom about this site so she wouldn't see postings such as this.
Yesterday we met with some trafficked children at a cultural meeting. All interviews so far have been conducted in privacy with Jamils (Director of Programs). I have asked individual victims who are of age if they give permission to be in photographs. They have all said yes but I am still asking Jamils what is culturally responsible and what is not.
I was fortunate enough to see some cultural dancing some of the youth were performing. They are practicing for the arrival of the Minister of Social Affairs from Yaounde. We have a group of 5 Americans coming today from California. They are filming a documentary on child trafficking (specifically sex trafficking). We have hopefully between 10-15 trafficked victims coming to testify. It is experiences such as this which are not only educational for my research but essential for creating awareness of child trafficking in the North West Region of Cameroon.
P.S. I watched the qualifying soccer match for the world cup with Cameroon. It was 0-0 but not all is lost according to the locals here :)
XOXO from Bamenda
Yesterday we met with some trafficked children at a cultural meeting. All interviews so far have been conducted in privacy with Jamils (Director of Programs). I have asked individual victims who are of age if they give permission to be in photographs. They have all said yes but I am still asking Jamils what is culturally responsible and what is not.
I was fortunate enough to see some cultural dancing some of the youth were performing. They are practicing for the arrival of the Minister of Social Affairs from Yaounde. We have a group of 5 Americans coming today from California. They are filming a documentary on child trafficking (specifically sex trafficking). We have hopefully between 10-15 trafficked victims coming to testify. It is experiences such as this which are not only educational for my research but essential for creating awareness of child trafficking in the North West Region of Cameroon.
P.S. I watched the qualifying soccer match for the world cup with Cameroon. It was 0-0 but not all is lost according to the locals here :)
XOXO from Bamenda
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
I'm Here After a Nice 30 Hour Trip!
I arrived in Bamenda early this morning. Once I arrived in the Capital city of Yaounde at the international airport I was picked up by the Director of Programs for my organization GLOWA. Jamils and I had to wait in Yaounde for 6 hours until the next bus would come to take us to Bamenda. The bus ride took about 6 hours including many many stops on the side of the road. It was a bit concerning because I was informed of very dangerous highway robbers which did not help my ability to sleep!
Today I went to the organization where I was greeted by the staff of 2 and several other volunteers. They are so generous and two of their younger workers helped me transfer money and took me to a cyber cafe where I am now. This has so far been a very different experience and a bit scary I have to admit, but I know with time and patience I will learn to adapt. Once I take some photos I will do my best to upload; unfortunately the internet is a bit slow. I hope everyone is well.
Today I went to the organization where I was greeted by the staff of 2 and several other volunteers. They are so generous and two of their younger workers helped me transfer money and took me to a cyber cafe where I am now. This has so far been a very different experience and a bit scary I have to admit, but I know with time and patience I will learn to adapt. Once I take some photos I will do my best to upload; unfortunately the internet is a bit slow. I hope everyone is well.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Departure Time!
I was unable to sleep soundly last night for the reason being I leave for Cameroon today. I fly from Cedar Rapids to O'Hare, O'Hare to Brussels, Brussels to Yaounde, then drive from Yaounde to Bamenda where I will be primarily living.
I will have internet access where I hope to be able to upload photos and video that will not jeopardize any of the children I will be working with. I will also attempt to update this site as much as possible for those interested.
I want to make sure to thank my M.A. committee which consists of Professor Rex Honey and Deputy Director of the Center for Human Rights, Amy Weismann for all of their assistance in preparing me for this trip. I would also like to thank Coach Kowal and her family for donating a fantastic digital camera to the organization which will greatly aid our efforts, my good friend Lesley who created this blog for me, and my family and friends who support my eagerness to combat human trafficking.
I will have internet access where I hope to be able to upload photos and video that will not jeopardize any of the children I will be working with. I will also attempt to update this site as much as possible for those interested.
I want to make sure to thank my M.A. committee which consists of Professor Rex Honey and Deputy Director of the Center for Human Rights, Amy Weismann for all of their assistance in preparing me for this trip. I would also like to thank Coach Kowal and her family for donating a fantastic digital camera to the organization which will greatly aid our efforts, my good friend Lesley who created this blog for me, and my family and friends who support my eagerness to combat human trafficking.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
