WATF Project News

click here for archived news   November 2008 16th - New Poems 'Le nostre azioni'- 'Our actions' by Maria Fiorella Corazza-Italy and 'I Cannot Fail, We Cannot Fail' by Celeste Hayne are now posted on the 'POEMS' page. 7th - WATF Team News WATF International song project is delighted to annouce Deborah Millstein and Renee Baker will be joining the team as administrators. (See biogs on 'TEAM' page.) Many thanks to Beckie for her valuable contribution and she will continue to support Paul and Pete in the WATF UK team. The need for increased awareness on various issues in the world is critical and Deborah and Renee will be working and helping Paul to gain official non-profit status for the WATF in United States so that WATF and it's members can serve internationally in a more effective way. Peace love and happiness to everyone. October 2008 28th - New Poem 'What Will The Future Be' by Natalia Shamberova is now posted on the 'POEMS' page. 24th - New Guest Song I am thrilled to be able to add a guest song to WATF project by one of my favourate artists. 'Third World Country' by the extraordinary talents of Raz B will be here this week. I first met Raz at breakfast at the LAX Holiday in Los Angelis. My first observations was that this man had amazing presence and spiritual awareness even though his life had been often troubled and the source of controversy. He played me his new song 'Fire' on his iPod and its not often you get blown away by a new song at breakfast at 9.15 am. but I was. See http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=0czos1unQ74 My thoughts and prayers are constantly with this remarkable (if sometimes troubled) man and I hope that God will guide him down the road and his race will be won. Peace and love my brother. Paul. 22nd - Zimbabwe WATF makes an impassioned plea for United Nations intervention in Zimbabwe.Otherwise Millions of people are going to die of malnutrition and stavation!!!! 'Zimbabwe has declared a state of disaster as worsening food shortages threaten widespread famine. The disaster declaration, which is effective for three months, will give President Robert Mugabe the authority to order 'extraordinary measures' to deliver food to those in need. The Zimbabwean Government has blamed the crisis on a drought, but the World Food Programme says that agricultural disruption caused by the confiscation of white-owned farms has also contributed to the problem. President Mugabe will have special powers to tackle the crisis. The BBC's Lewis Machipisa, in Harare, says the declaration is an SOS signal to donors and international relief agencies. It allows aid agencies to set up emergency programmes for the estimated 7.8 million of the country's 13 million population in need of urgent food aid. Earlier this year, the government banned aid groups from distributing food, claiming they were using the relief to campaign for the opposition MDC. The food shortages are mirrored in Malawi and Mozambique, where poor harvests and erratic rains have led to famine. 'As a result of the prevalent drought, a state of disaster exists in all communal lands, resettlement and urban areas in Zimbabwe,' Mr Mugabe said in a government statement reported by The Herald newspaper on Tuesday. Emergency measures are expected to include possible commandeering of transport and other facilities to distribute food. Zimbabwe consumes about two million tonnes of corn - its staple food - every year, but this year harvests are forecast at 750,000 tonnes. Last year's crop was 1.4 million tonnes which was itself below average, research agencies said. The country was once a net grain exporter. Drought worsens! Farmers have described the drought during the past agricultural season as the worst in 50 years. UN agencies launched a programme earlier this year to feed about 750,000 people facing starvation in the worst affected rural areas. But only one-third of the emergency food needed has been delivered. Millions are also at risk in Malawi and Mozambique The government ordered 200,000 tonnes of corn worth $25m from South Africa in January. But less than half has been delivered because of financing and logistical problems, according to a report of the UN Relief and Recovery Unit in Harare. Last month, Agriculture Minister Joseph Made said the government was also seeking an extra 200,000 tons of corn from Kenya, Brazil and Argentina. Officials say the disaster declaration is a step towards speeding up the delivery of food pledged by donors. Economic woes! Zimbabwe's troubled economy is also contributing to the problem. Inflation is at a record 113%; the economy is shrinking and there are shortages of hard currency which, says the government, means food imports can only be bought with aid. The European Union and the United States have announced targeted sanctions against government leaders to protest against alleged human rights abuses and the March presidential elections which many international observers said were flawed. Farming disruptions have led to a 30% decline in forecast harvests this year of tobacco, the main hard currency earner. Mining has been plagued by shortages of equipment and fuel, and tourism, another key money earner, has fallen by 80%. WATCH/LISTEN ON THIS STORY The BBC's Martin Plaut - 'This crisis has been predicted for many months' UN World Food Programme's Judith Lewis - 'This situation is serious' See also: 07 Mar 02 | Africa - Southern Africa threatened by famine 06 Mar 02 | Africa - Spectre of starvation in Malawi 27 Feb 02 | Africa - Malawi declares famine emergency 19 Feb 02 | Africa - Famine stalks Southern Africa 12 Feb 02 | Africa - Malawi 'on the brink of starvation' Internet links: UN Food and Agriculture Organisation Zimbabwe Government The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top Africa stories now: Ebola outbreak confirmed in Congo Malawi minister reveals Aids trauma Kenyan president opens parliament DR Congo rebels go on trial Nigerian ID scheme kicks off Tunisian internet crackdown Wild pigs threaten Somali peace talks Anti-French protests in Ivory Coast Links to more Africa stories are at the foot of the page. Zimbabwe: Cholera outbreak threatens to become endemic HARARE, 20 October 2008 (IRIN) - A cholera outbreak that has bridged Zimbabwe's dry season is proving difficult to contain and has spread from the cities to rural areas. There are fears that the onset of the rainy season could make the waterborne disease endemic if the authorities fail to address the water and sanitation crisis plaguing the county. Cholera is an intestinal infection causing acute diarrhoea and vomiting and, if left untreated, can cause death from dehydration within 24 hours. It is easily treatable with rehydration salts. An anthrax outbreak has also been reported in Hurungwe, a rural area in Mashonaland West Province, about 300km north of the capital, Harare, 'where 10 cases have been reported, but no deaths as yet. WHO [World Health Organisation] is still investigating', the UN said in a recent situation report on cholera and anthrax. Anthrax is caused by the bacterium, Bacillus anthracis, and mostly affects wild animals and domesticated cattle, although it can be transferred to humans through inhalation of the bacteria's spores from a live or infected dead animal, blood contact if the skin is broken, or by eating the undercooked meat of a diseased animal. Anthrax is curable if diagnosed early. 