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You write the entries to your guest book is untraceable and that you are anonymous. If this is tru then how can the webmaster write in a email that a email came from iicd. Are you keeping a record of the people who writes to you? And if this is the case why should we trus you and your half stories (only your side of it).

Dear Martin - who are working at Tvind Why are you at that school if you dislike it??

The tracks we left behind when I was in Africa are great! Whatever you say - I am proud of what I have done there and If you can do better in another way - tell me about it and I will be happy to join maybe?? Karin

Can anybody just write what the like here on this page. It seems to me that you can just throw a lot of shit out without even being a member or former member of this Tvind thing. I believe that people should have a chance to defend them self and also that people should make up there own mind instead of the opinion of others. It is good with opinion but, if you can't come up with better things like this, people without names, accusation from secrets source etc. etc. then I think this home pages should be close. If you write some of the things that you have on your home page in a newspaper, you would be ruin with the entire lawsuit the could make here. Another thing I dont understand is how can you be in an organisation for I dont know how many years, and then turn on it like some of you people has. If I dont like my job or the place I am, I would leave it. You must be very slow or very weak. This guy who has been in the organisation for 20 years and is now working for this home page, should get a life instead of trying to please other people. Are you a lonely man without friends? Or are you just the type of man, you love to hate? If you have been there for 20 years and then suddenly see the light and now have a mission of saving other people then I think you should have your head exanimate. Or is there another reason why you left the organisation? Didnt you get enough for yourself? This is my point here; it is so easy to throw some accusation out on a web page with out giving people a chance to answer back. Who are you people behind this guy? What are your motives for this? I dont believe he is cleaver enough to come up with and idea like this. He cant think for himself. Is there a deeper ideology behind or is it just another hate page? These was some of the question I had so I will finish for now, and I dont mind writing my name or hide me behind false name, and email addresses. And to all you people out there, dont let other people tell you what you should think, think for yourself instead. We do not live in the middle age where churches and noblemen, decreed what we should think.

Ray Steven ray_uk29@hotmail.com

To your all

I'am danish, working at a tvind school in Denmark and against the totalitarian ideology that characterizes every tvind-related project. This might confuse many pro-tvind/ -Humana students.

At the school I work, I have noticed that the teachers mislead the students, when they ask why the danish authorities are investigating tvind. Just as some people in this guestbook does, they characterize the hole matter as a witch-hunt, but this is not the thruth. To avoid any futher misunderstandings I will shortly describe what is beeing investigated by the danish authorities.

As all of you presumably know: In Denmark Tvind has stored millions in foundation to avoid paying taxes of their income. But according to danish law the fundation has to be independent, which in short terms means, that the money in it only can be used in accordance with the regulations that defines it. What the danish authoryties has documented in court is, that millions has been spend to protect investments, that can't be justified, when looking at the regulations that defines the foundations. It has been documentet in court that Jrgensen, on request from Amdi, several times has transferred money from the foundation without taking notice of, what happend with the money. And some people speculate, and i will not blame them, "Ofcouse they know where the money went", but the problem is that they will not tell. To find out where the money went, danish police, in co-operation with police from aboard, has been and is investigating Tvind accounts around the world.

This didn't happen suddenly. Every time the danish authoryties has asked to see the balance sheet, in the last 15 years, where every transfer should be written down, there has been many suspicious-looking transfers and not sufficient documentation to proff what the transfered money was spend on. Therefore all the big headlines: NOT ALL THE TRANSFERED MONEY WAS SPEND ON AID PROGRAMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOUNDATIONS REGULATIONS. Who in their right state of mind can blame the danish authorities for interferring? I hope my point is clear eventhouhg my english isn't very good.

regards

frosig2001@yahoo.dk

To the tax fraud investigation poster.

So you don't think the fact that Tvind is taking money that was earmarked for schools in Denmark and funneling elsewhere is wrong? Seems like a misuse of the public trust at best.

Also, I'm so tired of the Tvind argument that "because we chose to put our money in common we are being unfairly judged". It has nothing to do with that. There are lots of groups that share a common economy - the Hutterites of Kansas and Nebraska to name but one example - and they are not hounded. The reason that Tvind and the TG are looked at is because they take public money and fund raise as a non-profit, do projects that no outside reviews, engage in some seriously strange book-keeping habits, and then cry foul when anyone asks them to explain themselves.

Feel free to continue to call it a witch hunt but I think your preaching to your own choir. Anyone with a gram of perspective on Tvind realizes that some seriously funny stuff has been going on.

Matt

Anonymity represents cowardice and illustrates that you wish to hide sth, as I see it.

You are definitely barking up the wrong tree with that superfluous, excrescent crap.

_______________________

Donnie

The tax fraud investigation.

First forces in the government of Denmark has, illegally closed down 26 schools in the school cooperation Tvind system. Not because that they think that the schools are doing a bad work (According to the minister O. V Jensen) but because that the TG was canalising money from the state to other projects. If the schools would not have had teachers in the TG they would never hav questioned this. The only "hutch" is that some teachers at this school did not chose to do what most people do with their money. They chose to put their money together.

The implementation of this "special law against a group of people" is an obvious crime from the side of the government that was condemnd by the highest court in DK!!! 11 out 11 judges voted in favor of the "tvind schools". The government was convicted. A crime against the constitution! This is a serious situation for the DK government. THAT is criminal!!!

Now is a new action called "Tvind = tax fraud". Strange. "Tvind" is allready convicted, even without a trial!!!! How come that the Danish authorities after many of years control suddenly can change the rules and their laws directed to a group of people? This is what I call modern witch hunt!!! The Humanitarian fund that are "accused" has followed the laws and rules that are required. This has been supervised by the autorities in DK for 10-15 years!!!!! Now it is not legal huh!!!? Outrageous!!!! This IS a modern witch hunt!!!

A plot. I agree. A very serious one

What is the constructive project of this site? To inform the world that there is another side to Tvind, and open the eyes of the many thousands of volunteers who would otherwise remain in ignorance that they are in danger of being exploited, used and even cheated.

It is interesting to note that Tvind's apologists on this guestbook never mention the fact that Tvind is being investigated by police in Denmark and the USA or that Tvind's founder is wanted internationally for fraud. That is a fact there is no getting away from, I'm afraid.

How do they explain that? A capitalist plot, I suppose.

Given the increase in tirades on this list on the part of pro-Tvind people it appears that the Tvindalert is having an effect. They must be worried that finally an alternative view is going beside the propaganda that is available at their websites.......

message to T.....I'd be more than happy to start on the topic of lying when it comes to Tvind. After all its what Tvind does best.

so what good does Tvind Alert do for the world do you have any constructive projects or are you just there to piss on others?

former volunteer with humana i had a great time in angola, we started 3 schools for 240 streetchildren

You at Tvind Alert must be RACISTS!

Do you really think that the thousands of african people involved in the HUMANA PEOPLE TO PEOPLE projects are Stupid? Why do you not give credit to the fantastic work of Humana People to People and the African people who are working very hard to get out of powerty!

This site is Made in GREAT Britain! Well historically maybe this country did not do so well to develop Africa and help people out of Powerty!

go to www.drh-movement.org and read there more about what humana is really doing

Former volunteer with Humana PP in Africa

Dear makers of this website,

I think that this page does not have any creative purpose, only a destructive one: to stop development of the world and the third world in particular! Since you make all these (very clumsy made) horror stories about Humana's and the Teacher Group's work, you might scare quite some people from actually going to Africa and do good development work. Just because you are not doing any development work yourselves, do you then have to destroy for and write a lot of crap about others who are actually DOING it? Maybe you would like to take over? Come to Denmark and run over 60 schools for disadvantaged children, or maybe you can come and take over the running of over 150 development projects? You must have very little to do in your lives, since you are occupying yourselves so much with going against something! Try to do some work yourselves instead! There is plenty that needs to be done, get your hands out of the pockets and start!

Best Regards,

Peter Wik

The bickering that takes place in this guestbook and the childish manner in which people are communicating with one another is a PERFECT example of what I couldn't wait to escape when I left the TG!!!! The arguments that pro-Tvind writers attempt to make in their defense are completely moronic.

Yeah, that somebody spells bad "really prove" that Tvind is a cult eh?

Yeah, Red House sure did wonders for your spelling and grammar eh?

To M

I believe critiquing and lying is 2 completly different things. Do the aim really justify the means to that extent?

