Shaun Tomson’s Surfer’s Code:

1. I will never turn my back on the ocean.
2. I will always paddle back out.
3. I will take the drop with commitment.
4. I will know that there will always be another wave.
5. I will realize that all surfers are joined by one ocean.
6. I will paddle around the impact zone.
7. I will never fight a rip tide.
8. I will watch out for other surfers after a big set.
9. I will pass on my stoke to a non-surfer.
10. I will ride, and not paddle in to shore.
11. I will catch a wave every day, even in my mind.
12. I will honor the sport of kings.

John Kasaona gives this impassioned ted-talk on “how poachers became caretakers in Namibia”. He needs help replicating what has happened in Namibia, into other countries… Mongolia and beyond! South Africa has a campaign at the moment to save the Rhino’s, perhaps John has some more insight…

So, how can poachers become caretakers?

“We were successful in Namibia, because we dreamed of a future that was much more than just a healthy wildlife, we knew conservation will fail if it doesn’t work to improve the life of the local communities!”

I’m speechless.

What do we do about the fact that most car guards from the DRC have qualifications we could never anticipate? While many refugees can’t speak English, they are well-educated individuals who have had to give up their homes and lives to “avoid unrest” (to put it lightly) in their home country. We should not only be passing them small change through our windows, we should be weeping at their tales of heartache. I dare you to ask someone their story before you pass over the change.

The world of refugee’s in South Africa

When an asylum seeker (refugee) arrives in South Africa, they have 10 days to report to the refugee office/ home affairs, before they are classified as illegal. They are then given temporary asylum seeker papers. These are supposed to be interim papers, while refugee status is applied for. PROBLEM- the period for processing of refugee applications is between 3 months and 3 years. PROBLEM- few refugees arrive with any luggage, let alone money to start a life. Asylum papers only last 3 months but you can “work and study”. PROBLEM-  few people will employ someone who has to take a day off work every three months to renew their papers.

Once a date is set for an interview, a refugee can compile their case as to why they left home and why they should not be forced to go home. Genocide, civil war, famine, militia army invasions, rape and threat of death or wrongful imprisonment are some of the reasons that qualify. PROBLEM- refugees are often traumatised, homeless and alone when they arrive in South Africa. PROBLEM- few are fluent in English or any of the other 11 official languages.

Once a refugee’s case has been heard, they will either be granted refugee status, or deported. PROBLEM- this is a merciless process. For those who are identified as ‘genuine asylum seekers’ – refugee status is granted. Refugees can both study and work with Refugee status. Security jobs or jobs requiring police clearance are no longer possible for refugees to work. PROBLEM- many refugees are employed illegally, below minimum wage and in dire conditions. Many professions require permanent residence, which means that South Africa can’t absorb skilled labour.

South Africa has a major shortage of nursing staff and doctors. Yet refugees are not allowed to take the tests to transfer their skills until they have permanent residence. What if we changed giving skilled asylum seekers refugee papers, to giving the skilled Visa’s.  That would mean they could transfer their skills. Imagine a world of productivity, out of heartache. Instead of just filling up the car parks.

After 5 years as a refugee in South Africa, they can apply for permanent residence. PROBLEM- If however, you have lived in South Africa for 5 years and your home country is once again peaceful- you may not stay in South Africa and will be forged to return home.. PROBLEM- If you have made a happy life for yourself in SA after being chased away from your home, the government says: “well sorry, but you have to go”.

They say people will make the same movies they made about Rwanda and Uganda, for the Congo. What will you tell your children you did during those years? Maybe we should be doing more than handing out loose change? How about training refugees as baristas? How about starting French call centres? Or maybe Training centres? French only R&D labs? Or changing medical worker policies? English schools? Something…

Many of you may already know that (My friend TIVAN BUMSTEAD) has become involved in an awesome anti-poaching campaign to try to save some rhinos! And lots of people want to know how they can get involved or help out some more, so here are a few ways you can help – all really easy!

A letter from Tivan:

There are also two follow-up clips to look at – just click on the “4 videos” button under the title to see the others. And a censored version for the kiddies…

Send the link to as many people as possible in as many ways as possible – email, status updates, twitter etc

2) Like our page “Stop Poaching Our Rhino” on Facebook and suggest other friends to like it too. The more people like it the more influence we have!

3) Follow us on Twitter “@rodneytherhino” and tweet about us as much as possible please – including the YouTube link.

4) Make friends with our mascot Rodney “Rodney Rhino” on Facebook.

