Annual Reports

May PEACE Prevail in Sierra Leone!
May PEACE Prevail on Earth!

STATE AND PROGRESS FOR THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 2000

MICRO ENTERPRISE ADMINISTRATION (MEA) AND ITS AID TO ARTISANS PROJECT:

Presentation of CADS:

CADS is a program of development initiatives doing everything to practicalize its researches to development actions that Sierra Leone needs to take. CADS over the years has been working under extremely difficult circumstances because of inadequate support services/donor fatigue aggravated by the effects of the rebel war. But that has not stopped CADS from contributing in its own way to ameliorate the plight of the people of Sierra Leone.

So far, CADS has been able to implement key projects such as its Communal Farming System strategy in agricultural sector development project having the headquarters for this project at Mobekay Village in the Koya Rural district where it has its demonstration and training farm; and helping displaced farmers all around the Koya and York rural districts engaging them to cultivate communal farms and assisting them with farm inputs.

Where CADS has been very successful is its cooperation with the Margaret Ann Isely Foundation. CADS became a trustee organization for this foundation's global education program in support of ratification and implementation of the Constitution for the Federation of Earth believed to solve if implemented, the many global problems that has made the world a dangerous and often violent place in this century.

The Micro Enterprise Administration of CADS Sierra Leone:

CADS has properly institutionalized a business promotion initiative coordinated by CADS called the Micro Enterprise Administration (MEA). MEA's main objective is to conduct researches to advance understanding of the nature and extent of viable enterprises in the private sector of the economy and of the role and importance of enterprise formalization to economic and social development.

Since independence, Sierra Leone has been devastated by a pervasive economic crisis, manifested by stagnant growth, declining quality of life for a large majority of its people, and increasing stress of the country's political structures. Economic reform programs promoted by trade promotion institutions ion Sierra Leone have sought to stimulate private sector development crucial to overall sustainable national development. Their inability to do so has generated controversy and, increasingly, a general malaise regarding the appropriate solutions for the economic crisis in Sierra Leone. In view of these unproductive approaches, MEA, a program of business initiatives, will now look beyond the trade promotion effort o institutions like the Petty Traders Association, the Small Medium Scale Business Association, the National Association of Indigenous Businesses, the Sierra Leone Marketing Association and a host of others, to identify the strategic elements needed to engineer Sierra Leone's economic recovery.

MEA recognizes these facts. Many people find the potential independence and financial rewards that can come from owning a small business very appealing. Many, however, hesitate to pursue this dream because they don't think they have enough education, experience or money - or are simply afraid they might fail. Others can't accept the idea that they can change their lives - that people like them could ever own their own business. For still others, going into business for themselves is a financial necessity because they have lost their job and there are no other readily available ways to earn a living, or ever survive. Whatever the reason, owning your own business can be one of the most challenging, satisfying, demanding and rewarding things you do in your life.

However, there are real risks and difficulties in starting any new business. Our Mission in MEA is about recognizing and minimizing these risks and increasing chances of success. While each business is different, there are some basic things every small business needs to succeed. Key among these are a good idea, hard work, knowledge combined with common sense and imagination, plus the willingness and determination to make an idea into reality. Contrary to popular opinion, it does not have to cost a lot of money to start a business. Money is important, but it is last on the list of items that are needed. MEA will therefore endeavor to gather much information on the activities and difficulties of micro businesses in Sierra Leone and test out different ways of stimulating businesses to overcome such difficulties, develop new products to grow, and to provide new product information sourced from other countries. Being that unemployment is a problem in Sierra Leone. MEA will provide skills and management training combined with outreach support to enable and improve micro and small businesses. The cause of promoting micro and small businesses must now be taken up with new determination in Sierra Leone, both for its own sake and as an essential step towards resolving the problems of poverty in Sierra Leone.

CADS therefore hopes to effectively complement the Government of Sierra Leone's effort through our micro enterprise Administration with the objective of stabilizing the economy and improving the economic environment of investment and social development.

