tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76925391500142976652024-03-14T01:45:19.829-07:00FISH for HOPEAquaculture in poverty alleviationPeter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-20346967876538144642014-11-28T13:13:00.002-08:002014-11-28T13:13:56.638-08:00Giving to it...I thought to provide an updated look at how funds can be generated for FISH for HOPE and how they are put to use in helping the people of Congo. <b>FISH for HOPE</b> is a volunteer-driven, donor-fueled project of World Hope Canada. Since the project is largely managed by volunteers, this reduces the overhead required for project operation--in other words, more money goes directly to the field. For full disclosure, <b>85% of every donation</b> to FISH for HOPE is wired to the project in Congo. That's hard to beat.<br />
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In response to our project's track record, a major corporate donor has recently contributed $5,000 to our work. A second donation of the same amount for 2015 can be triggered if we raise an additional $10,000 from other sources in the next few months. This is a fantastic opportunity for donors to leverage their donation to accomplish more. There are many ways to consider giving to the project. Here are just a few:<br />
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1. <i>Sign up for automatic donations at <a href="http://worldhope.ca/donate/">WorldHope.ca</a> </i>or call <i>613-482-1499.</i><br />
- A personal friend recently signed up for a <b>monthly transfer of $10</b> to the FISH for HOPE project. This may sound like small beans to some, but $100 is enough to ensure two people receive a week-long training seminar AND a $25 tool subsidy. What can they accomplish with $25 worth of tools? Go to the story about <a href="http://www.fishforhope.blogspot.ca/2014/03/homesafe-and-sound.html" target="_blank">Tandala</a> from earlier this year for an example.<br />
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2. <i>FISH for HOPE can be the focus of your VBS fundraiser next summer.</i><br />
- Each of the past two summers a local church has selected our project for its VBS fundraising focus. This amounted to donations of $500 in one case and $1,000 from the other. One or two churches per year choosing to support FISH for HOPE through their VBS goes a long way toward fulfilling our project needs. It also spreads the word about the work of World Hope Canada in DR Congo.<br />
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3. <i>Memorial donations.</i><br />
- I hesitate to highlight this point, since it can appear insensitive. Over the past year and a half, I have been honored that two families (one of them my own) have chosen to direct donations to FISH for HOPE in memory of the one they have lost. The significance of this gesture does not escape me and I would never presume to make a fundraiser of tragedy. Nonetheless, it is a meaningful legacy deeply appreciated by our team both in Canada and in Congo.<br />
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Here is some additional perspective on how your donations are used:<br />
<ul>
<li><i>$50</i> ensures that a fish farmer receives week-long training in aquaculture practices and goes home with a tool subsidy worth $25. Farmers who have participated in our seminars have seen a <b>100% increase in the productivity of their ponds</b>.</li>
<li><i>$100</i> purchases 200 young fish for restocking of a demonstration pond; these will be used for growth trials, demonstration of farming methods, and maintaining healthy seed stocks.</li>
<li><i>$1,200</i> per year ensures that Pastor Dole can travel throughout the expansive territory in which we support fish farmers. He facilitates seminars in various communities, supervises the work at demonstration sites, and visits farmers to encourage and instruct.</li>
<li><i>$2,250</i> finances an entire week-long seminar for fifty participants, including the $25 tool subsidy for each person.</li>
<li><i>$3,600</i> covers the full-time annual salary of our Project Coordinator; this salary supports Pastor Dole, his wife, and six children.</li>
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With roughly $25,000 per year, we can have wide-reaching impacts through aquaculture development in the northwest province of Equateur in DR Congo. <b>Let's give to it.... </b>Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-17138084664929119382014-07-21T04:04:00.002-07:002014-07-21T04:04:25.558-07:00Beulah 2014<em>On July 8th, I had the privilege of representing World Hope Canada to a gathering of roughly 1000 people at an annual conference (Beulah) of the Wesleyan Church near Saint John, New Brunswick. Below is the script and video (also available on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VggA5CCpXcE&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">YouTube</a>) from that presentation:</em><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Democratic Republic of the
Congo is <strong>one of the most desperate countries on the planet</strong>. Many people go
daily without the basic necessities of life in a nation ravaged by war,
corruption, and poverty that have killed millions and constantly leave millions
more destitute. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">World
Hope Canada, in partnership with the Congolese national church, is helping to
<strong>reverse this trend</strong> through projects and programs that equip health systems,
advance food security, and enable entrepreneurship. Among these initiatives is
FISH for HOPE.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aquaculture,
the farming of fish, has <strong>contributed to sustainable livelihoods</strong> in the past,
providing much needed food and income for general household needs. But civil
war in the 1990s cast these development initiatives into disarray and forced
people deeper into poverty and hardship. Even though aid organizations have
returned, aquaculture has not been a development priority, leaving it
unsupported by government and non-government programs. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the
past two years, <strong>FISH for HOPE</strong> has been working to fill this gap. We have begun
to reinvigorate the aquaculture sector, bringing improved food security and
household income to literally thousands of people in Equateur Province. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We
visited the project in February of this year. Because we are in regular contact
with our management team in Congo, we knew the figures on how many seminars had
been conducted, how many people had been trained, but the real impacts that we
saw first-hand were <strong>more than I had even hoped for.</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aside
from Mama Marie, who you can read about in World Hope’s most recent Annual
Report (as well as on this blog - <a href="http://fishforhope.blogspot.ca/2014/04/fish-farmer-profile-marie.html" target="_blank">click here</a>), Tandala was the first fish farming village we visited during that
February tour. World Hope Board member Ralph Sikkema and I were led to the
community fish ponds, descending a steep sloop that emerged onto numerous ponds
surrounded by dozens of fish farmers eagerly anticipating our arrival. A
hundred farmers had attended the aquaculture training seminar at the start of
the project. With updated skills and roughly $200 worth of tools, <strong>they built
and refurbished 130 ponds, by hand.</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mama
Dobolo lives in the community of Karawa. She also attended one of our
aquaculture training seminars and received the tool subsidy. With these tools,
she constructed a small fish farm. From the revenue of her first harvest of
fish, a single pond, she was able to invest in a goat. Even though the goat was
promptly stolen, she had enough capacity in the harvest of another pond to
purchase another goat. This goat she later sold and purchased a pig,
strategically building on her investment. Mama Dobolo has <strong>a new measure of hope</strong>
for her family’s well-being. She had only gratitude for the efforts of World
Hope in addressing the needs of Congolese families.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">From here,
I wanted to know what portion of household income is represented by a rural
fish farm. For a family with at least three ponds, <strong>aquaculture contributes as
much as 75% of that family’s livelihood</strong>. They use a portion of the harvest
for their own consumption and sell the rest locally for cash that can be used
to purchase health care, other food items, and pay school fees. In a report from
our project manager just last week, I learned of a fish farmer who is literally
