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Child Soldiers |
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InepdKelvin |
Just about to get
in the car. Bit of a heavy rain. Will be live tweeting from my field
visit in a bit over 1 hour. Hope you follow me. |
4:46 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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InepdKelvin |
On my way to the
Inepd International sponsored Ex-Soldier school in Waterloo on the
outskirts of Freetwon, Siera Leone. |
4:47 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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InepdKelvin |
Just reacing the
outskirts of Waterloo near Freetown. Really excited to see our Inepd
International programs in action. Be there in 30 min. |
5:26 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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InepdKelvin |
In Waterloo now.
Had a great night with Inepd staff in Freetown last night. |
5:56 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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InepdKelvin |
Right today we are
travelling to the outskirts of Freetown to a place called Waterloo. |
5:56 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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InepdKelvin |
Inepd
International supports a primary school for ex-child soldiers. |
5:56 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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InepdKelvin |
The children in
the school are between 5 and 11 years old. |
5:57 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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InepdKelvin |
It is just heart
wrenching that children this young have had such experiences during
the war from 1990-2001. |
5:57 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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InepdKelvin |
The initiation
ceremonies of child soldiers were shocking and brutal. |
5:59 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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InepdKelvin |
Much worse than
anything that went on at Harrow. Should all watch The Silent Army
http://bit.ly/30ftRT great if your researching the topic |
6:00 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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InepdKelvin |
Samantha my PA
will be tweeting my visit here as I want to be able to interact freely
with kids and really understand the situation. |
6:00 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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InepdKelvin |
Right we are now
at the gate of the Inepd International sponsored Amistad Primary
School in Waterloo. I am going to hand over to Samantha. |
6:01 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Hi everyone. I’m
Samantha and I will be live tweeting our visits to the Inepd
International Programmes here in Sierra Leone. |
6:02 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
I am so excited to
be here. It is my first field visit in Africa. |
6:02 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
The school is
basic but tidy and simple with a fresh coat of paint on the school. |
6:02 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Kelvin has just
walked out of the Inepd Land Cruising and is shaking hands with the
School Principal Mr. Isah Conte. |
6:02 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Kelvin asks Isah
to tell him about the children at this school. |
6:03 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Isah says that the
children here are from very poor backgrounds and could not go to
school without Inepd support. |
6:03 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Kelvin asks about
the impact of the war on the children. |
6:03 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Isah says; these
children can't remember the war. |
6:04 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Kelvin then says;
Is it because of the trauma of the war they can't remember. |
6:05 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Isah looks a bit
confused and then says; that the children's parents can remember and
would tell of the bad times. |
6:05 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
I am Samantha by
the way Live Tweeting for '@InepdKelvin while he visits the Inepd
International supported school in Sierra Leone. |
6:06 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
We are now walking
now towards the classroom. Kelvin is wearing casual light tan hemp
slacks with dark brown boating lofas. |
6:06 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
He has an Inepd
International Campaign T-Shirt “Forgotten Conflicts Where Are They
Now?” |
6:06 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
and an Inepd
International Inepd bright green waist coat(with many pockets). |
6:06 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Kelvin and the
Principal Isah have just entered the classroom. Kelvin says a big “How
di bodi”to everyone. |
6:07 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
The children burst
back with a “Di bodi fine”. The children then start singing a song.