From T

i was amazed 2 cum across this site.also very sadded.i live in the uk.was a social worker in la & vol sector spent time @ international small schools denmark and had then been recruited 4 red hse uk .felt i was going 2 b brainwashed and declined.my close fried and wrk colleuge did spend time at red hse and i could never find it in me 2 vist her there' and it was not encouged anyway 2 maintain contact with friends and family.she would joke that she would not 4give me 4 abandoning her there 4 2yrs or so .but we live 2 joke about that experience.wotever did and has gone on i know and feel that i with my colleuge surported wot was on offer in principle 2 many young pepole in care in the uk. and were all provide in the early days of tvind with wot i feelwere invaluble life skills and experince that we all would have been denied within an antiqueted system.i still have my red scaff from that inter youth camp !!!!!!!

Hi Line,

Thanks for your posting. A couple of questions/points.

(1) In my experience it is not just Michael Durham and "friends" who are critiquing the TG but a whole range of people, governments and non-profits. You can delegimate this site by personally acting the person who runs it.

(2) I'm glad to hear that you've enjoy your experience in the TG. However, based on my experience at IICD, I would say that you are the minority. Very rough estimates from my year at IICD put the percentage of people who joined the TG at five percent, the number of people who were actively and vocally upset with the TG at around 35 percent and the other 60 percent scattered in between.

(3) What has happened with the 200,000 trees since you left? Were they on a Tvind plantation? How have they helped the local population.

(4) IICD audited funds. I'd love to see a report and find out who the auditor is. All I've ever seen on the IICD site are tax returns which are an entirely different thing.

I look forward to your response.

M

Hello, My name is Line and I have been a member of the TG for almost 11 years now. I am sorry to say to you who are thinking this is going to be a juicy story on the horror of my life, that I AM HAVING A GREAT LIFE! It is pretty mindgoggeling for me that a few people can be so upset about what we do, that they are willing to use time and energy into creating so much negativity about it. Personally, I can make a very looooong list of what I have done of positive things in my life with the TG. Let's face it, -Michael Durham and his close circle of friends, must be putting quite some energy into maintaining this site. What a life that is! (as an average interlectual person, I would be intrigued to know how much money there is in this business...)? Well, back to myself. I joined DRH Norway when I was 19, after I started to question how this hole world is put together, and by being sick of seeing glimps of the economic and social discrimination that rule part of our world. It was a very concious decisision I made for myself.I think that is the first mistake you do on this web page, thinking that the individuals who join us are in some way not capable persons, able to make dicisions in their own life. That we in some way are lured into a life where we do not take our own dicisions.That we are drawn into a situation where we can not get out. Bullshit (if anyone should get offended by this, try to take the crap that we sometimes get just by hearing from Mr. Durham and his friends) I am 33 years old, have a well of experiences from traveling and keep myself up to date with what is going on in the world. I am perfectly capable of walking out the door of IICD when I find that this is not the life I want. But I do doubt that will happen in the near of distant future, since I am quite happy with what I am doing! Anyway, I would like this to be a positive contribution, so just for a provocative continuation, here is some of the thing I have been part of as a member of the TG: *Helped local communities in Zambia plant over 200,000 trees (environment has always been my burning interest)*Trained over 300 voluteers in Denmark and now in US to do grass roots development work in Africa, India and Central America. *Been and is also now a person who use my personality to tell about the need of cultural and developmental exchange between people in different parts of the world. You see, I think one of the greatest treath to continued discrimination, racism and inequality in this world is ignorance and fear. IICD and the other DRH's schools are directly challenging people to take part in fighting this ignorance. By joining these programs we give people who are fortunate to have the human surplus a chance to do development work, to travel and to learn and make friends with ordinary people in the 3rd world who many times are deprived of these basic rights. We offer a program that challenge many people,and that is a clear fact from day one. Who of development instructors will not testify to the fact that fudraising sucks some days?? Yes, it does! But that is no secret! And, but the way, there is no secret either, that you also meet nice people on the streets while fundraising. I guess that is part of my point: This, our reality is too sophisticated to be seen in black or white. There are good and bad things with everything you do. If you feel that the IICD program is not beneficial to you, well -there is a clear reembursement plan on the enrollment form, and you are free to leave. There are plenty of other organizations that offer other programs. Honestly speaking, it is quite something to believe that our participants are too dull or something to not be able to take a clear dicision on that. And, from the many 1000 of Development Instructors that has been at one of our schools and been working with Humana, there are bound to be some how do not agree with how we work. Anything else whould be weird! Oh, and all this crap about money going here and there, please! IICD is audited every year. Any participant here have the full right to see it, and are part of the economy through fundraising and be being responsible for part of it through their responsibility areas. Do we have problems sometimes? YES! plenty...Some people who come here do not take the drug and alcohol policy serious, some are lazy and get away with it, sometimes we do not follow through well enough with the studies. But we are also fully awake to see that when these things are happening, and we take action to change them. I would encourage people who are interested in knowing about development work, to come and visit us. We have prepatory weekends where you can ask all your questions and talk to people here. And, I am sorry if we have offended a few people along the way. I would also like to say that I think it is pathetic how some of you who have left the TG can not stand up for what you have done in your life. If you have had a personal issue with how you organize your life, well, change it! and be man and woman enough to say that that part of your life is over, and move on! Everone who joins the TG know perfecly well what it entails, be it economically or socially or othervise. If it is not for you, -do something else, but stop using us as a scape goat for your wrong dicision. There are plenty of people who have left the TG and have had a good part of their life with us, and who are proud of what they have been part of! As for me, I am pretty content with my life, (I love watching movies, so if anyone will exchange thoughts on good movies they have seen lately, right on! My favorit right now is "Traffic".Ok, maybe not here on this site...) And, oh..if some of you should be offended by my bad spelling (I know I am not too good at that..) get over it! It's not what is important.

Greetings, Line Henriksen

In response to A Californian students story

As I read your article I can see that there are some thing that need to be cleared up. I am a volunteer working with CCTG and react on what you are writing as the reality here at CCTG is very different than what you insinuate and blatantly state.

Some points: When you ask about the qualifications needed to be a participant in one of the Programs CCTG is running and you get the answer it is open to everyone who is a hard worker that is completely correct. This is because One of the aims of this program is to present an opportunity to EVERYBODY who is interested in doing development work. You do not need to be a professional, you do not need to have a lot of money, you do not need to have years of previous experience or a tertiary education. You can have these things of course, you can be a lawyer, or a person living on the street and you are welcome in this program. Everyone can work to make a difference if they have the desire.

As you state traveling and working in Africa is a big task, a big responsibility, for CCTG and for each Development Instructor. A responsibility not to be undertaken lightly. As you also say, not just anyone is qualified to do this. This is why there is a 6 month training period at CCTG. The same length of time that people are in Africa. This is placing an equal emphasis on the training aspect as the work in Africa. This is something that is very necessary especially as CCTGs criteria for potential volunteers is that they need to be hardworking and serious and committed. After this training people are qualified to go and work in a 3rd world country.

To the training: If you have a look on the website of CCTG under New you can actually see the Program for the current team in training. This program explains in detail the education and how it is done. It explains the Studies, the Courses and the Experiences, 3 fundamental parts, and also the ideas behind having an education like this. Anybody can read this, its quite open about the whole training preiod.

To the fundraising: You mention that it can be good to encourage volunteers to get the support of the community. I completely agree. I am not sure why you assume this does not happen. CCTG is in a great small town in California that has various events happening that we take part in, however there are approximately 600 people living in this town. Therefore to rely only on only these people for support is unrealistic and inappropriate.

You state that Netup claims to people that they can raise all the money for a program fee in as little as three weeks. Actually on the website it says that for Netup in the US it takes between 10-12 weeks. If a person has applied for a scholarship so that they do not need to pay a full program fee then it may be possible to raise all they need in 3 weeks, yes. If you were to speak seriously to someone about Netup one of the first things you would be told is that it is hard work, in no way easy money.

As to the projects the participants will work at in Africa, there is a direct link to the Development Instructor Webpage.

As to the 250.00 fee to participate in Netup, this goes to running costs. In many cases in Netup volunteers stay in an apartment, they use electricity, they have showers/baths etc. This costs money, therefore when you participate in Net up some of the money you earn goes to these costs. This is why people need to pay a fee to raise money. There is also the possibility not to do Netup. Of course people can continue earning and saving in their existing jobs. Netup is an opportunity.

This fact is the same for CCTG. You may ask why should people pay to do volunteer work? Why cant they get paid? Its simple. To run an institution costs money. Much more than most people can pay. Therefore at CCTG there is a system where participants pay a part of the cost of running CCTG,(the Program Fee) and they fundraise the rest together with the teachers, the last smaller percentage comes from support from Humana. People do not do this type of work to get rich, and I agree with you that in the normal job it does not make sense. If you were to be a Development Instructor you pay to work hard and you do not get paid for it. A little different than the norm. That is why it has to be volunteer work. People who do this do it because they want to and understand it. They can have a great experience and do something good.

