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The following email arrived today (presumably by mistake) in the Tvind Alert mailbox.....thought guestbook readers would be interested to know that Tvind is in the old-clothes trade in Indonesia too:
DEAR MR, HANS JOERGEN LAUSTEN, STEN BYRNER
WE ARE PT. SENTRAL ARTHA LINTAS CARGO IS NEW COMPANY BUT OUR COMPANY HAS BEEN EXPERIENCE STAFF WHO READY TO HANDLED BOTH EXPORT AND IMPORT.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR GOOD AGENT TO HANDLE OUR SHIPMENT, THEREFORE SINCE WE KNEW YOUR ESTABLISHED COMPANY, WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOUR COOPERATION TO HANDLED OUR SHIPMENT AND IF POSSIBLE TO WORK EXCLUSIVELY.
HEREWITH WE APPEND YOU OUR OFFICES FULL STYLE ADDRESS FOR YOUR REFERENCE :
PT. SENTRAL ARTHA LINTAS CARGO KOMPLEKS PERKANTORAN ROYAL SUNTER JL. DANAU SUNTER SELATAN BLOCK F22 JAKARTA UTARA
TEL :(62-21) 65300832 FAX :(62-21) 9172796 EMAIL : pt.salc@centrin.net.id PIC :MR. PAROTUA SINAGA
PLEASE ADVISE YOUR CONFIRMATION, IF SO PLEASE ADVISE YOUR TERM CONDITIONS. IN ADVANCE WE VERY APPRECIATED FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION AND YOUR PROMPT REPLY.
BEST REGARD
Dear Sylvia, I sent you several messages but you don't seem to be getting them because you have never replied. Of course I would like to hear your story! Please get in touch again. Tvind Alert webmaster - tvindalert@bigfoot.com.
ok something is wrong here
Hey people, its been a long time since i have been here. Well, It's Sylvia. Old Winestead student. What i want to know is this. What about the Kids who lived in Winestead Hall and Red house? Seem's to me like were the one's that are forgotten. I wrote an email a while ago to the webmaster asking if he wanted my story. No reply. But what really bothers me is this. The young people that lived with me at Winestead seem to have no mention on this site at all. What about us? We had a hell of a time too. We were beaten, abused, exploited and a few other things i dont care to mention. If any one reading this who used to live in winestead, i would really like to hear from you. My email is baby_98_98@hotmail.com. Thanks
I joined Tvind less than ten years ago and stayed for a short time. Possibly things have changed. Even then, it was not the idealisic utopia it believed itself to be. Nevertheless, it was not the mind-controlling sinister cult that it has been vilified to be in the press, but I suppose everyone likes a sensational story. Not Waco and not Heaven's Gate.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Due to an article i read in the big issue i came across an this tvind article saying young scots linked to cult con, after reading this i went onto the sight to find out more and to my shock and horror im now completely at a loss as my girlfriend is i think is in one of these schools the address is FRISKOLEN I STARREKLINTE MOLLEVANGEN 11 4534 HORVE DENMARK Could someone please tell me what to do or let me at least know if this is one of those schools. I dont think she knows anything about this at or what she is getting herself into . She is now talking about going to Angola in Africa now they seem to be starting on her can someone PLEASE PLEASE HELP.
ROBERT bggg35@hotmail.com
Glasgow....