120 deaths The UN noted that 'a cholera outbreak has been a cause of concern in Zimbabwe since February 2008 ... so far 120 deaths have been recorded cumulatively, with the highest percentage found in Mashonaland Central' Province in the country's north. The collapse of health and municipal services is seen as the cause for the spread of the disease, with local authorities failing to provide potable water, rubbish collection and adequate sanitation, forcing people to dig shallow wells to obtain household and drinking water in areas where sewerage spills into streets because of poor, or non-existent, maintenance regimes. The state-owned Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has pumped raw sewerage into Lake Chivero, one of the reservoirs providing Harare with water; residents with access to piped water often have to contend with a smelly greenish discharge from their taps. The UN noted in its report that Zimbabwe was battling three cholera outbreaks in different locations. Chitungwiza, a dormitory town 35km southeast of Harare, had recorded 144 cholera cases and 15 deaths up to 13 October. UNICEF has been trucking in 30,000 litres of water daily and providing hygiene education. In Mola, in the western district of Kariba, there were 22 cases with one fatality as of 7 October, and 'probably more cases within the community, unrecognised', the UN report said. Chinhoyi, in Mashonaland West Province, had recorded 6 deaths by 13 October, and WHO reported another 15 cases the following day, but 'many more are assumed to be in the community, and paediatric cases are being admitted to the hospital.' Recurring disease A cholera outbreak on 31 August in Harare affected the townships of Mbare, Kuwadzana, Highfields, Chikurubi and Mbvuku, in which 19 cases and one death were recorded. The last case was reported on 24 September. Nevertheless, even where the cholera outbreaks have been brought under control, the UN report warns: 'These locations remain potentially risk areas, considering cholera [is a] recurring trend.' The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) said in a statement that Zimbabwe's political deadlock between President Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF and Morgan Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change was having a direct impact on the provision of services. 'The water woes that have seen many Harare residents losing their lives to cholera outbreaks are a result of the ruthless decision to hand over the administration of water and sewer services to ZINWA,' the statement said. 'CHRA urges the powers that be to stop burying their heads in the sand and attend to the governance stalemate as a matter of urgency.' 11th New Poems 'Look' and 'When We Are Together' by Lyudmila Tur are now posted on the 'POEMS' page. 5th New Artwork Additions 'onebeautifuldreamworld' contributed by Kira, Ryan and Tena & 'Year 2070', a 'Powerpoint' presentation by Ria Ellwenger are now posted on the 'ARTWORK' page. Please note you will require a version of Powerpoint to view this presentation!! September 2008 30th New Guest Song 'Podravina Quasi Adagio' by Tatjana Vorel is now posted on the 'GUESTS' page. 25th New Poem 'Best Friend' by Alicia is now posted on the 'POEMS' page. August 2008 25th First ARTWORK contribution!! 'As One' a beautiful photograph by Renee Baker is the first contribution to our new, 'ARTWORK' section. New Poems 'White roses of Palestine' by Selvi and 'Eternal Light Is In Our Heart' by Renee Baker are both now posted on the 'POEMS' page New Guest Song 'Let's All Unite' by Jamaican reggae artist I Dadda is now posted on the 'GUESTS' page 22nd - Poems Now Archived A note from the webmaster - In order to maintain quick and easy access to the literary contributions on the 'POEMS' page, we will in future only be showing the latest addition on that page; earlier contributions are now archived but are still accessible by clicking the relevant link on the 'POEMS' page. I hope this modification meets with everyone's approval - webmaster 21st - New Page We are often offered artwork in the form of pictures and/or photographs and until now we had nowhere on this site dedicated to that topic. Until now!! We are now launching the 'ARTWORK' page which will feature suitable artwork submissions from 'friends' and associates of WATF. 19th - Water Wars: How the world is facing a critical shortage It is a precious commodity that we cannot live without. Dwindling oil supplies could change our way of life but as populations grow, water shortages threaten our very existence. Already more than one third of the world goes short. The basic problem is that the amount of fresh water across the planet is fixed but our demands upon it are growing ever greater. By 2050 half the world’s population is expected to live in countries chronically short of water. Europe, North Africa and Asia are the most at risk. Agriculture Surprisingly to some, it is not our own household use of water or even industrial usage that is the biggest drain on our supplies. More than two-thirds of all the water withdrawn worldwide is used to water crops and feed animals. It takes more than 1,900 litres of water to grow just one kilogram of rice. But meat production is worse with 15,000 litres of water used up to produce one kilogram of beef and 3,500 litres to produce a similar amount of poultry meat. Already water shortages are causing significant drops in production in some areas of the world such as Australia, North Africa and Southern Europe. These countries now have to rely more on irrigation to maintain agriculture. However this can have its own problems. For example, the River Nile never reaches the sea. Why? Because its waters are used so extensively to irrigate Egypt’s crops that at times the flow into the Mediterranean is reduced to a trickle. Cities While food production is the main drain on supplies it is in the cities where the day-to-day crisis is played out. 