putting his two daughters through college with the revenue from his ponds! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>This is
no small deal!</strong> It’s not just an oversized backyard mud puddle. For those who
are farming fish, it’s their livelihood, it’s survival. With our assistance,
they are experiencing greater prosperity and renewed hope for the well-being of
their families. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">FISH
for HOPE will continue to contribute to families and communities through
aquaculture development and support. <strong>Your help in promoting the work of World
Hope Canada financially</strong> will advance the impact that we are having on poverty
alleviation in the Congo.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here’s
one of the parts I love most about this project: It wasn’t all about Canadian
experts who arrived on the ground and told the people what they needed in order
to succeed in aquaculture. It hasn’t been the leadership of Canadian experts on
the ground that has ensured the success of this project. FISH for HOPE was
designed after the obvious needs of the people and is driven by nationals. Of
course it may not have happened without the God-given direction on the hearts
of World Hope staff and volunteers and the financial support of donors, but our
Congolese partners themselves will ensure the progression of this sector and
the on-going contribution that it makes to the livelihoods of their families. <strong>It’s
worth investing in</strong>.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">f the work of World Hope resonates with you, track us down. We’d love to
tell you more about our work to save lives and bring hope, in compassion.<o:p></o:p></span></span>Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-13162848933590371042014-06-01T00:52:00.000-07:002014-06-01T03:57:12.574-07:00Women in Rural Aquaculture - Understanding Why<a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
In Congo, as in many other developing countries, there is an emphasis on
inclusion of women in development activities for their empowerment
and to put money into the hands of the most responsible family
member--the mom. Recognizing this trend (though not fully grasping its importance
in the Congolese context) I have also promoted the involvement of women in our
aquaculture support initiatives. But there are too many men doing
little, waiting for viable employment and a meaningful
occupation. There are men languishing about while their homes and families
are neglected, waiting for economic up-turn, so that they can get a job
and provide for their family...<em>after</em> they've purchased a new
bicycle or radio, in some cases. Why place the added burden of fish farming on the already
over-worked women? Why not encourage the under-employed men to take up this
enterprise for the betterment of their families?<br />
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During my tour of the FISH for HOPE project in February, I met many women at each
fish farming community who have taken the tools and knowledge that we've
provided, and constructed, or are constructing fish ponds. I met two
particularly industrious women, Maman Dobolo and Maman Marie, who have taken up
fish farming for survival of their families. Maman Dobolo has already had
enough revenue from her ponds to purchase two goats and has used the tools we
gave for fish farming to also improve her garden. When we stopped in on Marie,
she was knee-deep in muddy water, laboriously moving soil to prepare her
ponds. They recognize that this enterprise can shift the
balance of health and suffering. These women needed a way to feed
their families and they see fish farming as the solution.<br />
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The difficulty of life in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is outside the perspective for many of us living in affluence. Everything takes so much more effort and time - collecting water, gardening, preparing food, washing. And in most households these chores fall to the women and children.<br />
But loads of men have also built ponds - in fact, more men than
women. Why is it important to include women? I knew I was still missing
the mark on this topic and wanted to understand the man-woman dynamic
better.<br />
<br />
Maman Corrine is the Director of Women's Ministries for the CEUM
(Ubangi-Mongala church region of Equateur Province, DRC), as well as a wife and
mother. Her husband died several years ago, so she knows particular hardship
in providing for her family, not just the basics, but even a post-secondary
education. I asked her opinion on the importance of including women
in development initiatives, especially aquaculture.<br />
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She informed me of the male-dominated culture, of too much palm wine, of
the man who props himself up in a chair each morning and waits for
his wife to bring him his coffee and toothbrush. She told me of the gap in
priorities, men valuing things that bring apparent status, over the things that
bring health and well-being to their families. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corrine
Kitwit (second from left), Dir. of Women's Ministries, alongside Pastor Dole,
Coordinator of Aquaculture Devt.</span></div>
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However, she also told me about the shifting mindset among many
men, particularly those of the Christian community. The message of gender
equality is spreading through villages as a result of educational projects in the church
supported by <a href="http://www.worldhope.ca/" target="_parent"><span style="color: blue;">World Hope
Canada</span></a>. More and more men, including fish farmers, are recognizing the
value of women as partners in the home, not simply laborers. The family
dynamic is moving toward greater balance in the role of each member. This is
good news for rural prosperity and family well-being, and it's a development
theme that we can support by encouraging women to become involved in
aquaculture. <br />
<br />
Stephen Hall, Director General of Worldfish Centre says this: <br />
<br />
<strong>"Until we achieve a transformation in values, beliefs,
mindsets, attitudes, behaviors and practices, development efforts will be
critically constrained. In particular, it needs to be understood that giving
more opportunities to women does not mean taking away opportunities from men;
empowerment benefits everyone."</strong> (<a href="http://blog.worldfishcenter.org/2014/03/we-should-all-be-feminists-if-we-are-serious-about-eliminating-poverty/" target="_parent"><span style="color: blue;">full blog post, 6 March 2014</span></a>).<br />
<br />
Women don't need more to do, but they need latitude to participate in
income-generating enterprises that benefit their families. Men don't just
need a job, but they need to recognize the contribution that they
can make to their households in partnership with their wives. Women
have the best interests of their family in mind and the church is influencing
men to share this value more deeply. The church is helping to transform the
values, attitudes, and behaviors of Congolese men, and World Hope Canada
is creating opportunities for women through aquaculture. Be a
part of it.Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-3851391587397365032014-04-16T14:53:00.000-07:002014-04-17T04:34:19.948-07:00Fish Farmer Profile - MarieImagine the matriarch of your family, sixty years old, one day announcing that your family is going to uproot, move to the outskirts of town, build a new home, and start farming. You are able to carry all of your meager possessions in a small cart to the site where you will spend the next several months building a new house and preparing the land. Fish farming is the new enterprise and the ponds will be dug manually using a few shovels, machetes, hoes, and buckets. Imagine, finally, that this is not simply a career change, but a <strong>strategy for survival</strong>.<br />
<br />
This is absolute reality for Maman Marie in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Turning sixty years old this fall and the main provider in her family, she needed a reliable means to provide for and even feed those who are dependent on her leadership. Knowing she had to do something to slow her family's descent into more desperate poverty, and having witnessed the value that aquaculture had brought to other families, she attended one of our week-long fish farming seminars in Gemena. She immediately decided to relocate her home to another piece of property outside of town and risk the little she had on a new venture.<br />
<br />