About being disorganized, I think CCTG is pretty well organized, but of course can be better. About being misleading, that may also happen however never intentionally, what would be the point? The people who get mislead will live at CCTG for 6 months during the training period, together with staff and volunteers. About being vague, also never intentional, but of course may happen, about being destructive, never.

Thanks for reading

In response to whomever you are: YES, I do believe it is best for locals to have control of that which is taking place in their community. The fact that you would see it differently only proves my point. Nothing in what I stated implied an "us" and "them" point of view. Quite the opposite, really. Name one situation in your life when you would rather have an outsider control what directly affects your well-being. Choice is an imperative and control of what happens to one's community is also important. What makes you think that a Swede or Dane who has the ultimate freedom to leave the country whenever he or she likes is in any way on the same common ground as an Angolan or Mozambican? From what reality is that expatriate working? His/her own European reality or an African reality? Don't you get my point???? Have you ever read anything about the history of development assistance in Africa and/or Central America? Try taking a look at "Mozambique: Who Calls the Shots" by Joseph Hanlon or any other well-researched piece on the subject. Heck, just ask an Angolan or Mozambican what he or she really thinks about the multitude of white foreigners running the projects in their communities. Of course, you would have to have actually had a real conversation with one of them to know what they really think! How many Africans have been "trained" to manage DAPP projects? Please don't insult my intelligence. It's not DAPP's priority by any means. - Jafina

To Jafina

The world is changing. When you are talking about "handing the projects over" you start to divide into "us and them". So, a development project is good if it is "run/lead" by locals and it is not so good if it is "run/lead" by a Swede or Brit?

I certainly dissagree with that point. Development is created by people that are doing the work. If they are Danes or Zimbabwians I do not really care.

From a person that thinks Humana consits of dedicated people running some good projects

THIS WEBSITE CONTAINS FALSE INFO SAID TO BE FROM A VOLUNTEER WHO WORKED IN NICARAGUA. I KNOW BECAUSE I AM THE VOLUNTEER. THIS RAISES FUNDAMETAL DOUBTS OVER ALL OF THE INFO ON THIS WEBSITE. I WILL BE TAKING BOTH LEGAL AND DIRECT ACTION AGAIST THE TVINDALERT PRICKS WHO THINK THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH SLANDERING PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS LIKE ME. OTHER STATEMENTS CARRIED FROM UNITA FASCISTS SHOW THAT TVINDALERT IS IDEOLOGICALLY MOTIVATED AND PROBABLY SUPPORTED BY THE SAME WARMUNGERS WHO FUND UNITA. ANGOLAN TEACHERS HAVE BEEN KILLED BY UNITA/TVINDALERT, THIS IS WHY NON-ANGOLANS MUST CONTINUE TO VOLUNTEER AND WORK IN ANGOLA. IMPERIALIST CRIMINALS OUT OF ANGOLA NOW VIVE MPLA, VIVE DAPP

The defense against Tvind Alert postings on behalf of pro-Tvind representatives seems to be exceeding those postings that back Tvind Alert. This is frustrating. Yet, it makes perfect sense. While I have first-hand stories of my disasterous and even life-threatening experiences as a member of the TG, I still believe that it is up to each individual to make his/her own independent decision about the organization as a whole. (Of course, I would prefer to hear that Tvind and its entire conglamerate of alternate organizations/names were near extinction.) It's hard for me to fully knock Tvind b/c it often does expand the minds of many middle class Westerners from around the world by offering a vast array of opportunities to visit poor, developing countries. However, in the broader field of "development aid", one really cannot say that Tvind is creating such fabulous, sustainable projects. For example, can someone name one project that has ever been handed over to the people whom it proposes to serve? I know of hundreds of Tvind projects -- particularly in Africa -- that have been in existence for over 20 years, but still have not changed hands and been given to African citizens to run. More often than anything, the projects are run by Danes, Brits, Americans or Swedes. The few rare situations in which an African runs a project (i.e., Zimbabwe), you can surely bet that the African is a full-fledged, dedicated member of the Teachers Group. When will the African people be enabled to run these projects without ADPP mandating TG rules of common economy/common time, etc. (rules which, by the way, completely conflict with the basic African values and realities!)? -- Jafina

I certainly do not agree with a lot written on this site.

To whomever was asking about Mattias...He was in Dowagiac at IICD-MI...but just recently left (end of June). He was going to go to Ireland with a guy named George McGrand. They were starting their own (hmmm...)not for profit program there.

Hello, I am not sure what to write here, but mostly I think that what I want to offer an opportunity for the Webmaster and/or authors of this site to ask any questions that have about Campus California and other organizations that work with Humana. I am currently volunteering at CCTG and am not enrolled in any program, I am here mostly because I had quit my job in order to go traveling and to see some more of the world than America and thought that this was a nice place to be for a few months along the way. I have read through this site quite extensively, and I must say that the majority of what I have read seems to be extremely biased. I am not trying to go to the other end and single-mindedly defend CCTG or Humana, but I do want to point that fact out. I have written for a newspaper and can recognize editorializing and worse, the way one can use words and sentence structure to twist, through connotation and other devices what was originally meant or expressed. If the authors and contributors to this site have an interest in finding out more about the various groups reported on here, I say more power to them. It is essential to life in general and is only wise to do to try to inform oneself and to be curios about things. But a lot of this material has the feels akin to the witch-hunts of old rather than a rational and informed look into the facts of the matter. Question everything; pursue the answers ruthlessly, but DO NOT DO SO WITH AN EXPECTATION FOR A CERTAIN RESULT. If you do this, it negates your entire purpose. That is, assuming that your purpose is to inform those who want to be and to try to do good in ensuring that Humana and ect. are not doing evil or bad things. People can say anything, can write anything, but in the end the only thing that matters is the way that things actually are. I guess that what I am trying to communicate is that if this is what you feel you need to do, then do it, but do it in a way that is true to the spirit that you profess motivates you to do so. If you have any questions about CCTG or anything else I will be more than happy to answer them candidly, truthfully, and publicly (through your guest book). I hope that this at least makes you and those that visit your site think a little bit. Looking back, how many of the stupid and bad things that have happened in human history would have happened if people had stopped and taken a step back to look at things from all angles rather than just proceeding with out even trying to do so? I am not saying that this is always an assured cure to things, it is not, but can anyone actually say that it is a bad thing? Hopefully this will help some people to reevaluate where they are coming from and where they are going. Good luck.

Add your African site to this new African search directory. www.linksforafrica.com

Hullo,am interested in joining thisTVind though am not aUSAcitizen,what can i do because am seriou about it email address ;musisifj@yahoo.com postal " musisi fredric 14415,mengo,k`la ,ug.e.a please need more information.

Jan:

It is good that this page exists. It is good that people are making efforts in trying to find out about "Tvind". But I still think that the people behind this site can do with selecting information a bit more carefully.

I have made some research upon this organisation and I can only say that it is causing even more confusion. I can agree upon that the organisation could do with some more informationwork and "clear papers".

//Jan

Correction:

http://www.tvindalert.org.uk/stories/ellen's_story.htm

To all guestbook readers.

Tvind Alert Chat Forum

This is to let you know that a new Tvind Alert chat forum has been organised. This is similar to the guestbook, in that it encourages open debate and allows people of every shade of opinion to post views, opinions and experiences. (But not out-and-out propaganda or spam). Unlike the guestbook it is possible to engage many other forum members at once in immediate discussion, to exchange information and to mail directly to each other if they wish. Discussion threads are accessible on a website. This newly launched site has a small membership now but it is growing at the rate of several people a day.

To join send your email address to feedback@tvindalert.org.uk or follow the link on the front page of the Tvind Alert site.

The latest posting is from a woman who has just returned from working for Humana India. Her posting is also available on Tvind Alert on: http://www.tvindalert.org.uk/stories/ellens_story.htm

Tvind Alert

Dear student who just posted

If it is up to the individual to decide, Why are you so threatened by individuals decideding that Tvind is bad news?

I'm glad to hear that you agree that people need to get more information than just from the Humana site but my question is, if not here, than where?

Btw, how about a public financial statement from Humana/Tvind/Dapp/IICD. Real non-profits put theirs on a web page

http://www.oxfam.org/what_is_OI/a_report/statement.htm

I am a volunteer at the moment. I think that you are biased about most of what you write on you page. I am not a member in a cult and either are the othe people in the school. To call it a cult means that you are saying that everyone in the orgainsation has been easily manipulated. I think you are far from the point. I don't care about your opinions on Tvind, and if it means you go to Africa to help them by fundraising then yes I'll do that. I also don't agree with everything the teachers group do but I think what you are devoting your time and effort to could be used to make some good. Instead of saying Tvind is this and that get off your arse and make a charity that does "legitimate" work in Africa. You have to understand that they are people who enjoy this experience, yes there is highs and lows; good and bad points, but it is up to the individual to decide. You say that you won't read about what happened in Angola on a Tvind site, well you don't inform people about the good work that is done by the volunteers in Africa. They are alot more success stories than the likes of James'story. So what I am trying to say is give your head a shake son. Get over it and let people make up their own decision. People do need a balance not just information from a Humana site but not information from a slanderous site like yours.