The Center's Trickle Up Micro Loan Aid to Local Artisans Project:

Craft products Made: Pottery Carvings Gara Materials and Batik Clothes Woven Baskets

Raw Materials Used: Pottery: Clay, sourced locally.

Ovens, made locally with local building materials - used to bake the clay into pottery and ceramics.

Working tools. Paint. Carvings: Wood/logs, sourced locally. Metallic tools with wooden handles, made locally from scrap metals. Tins of varnish, imported from the United States or Europe. Gara Materials and Batik Clothes: Rolls of brillion/linen materials imported from the United States or Europe. Dyeing ink of different colors imported from the United States or Europe. Fire wood, sourced locally. Empty Drums, sourced locally. Woven Baskets/Hats: Local Raw Materials (Bamboo Canes, Raffia, etc.) Ink made from herbs.

Principle Needs of the Artisan Groups: The artisans in Sierra Leone have the know how in their various skills. The principle needs for these artisan groups are working tools and raw materials, and product design to meet international standards as well as marketing their products. These artisan groups could do better, but from researches, a number of reasons and situations have been identified as being responsible for their poor performance over the years. Amongst these are:

1) Lack of access to capital because of institutional and "discrete" barriers, inadequate credit delivery mechanisms and poor level of domestic savings.

2) Inadequate support services.

3) The current macro economic environment: Effects of the rebel war.

4) Donor fatigue: reduced foreign direct investment, reduced aid and grants and late disbursements.

If well motivated therefore, these artisan groups can be more productive, and will be better equipped to train other members to learn their artisan skills. Taking into consideration therefore the above outlined problems, the Micro Enterprise Administration of CADS Sierra Leone has seen it helpful to administer a "Trickle Up Micro Loan Project" to assist these producer-oriented tradesmen. Under this project various budget schedules would be given to beneficiaries on credit, to help them expand their businesses.

Despite existing Micro Finance Institutions in Sierra Leone, an estimated 96% of households in Sierra Leone still lack access to official loans or savings services. Subsidized credit has consistently failed. It has not even reached the poor producers. It has actually confirmed the banks' view that the poor are a bad credit risk.

MEA believes the "poor producers" will turn out to be rich if only some degree of confidence is placed in them. MEA believes the enterprising "poor producers" will repay loans provided to them because they are hardworking, responsible and committed borrowers interested not just in a loan but rather a line of credit. They will repay because MEA will make them understand that access to credit represents an opportunity for progress for them and the development of their small/medium enterprises. And in order to secure high repayment rates (around 95%) to sustain the project as a revolving fund to be used again and again to develop and expand other new and existing micro and small producers and sellers, the center's MEA intends to use a combination of peer group pressure through their various associations affiliated to MEA, and the promise of continued access to increasing amounts of credit.

Grant Application:

In August 1998, the center's MEA applied for assistance to the nonprofit based in the United States, Aid to Artisans, Inc. on behalf of its hardworking members of the Arts and Craft Producers and Sellers Association ad the Gara Women's Association to support their enterprise development endeavors.

Aid to Artisans, a non-profit organization, offers practical assistance to artisans world wide, working in partnerships, to foster artistic traditions, cultural vitality and community well being. Through training and collaboration in product development, production and marketing, Aid to Artisans provides sustainable economic and social benefits for crafts people in an environmentally sensitive and culturally respectful manner The assistance requested from ATA is to benefit 5 producer - oriented tradesmen and on a revolving fund to bring credit to other tradesmen in the various affiliated trades associations, helping them to set up and expand their businesses. The center also sought sustained collaboration with ATA with a vision to bringing our various strengths together to assist artisans in Sierra Leone attain their goals. MEA is more specifically interested in ATA's offers of product development design to further help its artisan membership, with a goal to introduce Sierra Leonean craftsmen to the international market place.