'In the urban slums they only have a couple of hours a day when anything comes to their water pump.' Henry Northover, head of policy at WaterAid. Rapidly developing megacities, particularly in Africa, do not have the infrastructure to cope with the demand for water. As well as limited and unreliable access, sanitation in these cities is also poor. In Africa and Asia, 60% of city dwellers live without adequate sanitation. Only a small percentage of the wastewater collected through sewage systems in developing countries is treated and disposed of properly. The consequence of this is horrific levels of disease brought about by contaminated drinking water and the spread of infection. Dirty water is estimated to cause 1.7 million deaths each year – 90% of them children. The biggest killers being cholera, typhoid and polio. Campaigners argue the consequences of water shortages are often underestimated because the deaths are only indirectly related to water. Water wars As water shortages and access to clean water become more critical so the potential for conflicts is becoming greater. 'If the wars of the 20th century were fought over oil, the wars of this century will be fought over water.' The World Bank International cooperation on water is generally good. In many cases it has to be with 13 river basins around the world shared by five or more countries, according to the UN. But that might change. 'Just because there have not been outbreaks of war does not mean that we will not see any in the future,' said Northover. The Pacific Institute has been tracking water conflicts for over 20 years. Over a two-year period from 2006-7 it documented nine flashpoints. These included; 12 deaths in Ethiopia after clashes between farmers over competition for water; Tamil Tiger rebels cut the water supply to government-held villages in north-eastern Sri Lanka; Hezbollah rockets damaged a wastewater treatment plant in Israel, the Lebanese government claim their facilities along the Litani River have been damaged in Israeli attacks. The Future As both the world and urban populations continue to rise, the need for more efficient use of water, particularly in agriculture, becomes ever pressing. However, even with such improvements, some areas of the world could still become unsustainable for human living. It is the mass migration as a consequence of this that campaigners worry could fuel future conflicts. 18th - Reasons Bees Matter Their distinctive humming is the background noise of our summer while their honey sweetens our breakfast toast. But with news that nearly one in three of the UK's 240,000 honeybee hives did not survive this year's winter and spring, there is something clearly wrong. And it is not just honeybees either but the entire bee population that is under threat. Find out more in our Q&A below. Why do we need bees? Often referred to as 'flying fertiliser', bees are an essential part of our farmed and wild food and flora ecosystem, pollinating a third of what we eat, from apples and raspberries to barley and runner beans. Why is their population collapsing? Historically colony losses have fluctuated greatly in the UK, with severe weather increasing colony losses. However, the last 7 years have seen a trend of slowly rising colony losses. This culminated in an alarming 30% drop in bee numbers this Spring, according to the British Beekeepers' Association (BBKA). The BBKA said beekeepers would normally expect to lose between 5-10% of their bee population over the winter/spring period. According to the National Bee Unit, a government-funded body set up to monitor the bee population in the UK, the majority of bees from colonies lost in the Spring contained DWV, a virus associated with Varroa infestations. But they also blamed the wet summer of 2007 and the rain this spring that confined bees, who do not like the wet weather, to their hives and allowed disease to spread amongst the population. What is Varroa and where did it come from? Varroa is a mite that preys on honeybees and to which the bee has no natural defence. It is present on all continents except Australia and was first found in the UK on 4th April 1992 in Devon. If left untreated the mite eventually kills the infested colony. Nearly all colonies in the wild have died out and without beekeepers to care for them, honeybees could disappear in a few years. What about the honey? Without honeybees there is no honey. The Honey Association already reckons that English honey will run out by Christmas and that new supplies will not be available to buy until summer 2009. Although domestic honey accounts for less than 20% of all honey consumed in the UK, international supplies have also been hit by the combination of poor weather and disease. The price of the average jar of honey is expected to rise with the shortage. What is being done to help? The National Bee Unit is working with beekeepers to monitor the population declines. But Bee organisations say that is not enough and call on the government to fund more research into bee health. Aside from the spread of diseases, campaigners blame the increase in large-scale farming which does not provide the hedgerows and other natural habitats bees thrive on to pollinate. 14th - New Guest Song 'One Beautiful Dream World' by BBx8 is now posted on the 'GUESTS' page. 5th - New Guest Song 'Song For Chelo' by Lino is now posted on the 'GUESTS' page. 1st - New Poem 'My Hope For All' by Linda Bombolino is now posted on the 'POEMS' page. July 2008 30th - Thanks WATF To: paulwestonmusic@aol.com Subject: Mr. Paul Weston, Kenya Update! Date: July 30, 2008. Attention: Mr. Paul Weston, UK. Nairobi, Kenya-Wednesday, July 30, 2008. Dear Sir: Early this year, you helped us out of our political turmoil. What a hard time this was! I vividly remember you-and the entire WATF-TEAM (worldwide), for the love beyond measure you extended to us, then! All of you acted as `Peace Ambassadors` -which, you rightly are-what with Paul Weston's dream, of the world hit Peace song project: The We Are The Future`! The reality of his dream is in front of us. It is working out for the betterment of our society-irrespective of our color, race, nationality, gender and status! Wow! What a dream! As an update, the dust is over! At last, the entire country has settled down! The sun is shining! The future is bright! Thankfully, all because of you, your prayers, your love and your support. Personally, I will never forget your warmth! Attached herewith, please find some photographs which were taken this past Sunday, during a function with the Arya Samaj Community-Kenya, when they were giving us-The Kenya Red Cross Society, a kind donation of mosquito nets. In them, I am the one with the Red Cross emblem, on top of a white polo t-shirt/white trouser; while, the lady in blue-with the Red Cross emblem on top, is the Administrator, Kenya Red Cross Society- (Nairobi branch). Once again, please accept my thanks for accepting me as a part of you-`The We Are The Future` Family. I am proud of you-and always will! May God continue to lift us all-up, to even greater more heights of service and love to one-and all, locally, nationally, and internationally. Thank You. BLESSINGS, MR. KIOKO JOSHUA, Jr., TEAM LEADER-WATF (KENYA), P.O. BOX 2008, GENERAL POST OFFICE (G. P.O)., NAIROBI-00100, KENYA. My Email Contacts: My Official Email Address: Keeoko@minister.com My Personal Email Address: Kee-O-Ko@MyWay.Com My Preferred Email Address: Keeoko@GMail.com My Telephone Contacts: My Official Telephone Number: 0723 8000 80 (When Calling From Out Of Kenya: +254 723 8000 80).         