Jan,

Read the stories of individuals who direct experience with Tvind/IICD/DAPP. This is not some vast conspiracy out to destroy an organization. This is an effort to shed some light on a very secretive organization that has some very questionable development projects and techniques and make them accountable for their actions. In a word its called citizen action.

People who say they are running non-profit development organizations have an obligation to both be transparent about their finances (in order to ensure donors that their money is being well spent) and open to critique about their programs successes and failures.

A couple of other points.

(1) Please provide the examples of when newspapers have retracted their statements about Tvind. I'd be curious to see them.

(2) About the money staying with Tvind. There is no argument that people or organizations shouldn't be allowed to spend the money they raise on their own projects. Makes perfect sense. The problem is when there is no clear trail from monies fund-raised to projects. There are standard accounting and management procedures used by non-profits around the world that are easy to implement to show this trail. The fact that Tvind is vague and confusing about this leads to suspicions.

(3) Closing down the website until a proper investigation is made. I have been part of Tvind and I've read the stories posted here about other people's experiences, the investigations of national governments and other non-profits. It sounds and looks thorough to me. What would you want? That no critique be made despite considerable reports on problems with Tvind? This is an old stalling technique.

Regards...Matt

IN REGARDS TO JAN, THIS SITE MIGHT BE ALL ABOUT HOW TVIND IS BAD, BUT IF THESE PEOPLE THAT VISIT THIS SITE WANTED WHAT IS "GOOD" ABOUT HUMANA THEY CAN VISIT THE MANY SITES THAT ARE PRO HUMANA. AS FOR ME I SAW WHAT THESE POEPLE ARE ABOUT. I HOPE EVERY KID THAT IS THINKING ABOUT JOINING THIS CULT READS THIS SITE AS WELL AS ALL THE BULLSHIT THEY BUT ON THIER PAGES.

Jan:

This site and the persons behind it is just as unserious as the organisation is said to be.

Please treat all information with critical eyes, mainly because of the following reasons:

# Most of the information is picked from roumers and newspapers. Most of the "news" have been more or less corrected and apologised by the newspapers mentioned, which of coarse isnt displayed here.

# There is only negative information displayed-note that "Tvind" is a very big organisation with a lot of people involved. Of coarse things can happen.

Here is some lines from the site:

"98% of UFF's taking stays within UFFs own activities in different places around the world."

Explanation: Uffs taking stays within the organisation, which is running charity projects. For running a school for street children (it is existing, I have been there myself and it is a very nice school) money is needed. This money comes from the organisation. 2% goes to direct sharity, which is the type of charity that is least efficient.

Also I read something like "they are said to drive expensive merchedes cars" This is also roumer based information.

Who ever put up this site:

#Close it down as long as you havent made proper research, visited the projects and are lacking capacity to select information.

//Jan M Ben_Rangell@theglobe.com

A very interesting site.I saw an ad in my local paper to teach kids and travel to africa and tried humana.org with no joy.What a bit of luck finding this site cause now i'm pissed off and will be contacting the paper,whether they know or not .I know a couple of people who write for said paper and i'm wondering if they would perhaps do a small peice informing others of this dodgy organisation.I believe a few more people could do with knowing about this NICE WORK

Jan:

I joined a project, including education at one of the Tvind Schools. One of the reasons for participating was to investigate how the schools were and how the projects was kept.

As a matter of fact both me-and most of my friends had positive experiences both at the Tvind school in Norway and The Adpp (DAPP) projects.

In Mocambique I made close studies of the projects and I found nothing to claim.

Though I noticed a small lack of capacity to run the projects. Dapp:s are hard working, dedikated people that sometimes have got more will than knowledge.

The organisation have been on the lead regarding methods to inprove and develop poor areas in the world. This might be why there have been a lot of small or big accidents organising or running the projects.

My experience is 100% good and I recommend strong people to join in! If you have had pzycological or other problems it might get tough for you. A lot of persons that joins the schools have had problems life, drugs, pzycological or other problems and wants to start a "new" life. This is why the school have had problems too.

I respect the fact that things might have gone wrong in some cases and that some persons might have been treated badly. This is beyond my knowledge and something that-as a matter of fact-is happening everywhere in the society.

Thank you for reading! Jan M Ben_Rangell@theglobe.com

Jan:

I joined a project, including education at one of the Tvind Schools. One of the reasons for participating was to investigate how the schools were and how the projects was kept.

As a matter of fact both me-and most of my friends had positive experiences both at the Tvind school in Norway and The Adpp (DAPP) projects.

In Mocambique I made close studies of the projects and I found nothing to claim.

Though I noticed a small lack of capacity to run the projects. Dapp:s are hard working, dedikated people that sometimes have got more will than knowledge.

The organisation have been on the lead regarding methods to inprove and develop poor areas in the world. This might be why there have been a lot of small or big accidents organising or running the projects.

My experience is 100% good and I recommend strong people to join in! If you have had pzycological or other problems it might get tough for you. A lot of persons that joins the schools have had problems life, drugs, pzycological or other problems and wants to start a "new" life. This is why the school have had problems too.

I respect the fact that things might have gone wrong in some cases and that some persons might have been treated badly. This is beyond my knowledge and something that-as a matter of fact-is happening everywhere in the society.

Thank you for reading! Jan M Ben_Rangell@theglobe.com

Who was talking about new teachers in Tvind?I saw Lotte the woman from the story of Chinese student just last weekend in Tvind

I'm visiting you again! I love your Breaking news and others like me love them too! We are thinking in creating a page named "Alert, Tvind!!!" It will be lateral thinking with many pictures. We will have a Graphic Section: "Fugitive Amdi!" But I don't say more!... Alert! and see... Toninho metralha!

Hey you spaks, check this one out and get a life!

www.drh-movement.org go to TCE!

jannaumann@mail.com

Is there any Italian or Italian speaking reader of Tvind Alert guestbook? Humana in Italy have been hassling and maybe threatening a journalist in Italy. His message is below. If anyone can write to him in Italian for Tvind Alert please pass a message to him through feedback at feedback@tvindalert.org.uk - I'll pass it on:

Please help me. Hi, scuse me for bad english I am <name omitted> a italian jornalist of Il Resegone of Lecco, small city near Milan in Italy. I wrote an articles about Humana people to people after Humana arrived in my town. I take a lot of material from yoru website about the off-shore society, the report of comunity comuniti of Englad and alla about Tvind, Uff and Dapp.

Now Humana people to people Italy wrote me that all the news are not correted. They said that Humana and Tvind are non toghetere, that Humana work with Unicef and caritas and the want take me on a justice Hall. I asked you some information about Humana and Tvind in official document of Charity Commis, of Unicef and so... I find some messagge on my car from people who said me: don't write about Humana.

Please help me.

Is there ay Italian or Italian speaking reader of Tvind Alert guestbook? Humana in Italy have been hassling and maybe threatening a journalist in Italy. His message is below. If anyone can write to him in Italian for Tvind Alert please pass a message to him through feedback at feedback@tvindalert.org.uk - I'll pass it on:

Please help me. Hi, scuse me for bad english I am <name omitted> a italian jornalist of Il Resegone of Lecco, small city near Milan in Italy. I wrote an articles about Humana people to people after Humana arrived in my town. I take a lot of material from yoru website about the off-shore society, the report of comunity comuniti of Englad and alla about Tvind, Uff and Dapp.

Now Humana people to people Italy wrote me that all the news are not correted. They said that Humana and Tvind are non toghetere, that Humana work with Unicef and caritas and the want take me on a justice Hall. I asked you some information about Humana and Tvind in official document of Charity Commis, of Unicef and so... I find some messagge on my car from people who said me: don't write about Humana.

Please help me.

I have received an e-mail which informed me that all the students at the new college in Yunnan have run away owing to the poor conditions and bad treatment they received.

Hi, there!

Very good job you are doing in letting people express themselves about what they think of Humana, Tvind and stuff.

I went to IICD and did a programme to Angola,Africa. The six months were not easy, mostly because fundraising is no easy task. But I'd do everything again! What those guys do in Angola is big, and instead of criticising them, I'd much rather try to help people that dedicate their whole lives to help people down there, like the members of the teacher's group I met in Africa, that by far don't live a glorious life in the bushes in Africa. they work very hard, and are helping many people indeed.

I strongly recommend anyone to do their programme and have a chance of making a difference, and change their lives.

Thank you,

Sidnei.

Hi.