Budget Schedules Submitted:

1) Mr. Amadu Bangura: Expert in weaving baskets of all sizes using local materials. Member: Arts and craft Producers and Sellers Association. Aid to buy more Tools: $95.00 Aid to pay for local charge to harvest raw materials/working materials: $35.00 Aid to buy ink made from herbs: $45.00 TOTAL AID TO AMADU BANGURA: $175.00

2) Madam Umu Gassama: Gara Dyeing Member: Gara Women's Association Aid to purchase 1 roll of white linen: $160.00Aid to buy Aid to buy ink (different colors): $96.00 Aid to buy wood: $27.00 TOTAL AID TO MADAM UMU GASSAMA: $283.00

3) Mr. Fendeh-Moru Serry-Kamal: Batik Designer Member: Arts and craft Producers and Sellers Association. Aid to buy 1 roll of white linen: $160.00 Aid to buy ink (different colors): $96.00 TOTAL AID TO FENDEH-MORU SERRY - KAMAL: $256.00

4) Mr. Foday Sankoh: Carver Member: Arts and craft Producers and Sellers Association. Aid to buy more tools: $159.00 Aid to buy quantities of logs: $155.00 Aid to buy 5 tins of varnish: $110.00 TOTAL AID TO FODAY SANKOH: $424.00

5) Mr. Abdul Azziz Fofanah: Cartoonist/To produce very attractive Pieces of cartoons/drawings/birthday cards/etc. Member: Arts and craft Producers and Sellers Association. Aid to buy different sizes and clors of markers: $65.00 Aid to purchase printing materials (newsprints/vancards/etc.) $180.00 TOTAL AID TO ABDUL AZZIZ FOFANAH: $245.00 GRAND TOTAL BUDGET: $1,383.00

Expected Impact of the Grant:

The grant will increase production. And it will provide opportunities for other interested affiliates to train to acquire skills in gara dye and tie, pottery and ceramic making, carving, and weaving, thus expanding employment and generating income for the artisans.

Grant Approval:

May 17, 1999, Thyrza Christel, the ATA Grants Coordinator wrote:

Frederick AS Kanu (and Kenday Samuel Kamara)
Micro Enterprise Projects Coordinator
The Center for Alternative Development Strategies (CADS) Sierra Leone

Dear Kanu and Mr. Kamara:

It is my pleasure to write you that the Aid to Artisans Grant Committee has met and is able to make a grant of $1000 to the Center for Alternative Development Strategies (CADS).

Your very persuasive letter of November 11, 1998 was read carefully with hope that the political situation in Sierra Leone is indeed improving. This grant is made in recognition of the work you are doing to preserve traditional crafts of your country, to improve the livelihoods of village artisans by encouraging development programs and by promoting entrepreneurial and micro enterprises in the field of handicrafts.

Due to the worldwide need for assistance to artisans, we are unable to fund the entire amount you requested. Nevertheless, we agree that the money should go towards acquiring better tools and for materials. We always ask that when grants are made to buy materials that the group set up a materials bank with the funds, thus guaranteeing a continuing, sustainable supply of materials at a fair price. We will attempt to deposit the money by wire transfer Barclays Bank Sierra Leone Limited account as per your instructions. If that proves to be impossible, I will enclose a check for that amount with this letter. Please acknowledge the receipt of the money by return mail, email or fax. We also ask that you send us a report within six months of the implementation of the funds and the effect they have had upon the artisans and the work they are doing. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely, Thyrza Christel
Grants Coordinator

THE CADS MARINER PROJECT

Following the July 1999 Peace Accord signed between the Government of Sierra Leone and the RUF, CADS again effectively resumed operations with a new strategy to invest on a boat project designed to be implemented as a commercially viable fundraising project to support the important work of CADS in the rural communities of Koya and York, and its project for the Disabled. The center conducted an assessment on viable commercial enterprises that yield immediate returns in Sierra Leone, and found out that to invest in marine transportation was the best way to go.

The CADS Mariner Boat Project was therefore decided on and fortunately took off the ground, thanks to the sustained support of the Margaret Ann Isely Foundation, USA which donated a lump sum of $20,000.00 to CADS for this project.