28th - New Poem 'Ship Of Peace' By Dawn F Taylor is now posted on our 'POEMS' page. 18th - New Guest Song 'Ljubov kotoroj bolse net' (My Desire) By London Metropolitan Orchestra (Featuring Al Steele and Arthur Primac) is now posted on our 'GUESTS' page. 17th - New Guest Song 'One Day' By Sarah Spencer is now posted on our 'GUESTS' page. 14th - New Poem 'They No Longer Sleep in Darfur' By Amondyi Agnes Alando-Hoffer is now posted on our 'POEMS' page. 1st - New Guest Song 'See Those Faces' by BiteWing is now posted on the 'GUEST' page. June 2008 18th Stung By Bees A mysterious ailment of honeybees threatens a trillion-dollar industry and an essential source of nutrition. For 3,000 years, farmers in China's Sichuan province pollinated their fruit trees the old-fashioned way: they let the bees do it. Flowers produce nectar that attracts bees, which inadvertently transfer sticky grains of pollen from one flower to another, fertilizing them so they bear fruit. When China rapidly expanded its pear orchards in the 1980s, it stepped up its use of pesticides, and this age-old system of pollination began to unravel. Today, during the spring, the snow-white pear blossoms blanket the hills, but there are no bees to carry the pollen. Instead, thousands of villagers climb through the trees, hand-pollinating them by dipping 'pollination sticks'—brushes made of chicken feathers and cigarette filters—into plastic bottles of pollen and then touching them to each of the billions of blossoms. China's use of human bees is only one of many troubling signs of an agricultural crisis in the making. Bees the world over have been dying from a mysterious syndrome termed colony collapse disorder, or CCD. U.S. beekeepers lost 35 percent of their hives this winter, after losing 30 percent the previous year. Similar but less well-publicized losses have occurred in countries as far-flung as Canada, Brazil, India and China, as well as throughout Europe. A recent survey of wild-bee populations in Belgium and France found that 25 percent of species have declined in the past 30 years. Several species of bumblebees common in the United States as recently as 1990 have disappeared. In Britain, the British Beekeepers Association has warned that honeybees could disappear entirely from the island by 2018, along with million worth of apples, pears, canola and other crops they pollinate. The threat is vast. Most cropsof the world's 115 most important ones—require pollination to develop fruits, nuts and seeds, says agroecologist Alexandra-Maria Klein at Germany's University of Göttingen. Those crops account for about $1 trillion of the approximately $3 trillion in annual sales of agricultural produce worldwide. They also provide 35 percent of the calories consumed by humans each year, and most of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Every blueberry, cherry, apple, grapefruit, avocado, squash, cucumber, macadamia nut and almond depends on the ministrations of a bee for its existence. Even crops such as lettuce and broccoli need insect pollination to produce seed for the following year's supply. Colony-collapse disorder is characterized by the sudden collapse of a full-strength hive in a matter of weeks, with adults leaving the hive and not returning, until the hive is deserted. 'I found colonies that had just stopped living,' says Borje Svensson, a Swedish beekeeper. 'They had given up life without any sign of struggle.' No one knows what causes it, but theories abound. U.S. researchers believe a previously little-known disease called Israeli acute paralysis virus is involved, while Spanish researchers suspect a fungus called Nosema. When France lost a third of its bees in the 1990s, beekeepers blamed Imidacloprid, a new pesticide that had been used on the sunflower crop, a honeybee favorite. France banned the use of Imidacloprid on sunflowers in 1999 and expanded the ban to other crops in 2004, yet its bees have not recovered. Despite this ambiguous evidence, many beekeepers around the world continue to blame Imidacloprid—the best-selling pesticide in the world, with annual sales of nearly $860 million. Others have pointed fingers at malefactors ranging from cell phones to genetically modified crops, with little evidence. The leading theory is that colony collapse is caused by a combination of viruses, pesticides, the parasitic varroa mite, drought and stress triggered by commercial colonies' overwork and poor nutrition. The meta-culprit is the shift to large-scale agriculture. When most farms were small family affairs, pollinators came from nearby wildlands. But the growth of massive industrial farms has put most crops out of the reach of wild insects. So farmers need to supply artificially large numbers of bees to pollinate their fields in the spring. The European honeybee is the only pollinator that fits the bill: adapted for dense living in tree hollows, it takes naturally to man-made wooden hives, making it the only bee that comes in convenient boxes of 50,000 that can be trucked from crop to crop. Wild insects such as bumblebees and tropical flies still account for 15 percent of pollination, including crops such as cacao (chocolate). Yet these wild insects are declining worldwide due to loss of habitat and increased pesticide use. Farmers the world over now rely almost completely on the European honeybee, one of 20,000 species of bees. Many beekeepers now make more money from pollination fees than from honey production. Governments have done little to solve the problem. In June 2007 the U.S. House of Representatives held an emergency hearing on the status of pollinators in North America and allotted $5 million to honeybee research in the ensuing farm bill, but the funding was cut a year later. Does the government want the nation to go without honey on their toast, not have homegrown strawberries to go with cream, and even put their own crusade for the public to eat five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables at risk?' Jeff Rooker, Britain's Food and Farming minister, responded that the government didn't have the funds to help. That leaves beekeepers scrambling to keep the world in fruits and vegetables. 'We can't stand another bug or virus or pest,' says Mark Brady, president of the American Honey Producers Association. 'Right now the industry is like crystal. It's that fragile. One slip and it will shatter.' 