She started by building her new house next to the site of her planned ponds, since this is the best way to minimize poaching of the fish (something she picked up from the training). When we arrived to meet her, she was painstakingly excavating two ponds, with the help of only one other, young, male family member, using only shovels and a basin. This was the first time I had actually seen first-hand the <strong>immense effort</strong> that goes into pond construction in Equateur Province. We would hardly dream of such a laborious project in our uber-productive society with easy access to heavy equipment and financing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marie is in the background filling her basin with soil. She then moves this to another area of the dyke and unloads it using the shovel, as in the video below.</td></tr>
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Though the options for self-employment are limited in Equateur Province, Maman Marie could have chosen to buy small merchandise for resale or raise some other livestock such as goats, hogs, or chickens. But she chose aquaculture for a few practical reasons:<br />
<ul>
<li>Fish don't wander - other livestock are free to roam the neighborhood, foraging for nourishment; this reduces the need for costly feed inputs, but makes them extremely vulnerable to theft.</li>
<li>Fish are not as susceptible to disease - other livestock have been ravaged by disease in recent years; this devastates family investments and aggravates their condition of poverty.</li>
<li>Fish are calming - Marie enjoys watching and caring for fish; this is another topic altogether, but peacefulness as a matter of mental health is an important contributor to well-being in combination with what we would consider the vital elements of survival; after all, how much of our time, effort, and finances are spent on leisure and other intangible benefits to our well-being; the satisfaction that Marie takes from fish is a legitimate value.</li>
</ul>
Unfortunately, Marie wasn't part of a seminar where tool subsidies were distributed, but, tools or not, she was motivated by the training and knowledge of aquaculture. Furthermore, she has rallied others in her neighborhood to enter into fish farming or refurbish ponds that have laid inactive for many years. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marie and Emmanuel Dole with tools for building ponds</td></tr>
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We were able to <strong>honor her enthusiasm and motivation</strong> by equipping her with a few tools that we purchased with funds donated by the Rotary Club of Truro. The tools came from a shop that fabricates a variety of products from scrap steel using equipment supplied by World Hope Canada. Sale of the tools supports the shop in other areas of its work. ...Multiplication of our investment.<br />
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I was overwhelmed when I realized the impact that our efforts have had for Marie and her family. It has been a similar story for many. We can do so much with so little. <strong>Be a part of it.</strong>Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-66796381558416755072014-03-14T06:16:00.000-07:002014-03-14T06:16:08.065-07:00Malaria...!Been there, done that,...now. As of this morning, I've recovered from my first bout with the dreaded bug. Turns out my jet-lag was more than just a misaligned biological clock and my previous post, "Home,...safe and sound", was a bit premature. Three days of the illness itself and then three days coming down off the remedy inflicted a severe pounding on my body, but I'm feeling mostly normal today [<em>sigh of relief</em>]. <br />
<br />
Not that I would ever go looking to be deliberately infected with a potentially crippling and possibly lethal infection, but I consider it a privilege to have had this experience. It's one of the risks we take, it kinda comes with the territory, like they say. I'm pleased that I can now relate to my African friends on another level. <br />
<br />
By no means do I seek to diminish the severity of this brutal disease. According to the WHO, there were an estimated <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>627 000 deaths due to malaria in 2012</strong>,</span> 90% of which occurred in sub-Saharan Africa. DR Congo is in a list of six African countries where infections are most prevalent. Globally, 77% of deaths from malaria are among children under 5 years old. Thus, one child died from malaria almost every minute. <br />
<br />
So, easy for me to say that having malaria is a privilege, right? I endured my case propped up for two nights on a comfortable bed in a modern hospital, nurses stations in both directions, private bathroom with safe running water, flushing toilet, hot shower, meals on order, and medications galore. Contrast that with crowded, run-down hospitals without adequate supplies, no indoor plumbing, and no food service. I'm told that the malaria cure in DR Congo costs less than $5 - many people can't afford it and the government does nothing to help (<a href="http://www.who.int/malaria/publications/country-profiles/profile_cod_en.pdf?ua=1" target="_blank">2012 Malaria Report, DR Congo</a>). <br />
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Therefore, part of the privilege is in my perspective, being so recently in the poorest country in the world and then promptly finding myself in the midst of North American prosperity. I found myself in tears one night this week, thinking about the conditions that people endure,...and <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>the affluence that we have come to expect for ourselves. </strong> </span>I continue to get deeper glimpses into the realities of life in Congo each time I go. The crazy thing: I can just hop on a plane and fly away from it all. <br />
<br />
I don't presume to think that we should lower our standard of living to match that of those who suffer most. Hardly. My biggest point is this: <strong><span style="font-size: large;">I haven't decided if we have only little or absolutely nothing to complain about as Canadians.</span> </strong> Frankly, I have little tolerance for it these days, though it's easy to do. Here's my philosophy lately concerning things that seem worth complaining about: Deal with it, or do something about it. <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Complaining is infectious negativity.</span></strong> Of course there's a balance in talking about the things of life that are difficult. This can be productive and even freeing, but I think out-and-out complaining is neither. We have SO MUCH to be thankful for. Oh, and something else I was reminded of this week: The most important things are not things,...they're <strong><span style="font-size: large;">RELATIONSHIPS</span>.</strong>Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-26828654328600696732014-03-08T02:26:00.000-08:002014-07-25T10:29:38.258-07:00Tandala, DR CongoThough severely jetlagged and after a short episode of food poisoning in-country, I am home following a very successful visit to our fish farming project in <strong>DR Congo</strong>. The impact of our support for aquaculture in Equateur Province was clear from our first interactions with leaders in the area. The <strong>enthusiasm</strong> for aquaculture, increased <strong>productivity</strong>, and thus greater <strong>contribution</strong> it makes to lives is admittedly not just more than I expected from our work, but even more than I had hoped for. Many new ponds have sprung up, some owned by people who have not farmed fish before now. Other ponds that have laid idle for fifteen years have been refurbished and are now growing fish for household use and sale. Over coming weeks, I will relay stories of individuals and groups who have benefitted from the training, tools, and encouragement offered through our work. <br />
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Fish farmers group, Tandala, Equateur Province, DR Congo.</td></tr>
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The fish farming group in <strong>Tandala</strong> was the first area we visited on our arrival in Equateur Province. Anticipating our (myself and Emmanuel Dole) arrival, people had come from as far as 40 km to hear from us. I spent part of one evening, hovered over a stainless steel bowl of fish they had brought as a gift, and some example predators (insects, frog), surrounded by fish farmers, discussing their challenges and <strong>learning from them</strong>. They have made great advancements and are enthusiastic, but still face several obstacles in increasing pond output--the most notable being theft, unfortunately.<br />