Expenditure of the CADS Mariner Project:

Cost of Outboard Motor: Le9,000,000.00
Boards: Le3,000,000.00
Other Local Materials Including Payments to Builders: Le6,220,000.00

The boat project was completed in October 1999 but mismanagement and extreme dishonesty by some senior officials of the organization saw this project abused and misguided.

In January, 2000, a disciplinary committee was formed to look into the extreme case of mismanagement and abuse stifling the boat project. The actions of the ex-Chairman Mr. Ibrahim Kanu; the ex-coordinator, Mohamed L. Kanu and a member of the Board of Trustees, Ekoh Nelson were looked into. As a consequence of clear evidence of theft of project funds and conversion of organization's property to their use, these people were found culpable, and the center took the immediate step of dismissing these officers from their positions of trust and terminating their membership in CADS.

In a Memo signed and submitted to the Ministry of Finance, Development and Economic Planning it's stated in it:

The Center for Alternative Development Strategies (CADS) Sierra Leone BE IT KNOWN TO THE PUBLIC that MESSRS. MOHAMED L. KANU, IBRAHIM KANU AND EKOH NELSON HAVE BEEN DISMISSED FROM THE POSITIONS OF NATIONAL COORDINATOR, CHAIRMAN -- BOARD OF TRUSTEES; AND TRUSTEE -- BOARD OF TRUSTEES, RESPECTIVELY.

The existing Directors of the Center for Alternative Development Strategies (CADS) Sierra Leone, hereby regrettably notify the public of the dismissal of Mohamed L. Kanu, Ibrahim Kanu and Ekoh Nelson from the positions of National Coordinator, Chairman -- Board of Trustees, and Trustee -- Board of Trustees respectively. These three individuals were dismissed by an Extra-Ordinary Resolution of the existing Directors of CADS - Sierra Leone and the WCPA Sierra Leone Chapter held on May 25, 2000, based on recommendations of a Disciplinary Committee that was formally constituted on February 20, 2000 to investigate allegations formally filed with the existing Directors. The Committee's findings are the following:

I. Financial Mismanagement and violation of fudiciary obligations of Office: Flagrant misuse of the organization's funds in form of mismanaging the operations of the CADS/WCPA Mariner project, one of the income generation projects of the organization initiated to raise funds for the organization to support its various development projects. And in violation of public trust and the fiduciary obligation of CADS/WCPA in the form of failing to pay electricity bills, telephone bills and various other fiduciary obligations.

II. Disorderly Conduct and Destruction of CADS/WCPA Property: Mohamed L. Kanu, Ibrahim Kanu and Ekoh Nelson willfully and illegally engaged in degrading behaviors unbecoming of the positions of National Coordinator, Chairman and Trustee of CADS - Sierra Leone and the WCPA Sierra Leone Chapter. They rudely destroyed the locks of the door to the offices of CADS/WCPA - Sierra Leone, and illegally used other locks to prevent staff members from entering the property.

III. Mohamed L. Kanu, Ibrahim Kanu and Ekoh Nelson have since October, 1999 been illegally operating the CADS/WCPA Mariner, an outboard machine powered boat funded by CADS to commute passengers by way of raising funds for the organization to support the center's various projects and its WCPA program in Sierra Leone. They have failed to account for funds generated since commencement of the illegal operation of the boat.

Other findings of guilt include the following:

i. Unauthorized representations and concealment of pertinent official documents and equipment.

ii. Malicious formation of an unconstitutional caretaker committee for operating the CADS/WCPA Mariner illegally.

iii. Neglect of duty and abuse of authority, including reckless pursuit of their selfish interests depriving the majority of administrative staff and seating directors of the center, and precluding the progress of the development work of the center.

These behaviors are derogatory to the eminence of the positions they hold in the organization. The existing directors of CADS/WCPA - Sierra Leone are therefore left with no choice but to act decisively. The international and the national community, and the secretariat of the World Constitution and Parliament Association (WCPA) in Colorado and the founding Chief Executive and former National Coordinator of CADS/WCPA Sierra Leone are therefore advised against continued false representations of these dismissed individuals. Any one who transacts any business with them and/or their associates does so at his/her own risk. CADS Sierra Leone and the WCPA Sierra Leone Chapter assume absolutely no responsibility for any of their actions and consequences effective from the date of their dismissal, April 25, 2000.