5) Clip your own nails and hair and post it off to the following central address, from where we will collect it all and then send it off:

P.O. BOX 15565
Sinoville
0129
South Africa

6) Make your own video of yourself clipping your nails and hair and upload it on YouTube as a video response to our clip!!!

7) Check out www.stoprhinopoaching.com for more information about rhino poaching and how you can help more!

Email us at rodneytherhino@gmail.com for more info about how to help.

If you have any other ideas or know of anyone else who can/would like to help, please tell them about the campaign – celebrities, people in television, radio, print or social networking that can help us spread the word, anyone at all!!!

But mostly please just spread the link as far and wide as possible – post it all over your newsfeed and show your friends – we need as many hits as possible!!!

Thanks so much!

Tivan “)

Easy and certain

“NOTHING TO WEAR”

This very cool T-shirt was no longer just a fussy fashion statement, its actually true…

So we are still in need of CHILDRENS clothes! There really arent any kids shoes, undies or pants or T-shirts.

If you are a parent, or know parents wont you please see if you have anything for the MASI kids?

YAY! Big love again and thanks so much to everyone who has been so helpful and GENEROUS!

LOVE LOTS

I have just finished sorting clothes with my Vega students at the ALL  NATIONS Base in Vishoek. We still need lots of children’s clothes.

The BIGGEST need at the moment is money to buy MATERIAL for building and BIG STRONG HANDS with tools to come and BUILD.

See the details below to donate financially directly to ALL NATIONS

FINANCIAL GIVING INFORMATION:
Crisis Relief Fund:
South Africa
account #: 076721051
Standard Bank, Fish Hoek
Branch Code: 03600980

If you can help BUILD call ANNA CHAN +27712820067.

Awesome, Thanks so much for all of the LOVE and SUPPORT.

Keep it up!

DONATE GOODS:

• clothing and shoe donations,
• blankets, linens, towels
• household/kitchen items,
• furniture,
• building materials
• Toiletry items (soups, shampoos, comb, etc.)
• Toys
• ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING

DONATE FOOD:
(We are also putting together food parcels for these families starting Thursday when government stops providing food)

• Rice
• Maize meal
• Flour
• canned goods
• cabbage
• bread
• potatoes
• Cooking oil

DONATE FUNDS:
Funds will be used for:

• purchasing building materials/rebuilding shacks
• food parcels
• school uniforms
• Any other needs that arise

FINANCIAL GIVING INFORMATION:
Crisis Relief Fund:
South Africa
account #: 076721051
Standard Bank, Fish Hoek
Branch Code: 03600980

USA:
send checks to: (Enclose a note that states: “Crisis Relief Fund, Cape Town”)
All Nations Family, Inc
c/o Walsh Washburn
5360 College Boulevard  Ste. 100
Overland Park, KS 66211

DONATION DROP OFF INFO:
Donations can be dropped off at the All Nations property:
1 Montrose Close, Noordhoek

**Please send this information to as many people as possible.  All donations would be received with great joy!

BLESSINGS!
Masi Team

I have attached our most updated list with the families connected to All Nations who have been affected by the fire.  The list includes their clothing and shoe sizes, as well, their basic needs.  We will continue to send out updated lists as we gather more of our families’ information/needs.

fire inventory 5_2011

As of 12am last night people have been displaced and caught in the blaze that broke out across the Masiphumelele Township! All Nations and other organizations are working to comfort and help devastated people. It is chaotic and crazy at the site and families and kids are cold and hungry. People are gawking at the ashes left over from the blaze, estimates calculate 800 homes lost. Men and woman rummage for lost positions and try to rebuild homes from what is left.

PLEASE HELP

-Food, clothes, toiletries and bedding and material to rebuild houses. )

-Financial assistance can be donated to ALL NATIONS, under Masiphumelele Outreach Team  through GIVENGAIN. (Be sure to put Masiphumelele Outreach Team under PROJECTS when you donate!)

UPDATE FROM ANNA:

“The situation is devastating! I’m standing here looking over ashes that once were homes… Everything has burnt down! Just found a few of my kids and they all told me they’ve been crying all through the night, running and watching their houses burn down… They have nothing left except what they are wearing and they are shivering and starving… Haven’t eaten since last night… Please pray and rally as many donations as you can!”

(Anna and one of her kids with the Masi Outreach for All nations)

*Masiphumelele is a township in Cape Town, South Africa, situated between Kommetjie, Capri Village and Noordhoek. Initially known as Site 5, the township was renamed Masiphumelele by its residents, which is a Xhosa word meaning “We will succeed”.