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The next day, we walked just down the hill to visit a set of ponds owned by 100 people. All of these individuals had received the seminar training, but only two received the $25 tool subsidy. With $50 in tools (a mixture of 8-10 shovels, machetes, or hoes) and whatever other tools they already had among them, they constructed or refurbished <strong>133 ponds</strong>! I had to clarify several times to be sure something wasn't getting screwed up in translation--133 ponds! with $50 in tools! That's crazy. <br />
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We had a meeting with this fish farming group that day to hear their challenges and bring encouragement. It was the first time it hit me that, sure, I am part of the reason that this has happened, but it has been the leadership of Emmanuel Dole and the motivation of the fish farmers themselves that has brought this success. I'm thrilled to be a part of a solution, but glad that I'm not the driving force. ...<strong>They are</strong>.<br />
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Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-63726327922655565312014-02-14T02:26:00.000-08:002014-02-14T02:26:01.246-08:00DR Congo - Travel 2014I leave <strong>tomorrow</strong> for Congo and the fish farming project in Equateur Province! I'm eager to see Pastor Dole, our Regional Coordinator, as well as visit with fish farmers, and plan <strong>future aquaculture support objectives.</strong><br />
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I'll be traveling with three others from World Hope Canada--Sheldon and Stephanie Gilmer, and Ralph Sikeema--with the intention of providing support and supervision to other projects in the same region. We'll spend two days (Monday-Tuesday) in the capital, Kinshasa next week where I'm intending to visit the country office of the <strong>Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)</strong> of the UN. If you're into praying, you might pray that our visit with that office would be productive in accessing FAO funding programs. This could be a big asset in moving our work forward.<br />
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I'll be carrying with me about <strong>75 lbs of gifts and supplies</strong> (see photo) for Emmanuel Dole and his family, as well as fish farmers. A lot of it is practical (fish farming manuals, printer, good quality rubber boots, rain jackets), but some of it is purely fun (soccer gear, maple syrup, Jiffy Pop)--things that we enjoy here, but are difficult or impossible to find otherwise in DRC. Many donors have contributed to this mound of goods:<br />
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<strong>Rotary Club of Truro, NS</strong><br />
<strong>Soccer association, Truro, NS </strong><br />
<strong>Ship to Shore Outfitters, Barrington Passage, NS</strong><br />
<strong>Wilson's Shopping Centre, Barrington Passage, NS</strong><br />
<strong>Barrington Area Soccer Association, Barrington Passage, NS</strong><br />
<strong>Several individual donors</strong><br />
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Many thanks to the people who help to make this project meaningful and promote our efforts in improving food security in the Congo.<br />
Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-6896723631150824152014-01-28T13:16:00.000-08:002014-01-28T13:16:20.733-08:00AANS - 2014I am thankful for the support provided to FISH for HOPE by the Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia (AANS) in recent years. This relationship has provided valuable exposure and funding for my work in DR Congo.<br />
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Again this year, at our annual Seafarmers Conference in Halifax, the association has graciously provided a speaking slot in the busy agenda where I can update our members on what's happening in DRC, and promote ongoing humanitarian efforts through aquaculture. <br />
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I love being part of the aquaculture community. It's grassroots, it's farming, it's food production,...it's challenging on many levels. In my opinion, the work in Africa and the AANS support of it is another example of our sector's commitment to responsible aquaculture. Members of this sector are not purely inward looking, but are part of a network of aquatic producers that endeavor to make sound decisions for local and global benefit.<br />
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Thank-you, AANS.Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-7077222817403247212013-12-22T09:41:00.001-08:002013-12-22T09:41:23.683-08:00Rotary Club of Truro Nova ScotiaI had a suprise e-mail from an aquaculture colleague recently, asking if there was anything that the <a href="http://rotarycluboftruro.ca/" target="_blank">Rotary Club of Truro</a> could help me with in my next trip to Congo. This was fantastic news, since I had previously decided to take a couple of suitcases of gifts to our Regional Coordinator, <a href="http://www.fishforhope.blogspot.ca/2013_01_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Emmanuel Dole and his family</a>, as well soccer gear for school kids (October 7th post). I had also wanted to take enough cash along to purchase gifts (local pond farming tools) for fish farmers that I visit during my travels. <br />
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So I enthusiastically put together a list (she told me to not be shy about its length). Within a couple of weeks, she replies with a box-full of items for the Dole family. And for the things they weren't able to get from the list, a cheque for $650 was included! <strong> Awesome!</strong> My sincere thanks to the Rotary Club.<br />
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I intend to use the majority of that amount to purchase <strong>tools for fish farmers</strong>. That's a sizeable dose of shovels, hoes, or axes for upgrade of existing ponds or construction of new ones.<br />
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I recognize that gifts are not the solution to food security issues and development in general. But we are at a stage of <strong>revitalizing</strong> the fish farming sector in that region by <strong>investing confidence</strong>, demonstrating to fish farmers that we are <strong>coming alongside them</strong> to help rebuild after a long absence. <br />
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Our efforts in the Congo are having a very real impact on <strong>lives of fish farming families</strong>. This has been reinforced by a World Hope colleague who recently visited the region and spoke with leaders on the value of this project. We are injecting life and improving food security. We have plans for ongoing support and deliberate strategies to increase productivity. <strong>Onward and upward.</strong>Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-21564591632575589782013-10-07T16:05:00.003-07:002013-10-07T16:05:59.374-07:00Soccer, gifts, and travelA couple of weeks ago, a group of students and professors from the Aquaculture Centre of my alma mater, Dalhousie Agriculture Campus toured the farm where I work in Wood's Harbour, Nova Scotia. Jim Duston, a current professor at the university and one of my former professors, is a soccer coach in Truro. He rounded up enough <strong>jerseys for two teams of twelve</strong> with instructions to <strong>get a photo of them on kids in Congo</strong>! I'm eager to deliver them, 'cause I think it'll generate some pretty <strong>good energy</strong>.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ciP1IhM2M7U/UkdmLxZsGsI/AAAAAAAAAUE/SN8Pxp3EBPI/s1600/Duston_soccershirts_Sept2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ciP1IhM2M7U/UkdmLxZsGsI/AAAAAAAAAUE/SN8Pxp3EBPI/s320/Duston_soccershirts_Sept2013.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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So I'm <strong>planning to</strong> <strong>return to DR Congo in January 2014</strong> for supervision of the project and planning future endeavours. This will be an opportunity to meet with our Regional Coordinator, Pastor Dole, interview fish farmers who have benefitted from this project, and consider ongoing objectives for aquaculture support in that region.<br />
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Traveling with Air France, as we typically do, we can check two suitcases, 50 lbs each, in addition to our carry-on. Packing most of my personal items in my carry-on, I intend to <strong>stuff these two suitcases with gifts</strong> for Pastor Dole and his family of six kids, hosts/hostesses, and other random goodies that are not easy to come by in that area. I have the 10 lbs of soccer jerseys, and my kids, Landon, Julia, and Jerica have rounded up cash to purchase a couple of soccer balls to go with the shirts. <br />