We appreciate your usual cooperation and support.

Signed: Mr. Kenday Samuel Kamara President/CEO and Chairman - Board of Trustees CADS -- SIERRA LEONE
Amadu Koroma, Esq. General Coordinator -- CADS
Mr. Brima Kamara Secretary to the Board of Trustees - CADS
Mr. Phonz AZ Kamara Relief and Welfare Officer -- CADS Sierra Leone
Madam Isha Nonoh Deen Women's Development Coordinator -- CADS Sierra Leone
Mr. Ingham B. Carew Agricultural Projects Coordinator - CADS Sierra Leone
Mr. Abdul Rahman Kamara Action Officer -- CADS Sierra Leone
M r. James Kamara Micro-Enterprise Development Officer -- CADS - Sierra Leone
Richard Moore Chief Driver/Support Staff -- CADS/WCPA - Sierra Leone

ENDORSED BY A NOTARY PUBLIC.

Following the termination of these dishonest persons, an evaluation of the present state of the boat and recommendations on the way forward was the outcome of an assignment the Chief Advisor to CADS, Hon. Alpha O. Timbo, also Minister of Labor and Industrial Relations - Government of Sierra Leone, gave to other key members of CADS Sierra Leone.

Evaluation and Report on the State of the CADS Mariner Project and Recommendations:

Background Information

With permission from the Acting Divisional Head of Security in the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. A. O. Kamara, the boat was slipped in at the Kissy Dock Yard Ferry terminal on the May 12th, 2000. On the following day, staff members were opportune for the first time in the history of the CADS Mariner Project to have a physical view of the physical make of the boat. The services of a carpenter were employed to conduct an unbiased assessment of the damages inflicted on the boat. In his expert opinion and to the eye seeing of every body, oysters have eaten deep into the entire basement of the boat thereby rendering the boat useless. This petrified state of the basement of the boat was attributed to the stationary position of the boat on sea for the past couple of weeks. It is therefore justifiable for a complete change of the entire basement. This means purchasing new pieces of boards to replace the already decayed ones. Thieving of useful materials was also reported to have taken place in the inner compartment of the boat during the same stationary period. Furthermore, the previous painting and inscription on the boat has worn out thereby making it absolutely necessary to employ the service of an expert artist to redo the painting in a cost effective way.

Based on the advice given by Mr. AO Kamara, the repairs need to be urgently done so that the boat can be shove back to sea. It has also been ascertained that the outboard machine is in good working order. It is Japanese made Yamaha with serial number 6F6L-394768.

Objective of the Evaluation: The terms of reference of this assignment is to evaluate the present state of the boat and make recommendations on what should be the way forward.

Procedure: Now that the boat is ashore, the principal tool for the achievement of our objective has already been designed to include the following strategies:

· Identify problem areas on the boat
· Seek ways to solve these problems
· Make recommendations on how to forge ahead
· It is expected that at most two weeks will be needed to complete the maintenance process.

Recommendations:

1) Dismissal of the present crew members and employ new ones not on contract basis but on monthly paid staff basis. Previously, it was understood that these crewmembers were rewarded on a trip basis.

2) The Hon. Minister Alpha Timbo should use his reputable office to influence the Sierra Leone United Boat Owners Association (SLUBOA) to give us more trips, because it is only with more trips that we are able to generate more money to support our CADS Agenda. The official route of the boat therefore shall be Freetown - Conakry - Freetown, except on special hire then the route shall be changed to the preferred destination.

3) Sheik Mohamed Bangura who is presently the caretaker of the boat shall determine the captain, the assistant captain and other three-crew members. Two staff from CADS for any scheduled trip shall join the selected individuals.

4) The outboard motor and all other portable equipment of the boat should be kept in the office premises at 45 Bathurst Street.

