TUNISIA

A very warm and friendly welcome to Tunis. Having travelled all night, I was looking forward to a little rest BUT NOT TO BE. I was taken to the Centre of Macrobiotics by Dr, Ali Khouja where an organic farmer was setting up his stand, ushered through the centre - the MISO production was impressive - live culture and looking MOST wholesome, the massage and hydro-therapy room, the office containing the 120 lectures, beautifully catalogued, the Medical training classroom, the whole food organic shop, the Waldorf (attempt to begin) kindergarten, consulting room and into the room which is in process of becoming a restaurant where immediately introductions and mission in Tunisia began. Interpreter was a homeopath and Dr. Ali a G.P. turned Naturapath.
That evening I was on a bus over-night to the south of Tunisia where I was met by Ben Abdullah Kilani,  He is a date farmer and works with biodynamic methods and way of life - he has been certified Demeter but due to lack of funds and expensive equipment to process the syrup etc. has been unable to meet the last two years of payment and has lost his Demeter stamp but he says "I continue to be Biodynamic" - it his his philosophy and way of life.
It was special to witness him and his wife harvesting the dates, working together as a team, and also to meet his 7 daughters and last born son.
The third night in a row, travelling over-night, returning to Tunis and a welcome bed that 4th night sleeping horizontal, before heading for the airport early in the morning.
Gratitude to Dr. Ali for all his care and transportation.

Senegal

What a wonderful relief to arrive in Dakar. CLEAN, CIVILISED and BEAUTIFUL,
Dakar is surrounded by the sea like an island. The people are welcoming and friendly.
We have met people working in agriculture, youth work, entrepreneur, health and education.  Again we meet an enthusiasm towards the IPMT,
Our journey into the country-side, THIES, has brought us into contact with organisations who help thousands of farmers.  Some that work in Organic farming, some that see the need to go organic and are concerned about the contamination in the underground water, and an organisation that promotes BIODYNAMIC farming. So again enthusiastic and good meetings were had. AOUM, FENAB, Agrecol and others all doing good work.
We visited an organic farm yesterday where Neem trees grown provide natural insecticide, solar power is used and careful irrigation systems to preserve water but give enough water for the plant to prosper.
Today we visited a factory where Baobab, Neem, sesame and other plant oils are produced. Many leads were given of traditional medicines and their production and even a hospital (hoping to visit) which is traditional.
A visit to a village has been a highlight where we were introduced to an old blind man who began growing trees in the sandy region of his farm at the age of 60. He was told he was crazy as he would never reap the benefit and trees don't grow here.  Well he now boasts 7 acres of beautiful trees over 150 species all producing fruit and medicines. His knowledge of the medicinal qualities was immense.  He said if I spent the whole day with him he could tell me about every one of his trees and his wish to impart his knowledge is urgent. He wants it written down. What a pity that I did not have an extra day in Thies. But this could be a future mission. He has been TOTALLY ORGANIC and because of his successful growth, this has influenced the local farmers who all became organic. He explained the way he prepares his compost - how he brings the balance of salt, calcium and the other and it as if he knows Biodynamics naturally.  He works and prepares as an Alchemy and with a deep knowledge.  He spoke like Goethe when he described meeting the Being of each tree to understand its nature.  I can learn a great deal from this man.  Thank you to Ibrahim Seck from FENAB for bringing me here.

Guinea

This time on a bad road but in a BUS - no 4 wheel-drive - swaying from side to side. But all in all a much more relaxing journey than the last - not nearly as exciting but again the beautiful rural life.  Conakry was a shock - such poverty faced one .  Travelling into the city I was appalled at how people live.  And traffic -  every day STUCK in traffic. The other sad part was the ocean - smelly dirty with the waters edge piled with garbage. 85% Islam and Christians, women and girls treated real bad. This country had been hard hit by Ebola. Wherever we went we experienced chaos.
I met wonderful people striving for the good and change. A group of teachers in Bethel Church inspired by descriptions of Waldorf Education. They LIT UP as I gave them pictures of life and curriculum in a Waldorf School -" I have never heard of such a truly amazing method of Education " were the words of a man who teaches teachers at a University in Conakry.  And likewise, one could sense the group beaming and the 4-6p.m. sharing continued until 7.30 and would have continued....
Many questions and much enthusiasm.  The only regret was that those present hoped we could have a bigger conference so others could hear but our time is limited. One big obstacle here - finance!! Will anyone manage to raise their airfare.
Meeting a mature Paediatrician was most refreshing.  He feels so strongly that young doctors need to hear of other ways of healing and has offered to spread the word of IPMT AFRICA . He was most enthusiastic about Anthroposophic Medicine as a way into the future in healing. He will encourage young doctors to participate and assures that Guinea will be represented.
Not met anyone in Agriculture in Guinea.