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Perhaps you'd like to <strong>contribute to stuffing the suitcases.</strong> Soccer balls (and air pumps) are a big hit with kids; fruit bars and candy are treats that are always appreciated. Other possibilities are rain jackets, watches, and nice towels.<br />
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Let me know if you'd like to help out with filling the suitcases. Or you can make a donation through World Hope Canada using the information on my 'Contact and Donations' tab. <strong>Thanks for your help!</strong>Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-81692387347724563582013-09-14T18:32:00.000-07:002013-09-14T18:32:38.793-07:00MOMENTUMYear one of this project was a <strong>success</strong>. I've already reported here the impacts that we have had in bringing greater value to households through aquaculture support, training, and encouragement. I have been getting feedback regularly from the field that our efforts and contribution are providing efficient <strong>support to families</strong>. <br />
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So onward and upward. Emmanuel Dole, our field coordinator, has outlined a solid plan for the coming months--a plan to provide training to another contingent of farmers and supervise areas that have already received training, evaluating the extent to which the knowledge has been implemented.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish farming family, DR Congo - It's about PEOPLE!</td></tr>
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But, hey, everything comes down to cost. We are dependent on our network of supporters to help ensure the ongoing success of our efforts. Just $300 per month provides full salary for our in-country coordinator; $2,250 funds a week-long training seminar for 50 fish farmers and a $25 tool subsidy for each participant; roughly $300 provides Emmanuel Dole with the means to travel for supervision, training, and encouragement of fish farmers in the region. Each of these elements <strong>demonstrates that we are committed to helping them rise above poverty</strong> through improved food security. We are re-injecting life into a sector proven to be an integral and important part of the solution.<br />
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Please go to the website of World Hope Canada if you'd like to make a financial contribution to our efforts. <strong>Let's keep the momentum going!</strong>Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-77388753009979654222013-07-17T17:39:00.000-07:002013-07-17T17:39:06.293-07:00Year 2...!
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> This month marks one full year
since the beginning of our aquaculture support project in DR Congo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since July of last year, we have delivered
updated training to more than 600 fish farmers, at least 10% of whom have been
women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have provided a $25 tool
subsidy (worth 3-4 hand tools) for pond improvement and expansion to 200 of
those farmers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have equipped a
Regional Aquaculture Coordinator with full-time salary, transportation costs,
and a dirt bike for travel to seminar and fish farm sites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this full-time salary has provided a
viable livelihood for a family of eight people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Last week (July 8-12) we held our fifth seminar with roughly 100 people
in attendance, further adding to our impact. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong>We are contributing to the revitalization of
the aquaculture sector in DRC.</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> In January of this year, I had
laid out a budget and plan for the first half of 2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It involved raising $15,000 and completion of
all of our first-year objectives, minus one seminar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to the generosity of our donor
network, most of them individuals, we have met our goal!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Assuming conservatively that fifty percent of
the seminar participants adopt practices that improve their pond productivity
and thus food security for their families, as of July <strong>we will have impacted the
lives of 1400 people!</strong> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHL-xIoDrIc/Uec3w--PbiI/AAAAAAAAAS4/txWWPuNOHe4/s1600/IMG_0808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHL-xIoDrIc/Uec3w--PbiI/AAAAAAAAAS4/txWWPuNOHe4/s320/IMG_0808.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women participating in one of the aquaculture seminars</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I have been asked many times why I
do this—Fish for Hope, that is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best
response I can come up with is that I feel compelled to do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has never been out of a need to prove
myself to others, or to myself for that matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s part of His design that I have the privilege of living; it’s
ultimately about people; it’s about responding to a need, contributing to the
solution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s not only me, but <strong>a
network of people with compassion.</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I lost my dad a few weeks
ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a unique man of deep
character who lived a life of meaning and integrity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His obvious support for my work, as well as
his analytical mind and professional skills augmented my own efforts toward
realizing a dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In his memory, my
family requested that donations be made to Fish for Hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More than $3,000 has been received from more
than 70 donors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I consider it tremendous
affirmation and a great honour that these funds have been entrusted to a
project for which I am responsible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
support and affirmation of family is energizing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Furthermore, I am proud to continue Dad’s
legacy in this way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> And so we enter the second year of this two-year project with momentum from our initial success. We will hold at least five additional seminars, reaching out to hundreds more for whom poverty and food availability are daily challenges. <strong>We are part of the solution, with compassion.</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span>Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-76655845623677633472013-07-08T17:39:00.000-07:002013-07-08T17:39:29.468-07:00Seminar #5Today, in the community of Abuzi in northwest DR Congo, Emmanuel Dole opened the fifth of our aquaculture seminars for local fish farmers. Though I don't know the stats on this seminar yet, of course, I expect that, like the previous events, this seminar will be delivered to around 100 farmers.<br />
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Dole recently revisited one of the communities where we held a seminar last fall, Karawa. From interviews with farmers, he found that <strong>ALL of the seminar participants have</strong> <strong>implemented and are benefitting from</strong> the practices introduced and/or reinforced by the teaching sessions. Even more, the seminar participants deliberately <strong>passed on the information</strong> to other members of their fish farmer associations. It thus becomes quite difficult to fully measure the impact of this infusion of information and affirmation for the sector.<br />
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The geographic area covered by this project is relatively expansive. Therefore, we wrote into the project design transportation for our Regional Aquaculture Coordinator. Below is a photo of Pastor Dole with the motorbike that we purchased for his transportation. It is not uncommon for him to travel several hundred km in order to deliver a seminar or gather information about the impact of those seminars. ...On a dirt bike. The 'roads' in the northwest of DRC are basically passable only by dirt bike or four-wheel-drive SUV, typically Toyota Land Cruisers. Slow going, rough, hot. But these are the lengths that their leaders will go, <strong>in care for people</strong>. Maybe we can take some challenge from this.... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XP0tMoTa6rU/Udta3GJOJ7I/AAAAAAAAASo/JFiElotzFKQ/s1600/Dole+motobike+July2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XP0tMoTa6rU/Udta3GJOJ7I/AAAAAAAAASo/JFiElotzFKQ/s320/Dole+motobike+July2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastor Emmanuel Dole with his new motorbike for project transportation, June 2013</td></tr>