08 Newsweek, Inc. AIDS orphans in Uganda See www.myspace.com/Lufafa Dear WATF, Greetings in the mighty Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ the hope of us all with Love from Uganda - East Africa! My Name is Pastor Nelson Lufafa. I am the founder and Director of save The Aids Orphans Uganda ; a Christian Non governmental , interdenominational organization with a focus to help Children orphaned as a result of AIDS access education and Women Widowed as a result of HIV/AIDS get Skills that help them become self reliant. Among other things, this organization does - - Rural Evangelism - HIV/AIDS awareness programs deep in the villages where people never get any outsiders reaching them! - A Mobile Clinic operating under the HIV/AIDS program! - Bible Studies in different villages on different days.... we have two children's homes . STAO is a fully fledged independent organization with headquarters at Mafubira, 2 kilometers from Jinja, a town in near eastern Uganda, about two hours away from Kampala the capital (and only city) of Uganda. Save the Aids Orphans is a registered 501(c)3 non profit organization under the U.S . Internal Revenue service. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by the IRS tax Law .Save The Aids Orphans US is based in Seattle We invite you to visit us at www. stao. no www. stao-us. org and the Uganda site at www.Stao-uganda.org I found your Name on my space friends when I was searching the internet and I felt very specifically that I needed to get in touch with you. I am writing to request that you playfully consider being our partner for our children's home and if possible consider coming and volunteering with us. Save The Aids orphans Uganda has two children's home that accommodates 70 orphans each, there is great need for daily basic needs and psycho social support at orphanage. Your involvement will make a gigantic difference. I would be so happy to keep in contact with you! And also answer any question of your interest. Let me please hope to hear from you soon. In His Service, Pastor Nelson Lufafa Director STAO UGANDA PO Box to 482 Mercer Island, WA 98040, United States Tel +12063348618 www.stao-uganda.org www.stao-us.org www.stao.no Tel +256782774058 17th - New Guest Song 'Invisible Friend' By Christine Guldbrandsen is now posted on the 'GUESTS' page. 13th - New Poem 'Color' By Dawn F. Taylor is now posted on the 'POEMS' page. May 2008 30th - New Guest Song 'We Are One' by by Heather Frahn is now posted on the 'GUESTS' page. 29th China Earthquake Crisis Of all the wrenching images emerging from China's devastating earthquake, those of the hundreds of children crushed in their schools are probably the most poignant. But as grieving parents mourned their children, aid workers were rushing to help another vulnerable group: those left orphaned by the disaster. Chinese authorities announced Thursday that 4,000 children lost their parents on May 12—a terrible toll in a disaster where the number of official deaths now tops 50,000. Care for Children, a private organization that runs more than 180 orphanages in over 30 provinces as well as assisting state facilities, is one of the groups trying to help the youngest victims. We know that nine child welfare institutions we work with were affected; they are in Chengdu, Deyang, Mianyang, Chongqing, Bazhong, Neijiang, Zigong, Yibin, Abazhou. On this most recent trip [to the quake zone] we were able to visit the first three; we don't know about the extent of damage to others. [At these three] all the people were fine in all of the orphanages, though some orphanage buildings and foster care families' homes collapsed. The biggest part is the psychological impact. People have never experienced anything like this. The only injury was a man with both legs bandaged with rough plaster casts. When the earthquake struck he got most of the children out of the building, but the last few were stuck so he climbed through a window and then with two children in his arms jumped out of the window and broke his legs. To help : www.mercycorps.org.uk/?source=1062& www.google.com/chinaearthquake www.redcross.org.uk/donatesection.asp?id=77029&entrypoint=31872_googlead1_brcsgeneric AIDS in Africa CHECK THE FACTs …..SON….. According to UNAIDS/WHO report as of the end of 1999, 34.3 million people live with HIV/AIDS world wide. Of that number, 24.5 million (71.4%) live in sub-Saharan Africa. In 1999, 79% of the total AIDS deaths occurred in sub-Saharan Africa. More than 17 million Africans have died from AIDS and another 25 million are infected with the HIV virus, approximately 1.9 million of whom are children OR 12 million African children have already lost one or both parents to AIDS, and unless we take serious action now, there will be more than 18 million AIDS orphans by the end of the decade. 23rd - New Guest Song 'In Private With Nature' by Andrey Krishtopets is now posted on the 'GUESTS' page. 20th - New Poem 'Different Sides' by Natalia Shamberova is now posted on the 'POEMS' page 19th - Natural Disaster Appeals : CHINA APPEAL A devastating earthquake hit southwestern China on Monday 12 May. It is thought that more than 50,000 people may have died in the 7.9-magnitude earthquake. Oxfam's response We are responding to the earthquake through Oxfam Hong Kong which has allocated £796,000 for emergency relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction work. Donate now to Oxfam's China Earthquake Appeal www.oxfam.org.uk/donate/china_quake.html Our teams are currently at work in four locations in Sichuan and Gansu Provinces, focusing on assisting survivors in remote rural areas. The team in Sichuan reports a severe shortage of drinking water in Chengdu, the capital city. We are currently conducting assessments and securing emergency supplies, including from neighbouring provinces. Our team in Gansu reports that the cellular phone system is down in Wudu County. Another team is working in Wen County. Both areas were badly affected in the earthquake. We are targeting remote areas that are not being covered by the government or other relief efforts, as is Oxfam's normal practice in an emergency. We are communicating closely with government units in Sichuan and Gansu to make sure we do not duplicate their efforts, and to use our resources effectively. BURMA APPEAL Burmese children: Starvation fears Thousands of young children in Burma will die from hunger within weeks unless food reaches them soon, a British charity has warned. Save the Children estimates that 30,000 infants under the age of five in the Irrawaddy Delta were already 'acutely malnourished' before the cyclone hit on May 2. The aid agency believes some children in the stricken areas of Burma may now be dying from lack of food. Burmese authorities put the death toll from the cyclone at 78,000 with a further 56,000 people missing. Burma Help Cyclone Victims! Donate Now To DEC's Burma Cyclone Appeal www.donate.bt.com/bt_form_cyclone.html Burma Cyclone Aid Provide the Love of Jesus along with emergency relief www.gfa.org/Burma-Cyclone Burma Cyclone Appeal Our aid IS reaching Burma cyclone victims www.barnabasfund.org 15th - New Guest Song 'Lara E Sara' by Reis is now posted on the 'GUESTS' page along with biogs etc. April 2008 5th - Remembering Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Major Travels and Events: Went to India with his wife, Coretta Scott King, February, 1959. There they studied Mohandas K. 