Posted June 29, 2021 by Abdul Rashid

Koinadugu Peace Mothers Get Support For Self-reliance

Fambul Tok (FT) provides livelihood support to Peace Mother’s groups in Sakuta and Kaponpon communities in Wara Wara Bafodia chiefdom, in Koinadugu district. The purpose of the donation is to improve on the low socio-economic status of women in their various communities to enhance national cohesion.

Sakuta Peace Mothers in Wara Wara Receives Donation

Women in Sakuta received 12 gallons of palm oil, 1 bag of caustic soda, 2 rubber bowls and a packet of gloves. Peace Mother’s in Kaponpon received 2 bushels of viable seed rice for planting. The items will strengthen their revenue generation schemes to support their peace-building initiatives.

The Mammy Queen in Sakuta, Madam kadiatu , appreciated FT and said the support was really timely: ‘”This support will increase our output and other communities will also benefit, we are really grateful to Fambul Tok”.

FT Staff sensitized peace mother’s on some of the benefits of team work and synergy.

Peace Mother’s Coordinator Madam Hawa Conteh hoped that the livelihood support will make them more self-reliant.

FT staff Issa Kamara encouraged Peace Mother’s to continue their good work and participate in community development project.

Posted June 28, 2021 by Abdul Rashid

Fambul Tok Empowers Peace Mothers in Moyamba

Fambul Tok (FT) Sierra Leone has provided assistance to Peace Mothers groups in Moyamba district to support their revenue generation projects to enhance sustainable peace in their communities

Handing over a brand new cassava-processing machine to peace mothers in Kunyafoi section Fakunya chiefdom in Moyamba district, FT Peace Mothers coordinator Sadiatu Kallon said the support did not come as a surprise since the groups have been doing very well. She said FT does not have money to give to every community but pave the path so communities would embark on development programs. The support came as a result of Peace Mothers’ hard work towards “women empowerment and dedication to community development in their different sections in the country”

National Project Officer Fambul Tok, Solomon Yarjoh expressed special appreciation to Kunyafoi Peace Mothers for supporting young girls to acquire education.

Town chief of Njagbahun village, Madam Janet Kamara was full of praise for the support, adding that they have been yearning for it for a very long time. She said through FT outreach sessions on gender equality she received full support from her colleagues to be elected chief in her community.

Secretary General of the group, Kadiatu Mansaray on behalf of her colleagues said through their efforts they have received support from the Ministry of Agriculture, as they were supplied seed rice. She said the organization’s assistance would go a long way to process acres of cassava farms in the chiefdom.

Youth chairman Abdul Joseph Conteh referred to the gesture as a blessing in disguise as lots of good gestures have been realized citing donation of ginger seedlings from one of the local organizations

“We as youth are aware of the fact that FT doesn’t give money to communities but work and walk along with them to achieve what they want”, Conteh said.

“Fambul Tok has a sustainability plan than others who come and do things in their own way”, Conteh maintained

He cautioned women to use the items judiciously to ensure transparency and accountability.

FT donates Cassava Processing Machine to PM

Other communities that benefited include Tongea section in Kongbora chiefdom who will receive brand new cassava processing machine with four other communities to receive soap making equipment including bags of caustic soda, gallons of oil, rubber bowls and hand gloves.

Posted May 6, 2021 by Abdul Rashid

Fambul Tok Extends Peace Mothers Structures In Two Chiefdoms In Koinadugu District

Fambul Tok Staff in Koinadugu district, northern Sierra Leone, have facilitated the formation of three Sectional Peace Mothers groups and two Chiefdom Peace Mothers Executives in Diang and Gbonkorboh-Kayaka chiefdoms with the aim of strengthening the role of women in peace and community development.

On the 9^th, 19^thand 21^st of April 2021 Fambul Tok (FT) held three Sectional Peace Mothers Formation processes in Diang Chiefdom –Sonsafeh, Madrifeh and Fulla sections. A total of 113 community women Participated from across the three sections – 48 in Sosanfeh section, 39 in Madrifeh and 26 in Fulla sections.

