STF Service Project 2008 Dates June 19 th

STF Service Project 2008

Dates: June 19 th to June 26 th 27 European Volunteers Partners: STF Europe Service for Peace Ivory Coast Projects: Rehabilitation of a Primary School in Amanvi, Tanda Other activities: Experience Agricultural work in a village Staying in a local home Nature exploration

Rafael Guignard became ‘Prince of Amanvi’ at his project preparation visit Introduction and welcome by the Chief of the Village

Initial state Bringing out tables and breaking the ground

Carrying out pieces of rubble Preparing cement

Entertaining Children Laying cement and fixing tables

Cutting the football field grass with machetes Working in the Plantations

Discovering Traditional life Playing with children

Sharing a Common Passion

Discovering Nature African Transport Traditional Games

New Songs and Talking Drums Traditional Dancing

Rafael Guignard became ‘Prince of Soukouadou’ during a whole day visit Speech from Former Minister and Ambassador for Peace Mr. Adjoumani promoting the Vision and Spirit of Service for Peace

Interview with national newspaper “Le Nouveau Réveil” Article published on June 26 th 2008 Person responsible for Tanda Region Person responsible for Amanvi Sub-region

Inter-Village Peace Cup

Visit to Kekereni with traditional welcoming and greeting Visiting Tanda City Hall

Mr. Adjoumani, President of Tanda Region and his brother Mr. Adou 3 Generations: Mr. Adjoumani, the King of Abran Tribe and the Chief of the Village Visiting the School Director Service for Peace Ivory Coast

David Gasperoni, 2 nd year STF, San Marino “I could definitely change my ideas and concepts about Africa. I really value having the opportunity to have that personal experience, those feelings. It is also inspiring to see the interreligious co-existence and cooperation there. ”

Dominique Dumas, 1 st year STF, France “The thing that touched me the most is “people are people” no matter where they come from or what they look like. I truly and deeply realized that African people are my brothers and sisters and that “One Family under God” includes absolutely everybody. I knew it already but now I truly know it in my heart because I experienced it. ”

Laura Johansson, 1 st year STF, Denmark “Through the African people’s mindset of being happy and giving despite their circumstances I could gain a new understanding of values and perspectives towards life. ”

Samuel Read, 1 st year STF, United Kingdom “I could gain a deeper understanding of the African culture, way of living and the problems they face. I could also gain a greater appreciation of what we have and usually take for granted. I felt we could make a positive impact on people’s lives, especially the children, hopefully encouraging and empowering them in someway. ”

Sonja Hassinen, 1 st year STF, Finland “The main thing I could gain is a deeper understanding of the people and their culture. The internal aspect of what we can give to people goes beyond the external service work. We could leave behind the feeling that we care about the people in the villages of this region. ”

Sanae Assofi, Youth Ambassador for Peace, France “I could learn what it really means to live for the sake of others, give without expecting anything back, accomplish small things with great love and to respect the cultures, traditions and religions of other people. ”

Sanae Assofi, Youth Ambassador for Peace, France “The people are extremely warm towards foreigners and amongst themselves; nobody is starving, nobody is sleeping outside and they share everything. If the children would have everything they need in order to go to school, they can reach a good level of studies and amongst them there will be doctors, engineers…who will be able to help the village develop. ”