'Mahatma' Gandhi and his methods of nonviolent civil protest. On April 12, 1963, during a civil rights march in Birmingham, Alabama, for the thirteenth time was arrested and jailed. There MLK wrote his famous 'Letter from a Birmingham Jail.' Met with President John F. Kennedy. Dr. King delivered his 'I Have a Dream' speech from the Lincoln Memorial to 250,000 people demonstrating for civil rights in Washington, D.C., August 28, 1963. Named 1963 Man of the Year by Time magazine. Received the Nobel Prize for Peace in Sweden, December, 1964. With civil rights protesters attempting to march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, was beaten back by state police, March, 1965. At the White House when the Voting Rights Act was signed by President Johnson, August, 1965. Led a march in support of striking sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee, March 28, 1968. Delivered his last speech, 'I've Been to the Mountaintop,' April 3, 1968. Shot in the face on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, Memphis TN. Martin died on April 4, 1968. The Third Monday in January On April 8, 1968, U.S. Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich. is first to submit legislation proposing King's birthday as a National holiday. On August 2, 1983 the U.S. House of Representatives approves legislation, 338 to 90, to make MLK birthday a National legal Holiday on the third Monday in January, beginning in 1986. The .U.S. Senate (defying efforts by Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., to sidetrack legislation) approves King birthday measure 78 to 22, on October 19, 1983. Legislation for new National Holiday signed by President Ronald Reagan, November 2, 1983. First observance of Dr. King's birthday as a legal National Holiday, was on January 20, 1986. March 2008 27th Dear Oksana Bilozir, On behalf of all WATF World team of 'We Are The Future' - WATF -International Song Project that is non-political and is aimed to include children and people from all races, cultures and religions who share the goal of a peaceful world working towards a balanced social and economic equality I have a pleasure in thanking you for the gift, which you have presented to the WATF (Now in 52 countries). This is very much appreciated. Kind regards, Natalia Shamberova, WATF Russia Project Leader. 26th Kenya Red Cross To: paulwestonmusic@aol.com Subject: Mr. Paul Weston, Kenya Red Cross Photo`s Date: March 26, 2008. Attention: Mr. Paul Weston, U.K Nairobi, Kenya-Thursday, March 26, 2008. Dear Sir: Attached herewith, please find photographs we took this last Saturday, during the Annual General Meeting, of the Kenya Red Cross Society-Nairobi Branch. I led the whole meeting-and closed it, in prayer. I am the one in a white/cream suit. Thank You. With Deep Respects And Positive Thoughts Of You-And Your Life, MR. KIOKO JOSHUA, Jr., P.O. BOX 2008, GENERAL POST OFFICE (G. P.O)., NAIROBI-00100, KENYA. WATF Kenya Team leader. New Guest Song 'Svicha (The Candle)' by Unkrainian artist Oksana Bilozir is now on the 'GUESTS' page in the form of a link to Oksana's YouTube page. New Poem 'Germogli del pianeta (Shoots of the planet)' by Maria Fiorella Corazza-Italy is now on the 'POEMS' page 23rd - Children Write To God' is now on the 'Poems' page 18th - Kenya Update To: paulwestonmusic@aol.com Subject: THANK YOU Date: March 18, 2008. Attention: WE ARE THE FUTURE FAMILY, WORLD WIDE, c/o MR. PAUL WESTON, UNITED KINGDOM. Nairobi, Kenya-Tuesday, March 18, 2008. Dear Sir: This is our official letter of thanks to the whole `WATF Family-Worldwide`, for standing with us during the political upheaval we experienced here in Kenya, recently. With your help and prayers, the future looks bright. Truly, when God moved Mr. Paul Weston, to come up with this bright ideal, little did we know that it would touch our lives, and make our world-an even better place to live in!. We are proud to be a part of this large family. Congratulations! Thank You. With Deep Respects And Positive Thoughts Of You-And Your Lives, MR. KIOKO JOSHUA, Jr., WATF TEAM LEADER-KENYA, P.O. BOX 2008, GENERAL POST OFFICE (G. P.O)., NAIROBI-00100, KENYA. My Email Contacts: Get In Touch With Me-Today: Keeoko@GMail.com; My Official Email Address: Keeoko@minister.com My Personal & Preferred Email Address: Kee-O-Ko@myway.com My Telephone Contacts. My Official Telephone Number: 0723 8000 80 (When Calling From Out Of Kenya: +254 723 8000 80). My Telephone Contacts: My Official Telephone Number: 0723 8000 80 (When Calling From Out Of Kenya: +254 723 8000 80). 14th New Poem 'His Children' by Barbara Nelson Stone is now on our 'POEMS' page 7th New Poem 'The Earth's Plea' by Tracey Rolfe is now on our 'POEMS' page 5th New Guest Song 'Uur Hooyo' by Somalian artist Aar is now on our 'GUEST' page Darfur 200.000 people have now been killed in Darfur!!! UNICEF.Darfur. See http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=109701792&blogID=362535810 for ful story. UNICEF: In Darfur, hundreds of children missing in wake of violence SIRBA, Sudan, 22 February 2008 -- Hundreds of children are unaccounted for, following militia attacks on villages in Sudan's West Darfur region. 'There are an unknown number of children aged 12 to 18 who are missing, especially boys. Nobody knows what has happened to these children,' said UNICEF's Head of Office for West Darfur, Naqibullah Safi. UNICEF and its UN partners sent an assessment mission to the towns of Sirba and Abu Surouj following government-backed militia attacks in West Darfur's northern corridor earlier this month. The team found that thousands of residents had fled their homes in the towns after multiple buildings were burned in the attacks. To read the full story, visit: www.unicef.org/infobycountry/sudan_42938.html See also www.thewe.cc/contents/more/archive/darfur_sudan.html 3rd - Kenya Update Please find more photographs featuring His Excellency Kofi Annan and I, amongst many other Kenyans, who had gathered at `The Peace House`, to thank him for his role in the Kenya Peace Talks. I am the one on his immediate left, in a white polo T-Shirt. KIOKO JOSHUA, Jr.    