On the 20^th and 30^th of April 2021 FT organized two Chiefdom Executive formations in Gbonkorgboh-Kayaka and Diang Chiefdoms. A total of 28 women leaders participated – 10 women from the five Sections in Gbonkorboh – Kayaka chiefdom (2 representatives per section) and 14 women from the seven Sections in Diang Chiefdom participated. The purpose of the meeting was to establish Chiefdom Peace Mothers Executives to coordinate and oversee the activities of the sectional structures in the chiefdoms.

The women were educated on their roles and responsibilities in promoting community development, peace building and the advantages of peaceful co-existence.

Staff took them through the mission, vision and core of values Fambul Tok.

Posted April 28, 2021 by Abdul Rashid

Peace Mothers’ Group Formation in Gbongborthor Village

Fambul Tok staff in koinadugu district, northern Sierra Leone on the 9th April 2021 facilitated the formation of Sectional Peace Mothers’ group in Gbongborthor village, Sosanfeh Section, Diang Chiefdom. The Peace mothers elected Madam Tida Koroma as the chairlady of their executive.

The Town Chief of Koinadugu Village, Pa Kalilu Farroh, the host Town Chief, welcome participants and outlined some of the things they benefitted as husbands since the formation of Peace Mothers in their community in 2010. “We are always proud of Fambul Tok as our wives have been very helpful in finding solutions when there are problems, which used to be totally left with us as husbands to battle before the intervention of Fambul Tok.” He encouraged everyone to be very attentive as the meeting proceeds.

Sectional Peace Mothers’ group in Gbongborthor village, Sosanfeh Section, Diang Chiefdom

Sectional Peace Mothers’ Executive

Fambul Tok Mamusu Mansaray admonished Peace Mothers about the importance of the work of Fambul Tok to women and expressed confidence that all its projects will be undertaken in the best interest of the communities.

Posted March 26, 2021 by Abdul Rashid

SLBC Hosts Fambul Tok On War Anniversary Programme

Fambul Tok continues its Never Again Campaign to mark the 30^th anniversary of the Sierra Leone civil war with series of media events.

The Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) hosted Fambul Tok in TV and radio shows.

Fambul Tok Abdul Rashid told the Podium host that the campaign was done nation wide and 16 school clubs in 4 districts (Kailahun, Koinadugu, Moyamba and Pujehun) organized activities ranging from town hall meetings, drama, public processions, football matches to burn fire.

He also told the nationwide Good Morning show that Fambul Tok aims to remind the people about the effects of the 11- year rebel war and the lessons learnt.

“This is good for the kids who don’t have any experience of the war and some of whom will be first time voters in the next elections in 2023”.

The school clubs will continue their engagements with peers and community stakeholders to remind all about the ills of war and how all can contribute in fostering peace and national cohesion.

Posted March 26, 2021 by Solomon Yarjoh

Peace Mothers Chiefdom Platforms Established

The role of Peace Mothers since its establishment fourteen years ago has been tremendous in Fambul Tok operational districts in the country. Peace Mothers group was initiated due to the fact that women, especially those that faced difficulties during the war were posing questions to Fambul Tok as to what could be done to salvage their situation.

Fambul Tok was bold to tell them that it did not have money to give anyone but will work with women so that they would work together to achieve their goals.

After the launching of the group in 2010, over 200 peace mothers groups have been formed in various sections in the country. The women have been working together to develop their communities.

In 2021, even though peace mothers are working together, there is need to create another level to link with other structures in the chiefdoms.

Formation of peace mothers chiefdom level platform

This year, peace mothers in various chiefdoms have started forming chiefdom level platforms to link with other structures in the chiefdoms and districts.

In Kailahun district, the formation was held in Koindu town, Kissi Teng and brought together peace mothers from all five sections in the chiefdom. They explained what they have been doing over the years and said the establishment of the chiefdom level executive was timely, as it would create a link with other platforms in the districts.

Kasunko chiefdom also organized its own formation in Fadugu town. Women and other invited guests from different sections graced the occasion past Wednesday.

In Moyamba district, Kongbora chiefdom peace mothers converged at Bauya town and spoke on successes women continue to get for the past years.

Other chiefdoms will also form chiefdom executives before the end of the year

Posted March 26, 2021 by Solomon Yarjoh

Peje West Chiefdom Validates Plan

The people of Peje West chiefdom in Kailahun district have unanimously accepted and validated their chiefdom plan. The event took place in Bunumbu, headquarter town of the chiefdom.