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Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-78598126698480178972013-06-07T17:55:00.001-07:002013-06-07T17:55:17.164-07:00John W. Corey (1949-2013)We celebrated the life of my Dad, John Corey, today. He died suddenly on Monday. What a legacy of integrity, compassion, and relationship! He leaves little undone and the only word unsaid, "Goodbye". He was and is dearly loved and will be terribly missed. The 500 people that visited the funeral home over the past couple of days are tribute to the impact he had on so many.<br />
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Dad and Mom accompanied me on a trip to Mozambique in 2010. I'm so glad that we could travel to together at least once on one of my project excursions. I valued his analytical thinking, his inquisitive mind, and wise counsel on so many things, including my activities in Africa. <br />
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I have received several notes of condolence from colleagues in Congo--Pastor Dole, CEUM President Mboka, Engineer Ndanda. Though they didn't know him, the link that they had to Dad through me was significant for them and their sympathy heartfelt. This reinforces for me the valuable relationship that I share with my friends and co-workers in Congo. What a privilege!<br />
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Such an incredible Dad and a tremendous role model. I wish that I were more like him, but I am proud to carry at least a few of his traits with me. <br />
Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-27069415747197051342013-06-02T19:22:00.003-07:002013-06-02T19:22:51.202-07:00Seminar #4 - BumbaEmmanuel Dole, our Regional Aquaculture Development Coordinator, successfully carried out our fourth planned seminar in April. As promised, I'll post some photos here. Oh, and by the way, he was able to use his new motorbike to make the journey and organize seminars. The bike was purchased for him out of project funds. Or should I say YOU, our supporters, bought it. Thanks for that.<br />
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Each of the week-long seminars begins with a half-day teaching segment on HIV and another half-day in class for environmental awareness and management. Typically development workers from the region where the seminar is held will lead these portions.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQWheUYo3sQ/Uav7P1KOXRI/AAAAAAAAAR8/yYG5IJiP0AQ/s1600/IMG_0766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQWheUYo3sQ/Uav7P1KOXRI/AAAAAAAAAR8/yYG5IJiP0AQ/s320/IMG_0766.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guest lecturer for environmental management topic.</td></tr>
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Part of the week is spent on a local fish farm, practicing basic skills reinforced in the classroom. Seminar participants diligently take notes and engage in discussion, comparing challenges and exchanging possible solutions.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CoGkjz2TJqM/Uav5-GX3EUI/AAAAAAAAARw/gdeqL9E3Q0Q/s1600/IMG_0801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CoGkjz2TJqM/Uav5-GX3EUI/AAAAAAAAARw/gdeqL9E3Q0Q/s320/IMG_0801.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seminar participants visiting local farm for training in some practical aspects of fish farming.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BI7LWwI5Ur8/Uav8xVvQjEI/AAAAAAAAASI/lgpdpEd5rLM/s1600/IMG_0788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BI7LWwI5Ur8/Uav8xVvQjEI/AAAAAAAAASI/lgpdpEd5rLM/s320/IMG_0788.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Seminar discussion.<br />
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More another day.Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-72976786690152506002013-05-20T17:55:00.002-07:002013-05-20T17:55:43.743-07:00Measured impactI was just doing a tally of attendance at the fish farming seminars so far. We have held <strong>four seminars</strong> in pursuit of our original objectives, and Pastor Dole arranged a fifth in the region of Wasolo. This seminar wasn't planned or budgeted, but Dole, in his resourcefulness, made it happen regardless. There have been a total of 200 seminar participants who also received the tool subsidy, and an additional 256 recorded observers. Of these <strong>456 PARTICIPANTS</strong>, at least <strong>46 have been women</strong>.<br />
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So extend that impact a bit further. Let's say 50% of the participants (around 228) apply the skills and encouragement now provided through this project, resulting in improved pond productivity. Each of these individuals represents a family of at least four--i.e. 228 x 4 = 912 people. Almost <strong>A THOUSAND PEOPLE </strong>benefitting from <strong>improved access to</strong> <strong>quality food and household income</strong>. And that's a very conservative prediction. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OFSaVfK1zH4/UZrFUe0UPoI/AAAAAAAAARg/aR8KCYOgV4w/s1600/DSC01266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OFSaVfK1zH4/UZrFUe0UPoI/AAAAAAAAARg/aR8KCYOgV4w/s320/DSC01266.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kpawe Joseph, Fish farmer, DR Congo</td></tr>
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Photos to come. Pastor Dole is sending them to NAmer with a colleague. I will hopefully receive them soon and share some here.Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-3927327571074465392013-05-08T17:40:00.000-07:002013-05-08T17:40:01.833-07:00Bumba Fish Farmer's SeminarI haven't written for several weeks, because I've heard very little from the field. Emmanuel Dole, our Aquaculture Development Coordinator, was traveling to the region of Bumba for the fourth installment of our training seminar series. He was out of range of internet and tells me that he decided to leave his computer at home anyway to avoid theft and damage on the road. Good choice. I will relay reports and hopefully photos of his travel and activities as he sends them to me.<br />
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A report came out yesterday from Save the Children citing DR Congo as the worst country in the world to be a mother (<a href="http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/democratic-republic-of-congo-named-worst-place-to-be-mother-363581" target="_blank">see report</a>). I know that this is not directly related to what we are doing in that country, but ultimately it speaks to the value of all forms of development that can bring greater health and prosperity to families and communities. Aquaculture does this in northern DRC. We are making a difference.<br />
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Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-38495852939160329842013-03-18T16:52:00.001-07:002013-03-18T16:52:41.982-07:00MotorbikeI can't say enough to praise Pastor Dole's <em><u>commitment and diligence</u></em> on the aquaculture project. The most recent training seminar, held in Tandala, was attended by the normal 50 participants that we budgeted, but also by another 100 observers. Despite the added numbers, Pastor Dole managed to arrange meals for all 150 people for the week, out of the funds budgeted for fifty. He did this by encouraging each participant to contribute something to the week's meal supply. That's <em><u>resourcefulness</u></em>. Pastor Dole is <em><u>choosing to not be limited by budget and availability of funds</u></em>, but is doing everything he can for the success of this project!<br />