February 2008 29th - Kenya Update To: paulwestonmusic@aol.com Subject: Mr. Paul Weston, Kenya Peace Deal Photos. Date: February 29, 2008. Attention: Mr. Paul Weston, U.K. Nairobi, Kenya-Friday, February 29, 2008. Dear Sir: Yesterday, the two warring factions in Kenyan Politics, signed a power sharing deal, at a colorful ceremony presided over by His Excellency, Dr. Kofi Annan, the former United Nations Secretary, His Excellency Mr. Jakaya Kikwete, the President of Tanzania-and the current Chairman of the African Union, amongst many other distinguished personalities, including members of the Diplomatic Community. With this deal, the positions of Prime Minister, and two Deputy Prime Ministers, have been created, so as to accompany the Opposition Party. With this agreement, we expect normalcy to return to the whole county. Attached herewith, please find photo's of the event. Amongst them, there are two in which, I am pictured with the U.S Ambassador to Kenya, His Excellency, Mr. Michael Ranenberger; and two more, in which, I am pictured with Mr. Jeff Koinange, the Chief Anchor for Kenya`s newest TV House, K24-in which, as per our talks soon, your song-`We Are The Future`, may be given a slot in, so as to begin getting played in, to the whole nation-especially at the time on national healing & reconstruction This is the update of the political situation, thus far! May God continue to bless you richly, and bless the `WATF Team-Worldwide`, as we all champion the cause of Peace, locally, nationally and internationally. Thank You. RESPECTFULLY YOURS, MR. KIOKO JOSHUA, Jr., WATF TEAM LEADER-KENYA, P.O. BOX 2008, GENERAL POST OFFICE (G. P.O)., NAIROBI-00100, KENYA. My Email Contacts: Get In Touch With Me-Today: Keeoko@GMail.com; My Official Email Address: Keeoko@minister.com My Personal & Preferred Email Address: Kee-O-Ko@myway.com My Telephone Contacts: My Official Telephone Number: 0723 8000 80 (When Calling From Out Of Kenya: +254 723 8000 80).    26th - New Guest Song Please see new guest song on WATF 'GUEST' page by acclaimed USA Harpist Anne Roos. Anne has composed a brilliant solo arrangement of 'Shine'. We have already purchased Anne's new album 'A light in the forest' and recommend everyone check out her wonderful music. Anne's music is available for purchase and download on her web site www.celticharpmusic.com - Dont miss it! Thank you again Anne for your wonderful contribution to WATF song project. New Poem 'Life has it's uncertainties' By Valentino is now posted onto our 'POEMS page 25th - Kenya Peace Talks - Today WATF Team leader Kiokio Joshua has been attending the peace talks in Nairobi today and reports that progress is being made in bring oppostion groups together to talk about a collective government. Kioko is part of the delegation appointed by the Kenyian Goverment and Kofi Annan. Many thanks to WATF members who have contributed money to the WATF Kenya team/Red Cross appeal.We still need more of you to help with contributions!!Please make a donantion! Thank you. More news soon Beckie, Paul and Pete      23rd - Kenya Appeal - More Please see Kenya appeal as we need to help our WATF Kenya team with donations. Here are some recent pictures of WATF Kenya Team leader Kioko Joshua at the Kenya peace talks. Kioko was invited to be a representative by UN Ambassidor Kofi Annan and the whole WATF World Team are very proud of him. We can make a difference if we all work together!!! Peace and Love. Paul (On behalf of Beckie, Pete, Paul and WATF World Team)      22nd - Kenya Appeal To: paulwestonmusic@aol.com Subject: Mr. Paul Weston, Urgent-Photo`s Date: February 22, 2008. Attention: Mr. Paul Weston, U.K. Nairobi, Kenya-Friday, February 22, 2008 Dear Sir: Attached herewith, please find some of the photos featuring me and staff members of the Kenya Red Cross Society, distributing relief food and humanitarian assistance to the 33,000 displaced and homeless men, women and children affected by the post election violence here in Kenya, since December 27, 2007-todate. I am the one in the red shirt, while in the one’s at the Peace Talks, I am the one in a black trousers and red shirt. Out of it all, I am in urgent need for your immediate financial help and assistance of up to U. S $ 350, latest by this coming Monday-February 25, 2008, to enable me to arrest some very pressing personal financial obligations at stake, necessitated by my giving my all; including opening up my house as a refuge center, to those in need, without which, many would have lost their lives! Please go out of your and send me whatever funds you can raise, by Western Union, so that I can withdraw the same on Monday morning, and settle my bills by then. As a member of one family, the human family-God’s Family, I await your help without any further delay, so that I can resume normalcy in my life and affairs. Ms. Condeleeza Rice, the U. S Secretary Of State, was here mid last week; along with, many other high profile officials from Western Countries, to implore on Kenya`a Political leaders to act fast and end any further suffering to the ordinary people. Thus far, the `Peace Talks`, led by the former United Nations Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan, are moving along well. We expect a breakthrough anytime today; if not, next week. Attached also, please find some photographs of me in the `Peace Talks`. Once again, I invite your timely help and assistance now, more than ever before! Thank You. RESPECTFULLY YOURS, MR. KIOKO JOSHUA, Jr., P.O. BOX 2008, GENERAL POST OFFICE (G. P.O)., NAIROBI-00100, KENYA. My Email Contacts: Get In Touch With Me-Today: Keeoko@GMail.com; My Official Email Address: Keeoko@minister.com My Personal & Preferred Email Address: Kee-O-Ko@myway.com My Telephone Contacts: My Official Telephone Number: 0723 8000 80 (When Calling From Out Of Kenya: +254 723 8000 80). 21st - Kenya Appeal Please see letter below. Our WATF Kenya team need our 'HELP' Please make a donation via Western Union using the details below. Peace and Love.Paul,Beckie,Pete and WATF World wide team. To: paulwestonmusic@aol.com Subject: Mr. Paul Weston, Thank You! Date: February 21, 2008. Attention: Mr. Paul Weston, U.K. Nairobi, Kenya-Thursday, February 21, 2008 Dear Sir This is my official letter of thanks to you- and all ..The WATF Members.. involved, for the funds you sent us recently, to help alleviate our current and sorry state of suffering, caused by the political situation here in Kenya. Your funds have gone a long way towards helping the displaced with the basic necessities of life like food, shelter and clothing. The need here is great, and continues to grow by the day. In the light of this, we need more and more funds to help us out to live-and lead, normal lives, after the episodes of violence, deaths, and suffering witnessed, since the disputed Presidential Elections on December 27, 2007. Please extend to us a helping hand! Through this email, I summon your immediate help-and those of like minded people of goodwill, towards helping us out-now, more than ever before, when we really need you! And, Paul, thanks for helping create ..The We Are The Future Family-Worldwide... I will send you-as an attachment, photos of my involvement with the Kenya Red Cross Society, in distributing relief to those affected by the political situation here in Kenya, through the funds you sent me. You can post them on the WATF Website. When you began this project, little did you know that it could touch others, worldwide, in such a big way! You are someone special. My compliments to you! Keep The Flag Flying Sky High! Thank You. With Deep Respects And Positive Thoughts Of You-And Your Lives, MR. KIOKO JOSHUA, Jr., P.O. BOX 2008, GENERAL POST OFFICE (G. P.O)., NAIROBI-00100, KENYA. My Email Contact:Keeoko@minister.com My Email Contacts: Get In Touch With Me-Today: Keeoko@GMail.com; My Official Email Address: Keeoko@minister.com My Personal & Preferred Email Address: Kee-O-Ko@myway.com My Official Telephone Number: 0723 8000 80 (When Calling From Out Of Kenya: +254 723 8000 80). 