The validation process was to review documents of all 34 villages in the five sections that were collated on activities they had proposed in the People’s Planning Process for Peje West.

In his welcome address, chief Morie Musa who represented Paramount Chief and other chiefdom stakeholders, said they are very pleased with such meeting.He said in the absence of other dignitaries, participants from all sections would always work with Fambul Tok to realize peace and development in the chiefdom

Participants endorse their plan

Giving the purpose of the gathering, Fambul Tok Kailahun District team leader Solomon Yarjoh said: “today’s event is very important as it served as a conclusive part of the Peje West chiefdom plan”. Lucia Brima said Fambul Tok selected three chiefdoms in Kailahun district to launch the People’s Planning Process (PPP), adding that Penguia, Yawei and Peje West were chosen.

Fambul Tok International-Sierra Leone, Solomon Yarjoh said the review of the documents was not new and it gave an opportunity to indigenes in the sections to closely look at what they have earlier put together to adjust or confirm activities.He said the PPP was initiated because of the experiences faced by communities after declaration of the war.He said a lot of opportunities were provided to help poor communities but most did not benefit because they were not fully involved in the planning and implementation stages

He said the PPP is people’s centred as it is inclusive of everyone in villages, sections and chiefdom levels

He emphasized that it is important because participants would have their say as the final plan belongs to the people. He explained that the plan would be handed over to Local Council for active collaboration with communities

One of the mediators,Martha Bocakarie explained that the role of mediators could not be thrown under the carpet.She said had it not been the intervention of mediators in the chiefdom, there would have been a lot of problems.

Another senior chief Alpha Swaray underscored success stories and went on to state as traditional leaders they have realized over the years that peace and unity now prevail due to the work of Fambul Tok

Participants from all five sections were divided into groups to review the plan.Adjustments and corrections were made which were captured in the final plan.The plan was unanimously accepted with thunderous applause.

At the end of the day, elections were conducted for the Chiefdom Inclusive Committee of Peje West.The CIC is co-chaired by PC Shamsu Mustapha to be assisted by Chiefdom Speaker.

Secretary General was won by Morie Mustapha.The position of Financial Secretary was won by Alpha Swaray,Treasurer is Feima Lahai.Public Relations Officers are Amie Moinina and Allieu Saffa,CIC Advisor is William Ellie and the auditorship went to Martha Bockarie.

The first meeting of the Chiefdom Inclusive Committee will take place on March 30,2021 in Bunumbu.

Posted March 23, 2021 by Abdul Rashid

15 Peace Clubs Begin Never Again Campaign to Mark 30 Years War Anniversary

Today the Wan Fambul Peace Clubs in 15 Schools in Kailahun, Pujehun, Moyamba and Koinadugu districts are engaging communities in their localities to flag issues of the history of the war and lessons learnt that could move the nation ahead and prevent a recurrence of the war! Executive Director John Caulker said the Never Again Campaign would last for a year to enable the pupils and citizenry to get a deeper understanding of the origin and effects of the war as we move towards elections.

John Caulker said, “The TRC (Truth and Reconciliation Commission) report revealed that among the causes of the war were bad governance, corruption and greed, human rights violations, exclusion, marginalization of youth and women. To date these marginalized and deprived youths have become fertile recruitment ground for fomenting various forms of violence. We want the government and stakeholders to reverse this trend.”

He called on the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education to add the teaching of the history of the civil war in the schools curriculum.

The Wan Fambul Peace Programme aims to train school children and youths to become good role model and peace ambassadors in their communities.

The Sierra Leone Civil War (1991–2002) began on 23 March 1991 with the first gunshot in Bomaru when the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), with support from the special forces of Charles Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL), intervened in Sierra Leone in an attempt to overthrow the Joseph Momoh.

During the conflict over 50,000 people were killed, many amputated and two-thirds of the 4 million population was displaced. Today we still carry memories of widespread amputations and atrocities against defenseless children and women. It took the international community (ECOWAS, AU and UN) lives, time and huge resources to disarm, demobilize and reintegrate over 100, 000 combatants to bring peace to the forlorn state.