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Now here's something we can do for Pastor Dole. We had originally planned to purchase a motorbike for Pastor Dole's travels as the Regional Aquaculture Development Coordinator. He's relying right now on rented bikes, or his schedule is limited to piggy-backing rides when they are going in the same direction he's going. Having his own vehicle would provide much greater flexibility in extension work such as planning seminars and visiting farmers. Furthermore, a motorbike is much cheaper to purchase, operate, and maintain than a Land Cruiser, which is the only other reliable transport in that part of the world.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yfRePjMdoPA/UUel4Ap20sI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/G2RLnkgz1xQ/s1600/100_2434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yfRePjMdoPA/UUel4Ap20sI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/G2RLnkgz1xQ/s320/100_2434.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We haven't purchased a bike yet since we've directed donations primarily to seminars and his salary to this point. We now have roughly 80% of the funds required for purchase of a bike, but need the rest to ensure that we can purchase good quality--this way we reduce the chance of him being stranded on the trail a hundred km from the nearest service garage (to call it that loosely).<br />
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<strong><em>You can help</em></strong> us with this. Pastor Dole has demonstrated his <em><strong>commitment</strong> </em>to the project. We can now demonstrate <strong><em>our commitment</em> </strong>to providing him with the tools he needs to do his job well. <br />
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To make a donation to this <strong><em>specific objective</em></strong>, follow this link to <a href="http://worldhope.ca/" target="_blank">World Hope Canada</a> and click on the "Donate Now" tab. Thanks for your help.<br />
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- PeterPeter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-78551333993460434072013-03-05T05:12:00.001-08:002013-03-05T05:12:54.330-08:00Equateur ProvinceI came across a link to a press release by Doctors without Borders concerning a <a href="http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/news/article.cfm?id=6660&cat=field-news" target="_blank">measles epidemic in DR Congo</a>. The epidemic is affecting Equateur and Orientale provinces in particular--Equateur is the province where we are providing aquaculture support.<br />
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From the press release mentioned above: "Martine has brought her 10-month-old daughter, Asiata, to the hospital in Dingila. The baby has measles with respiratory complications. They traveled 20 kilometers [about 12 miles] on foot to obtain medical care provided by MSF. In the intensive care unit, Félicien says he walked two days to bring Israël, his three-year-old son, who is in critical condition due to measles-related complications. “Our health post has no medicine,” he says. He reports that two children in his village have already died en route to the hospital." A disease that we hardly hear of in N America causes widespread grief in a region so desperate as DRC. <br />
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During my first visit to DRC in 2008, I accompanied my guide to several rural hospitals and clinics. These health centers were typically poorly-equipped, some to the point where they were hardly more than a meeting place for the sick, since health care providers had little to nothing by way of supplies. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4N_VHDWv5RI/UTXteIjlM_I/AAAAAAAAAQo/FeFVyDZX0Ac/s1600/DSC01491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4N_VHDWv5RI/UTXteIjlM_I/AAAAAAAAAQo/FeFVyDZX0Ac/s320/DSC01491.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medical provisions for a rural clinic that serves roughly 7000 people.</td></tr>
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Although our support of aquaculture doesn't address this issue head-on, improving food security and increasing household income through this and other complementary initiatives impacts every aspect of livelihood.<br />
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Pastor Dole conducted our third training seminar in Tandala last week. According to our budget, fifty farmers were invited to attend and receive the tool subsidy. But because local fish farmers are so eager for assistance, an additional 100 people sat in on the seminar as observers! So grows our impact.Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-26231212134460938302013-02-18T17:15:00.002-08:002013-02-18T17:15:35.425-08:00AANS ConferenceOn January 25th I had the privilege of making a short presentation on the project in Congo at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium in Halifax, NS. It was part of an event that included messages from <strong>Fabien Cousteau</strong>, grand-son of Jacques Cousteau, as well as <strong>Rohanna Subasinghe</strong>, Senior Aquaculture Specialist with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Rubbing shoulders with these two professionals was the highest-level networking I've ever been party to. They were both very approachable individuals with good insights into the potential of Fish for Hope moving forward.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dqkax7xRHmQ/USLPOWQhWyI/AAAAAAAAAP4/mLb2AwXo1cA/s1600/IMG_1521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dqkax7xRHmQ/USLPOWQhWyI/AAAAAAAAAP4/mLb2AwXo1cA/s320/IMG_1521.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabien Cousteau and myself</td></tr>
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The event was part of the annual conference of the <strong>Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia</strong> (AANS) which had invited my participation in the first place. With over 700 in attendance, it brought great awareness and credibility to our work in DRC. People extended their affirmation for our efforts and offered assistance whereever possible. <strong>My deepest gratitude</strong> goes to the AANS for their support and endorsement of the work of Fish for Hope, entrusting me with a venue that had the potential to bring greater scope to the aquaculture industry in Nova Scotia. I like to think that the increased visibility of Fish for Hope through this event <u>gave the industry something else to be proud of</u>.<br />
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I also mentioned in a previous post that a local donor had committed $1,000 to the project with the idea that it would be matched through fundraising. Within exactly one week, our own church friends had contributed <strong>$1,700</strong>. Onward and upward!<br />
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Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-29959147794629824752013-01-19T19:46:00.000-08:002013-01-19T19:46:40.064-08:00Matching DonationsI have formulated our plan and budget for the next six months (Jan-Feb 2013) of the aquaculture project in DRC. <u>With roughly $15,000</u>, we will successfully carry out three more training seminars for a total of 150 farmers, pay six months of Emmanuel Dole's salary, purchase a dirt bike for Pastor Dole's use in extension work and organizing seminars, and fulfill other miscellaneous project requirements. This amount will meet our mid-project objectives and keep us on track for maximum regional impact.<br />
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A corporate donor, one who has helped us with other projects in the past, <u>recently committed $5,000</u> to the project in DRC with the expectation that we would raise an additional $5,000 to match it. In Wood's Harbour, an individual donor has <u>pledged $1,000 to the project</u>, also with the expectation that it would be matched dollar-for-dollar. We have received $2,000 already toward these promised donations, which means that we have $8,000 of our anticipated $15,000 for the next six months' budget! Seems that the target is well within our capacity to achieve.<br />
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I've been thinking for the past several days about the impact that we are having on Emmanuel Dole's life. I often draw a comparison with child sponsorship programs such as Compassion, whereby a monthly commitment of $41 by western donors provides schooling, health care, and nutrition for a child in poverty. The middle-class salary that we provide through our project in the DRC not only supports Dole, but also his wife and six children. <u>For less than $40 per month per person</u>, eight people have the means to purchase additional food and health care needs, pay school fees and buy clothing. Plus, Dole is equipped in his work to bring hope and training to hundreds of families. How's that for value and impact?!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-axErCryMqC8/UPtmVXfWyVI/AAAAAAAAAPo/IpyTTWYN0tk/s1600/PastorDoleFamily_December2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-axErCryMqC8/UPtmVXfWyVI/AAAAAAAAAPo/IpyTTWYN0tk/s400/PastorDoleFamily_December2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are the names of Emmanuel Dole's family in the photo above:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">1.