Let me first thank those who are behind "Tvind alert". You are doing a great job.

Then I would like to share something with you all, especially those who have been angry and hostile in this guestbook. You seem to think that "ex tvindmembers" have no right to criticize Tvind, because they joined it voluntarily. You also frequently ask questions like "if the organization is so terrible why did you join it" and "if it was so bad, why did you stay so long". I will try to give you my answer to that.

When I became a student at a Tvind "traveling highschool" I had never heard of the organization. I was looking at a list of Scandinavian "folk high school" when I saw this interesting school that combined studies of the world with traveling. I found it all very interesting and went to Norway without knowing what I was getting me into. The school turned out to be rather overwhelming. The teachers were charming and enthusiastic but they were also very domineering and discouraged any criticism of their work very strongly. From the first day I had a nagging feeling that something was very wrong, but I didn't allow myself to think that way, the problem was surely with me, and not the organization. Much went on in the "studying" and working period, but the oncoming voyage to India kept me going. The trip itself was both wonderful and terrible. I was nearly raped, I had constant diahorrea and I was robbed - among other things. But I also met some wonderful and courageous people who affected me deeply. I saw poverty and injustice everywhere and I sincerely wanted to do something to help. The teacher kept saying that the only way to really do something was to join the teachers group. I had only a vague idea what that was but I was exhausted and he was a very pervasive man. The long and short of it was that I joined the group when I came back to Norway.

I was assigned to a primary school in Denmark run by Tvind. It was a boarding school for troubled kids who for a variety of reasons didn't fit into the regular school system. There were only three qualified teacher there, the rest of the staff was inexperienced. The work conditions vere terrible. Those kids really needed help and the teachers tried to help them but we were overworked and underqualified. We didn't have any time off, we lived in the school and were constantly on duty. I wanted to leave early on, but I had become fond of the kids and I had some progress with some of them so it was hard to leave them. Exhaustion was also a factor, it is hard to think straight when you never get enough rest. Finally after two and a half years I had enough and left. I had come to disagree with almost everything the teachers group stands for, but I found that there was no way for me to change anything. I left empty-handed with only the clothes that I wore. Later on I have realized I was exactly the kind of person cults like Tvind go for. I was young and alone, I was insecure but hardworking, intelligent but inexperienced. I also had a strong desire to help people and a keen sense of the injustice of our world. Ergo : I was easy prey.

All I want to say is that I was a member of one of the schools. There is a lot of pressure put on the students, because in Africa you will need to be resourceful and commited, work hard and deal with a multidtude of problems due to the relentless situation there: poverty, AIDS, illetracy, colonial systems. If you cannot cope with pressure in Europe - how would you be able to cope in Africa, where the pressure is higher? If you do not make your target in fundraising - i.e. make the money you need to pay for your education, your ticket etc, you cannot expect other people to raise it for you. You cannot treat your team mates like shit. From hearing from "3rd periods" it sounded like they did a good job in Africa, despite endless struggles with communication, adverse conditions and lack of just about everything. I didnt learn the native tounge of the country that I was to be working in either - not enough anyway, because we didn't fully understand the importance of learing it. Lack of self discipline, I am afraid. I learnt the laguage once I got to my project. Students in the school gave the language lessons - they were from Portugal and did a brilinat job. Do join!

All I want to say is that I was a member of one of the schools. Their is undue pressure put on the students, if you do not make your target in fundraising you are told you are lazy, that you have to raise your standerds and generally made to feel like shit. From hearing from "3rd periods" it sounds like they do jack shit in Africa. I didnt learn anything in my time at the school, not even the native toung of the country that I was to be working in. Students in the school gave the language lessons. Dont join.

As far as I can see you are looking after the needs of those who wish to complain about Tvind. From what I heard the Tvind guestbooks where repeatedly sabotaged and they couldn't be bothered to clean it up any longer. Actually, there is quite a lot of interesting articles at www.tvind.dk if you wish to look at what their side of the story is. I have written some emails to people there to ask some questions and they have all been answered, so this crap about that you cannot discuss with them is not true.

Linda

I'll take back my last comment, I've seen that at least one comment has reached the guestbook,

with regards Bertold

I put in a quick check with East Riding council and there is no application to open Winestead Hall as a children's home. HOWEVER a change of use to a private school or college for over-16s would not need planning permission. Thanks Eddy, keep your ears and eyes open.

it is very sad to see that neither of my comments reach the debate in the guestbook...

Bertold

Hey y'all

It seems to me that nothing has changed. The same old discussion about Tvind over and over again. I think it is becoming very boring debating about a organisation for over ten years. I've heard the same stories and same argumentation since 1991. I think the time has come let Tvind dor their stuff. Let the Danish Government do their job and let everybody else concern themselves with more serious matters like environment e.g. The whole discussion etc. has not had a deciding influence yet, and in my perception it won't either.

With regards Bertold

Hi my name is Eddy i worked at Winestead for 3 years as a nightwatchman. T my intrest you to know thatb the scool is trying to re-open and look after kids with sever behavioural problems again!!!! I think that this is just another money making project for the cult and should be stopped at all costs as it is only the kids who suffer. I will keep you all informed about this in the future Cheers Eddy

Obviously the Tvindies are starting to Cr*p themselves

Sunday: a sad attempt was made tonight to sabotage this guest book. I think we can draw our own conclusions.

Readers should be aware that submissions to this guestbook are archived and they can swiftly be replaced. They always will be.

this is truly the most pathetic "hacking" attempt I have seen in my life. Amdi would not be proud. :P

What on earth has been going on here?

Micheal you really need to ban these people, as they are making it very hard for people to acctualy post messages.

Answer: No,not lithuanian social service,they don't care about "problem kids" so much down there.I did it by myself.Lithuanian girl.

A few weeks ago tvind.dk removed its discussion board. Sadly, their guestbook has now gone too, leaving absolutely no opportunity for public debate and questions on the site. Can't say that I'm surprised, but it certainly is a step backwards!

Question: Who funded a Lithuanian "problem kid" to go to a Tvind school? The Lithuanian Social Services?

Hi again, Like I said,before,when I was in one of Tvind schools I hated it so much,but now things changed. DNS changed too,cuz all these old teachers don't have such a power like before(it seems like that).In their place came some new people,who ain't just working machines.Where else if not in DNS u can learn so easy how to deal with all kinds of problems and people?And that trip in India...If u ever gonna try it,u will keep memories and expierence for your all life.In Tvind u can learn so many important rules of living.For me it's kinda difficult to express myself,I hope u understand what I meen.I'm not fan of Tvind,not at all.But I think everybody can get something from there. Lithuanian girl.

Dear girl from Lithuania, Succesfully, Tvind exploit your difficult situation. Like they have done in for instance the old DDR, pulling many youngsters to Tvind and into the Tvind system. The Tvind system, in many ways, uses similar manipulative principles as were used in East Block countries, and Tvind being a totalitarian system itself, you are exactly "gefundenes Fressen" and easy prey for Tvind. You are their victims, and you do not realise. Why, really, can't you find more than a handful of young Danes at Tvind's schools? Do you really think it is all caused by a "bad press", as your Tvind leaders will tell you? Or could there be other reasons? For instance that they KNOW Tvind? -This is said with all respect for your own right of choice of your future.

Hi everyone, I have been in one of the Tvind bording schools in Denmark,I was one of those "problem kids" down there.And it was the worst time in my life,they didn't helped me with my problems,just were using me and made my life realy up-side-down.But now,i know a lot about Tvind,and I think that their ideas are great.Right now I'm studing in one of ex Tvind schools and school became my home.I imagining my future in Tvind,I'm planning to go in DNS,and after to work as a teacher.I think that Tvind ain't such a bad organisation.Everything depence on you,if u have strong personality,nobody is going to hurt u there.U can have the most greatest times of your life down in Tvind.Just don't let them use u,use them.As I do now,and everything gonna be cool. Girl from Lithuania.

if ya think about joining, think twice. Just came back and it is not worth it at all. If you are going for the traveling, buy a lonely planet and look under volunteer work. Other wise look up a GOOD organisation, they are out there. Saves you a lot of worries about how save your life is.

I'm a volunteer (soon to be ex-) of TVIND and I suggest people to research Tvind accurately before believing any of these stories...

can you please please find out if this tomas is from NYC the tomas i am looking for is a short latino guy plz write me back with the answer

iS IT THE TOMAS THAT IS AT CCTG IN ETNA CALIF?

i am looking for a guy named Tomas from NYC the last thing i knew about him is that he was going to Nicarugua with IICD MASS could you plz contact me here and tell him his whereabouts because i would like to get in contact with him

i am looking to get ahold of Tomas for NYC i last knew of him going to IICD MASS, to Nicagura this summer contact me here if you know of his whereabouts

C.I.C.D is shit. This is without doubt the most suspect place ive ever encountered. I read in a letter that stated you dont get money back when you leave, good joke, you have to pay them money when you leave. Of course you can do what i did and tell them to shove it up there arses. I left in may and really dont regret it at all. Seriously do not join C.I.C.D because youll probably regret it after your first fundraising trip.(biggest loada bollocks ever)

DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT A GUY CALLED HUGO TABARES? PROBABLY WORKING IN MOZAMBIQUE NOW. CHEERS.