5) Because of the approaching rains and the likelihood that the sea might be rough during these rains, we would like to appeal to the Hon. Minister to help us get and install the radio set of communication so that our marine workers could be reached at every location at sea.

6) The boat manifest is the standard procedure of knowing the actual proceeds of any completed trip of the boat. Therefore, this document together with the proceeds generated should be in the custody of the appointed staff of CADS and later forwarded to the program. Accountant who shall account to the Hon. Minister in every trip completed. The ultimate destination of these proceeds shall be our account at Union Trust Bank.

7) CADS has a long standing relationship with an artist called Ken who will be able to do the painting and inscribe the following:

CADS Mariner A Fundraising Project of the Center for Alternative Development Strategies CADS Sierra Leone
SERVICE FOR PRACTICAL AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

From funds contributed by Hon. Alpha O. Timbo and the other portion raised by the CADS Global Network USA Office, repairs on the boat were carried out. And the boat is now contributing to raising funds for the center, but would not be able to raise all funds needed to support the various projects of CADS Sierra Leone.

THE SIERRA LEONE DIGEST PROJECT:

CADS' bimonthly development journal, the Sierra Leone Digest resumed publication in June 1999 since it was interrupted by the dismal events of May 1997 when the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) further deepened the crisis in the country by violently overthrowing the democratic government of President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah.

The journal built on its record of achievement in the course of the 1999/2000 fiscal year. In sponsoring the Sierra Leone Digest, CADS was able to meet the need for a journal of significant thought and opinion on social, political, economic, cultural and development issues in Sierra Leone, consistent with the center's program to research and propound issues of developmental value to the government and people of Sierra Leone, and foster interdependence and international cooperation, protect human rights and promote Sierra Leonean cultural interest and creative achievement in the world.

FINANCIAL SUMMARY FOR THE YEARS ENDED APRIL 30, 1998, 1999, 2000 AND 2001.

CADS program accomplishments during the fiscal years 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001mirrored years the center struggled with tireless enthusiasm to harness its limited resources to support programs that accounted for 95% of total expenses. Both revenues and program expenses did not exceed the budgets for the charted programs of the center, because of lack of substantial donor support. This had significant implications for the center's program activities.

With the limited revenue generated, CADS was able to engage in major programs on its Communal Farming System (CFS) strategy on agricultural sector development (1998/1999), the CADS Mariner project (1999/2000), the Beneficiaries Assembly and Annual Sensitization Conference (1998), and the Needs Assessment Program (2001). These investments challenged the center but did not adversely affect its post investment income generation plan - the center's CFS was income generating just as its CADS Mariner Project.

Grant making donor support from international foundations, corporations and individuals continued to be the lifeblood of CADS revenue base. But because of delay and frustrating constraints in getting donor support, the CADS program is effectively developing income generation strategies through entreprenuership endeavors, to generate sufficient unrestricted revenues by which CADS will be able to operate better.

CADS Strategic plan, as approved by the Board of Trustees, commits the organization to a strong continuing presence in the rural areas of Koya and York districts.

To meet its goals, as the organization tried in the fiscal years 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001, CADS will have to strengthen its capabilities relying even more heavily on the expertise of its staff and volunteers and on the generosity of grant making foundations, corporations and benevolent individuals.

Finally, a word on the limitations of a financial report: Achievements can be measured on a balance sheet but success can only be gauged in the communities and areas of activities where CADS is active. The CADS agenda has the potential to positively impact more lives and communities if supported by the donor constituency. The center's sustained commitment and tireless enthusiasm to developing sustainable alternatives for practical development remains standard.

Bankers: The Center for Alternative Development Strategies (CADS) Sierra Leone Account Number: 210 - 07704 - 01 Account Type: Current: In Account With: Union Trust bank Ltd. - PMB 1237, Lightfoot Boston Street, Freetown.

Annual Report 1999 | Annual Report 2001

To Know More About Our Programs, Send Us an Email at: CadsIntlPrograms@aol.com or Call Our CADS Global Network -- USA Office at:
1-720-351-5520 or Our CADS Sierra Leone Headquarters at (232 22) 224839.