14th - New Guest Song 'Universal Civilian' by Allen Booth is now on the 'GUEST' page 10th - 2 New Poems 'HIV-THE RAVAGING BEAST IN AFRICA' by joshua e.edomwonyi and 'Angel For A Day' by Margo McKeown are now posted on the 'POEMS' page 2nd - Four NEWS Items : 1. Renee Blog News Please everyone check out a great new blog from Renee. 'A Living Reflection Of Our World Category Life' By Renee Baker. http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=209229197&blogID=353701905 2. Thank you..... ....to all our members who kindly contributed. Please see letter below; -----Original Message----- From: Anna Galasejeva To: paulwestonmusic@aol.com Sent: Fri, 1 Feb 2008 14:40 Subject: Anna Galasejeva Dear Paul! Hello! It's Anna Galasejeva - the wife of Arthur. Thank you very much for your activity in our action. From your declarate we received 2000 euro from all over the world. People take of 100 and 5 euros. Thanks a lot, Anna Siberian Orphan Fund Dear friends and collegues! I wrote you from the name of my wife's Ana Foundation. My wife organised the action for help little childs in Siberian Russia, which haven't parents. Now I call for help her initiavity. She founded Account for help little children in Russia which haven't parents. You could help her action if you take for account some money. If we all give a little, we can dry a million tears. Example, I give for action $650. If you like you can help also! All Bankes requisites there: S.W.I.F.T. COUDE: SABRRU2P SBERBANK (SEVERO-ZAPADNY HEAD OFFICE) BRANCH ,, 1879/0746 St.PETERSBURG, RUSSIA GALASEEVA ANNA ALEKSANDROVNA ACCOUNT ,, 42307 978 7 5520 3200231 48 Action will be before February'3. After that they will be take this moneys for children Sincerely, Arthur Primac from ask of Anna Galasejeva 3. Kenya Appeal I would like to ask all our members that can spare a financial contribution to please contact Kioko Joshua on email address Keeoko@minister.com Kioko is a Church Minister and will direct funds to where they are urgently required in Kenya in what is becoming a terrible situation boarding on civil war. Kioko has informed me that the Western Union office in Nairobi is now open and they are able to recieve funds.(Easy and secure way to transfer money) PLEASE HELP and write to Kioko and pledge a small donation. WATF is not a charity and rely on the good will of our individual members and I thank you so much for your continued support. Paul Weston - now read on : On behalf of WATF UK team Beckie,Paul and Pete. Letter recieved today from our WATF Kenya team. To: paulwestonmusic@aol.com Subject: Mr. Paul Weston Date: January 31, 2008 Attention: Mr. Paul Weston, U.K Nairobi, Kenya-Thursday, January 31, 2008 Dear Sir: Thank you for writing. Here below, please find my full name and contacts. This is enough in helping you out, as you send me money, through Western Union. The situation here is still tense. We need all your prayers, and help possible. Please acquaint yourself on the latest developments here, through `www.google.com`. At this time when Peace Songs are being played in our radio/T.V Stations, this is when your song-`WE ARE THE FUTURE IN KISWAHILI`, should be given intense coverage. Please get in touch with either The Managing Director, K24 T.V, Nairobi, Kenya, at info@k24.co.ke in this regard. Send them a copy of it, and let them play it. It will give you all the coverage we need. I hope to hear from you tomorrow. Thank You God Loves You-And So, Do I! Yours In Christ, MR. KIOKO JOSHUA, Jr., P.O. BOX 2008, GENERAL POST OFFICE (G. P.O)., NAIROBI-00100, KENYA. My Email Contacts: Contact Me-Fast: Kee-O-Ko@FasterMail.com My Official Email Address: Keeoko@minister.com My Personal & Preferred Email Address: Kee-O-Ko@myway.com My Telephone Contacts: My Official Telephone Number: 0723 8000 80 (When Calling From Out Of Kenya: +254 723 8000 80) 4. Serbia-Bosnia News WATF are delighted to confirm that 'Svijet je Nas dom' (Serbian-Bosnian version of 'We are the future') is being recorded in February.The song will be sung by Ivana Jordan and members of the FED ensemble choir and see information and pictures below for all the details. Lyrics have been specially composed by Arthur Primac based on the original text/lyrics from Paul Weston’s original songs.      Click here to view artist's profiles (Microsoft Word Document) January 2008 28th - New Guest Song 'Blood In The Streets' by Jamaican reggae artist Iyah Lazer is now on the GUESTS page. 27th - New Guest Song and New Poems New Poems Poems 'Music' by Sylvia Childis and 'MOHAWK PRAYER' from Morning Star are now on the POEMS page. New Guest Song 'Varpaisllaan' by Saara Aalto is now on the GUESTS page. 25th - New Guest Song 'Da tvom srcu toplo je' by Lejla Hot is now on the GUESTS page. 18th - New Poem 'Hope For Our Children' by Roni Perotin is now on the POEMS page. New WATF SONG 'We Are The Future' an instrumental track by Classical/Jazz/Instrumental composer Malcolm Brown is now on our 'LISTEN' page along with a link to Malcolm's biog etc. 17th - Help Siberian Children Dear friends and collegues! I wrote you from the name of my wife's Ana Foundation. My wife organised the action for help little childs in siberian Russia, which haven't parents. Now I call for help her initiavity. She founded Account for help little children in Russia which haven't parents. You could help her action if you take for account some money. If we all give a little, we can dry a million tears. Example, I give for action $650. If you like you can help also! All Bankes requisites there: S.W.I.F.T. COUDE: SABRRU2P SBERBANK (SEVERO-ZAPADNY HEAD OFFICE) BRANCH ,, 1879/0746 St.PETERSBURG, RUSSIA GALASEEVA ANNA ALEKSANDROVNA ACCOUNT ,, 42307 978 7 5520 3200231 48 Action will be before February'3. After that they will be take this moneys for children Sincerely, Arthur Primac from ask of Anna Galasejeva 14th - New Poems 'Gratitude' by Shaykh Fattaah, (Taken from the DEBU song 'Gratitude') is now on the POEMS page along with a link to Debu information. Also, 'How much longer do we need to shout' by Ramona is now posted on POEMS complete with link to Ramona's biog. 10th - BBx8 YouTube Video YouTube video from the concert held at the Childrens Palace Theatre in Shanghai China on November 3rd 2007 and featured BBx8 and the Soong Ching Ling Foundation. 9th - New Guest Song 'Palace Of The Poor' by Kalvin Kristi can be found on the 'GUESTS' page. 8th - New Guest Song 'True Love' by Horace Andy and Sly & Robbie can be found on the 'GUESTS' page. 7th - New Guest Song 'Requiem' by Murcel Isik can be found on the 'GUESTS' page. 5th - New Poem 'Child At Heart' by Renee Baker can be found on the 'POEMS' page.