Hi All,

Just thought I'd pass on the contrast between how IICD presents its work and how an outside observer sees it.

First - here is the home page of the current Nicaraguan team. http://www.iicd-volunteer.org/frames/team/Nic%2015/index.htm As far as I can tell all these people listed here are voluteers/particpants and not TG people. It's sobering looking through these bios and pictures and realizing what good intentions and interest in changing the world these folks have. Reminds me a lot of myself and the group of people that I got to know at IICD.

Then you read the letter from someone in sister city organization that visited the same town that this group is working in. http://www.tvindalert.org.uk/nicaragua.htm. Just by the description and some of the names you can tell that its the same group as IICD lists on its webpage. However, this outside observer who just stumbled onto the group provides a very pointed critique of what IICD is having these people do. With little preparation, training or support IICD is throwing this idealistic group into a situation where it is unclear what exact they can accomplish despite the best of intentions.

This I think is IICD real crime. Putting people in impossible situat

The things written on the Tvindalert pages not only insult me personally, but they also insult and humiliate those who are proud of what they are doing and proud of being part of development work. People, who are fair and understanding, are being attacked by people, who do not have any idea of fairness nor justice.

Why do these people do this way? I could imagine that this site is meant for channelling out disappointment and lack of meaning in the life. It is not their intension to seek out any kind of truth, but to spread misinformation and abuse freedom of speech.

Most of the things written on these pages are nothing less than full-blown lies of people, who are attempting to look like honest peace-promoting people, but in fact are trying to hide their own rotten agenda and use this site as their channel to spread propaganda.

Proud of being part of development, Kimmo Karsikas

Who the fuck is Frosig? It seems to me he dosn't have a life. Are you living for this page? Don't you have other things to do? If not, get a life. And that goes for the rest of you to. Forget this hate and anger and move on, life is to short for bitching around. It would be nice with some fact to make ones decission on instead of people who has nothing but gossip. Best wishes to all of you.

Arn.

Hi Tvind alert!

Don't worry, we'll keep you "alert" for as long as you like - and I think you'll give it up first.

Please visit www.tvind.dk

to experience the real thing instead!

Greetings, Peter Wik

Reply from Frsig To begin with, lets get straight what questions you asked. (I assume it was you that raised the questions, and if it wasn't you, you should make an effort to find out what question I answered, but to keep track of what we are discoussing I will repeat the questions). You asked: "What does it matter if someone would "consider" that the money [that they have given away to a foundation as if it] still "belongs" to them?". Read my reply agian - I argued that there is a differecde between "considering" and "useing" the money as if where your on after the transfer is made. You are right that judges hasn't spoken jet, but that desn't mean that TG, Amdi and Jrgensen is not criminel. A drugpusher is crimmenel even though the police hasn't got a case aginst him ore her. But just like many drugpushers, Tvind is not co-operating with the police - and accordig to tvinds history - they proberly never will. Why not? Why do thay keep trying to kill every open dialog?

Concerning www.fonden.org: Why should the information on site be trusted, when tvind cann't go in to and open dialog with critics. Journalists and scientists that has asked for acces to the research - to see how tvind does their research -are cicked out. If the research results are so good, why is it only the populistic interpretations that the public know about, and are allowed to see?

frosig2001@yahoo.dk

Is that illegal?? "It might be "stupid" but it certainly is not illegal. The Fond still has to and have follow the rules and laws. There is nothing illegal or criminal by giving your money away to fond. It is nothing criminal or illegal for the fond to use their money according to their objectives.

To frosig.

Don't you think it is terrible that US companies and private persons can write of donations from their taxes?? "Stealing money from the state"?

Or what is it that makes you think that being a company donating computers to a school is allright while donating money used to create wind energy, broadcast information from the "third world", support the AIDS work in Africa is not? Your logic does not make sense to me.

Anyone that studies what "fonden" has given money to cannot be in doubt that the projects are quite some good ones.

What does it matter if someone would "consider" that the money still "belongs" to them? Is that illegal?? It might be "stupid" but it certainly is not illegal. The Fond still has to and have follow the rules and laws. There is nothing illegal or criminal by giving your money away to fond. It is nothing criminal or illegal for the fond to use their money according to their objectives.

Your reasoning does not make sense!

To all you reading this. Take the opportunity to study www.fonden.org. What does make sense and what doesn't?

Look upon all the results that has been achieved by people donating their money. Quite amazing that so many people are willing give 15% of their salaries away!!! Why shouldn't they get tax reductions? That is a normal procedure in many places of the world.

Frosig. Maybe you want to donate some money?

To Frosig

First of all you need to work with facts.

1) The Fond is not convicted of any crime. Stop write about it as criminal. That is something based on your opinion, not on facts. 2) The Fond and its lawyers claim that the Fond has used the money according to their objectives. Ergo, they are not guilty until guilty proven. Further do I not believe that the people running the Fond are so stupid that they would put false information out on a website!!!! In this situation!! www.fonden.org clearly descibes all the projects that has been supported. It is several humanitarian, scientific and environmental projects that has been supported.

3) Read the Letter from a teacher group member that has got his computer stolen at http://www.tvind.dk/password_til_friheden.htm (I assume that you understand Danish). He obviously think that is quite strange that his computer has been stolen in the first place. I agree. I would compare it with You giving some money to a church. Some persons suspect that the church is not doing what they are supposed to. The Police break into your house and steal your computer. Do they call you and ask for your password? No!!! But the next thing you hear is that you might face jail for 6 months because you do not give your password!!!!!

Is its several Danish lawyers that is working on this case. This to protect the individuals, group and the Fond concerned.

People that are in the Teachers group and that have chosen to put 15% of their money into a Fond are living under the same sun and laws as any other Danish citizen. You can not make special laws and regulations for them.

"Is it something rotten in the state of Denmark"??

Scandinavia "Tvind"- Charity or Cult?

Tvind, nominally a charitable educational organization begun in Denmark, now with branches in many Western European countries, and the U .S ., is actually a multinational money-making conglomerate with cultic aspects, according to reports from the British and Scandinavian press and recent correspondence from former members.

Tvind--"Humana" in English-speaking countries-- has become known to the public through its Development Aid from People to ~le (DAPP), an organization that collects used clothing which it sells inexpensively or gives away in Third World countries, where it maintains community development projects manned by young recruits from Europe.

Tvind was founded in the early 1970s by the charismatic Mogens Amdi Petersen, who built a string of "progressive" boarding schools which specialized in taming troublesome children and emphasized a pro-Third-World outlook. There are now 40 Tvind schools in Denmark, Norway, the U.S., and Britain. The organization also owns plantations in St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Grand Cayman, and Belize, and a shipping company, all in the Caribbean, bringing the value of the group's property in 1989 to t:22 million.

According to Tvind, 12-15 percent of the clothing, the best of it, is actually sold in the group's shops in Europe, where advertising tells potential buyers that sales will benefit the overseas poor. Half of the clothing goes to Africa--where it is sold rather than given away in order to avoid creating an aid culture, says Humana, and to create jobs. Thirty percent is sold to rag traders, and 10 percent is given away.

A report prepared for the Swedish government in 1992 found that only 2 percent of money raised by the organization actually found its way to recipients in Third World countries, while almost 80 percent went for the salaries of project leaders and to train "solidarity" workers.. The report prompted a block on Swedish government funding for DAPP. Humana public clothing collection boxes are now banned in Oslo and Bergen, in Norway, while the Belgian govemment charity agency in 1993 advised cities in that country not to allow installation of the boxes. The Dutch government last year ordered an investigation of the operation. (From "Charity (Continued on page 9)

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: What it's Like in Tvind

Former member Anne Ellingsen, a Norweagian recruited into Tvind at age 16, in 1982, told a 1993 internationa conference on cults: "One really enters Tvind after about two years of living and traveling with one of its schools. Then, as a "teacher," the potential member is expected to sign a so-called "lifetime" contract, the conditions of which are to give all of your time, property, and earnings to Tvind. The contract is valid until age 67, one of my teachers told me. About 600 men and women live their lives like this. They have a harsh life and can be ordered anywhere on the globe at any time. One can expect to be separated from others with whom one has initiated close friendships. Tvind teachers work up to twenty hours per day, seven days a week, and all year around.