Seated in the middle, Pastor Dole, Aquaculture Development Coordinator</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">2.
To his right, Pastor Dole's wife, Bibiche Deka Dole<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">3.
In back with the red shirt, oldest daughter, Rachel Ambussa Dole, born 28 July 1994<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">4.
To her left, second daughter, Judith Olonu Dole, 13 December 1996</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">5.
To her left, third child, Josué Dongumbe Dole, 15 December 1998</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">6.
Behind Pastor Dole's wife, Esther Saboko Dole, 19 August 2001</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">7.
In front of Judith, Astrid Ombalando Dole, born 30 July 2003</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">8.
In front of Josue, Emmanuel Sanguma Dole, born 14 December 2005</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">This family is benefitting directly from our efforts and your generosity.</span></span></div>
Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-66945669734975248532013-01-07T17:07:00.002-08:002013-01-07T17:07:58.955-08:00AANS - Fabien Cousteau<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.fabiencousteau.org/file.php/18/bond.jpg" title="" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.aansonline.ca/" target="_blank">The Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia</a> (AANS) is hosting Fabien Cousteau, grandson of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, at their annual aquaculture conference in Halifax, 25 January. <br />
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Tickets are $25 and can be purchased from the Rebecca Cohn box office (<a href="http://artscentre.dal.ca/">http://artscentre.dal.ca/</a>). <br />
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$5 from the sale of all tickets will be donated to Fish for Hope in support of the aquaculture project in Congo. <br />
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Many thanks to the AANS for their endorsement of the work in the DRC.Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-69566726022555570092012-12-13T07:02:00.003-08:002012-12-13T07:02:38.870-08:00St. Andrews Science SeminarI was invited to speak about the work in Africa last Friday at the New Brunswick Community College campus in St. Andrews. I'm always glad to have any opportunity to talk about aquaculture in Africa and the project in DRC, in particular. <br />
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A reporter from the Telegraph-Journal attended the seminar and put together an article for the paper this week. A link to the article is here <a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/45677556/Article_TelegraphJournal%20PCorey%20Dec2012-WorldHope.pdf" target="_blank">(Telegraph Journal, 11 December 2012)</a>.<br />
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Fund-raising has been admittedly sluggish. Interestingly, the project resonates with just about everyone that I tell, but it doesn't always translate into a cash contribution. This is a donor-driven initiative. Without the help of financial supporters, the project could fail. <br />
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But I'm not settling for that. We will complete the goals, even if it takes longer than the projected two years. I believe this is a correct and effective step in helping to lift families out of poverty in the DRC. My heartfelt gratitude to those who have already donated to this work.<br />
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Even though we don't have sufficient funds to continue seminars, Emmanuel Dole continues to work hard in reinvigorating aquaculture in his region by touring to communities that have benefited from aquaculture in the past, hearing their challenges, and offering encouragement. My appreciation for his management skills and motivation continues to grow. I'm thankful to have someone so capable in leadership on the ground.Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-73129174450499084362012-10-20T15:00:00.001-07:002012-10-20T15:00:30.955-07:00New Hope Wesleyan ChurchNew Hope Wesleyan Church in Kentville, NS has raised almost $1,800 for the aquaculture support project in DRC. They did this through a golf tournament held Thanksgiving weekend.<br />
<a href="http://nhwchurch.homestead.com/index.html" jquery16302037507402285516="1" target=""><img alt="New Logo" border="0" height="51" src="http://nhwchurch.homestead.com/publishImages/logo_SpaLogoA.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
The kids' group at New Hope is also raising money for the project. They've raised around $100 so far and will be continuing to collect change until December. This church, then, will deposit at least $2,000 into the Fish for Hope fund.<br />
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Thank-you NEW HOPE WESLEYAN</div>
Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7692539150014297665.post-53270153197045427492012-10-15T17:16:00.000-07:002012-10-15T17:16:35.000-07:00DelikaDelika is the tall man in the far left of the following photo. He's a fish farmer in the DR Congo and the president of a local fish farmers association. He participated in the first training seminar held in Karawa early in September. He had this to say about it: <br />
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<em>"We have to wipe our tears for the organization of this seminar which comes after twenty years of failure we experienced in our fish farming project--i.e. it is twenty years since we were orphans who do not have parents who can direct, guide, and talk with technical advice on how to make the fish farming project." </em><br />
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The effort that we are making to support this sector brings tremendous hope to them, a sense of purpose in their farming efforts, and improved livelihood. Awesome!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbNWqyLr_Co/UHylVCNwWZI/AAAAAAAAAOo/0Z2Di9zXQaE/s1600/DRCongo2012_051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbNWqyLr_Co/UHylVCNwWZI/AAAAAAAAAOo/0Z2Di9zXQaE/s320/DRCongo2012_051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delika (far left), fish farmer in rural DRC<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwF1Bav1nTc/UHyluaGrfzI/AAAAAAAAAOw/OxR33JFMtrQ/s1600/DRCongo2012_049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwF1Bav1nTc/UHyluaGrfzI/AAAAAAAAAOw/OxR33JFMtrQ/s320/DRCongo2012_049.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delika's fish farm, DRC, May 2012</td></tr>
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Peter Coreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15136393529819059707noreply@blogger.com0