Peace Clubs Commemorate 30 Years War Anniversary

Buildings and properties worth millions of dollars were razed to the ground. The UN and donor partners had to rebuild the state afresh. The UN set up the TRC and Special court as mechanisms to ensure that such massive atrocities and violations of rights never happened again.

Posted March 17, 2021 by Abdul Rashid

Bulima CWMC Holds Rotational Meeting In Bambawulo

On the 15^th March, Fambul Tok (FT) team witnessed Community Welfare and Mediation Committee (CWMC) rotational meeting in Bambawulo community, in the Bulima section in Penguia Chiefdom, Kailahun district, southern Sierra Leone.

The Bulima section CWMC executive, since its formation in July 2020, has succeeded in creating smaller FT groups in all 15 villages in the section.

While giving updates of the group’s activities over the period, Amos Charles, the Financial Secretary informed Fambul Tok that they decided to create groups in all villages in order to enable individual villages to work towards their respective needs in terms of development in the chiefdom. He went on to say that their membership has now reached 82 (36 Males and 46 Females); adding that they now have in their account the sum of Le 7,930,000 which they use to give out soft loans to their members and also for developmental activities in the section. Amos also informed Fambul Tok about some of the successful community mediation efforts embarked on in communities that have resulted in relative peace in the section over the years.

FT observed that each member contributes the sum of Le 10,000, plus Le 2,000 and a cup of rice for refreshment during each monthly meeting. Amos informed the our team that, “the group is divided into two and for each month a total of 41 people will benefit from a soft loan to the tune of Le 160,000 for which one will pay back the sum of Le 175,000 in return, which includes an interest of Le15,000”.

Lucia Brima, district team leader, encouraged the group to keep up the good work and said: “ you are not doing it just for the sake of Fambul Tok but for the interest of your communities and the section as a whole”. She went on to say that FT will always be there to provide the space for community development. The group intends to meet again on the 15^th April in Lukono community.

Posted March 12, 2021 by Abdul Rashid

Orientation Of Peace Champions At St Stevens Tec Voc School

St Stevens Technical Vocational Secondary School, Pemagbe Section Kpanga Krim Chiefdom

Fambul Tok facilitates orientation of Peace Champions at St Stevens Technical and Vocational Secondary- Gobaru, Pemagbe Section, Kpanga Krim Chiefdom, Pujehun district. This event took place on the 10^th March 2021 in the school compound.

The ceremony started with individual silent prayers followed by self-introduction. Mr. Mohamed Koroma one of the peace club coordinators, said in his opening remarks that “Fambul Tok and the peace club are not something new to the school, because they were working with the school before the Ebola outbreak in 2013 and the school befitted a lot from the program. St Steven was the only school in the District that held a school bonfire”.

He said with the former peace club members, they were able to print Fambul Tok Ti-shirts that they used as uniforms in most cases to make the club members stood out from the other students.

Mr. Koroma told the pupils that on no account should they be found in odd places and not in class. “It is now your duty to talk to your friend to stop staying behind the toilet while classes are ongoing”, he said. He talked about the criteria used to select them that they were not selected because of their beautiful faces “but because we know you can be an example to your colleagues”.

Borbor Keifa, on the other hand, admonished the pupil to desist from all lawless acts in the school and the communities they live. They should be a role model. “It is now your duty to work with the administration to maintain law and order in the school. Whenever any of your colleagues is doing something contrary to the law and order of the school and the community you live, talk to him to change and if he/she does not listen to your advice take the matter to them as peace coordinators. Fambul Tok also has interest in the free quality education that is why you should be reading to compete with other Fambul Tok school in the District and outside the District”.

Satta Kemoh, a peace champion asked, what will happen if they report a friend who is physically stronger than them and he/she happened to be punished, upon their return to class and bully them in return?

Mr. Keifa said, “not in all cases defaulters are punished, we will counsel them to change and we will not mention your identity them”.

Mr. Mansaray a Fambul Tok District staff attached to Wan Fambul School Clubs Programme discussed a brief history of the peace club initiatives and Fambul Tok’s operation in the District. He talked about their operational areas, chiefdoms, sections, and all the structures they have in those chiefdoms and sections. He again admonished both the peace coordinators and peace champions to believe and own the process.