"The kinds of work they do includes organizing house construction in African countries, working children as young a five-years-old very hard. Indeed, Tvind uses child labor wherever it gets access to unprotected children, in Norway as well as in South America, Malaysia, or Morocco . . . . They claim that the projects help the Third World, but it just helps Tvind leaders accumulate wealth.

Totalitarian Teachers

"Some of my best friends became Tvind teachers, and soon cut off contact with their families. The sect sends photo-copied letters to the parents telling them how the sun is shining and their children are learning solidarity by practicing it in the Third World. A father got his son home for Christmas, but, as he told me, not in the conidtion he would have liked. Johnny was dead. He was my age and he was one of my best friends. But he became totally loyal to Tvind after extensive use of methods learned by Tvind teachers on study trips to Kampuchea, Albania, and North Korea. Tvind usually makes the parents pay for transportation for their children's coffins . . . . Let me end by quoting the former Danish minister of education, Mr. Bertil Haarder, in the Newspaper "Politiken": "I can testify that Tvind's tactics are to talk and talk, complain and harass, threaten again and again. They are clever and they are dangerous . . . . They are totalitarian Marxist with an unholy motive behind their organizaiton.""

Concerning a guestbook entry:

Hello you guys from Tvindalert! Can you please go to http://www.tvindalert.org.uk/tvind_on_the_internet.htm and update some of the links? There are failures in some of them. So do something useful. Thank you very much for the co-operation. With best wishes, Jan Naumann Promotion Manager :) ____________________________________________________

-ok, with a little help from your friends:

The link to DRH Southsealand is far too old. Please replace it through this one: www.lindersvold.dk

The rest of the links are fairly good. A bit messy, but basically ok. If I take some more time, I will make some suggestions to it later, how to improve and update the links. If you want, I can also make a comment to each of the schools under the links? Let me know. Thank you. Jan ;)

From Frsig

the last part after my signature, in the message below should have been removed. It as a part from a question raised to me further below.

Thank You, frosig2001@yahoo.dk

Reply from Frsig

I'am asked to consider if it is a problem if someone would "consider" the money they have given away to a found as if it still "belongs" to them. Secondly I'am asked if it is illegal. (These questions remind me of disussions I have with my 4 year old son, when somebody wants to borrow his toys)

Ofcouse it is not illegal to "consider" money you have given away to a found as if it is still your own, but according to danish law it illegal if you "use" the money as if it is still your own - there is a big difference. When it has been proven in court that the Teacher Group, Amdi and Jrgensen has used the money in the found as if was their own, nobody in there right state of mind will state that there is not a problem. The money should only be used in accordance with the objectives that defines the found, and ofcouse it isn't illegal if this is the case, but many investments that has nothing to do with the founds objectives has been financed, and therefore a crime has been comitted. If Tvind hasn't done anything wrong, then they should co-operate with the police instead of trying to sabotage their investigations. Did you know that the ones that wouldn't give up the password to their computers risk going 6 months to jail for not co-operating with the police? Would you keep back a password if you had done nothing wrong, and the information on the computer could clean your reputation? And considering that the information should be accesable for the public, according to danish law. does it look like a trustworthy act? And knowing, that the only reason that the police is investigating their dispositions is that they have keept back information, that every found in denmark is obligated to show the authorities, no reasonable person would try to sabotage their work.

frosig2001@yahoo.dk

? Is that illegal?? It might be "stupid" but it certainly is not illegal. The Fond still has to and have follow the rules and laws. There is nothing illegal or criminal by giving your money away to fond. It is nothing criminal or illegal for the fond to use their money according to their objectives.

Please seriously consider your motives if you are thinking about joining a Tvind program. Are you volunteering in order to get some experience in a developing country prior to university or prior to choosing a career? Are you going because you have a particular yearning to "help the poor"? If you are going to get some experience, I urge you to look into more reputable, shorter programs that have a greater long-term impact in the communities in which they are working. If you are joining in order to "help the poor", please think about how much more you would be able to do for the world if you first had an education and had expertise to share with others living in impoverished areas. - Jafina

Anyone who would like information about the Travelling Folk High Schools please contact me, i have just come back from one, and the findings were INTERESTING........ babylon_will_fall@hotmail.com

Contact me for the truth.

To frosig.

Don't you think it is terrible that US companies and private persons can write of donations from their taxes?? "Stealing money from the state"?

Or what is it that makes you think that being a company donating computers to a school is allright while donating money used to create wind energy, broadcast information from the "third world", support the AIDS work in Africa is not? Your logic does not make sense to me.

Anyone that studies what "fonden" has given money to cannot be in doubt that the projects are quite some good ones.

What does it matter if someone would "consider" that the money still "belongs" to them? Is that illegal?? It might be "stupid" but it certainly is not illegal. The Fond still has to and have follow the rules and laws. There is nothing illegal or criminal by giving your money away to fond. It is nothing criminal or illegal for the fond to use their money according to their objectives.

Your reasoning does not make sense!

To all you reading this. Take the opportunity to study www.fonden.org. What does make sense and what doesn't?

Look upon all the results that has been achieved by people donating their money. Quite amazing that so many people are willing give 15% of their salaries away!!! Why shouldn't they get tax reductions? That is a normal procedure in many places of the world.

Frosig. Maybe you want to donate some money?

Regarding Jafinas letter from here stay in Angola.

The Development Instructor program that is run by Humana People to people and the "travelling folkhigh schools" gives people the possibility to experience and learn about the world at the same time sas they contribute to development. It is a program open for anyone regarding race, opinions, previsous experience and education. The fundamental principle as that most anyone are allowed to participate and that development work is carried out by people that actually takes action. That is a principle that aims to include and not EXCLUDE! I have been in Angola and am proud of the work I have done. I have worked with child aid, teaching and in construction. It made a difference! For the people I worked with, for the area and for me. And again, development is carried out by people that have the wish to do so. I have seen 18 year old "young girls" doing an excredible good work and I have seen highly educated and experienced people not achieving much. I still appreciate everyones effort and input in doing something and wish them all my best. I also wish the "Oxfam people" and Jafina the best and just like the rest of us also they will learn by doing.

We need to take actions for a better world! Do not let the previous letter from Jafina dis-encourage you if you wish to join

Hello you guys from Tvindalert! Can you please go to http://www.tvindalert.org.uk/tvind_on_the_internet.htm and update some of the links? There are failures in some of them. So do something useful. Thank you very much for the co-operation. With best wishes, Jan Naumann Promotion Manager :)

To Those Readers Who Are Trying To Decide What To Do: Here is a short excerpt from a journal that I kept while I was a member of the Teachers Group. I'm not sure how it will help you in making your decision of whether or not to join or stay with Tvind, but I feel compelled to share it nonetheless.

"When I took this contract 12 months ago and agreed to join the TG, I only knew that I was getting a chance to return to Angola. That's all that seemed to matter to me. I forgot to contemplate the idea of living under DAPP ideals. That was my greatest mistake. Today I can still say that I want to continue to work in Angola or elsewhere in Africa. That's not where I have gone wrong. I've chosen the correct vocation and location, but I simply didn't choose the proper organization with which to work. My mind and heart keep fighting a tug of war. My mind, on one hand, thinks that I should stick it out and complete my contract at the very least. It's a very practical thought that growing up in the United States has conditioned me to strongly consider. 'Once you start something, finish it.' (Regardless of whether or not it seems right.) However, another part of me, perhaps it is my heart or my instincts, insists that I should get far away from this organization. It is very difficult for me to make this decision based on the single fact that I want to stay close to this land that I love so much and the project into which I have put so much of my soul."

"Yesterday, we had our usual welcome dinner for the new team of development workers. We took the newcomers out to a local restaurant. While we were there, I ran into some guys that I know from Oxfam Angola. They, of course, weren't greeted too eagerly at our table -- the whole experience seemed rather harsh and forced. Yet, I was confident that they (the Oxfam workers) would not throw me into the same category as most of the others. When they returned to their table, I could tell that they were talking about DAPP and scheming a way in which they could free me from my situation. They were a bit slow on the mark that evening, but they did manage to phone me the following night. (That I ultimately received this call was a blessing considering that the Head of DAPP in our province failed to inform me of their two previous calls earlier that day in which they asked him to tell me I was invited to dinner with them.) Ultimately, though, I ended up going out to dinner with them that very night (after asking permission from my TG comrades). It turned out to be a nice time away from the TG house. Oddly enough, I was right about their (the Oxfam workers)scheming at dinner the previous night. They could tell that I was feeling trapped. On the topic of DAPP, the Oxfam guys actually shared with me their opinions and those of their friends from other international development organizations in Angola. They said that people found DAPP to be very unusual in that it rarely communicates or socializes with people outside of the organization. They said that many people find the work that DAPP does to be lacking in integrity and sustainability. One of the most critical pieces that they shared with me was the fact that all other organizations employed expatriates who had university degrees and some real experience working with the issues that are faced in developing Africa. They thought it was pretty careless (even pretty racist and classist)of DAPP to allow young white kids to come to war-torn Angola and tell adult farmers and construction workers how to plant vegetables or build walls -- as if the Angolan people haven't been doing it all of their lives. They said that it was acceptable to do this on some level as part of grassroots development projects, but they stressed that Angola is far too desperate, war-stricken and underdeveloped to be sending youngsters with no experience to help. What Angola needs now is new infrastructure, medical assistance and peace-building initiatives aided by individuals who have invested themselves in the education necessary to understand how to effectively problem solve and train others." - Jafina, U.S.A.

