RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AND PHILANTHROPY
As a member of the Tourism Community in West Africa and with the Founder, staff and advisors having a combined 75 year tenure in the Travel, Tourism and Hospitality industry we are obligated to practice a responsible form of Tourism. Members of our staff continue to contributed time and money to various grass roots tourism and non-profit programs in Sierra Leone.
'HERITAGE AMBASSADORS' is an ongoing program that encourages local artisans, grassroots tourism efforts & prospective tour guides. The program was conceived alongside ongoing efforts by Afrikasgems Tour/Mt. Lion Excursions, The Sierra Leone Monument & Relics Commission and the Ministry of Tourism. Through this program we are empowering the youth, local fishermen and students interested in Tourism related programs to discover and respect their country and its NATURAL BEAUTY. In return these individuals will have a chance to work as guides and hopefully continue in the Heritage Tourism trade--Success is measured in self-sufficiency and we thus home to see encouraging signs.
Afrikasgems Tour and its preferred partners are dedicated to:
* THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF CUSTOMER SERVICE
* Promoting packages that offer the visitor a fair assessment of SL by providing alternatives.
* Supporting the National Tourist Board in it's efforts and initiatives
* Working with local communities and provide expertise whenever possible, to help develop lasting tourism infrastructures
* Preservation of what we believe are the KEY GEMS, the natural beauty, vegetation, flora, culture, weather and the PEOPLE.
* Employment of local staff
1. Banana Island descendants and The West African Methodist Church, Banana Circuit (WAMC)- This will be our fourth year of organizing discovery missions to Banana Island. Our goal is to research the history of the Island, located some 30km off the coast of Freetown and a bastion of our rich history and flora. Part of our proceeds will help in the preservation of the Island's history and continue to assist with preservation efforts being undertaken by WAMU (part of the oldest Methodist organization) comprises of the Zion church on Dublin and Jehovah in Ricketts. We hope to bring attention to these two treasures (even in their deteriorating state) and possibly help in their renovation.
You may visit the highlights of our BANANA ISLAND TOURS
2. ASPIR Association of Sports for the improvement of Refugee/Returnees
ASPIR was founded in 1998 in Gueckedou, Guinea through the initiative, organizational and financial support of F Noel Sagna in the mission of assisting traumatized refugees in the various camps.
In reaction to the lack of community unity within the camps and increased gender violence, human rights abuses and delinquent activities.
3. Number 2 River Development Association - This beach community embarked on a self-help program after the civil strife in Sierra Leone, providing clean water, electricity and some housing at a time when little help was being provided by the government.
Afrikasgems Tour and partners have assisted the Association in providing income generating features to their beautiful village. They have created a safe, clean and relaxing environment with beach shelters, villas, a new restaurant and several excursions.
4. Nenneh's Children Relief - Founded in 1996 The Nenneh's Children Relief Fund was established in New York by Ms. Remi Saunders (a school teacher) to support the efforts of Nenneh's Preparatory School. NCRF is a non-profit organization to which the owner of Afrikasgems Tour & Marketing has personally contributed precious time since its infancy.
Date(s): updated AUG. 2009. 1 - 4 of 4 Total. Shared |
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1.
Heritage Ambassadors HERITAGE AMBASSADORS
This is an ongoing program that encourages local artisans, grassroots tourism efforts & prospective tour guides. The program was conceived alongside ongoing efforts by Afrikasgems Tour/Mt. Lion Excursions, The Sierra Leone Monument & Relics Commission and the Ministry of Tourism.
Through this program we are empowering the city youth, local villagers, artisans and generally interested candidates interested in Tourism related programs to discover and respect their country and its NATURAL BEAUTY. In return these individuals will have a chance to work as guides and hopefully continue in the Heritage Tourism trade--"Success is measured in self-sufficiency" and we thus hope to see encouraging signs.
The HERITAGE AMBASSADORS were honored by having the Amistad America, Inc choose them as Tour guides during the 2007/8 Atlantic Freedom Tour of the Amistad Schooner which arrived in Freetown Dec.2007 to a grand welcome. |
| 342 Visits, 2 Images, Shared Album |
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| 2.
WA Methodist Church,Banana circuit (Sep 1, 2007)Banana Island descendants and The West African Methodist Church, Banana Circuit (WAMC)- This will be our fourth year of organizing discovery missions to Banana Island. Our goal is to research the history of the Island, located some 30km off the coast of Freetown and a bastion of our rich history and flora. Part of our proceeds will help in the preservation of the Island's history and continue to assist with preservation efforts being undertaken by WAMU (part of the oldest Methodist organization) comprises of the Zion church on Dublin and Jehovah in Ricketts. We hope to bring attention to these two treasures (even in their deteriorating state) and possibly help in their renovation.
You may visit the highlights of our BANANA ISLAND TOURS |
| 505 Visits, 4 Images, Shared Album |
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| 3.
Nenneh's Children Relief Fund (june 2, 2007)Motto: "learning is the light of life"
In 1996 The Nenneh's Children Relief Fund was established in New York by Ms. Remi Saunders to support the efforts of Nenneh's Preparatory School. The school was started as an orphanage, just after the 10year civil strife that plagued the Sierra Leone society. NCRF is another non-profit organization that the founder & owner of Afrikasgems Tour & Marketing has personally contributed time and money from its infancy. |
| 0 Visits, 0 Images, Shared Album |
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| 4.
A.S.P.I.R. (updated, june 2, 2007)Association of Sports for the Improvement of Refugees/Returnees.
63 Summer St
Goffstown NH 03045
45 Wellington Street, Freetown Sierra Leone
Tel: 603-497-5608
Fax: 603-529-4646
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ASPIR was founded in 1998 in Gueckedou, Guinea through the initiative, organizational and financial support of F. Noel Sagna and Kary Sagna with the mission of assisting traumatized refugees in the various camps. Noel hails from Casamance, Senegal and Kary from New Hampshire, USA.
In reaction to the lack of community unity within the camps and increased gender violence, human rights abuses and delinquent activities ASPIR has:
1. Established playgrounds and organized sports, cultural and musical programs.
2. Worked with refugees/returnees to foster community development based on peace, unity and reconciliation via constructive activities.
3. Counseled traumatized adults and youth through cultural and musical events.
Most recently ASPIR has utilized it’s funds in Koidu:
To set up a program teaching Reproductive Health for 200 students and training 5 teachers. Funding was received from National Aids Secretary/World Bank and NACSA
In Kailahun: ASPIR has built a resource center with 500 seats with a vital need for more benches and tables. In addition there is a need for equipment for the drama area, library and indoor activities. |
| 0 Visits, 0 Images, Shared Album |
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