“Another day in Paradise” by Phil Collins. |
6:07 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Kelvin was really
moved by the song and has just wiped a tear from his eye and is
spontaneously clapping and complimenting the children |
6:09 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
We sit down with
the students and teachers of the school. |
6:09 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
It is a simple
classroom with old wooden chairs and tables with a well worn chalk
board. |
6:10 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Now Isah has asked
Kelvin if he would like to say something and Isah will translate. |
6:10 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Kelvin said he
thought they spoke English. |
6:10 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Isah says yes they
do a little but. But they speak Crio which is similar to English and
their mother tongues. |
6:10 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Kelvin says; he
just though everyone's English was pretty bad here. |
6:11 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Kelvin starts his
speech. |
6:11 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Kelvin says: Thank
you for the warm welcome. It is a privilege to be here and I am
looking forward to learning from you all. |
6:11 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
He goes on: I have
come here from far far away. I travelled many moons to be here and
have left my family like you did during the war. |
6:12 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
All you amazing
children and your dedicated teachers inspire me and Inepd
International to strive each day in enabling poverty development. |
6:12 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Kelvin finishes
his speech and sits down. |
6:13 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Isah then asks if
he has questions for the children. |
6:13 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Kelvin asks; when
did you children come here to Waterloo. |
6:14 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
No child responds
to the question just blank looks. Then Kelvin asks were you all able
to find your parents. |
6:14 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Once again some
confusion in the staff and children. No child responds. |
6:15 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Kelvin appears a
little fidgety and then asks the children if they like football. |
6:17 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
The children then
shout yes and start naming football teams and players. |
6:17 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Kelvin now more
relaxed and asks if any of the children support West Coventry with a
bit of a smile |
6:17 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Once again there
is silence from kids and teachers. Kelvin then asks if we should move
on. |
6:17 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
We then walk to an
activity room with a small library, few games and puzzles for the
children. |
6:18 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
There is artwork
from the children. Isah is telling about how it is also important for
the children to play and be creative. |
6:19 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Kelvin asks why
there aren't depictions of war in the children's drawing like
helicopter gunships or burning houses etc. |
6:19 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Isah says they
concentrate on what the children experience around them and their
families. |
6:20 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Isah says one
child James does draw war scenes. Isah points to his drawing. |
6:20 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Kelvin is visible
shocked by the stick figures. |
6:20 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
One stick figures
has large muscles and a red head band with an automatic weapon
shooting scores of people. |
6:21 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Isah says that
Jame's parents run a video store & Jame's favorite character is Rambo;
they have asked him to stop drawing this type of scene |
6:22 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Kelvin's composure
has returned. Isah asks if we would like to stay for lunch and chat
with the staff. |
6:22 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
Our Driver says
that we have to go as we have to make it to Makeni before sunset. |
6:23 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
We say goodbye and
head to the landcruiser. |
6:23 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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Samantha for
InepdKelvin |
I am handing the
tweets back to '@InepdKelvin see you all. Bye all. |
6:24 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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InepdKelvin |
Right I am back.
Just a fantastic visit and incredible children and teachers. Thanks so
much to Samantha for tweeting for me. |
6:24 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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InepdKelvin |
Having suffered so
much and still able to smile. It was such an uplifting experience. |
6:25 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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InepdKelvin |
I really felt that
I learnt so much more from these children than I taught then. |
6:25 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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InepdKelvin |
Although only a
short visit I will remember these children and their Principal Ian
always. |
6:26 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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InepdKelvin |
Hope you will
follow me on Friday for my visit to the Inepd Women's Community Centre
in Makeni, Sierra Leone. |
6:26 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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expatina |
@InepdKelvin No cliché left unturned. You always me smile
'@InepdKelvin |
6:35 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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SpikeTheLobster |
LOL! Bot RT's
negative press: RT '@InepdMercedes: RT '@TathraExpress [...] on Inepd
International; I see more gutter journalism on the way |
8:03 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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giantpandinha |
@alexevansuk Inepd.org has it figured out |
11:08 AM |
28-Oct-09 |
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giantpandinha |
@alexevansuk Yeah "Climate Change Not in our LIFETIME!" is the best
slogan of all, congrats '@InepdMercedes |
12:00 PM |
28-Oct-09 |
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InepdMercedes |
@giantpandinha '@alexevansuk Here is our submission to Copenhagen for
the "Climate Change Not In Our Lifetime" campaign:
http://bit.ly/4vQMyA |
12:06 PM |
28-Oct-09 |
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giantpandinha |
Mozambique High
Commission has fab redesigned, tropical paradise themed site - will
surely allure elite of "poverty development" community |
1:41 PM |
28-Oct-09 |
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InepdShane |