Dear frosig2001

In your last comment you proove that you cannot actually read a document and then give a referal to it; you write: "For exampel they try to convince the public that Tvinds aids-program are a succes by making a former general maneger from a recognized company evaluate their forest projects." What you are referring to is a comment written by Morten Knudsen, director of Teknologisk Institut, about the 3 projects that the foundation has supported who are working with forestry, in Malaysia, Belize and brazil - his report has nothing to do with "Tvinds aids-program " I don't think that a report from an expert on development work, based on facts, is worthless. You state that the information is worthless because it is provided by Tvind - then I must ask, who do you think knows best what oneself is doing, the one who is running the project or someone like you, who has not even been there, and who also cannot read. To read more about the success of "Tvinds aids-program" which is HOPE and TCE run by HUMANA People to People, you are welcome to visit www.agfund.org and also www.netaid.org and off course www.drh-movement.org and www.humana.org

And I think you should think before you write something, so that what you write is actually based on facts and not only on your own, very strange opinions. It is clearly written at the foundations website that it has been checked and rechecked many times and there have never been found any faults in the way that the projects applying to the foundation did not fulfill the purpose of the foundation - no, it has never been found any faults! So you are writing about - nothing!

Greetings, Peter Wik

To you all To show how misinformed student on the Tvind-schools are, I mailed a random School in Denmark a link to this page. Now that I got their attention I will point out how the students are mislead. To make my point claer I have choosen Matt's mail as my starting point.

Matt is asking "How can anyone "steal" money from the state by using its own private earnings for what he/ she wants??". The problem with this quetion is that it moves the focus from what the trail in Denmark is about. When teachers give 15% of their pay to a found it is up to this found to decide what to do with the money in accordance with the regulations that defines it. After such a transaction the money belongs to the fund and no longer to the person that gave it away. But as Matt points out indirectly in his question, the teachers that gives away their money still concider it their money, and it isn't. This is exactly what the trail in Denmark is about. For 15 years the teacher group has been useing money from the funds as if it still belongs to them. In other words: they have been using their funds as a private bank because they didn't want to contribute to society by paying taxes, and that is illegal - and not paying taxes of your income could be compered with "stealing money from the state".

To turn over the danish publics aversion towards Tvind, the Teacher group has opened a new site at www.fonden.org. This site is Tvinds latest attempt to clear themselves from all charges. This is a funny and spupid site. For exampel they try to convince the public that Tvinds aids-program are a succes by making a former general maneger from a recognized company evaluate their forest projects. As the maneger points out in the beginging of his evaluation, he has not visited the projects in question, and all his knowledge about the projects built on information tvind themselves has provided. In other words: Tvind has asked him to evaluate the project with out giving him the opportunity to check up if the provided information is trustworthy. This leads me to the conclusion that the information on www.fonden.org is worthless. This way of trying to manipulate with people is what tvind is about.

regards

frosig2001@yahoo.dk

If you want to know more about what the trail in Denmark is about, please read my contribution below.

Thank you very much for this entry. Well said!

Matt.

How can anyone "steal" money from the state by using its own privte earnings for what he/she want?? Check out other privat and public schools in DK. How much do the teachers earn? how much do they pay in house rent for the same facilities?

Is there really an unjustified difference? Or is it that some people is trying and have tried hard for many years to dig up something that is wrong with Tvind?

So what do you spend your money on? Buying a car? Paying insurance? have a drink? raise a family? travel? or whatever. It is up to you. Where do you work? In a store, in an public office, as journalist? If I disslike how you spend the money, should I then write your employer and tell that he is canalizing money from the ordinary person buying the paper, from the government (or wherever) to support drinking!!! Maybe even some journalist would come and take a photo of you sitting and drinking at the pub in London.

I do not see anything wrong in what the Teacher group is chosing to do with their money. You might not agree how the money are spent. That is up to you. But just cause some don't like doesn't make it criminal.

You probably know how much the eyes and control have been directed towards "tvind" over the years?. Yet, there is nothing that has been done illegal. What has Tvind be convicted to in court? What criminal act has any of the Tvind schools done? None! But they are anyway convicted by media and by people like you.

Oh yes, now you can write back and say "-the police is investigating them!!!" That in itself is not a proof.The tax fraud accuse is not different from the time several Danish newspapers wrote that Tvind was storing arms and bombs at several places/schools. Or the time other papers wrote that you are threatened with guns at the schools and so on. What is all that!?? Information?? No. It is disinformtion. Who is it that actually are spreading such rediculus rumours and how come that they can get the media to write about it?? I certainly wonder. Is it you? And why?

I advice all people to study the material at this site. It makes you understand how racism can exist. How Nelson Mandela could be called a terrorist. How some people can wish that AIDS will kill many people to solve the over population.

I would suggest that all you people writing in anger about the disinformation and lies written on this site should do it with diginity! When hate is directed towards you, do not answer back with hate. Continue working for what you believe in. Do the work even better and continue to show many what you are doing. This website is off course nothing more then a hate site trying to get a status as the "independent information source" on "Tvind". Don't give them the joy of hating back. For people hating it might give pleasure to be met with hate. They ac fuel on it and use it justify their own hate.

To Frosig 2001

The money has been spent according to the regulations. For more info (in Danish) check out www.fonden.org. It clearly describes what project the people in the Teachers Group has donated 15% of their salary to.

It is in my opinion quite extraordinary that so many people are willing to donate their private money to such a fond that are supporting many humanitarian activities.

Dearn Readers of Tvind alert

I think this guest book is getting exiting, and I am looking forward to get more comments from people who have participated in the programme. James was a student at my school. My name is Anne and I am the headmaster of DRH Tvind. I do not understand that people who take them selves so little serious can be listened to with so big seriousness. If James really had a lot to say about us. Why did he not confront us during the programme. James got a lot of assistance to join the programme, scholarship etc. And then I think you where at the school for like 4 weeks, and when you where together with the team in england fundraising, you where mostly spending your time smoking hashis. Because you did not what to stop.... Then you travel to Mocambique and visit the projects. But I wonder if you took your time and made interviews with the project leaders or if your only interest is to spread misinformation like what you do when you tell about the project. Your story just stinks... because there are so few facts. I think you schould be more responsibel than this. We only treated you fair!! greetings anne

Dear frosig2001@yahoo.dk I do agred with the guy who wrote you, not the way he wrote it to you, but the essens of his point. Instead of just writing what you think the people on this page want to hear, then try to come with some constructiv and then (maybe) people will listen to what ever you have to say.

What kind of dick head stay and work with something he totaly dislike? You are fucking sick man. And you say that it has be documentet in court that the are taking money, the why the hell are the not in jail. I think it is your sick fantasy who is taken control of your life. Get a life psycho. All the things you write about, is something you have been reading about on this home page. If the wrote that someone was kill then the next think you would write, is that you where standing there and watching some from the organasation doing it. You need help, alot of help.

OPEN LETTER FOR "frosig2001@yahoo.dk"

DEAR MARTIN FRSIG I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHICH SCHOOL YOU ARE WORKING AT AS I - BEEING A TEACHER FOR AROUND 15 YEARS IN TVIND - AND WORKING WITH ALMOST ALL KIND OF SCHOOL - DON'T KNOW YOU AND HAVE NEVER MET YOU?? I HAVE ALSO ASKED A BUNCH OF OTHER TEACHERS WORKING IN TVIND - AND NONE OF THEM RECOGNIZE YOUR NAME... I - AS A TEACHER - WILL STAND UP FOR ALL THE THINGS I DO WHERE I WORK AND WITH WHOM I COOPERATE. YOU SHOULD DO THE SAME SO IF YOU HAVE EVER BEEN A TEACHER OR WORKING AT ANY OF THE SCHOOLS YOU ARE SO WELL INFORMED ABOUT?? I WISH YOU GOOD LUCK AND HOPE YOU STAND UP FOR WHAT YOU DO WHERE EVER YOU ARE! - ALL THE BEST K.OVERGAARD

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