In November, Ms Tran invited Elaine Maane, a representative from the South African STEPS organization, to our English class. STEPS is a non-profit organization that produces documentaries using the voices of marginalized and disadvantaged communities to educate around human rights and environmental issues.
As part of the workshop, we viewed shortened versions of two separate documentaries: “The New Boats” and “Boubé of the Fulani”. “
The New Boats” is an investigative documentary that provides a revealing look at the impact of international industrialized fishing on West African waters and its catastrophic effects on local communities.
Sulaiman Kamara, a local fisherman, and Woody Backie Koroma, the Public Relations Officer of the Sierra Leone Artisanal Fishermen Union, passionately advocate for local fishermen and are desperately trying to avert an environmental disaster, with West African fisheries teetering on the edge. The immense damage caused by industrial fishermen, not only to the village people but also to the wildlife, shocked my classmates and me.
“Boubé of the Fulani” is a documentary that delves into the life of Boubé, a young man from the Fulani tribe in Benin. The film explores the tribe’s nomadic lifestyle, their deep connection with the land and livestock, and the challenges they face due to climate change, water scarcity, and land disputes. Boubé is depicted as a resilient and courageous individual who harbors a deep affection for his tribe and a strong commitment to preserving their way of life.
The film presents a compelling narrative that resonates with the universal human experience, making it a must-watch for those interested in diverse cultures. After viewing these two films, we formed groups to discuss the environmental issues presented in the documentaries in a global context.
It was a truly interesting experience, and we thank Elaine Maane for visiting our class and giving us the opportunity to learn more about environmental issues from a different perspective.
Krisztián Bende, Q12