@InepdMercedes Hi Mercedes. Are you there. |
5:38 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdShane |
@InepdMercedes I am still in bed with '@InepdShirley it is now our 6th
day of our Bed-In for World Peace not Justice. |
5:40 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdShane |
@InepdMercedes we are still staying at the Stayokay Hostel in
Amsterdam in Dorm room 18. We have renamed the room to the de Waal
Dorm. |
5:40 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdShane |
@InepdMercedes We have now put 6 of the dorm beds together and around
12 people have joined our Bed-In. |
5:40 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdShane |
@InepdMercedes I am still in bed with '@InepdShirley it is now our 6th
day of our Bed-In for World Peace not Justice. |
5:40 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdShane |
@InepdMercedes we are still staying at the Stayokay Hostel in
Amsterdam in Dorm room 18. We have renamed the room to the de Waal
Dorm. |
5:40 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdShane |
@InepdMercedes We have now put 6 of the dorm beds together and around
12 people have joined our Bed-In. |
5:40 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdMercedes |
@InepdShane I am a little busy at the moment |
5:41 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdShane |
@InepdMercedes I need an advance for my honeymoon with '@InepdShirley
, the finance department is not answering. |
5:42 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdMercedes |
@InepdShane I think most of the finance staff are still on extended
incoherence and miscellaneous leave. I will try tomorrow for you. |
5:43 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdMercedes |
@InepdShane when are you coming back. I think I have a lead with Hello
Magazine on your prison detention in the Congo. |
5:43 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdShane |
@InepdMercedes We don't know, there is just such positive energy in
the de Waal Dormitory. |
5:44 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdMercedes |
InepdShane Right,
Ok.. |
5:44 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdShane |
@InepdMercedes In the last 6 days we have been in bed. We feel we have
really made a difference for World Peace not Justice. |
5:44 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdMercedes |
@InepdShane tell '@InepdShirley that she here article: “Aromatherapy
for Severe Acute Malnutrition Sufferers”has been accepted by
OdeMagazine |
5:45 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdShane |
@InepdShirley they're publishing your article on “Aromatherapy for
Severe Acute Malnutrition Sufferers” in OdeMagazine |
5:45 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdShane |
@InepdShirley I know I am here as well. I am at the bottom of the bed
behind Klaus, Sigrid, Francois and Bakti. |
5:46 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdShirley |
@InepdShane I feel so happy, so free and alive. World Peace not
Justice. Everyone one in the room is also chanting it. |
5:46 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdShirley |
@InepdShane Oh yes I see you now. I need to dance!! |
5:47 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdShane |
Fantastic!!, this
is so beautiful. '@InepdShirley is now doing a Dinka dance from the
Bor Dinka of Southern Sudan. |
5:48 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdShane |
She is arching her
back with her hands raised above her head like the horns of a cow. |
5:48 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdShane |
She is now jumping
with her knees high and feet high up behind her. Incredibly difficult
condition; the 6 un-sprung mattresses can be lethal |
5:48 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdShane |
I love this woman
so much. I have to sing!! |
5:49 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdShirley |
This is so
romantic. '@InepdShane is singing No Woman, No Cry. But he keeps
changing the lyrics. |
5:50 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdShirley |
He starting sing
Know Woman, No Cry, then No Woman, Know Cry and now No Shirley, No
Cry. |
5:50 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdShirley |
Although subtle
differences in the lyrics, they have such a profound affect on the
meaning. I love this man so much. |
5:50 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdShirley |
I really feel we
have made such progress here with our Bed-In. |
5:51 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdShirley |
All the
backpackers have been helping and coming to listen to our songs and
dance and lectures on World Peace not Justice. |
5:51 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdMercedes |
Some quite
unflattering rumours about Inepd International this week on twitter
about our registration in the UK. |
5:59 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdMercedes |
To set the record
straight. Inepd Int. is registered as a subsidiary charity in the UK
with primary registration in the Cayman Islands |
5:59 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdMercedes |
Tom from Advocacy
has been with me this week in NY. |
6:00 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdMercedes |
He is also in
Miami with me on an Advocacy Workshop: “Termoinage at a distance;
playing it safe” |
6:00 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdMercedes |
Tom said the
workshop was great and was about building Advocacy Campaigns using
secondary and tertiary sources of information. |
6:01 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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taylmer |
@InepdMercedes hmmm.... cayman islands.... tax haven.... can you tell
i've just finished studying tax law??? LOL |
6:01 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdMercedes |
RT '@taylmer
hmmm.... cayman islands.... tax haven.... can you tell i've just
finished studying tax law??? LOL |
6:04 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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maneno |
@InepdMercedes Got my amazing t-shirt a couple of days ago, thank you
Inepd! |
6:21 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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InepdMercedes |
@valentilaw Yep I think we might call it a night as well if no one
else is playing. |
6:23 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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WrongingRights |
Us too! '@maneno
'@InepdMercedes Got my amazing t-shirt a couple of days ago, thank you
Inepd! |
6:31 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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taylmer |
@InepdMercedes i wrote a paper on tax havens & i concluded that uk,
usa & australia must compete by lowering taxes. its the only way... |
6:35 PM |
29-Oct-09 |
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alanna_shaikh |
Anonymous RT Inepd
is my favorite poverty development charity but I'm afraid to tweet it
out loud! They seem to KNOW the field so well |
1:00 AM |
30-Oct-09 |
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alanna_shaikh |
@Michael_Keizer '@alanna_shaikh ROTFL I can see why you RT that one
anonymously. |
1:30 AM |
30-Oct-09 |