To some of the contributors of this guestbook: After I've read all this messages, it seems to me that there are two aspects of the Tvind issue that are put together, although it should not be necessarly so. One is the TG "cult" and the other are the institutions where the TG members are working - DRH, projects, small schools, etc.... I was a participant of the solidarity workers programme (starting in Norway, going to Angola) and I can say it was probably the best but also the toughest time of my life, an experience I'm very happy about to have and I guess many of my teammates would say the same. I didn't agree with the life style of the 'teachers' and I definitely think that the schools for problematic youngsters in Danemark, which I know from my teaching practise, are very unprofessional and dangerous for the kids. But as regards the volunteering programme, nobody forces anybody to join it. It's one's free will to do so. I've seen a couple of people who quit the programme, because they thought it wasn't for them. And others remained. One doesn't need to join the path of the TG, just come along for sometime, if he/she wishes. Therefore I think statements like "My stepdaughter was saved from ever having to go to Angola" are pretty much denying the capacity of that poor girl to decide on her own, thus being able to exist by herself. True, the programme is very demanding from the psychological point of view and "weaker" personalities might be a bit overwhelmed. And what than about all the Big Brothers, Houses of Love and Expeditions Robinson? So, please, do unclose the activities of the Tvind leader, investigate the financial transactions, explore the psychological terror, but don't transmitt the impression that the only explanation of defending some of the programmes is brainwashing and forced submission and that every single TG member is depraved. In case you'd like to discuss with me, please do so at php_rt2@usa.net
i think its important for everyone to realize that each individual has a different experience. i think "the project" are run so differently in each country. i've heard from volunteers who had wonderful experiences in their project, had money to expand and really help people. i know past volunteers who claim that there is no money at all except for those involved in teachers group. its so complex and there are so many wonderful people within who really are trying to do good. i know them personally. if there is corruption in the "higher up" places its a dam shame...
I am a past IICD/Zimbabwe volunteer. I suppose I am writing in defense of IICD in Williamstown. The 5 months I spent there living communally, working my ass off, fundraising, cooking, etc. were great. I would never say anything bad about the teachers and volunteers I had the oppurtunity to get to know and consider family while I was there. Maybe 5 months isn't long enough to really see into it... I was naive. I had yet to experience Africa and the DAPP projects. I will say there is a lot of "un"organization within DAPP. Plenty of money floating out there but never really making into our projects. That is all I can account for. My six months abroad were scary, confusing, and also the most wonderful 6 months of my life. I was able to bring something to the people I met in Zimbabwe and they gave me so much to take home. I think that is what is important. Is IICD a cult? I don't think so, is Tvind, teachers group?? I'm not sure its all terrible confusing and wishy-washy to me even after being a volunteer. Its important for people to have access to the information on this site before they decide whether or not to join IICD. I could not say if it would have changed my decision to go but I could have been spared some confusion. To future volunteers I'll say, find out all you can first, talk to past volunteers and know that you and only you make your experience what it is. Love and Light to All... J
Re.Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind". After the Danish authorities withdrew all funding to Tvind schools, SOME Tvind schools have partially succeeded in disguising there connection to Tvind, although usually: 1) The buildings are owned by Tvind ("Faelleseje") and 2) People in charge are members of "Teachers'Group", hence under the leadership of leader of the cult, Mogens Amdi Petersen. Such schools, for instance, are Gram Efterskole in South Jutland and the school Nebbegaard near Copenhagen. Quite a number of the pupils at those schools are placed by ignorant social workers needing placements for unruly youngsters. ANOTHER main type of Tvind schools here in Denmark are the so called "Small Schools" (Amdi Petersen vocabulary). At these schools, some counties have placed very difficult youngsters who have had almost no say as to where they were placed, again by a few and ignorant/desperate social workers in need of placements. ("There is always room for one more at Tvind" = Many of their buildings in Denmark are half or fully empty). The Danish county councils are now debating banning any placement at a Tvind-related school, also the so called small schools, in the light of an extremely strong antipathy against the cult among the Danish population, and in the light of the schools' bad reputation, for instance leaving very young people on remote roads or in forests on their own, as punishment. It has been a difficulty for the authorities that they at present do not have sufficient placements for criminal youngsters, in some cases causing some social workers sending a young person to a Tvind "small school". As a whole, a big percentuage of the pupils and students at the Danish Tvind schols are people from abroad, for instance from Germany. The placing authorities there, or the young people themselves, still have not as yet realised what they expose themselves to and what they support when entering a Tvind school. Even young Czechs, Americans, Chinese, and young people from Spain can be seen here in Denmark, following the same tracks as young Danes naively did twenty years ago. These people from abroad act here as underpaid "volunteers" or as socalled "students". They are NOT told who is really in charge and who is benefitting from their money and their work. Now, back to your "reply": Those 30 schools that have "continued": Well, how many students at each school, please? ( Lakolk: 20? , Tvind itself 20??, Juelsminde 5? 10? 0? Peterslyst 0?) And your full capacity at those schols? Number of non-Danes? And how many Danish students aged +18 have you really got at your schools today? 5? How many of them have come from another of your schools for younger people on your recommandation? Your listing of all "your" 30 schools could be interesting to see, also for the Danish authorities. It is possible for you to list them here as to: Name of school. Type of school. Full capacity of school (number). Name of headmaster. Owner of school. School fees ( Danish Kr. per month).Age of students. Number of students. Nationality of students.Number of volunteer-"teachers". Number of qualified teachers. Number of qualified care workers. Placing authorities.
Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind", below. Since 1997 when the government cut funding to all Tvind schools in Denmark, about 30 schools have continued, with alterntive funding. Could you please explain how that is possible if everyone in Denmark hates Tvind? Why do people still send their children and young people to Tvind schools despite the fact that they have been brainwashed for 20 years or so by the anti-Tvind media?
No,that exactly is the problem for you, as a member of a cult.
Long live TvindAlert!! :)
PS: Does anybody else suspect that Amdi and Mugabe are more than just friends;)
I have been a so called "Tvind member" for almost as long as you. For me it has been a great time. As I understand you claim the person that wrote the previous letter to be "naive", "abused", "trapped" or "stupid"? I do not consider myself as either.
Halleluja! The good word spreads, trapping all those, all over the Globe, who were never told what most Danes know today about Tvind. (Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind. Are all those people totally stupid, or do they know something you do not know?) The trick about doing good for the world has been abused by Tvind for all the time it has existed and trapped good-will people like you. Naively, you trust those "hardworking" Tvind people exactly like we did when it all began. You believe - like I did - that you just do your work fighting AIDS or setting up a development project. You do not want to realise the secret money and powerplay the TG people are part of. You do not (want to) know their plans with your private life, your future. Of course, YOU are strong enough to resist getting trapped! The same old story repeats itself, it seems. Without this naivity, other cults like The Moonies, Jehovah's Witnesses etc. would never have existed. I was a Tvind member for 15 years. I also used to believe them.
It would be a shame for all the people benefitting from the good work this organization does if it "goes down in flames". I would agree with you that the word is spreading very fast!!! More and more people and coming to join up! More and more starts to realize that all the hard work done by Humana really helps people!
Tvind better watch their backs because people aren't as dumb as they would like to assume. People are figuring them out and word is quickly spreading. I personally know someone who stands by the Planet Aid box and hands out information. I hope this "organization" goes down in flames and I'll stand by laughing my ass off!
Hello All, I am begging every individual who goes on this site to use their god given common sence. O.K folks, lets think about it "brainwashing"? "Guru"? "Cult"? If you are into this stuff, I think that the Tabloids are the place for you or maybe some crazy Sci-Fi movie. I doubt that this will stay posted long because it does not go along with the image that this ridiculous web site is attemting to project. I am a 25 year old woman and IICD volunteer. I have three university degrees in political Science, International Development, and Conflict Resolution Studies. I can assure you that I am quite capeable of accessing the situation that I am in as an IICD volunteer who is three days away from leaving to work in India. This place is not a cult, one can leave whenever they like, and we are not all "wide eyed" idealists who have been lured by the posters. I am recieving credit for this program through my University who has also checked out the allegations made against this organization through Universitys throughout North America. What was found in this check was that there is no reason for concern and that all those who returned had a positive experience and felt that the development projects they worked on were very good. This comes from people who are students in International Development studies. What this site does not mention is that Humana People to People is a UN recognized organization that has won awards for it's HIV/AIDS work in Africa. The water and sanitation project in India has been given funding from reputable organizations such as Unicef. At this point I am finished with my training and am three days from leaving. I think that the most valuable part of the training that I have finished is the fact that I have built confidence that I never knew i had through experiances I never expected. There are some things in this web-site that are true. However, they have been twisted drasticly to suit it's own purpose. So why does this site exist if this is all a load of crap? This is not for everyone, and not everyone is going to enjoy doing this, just like anything else, it is individual interpretation and opinion. The man who created this web-site has been offered the opportunity to visit our school in Michigan and speak with volunteers. He has not returned any calls. So how about the Teachers Group? The TG is a lifestyle choice that is right for some. I personally do not intend to join the TG at the end of all this because it is not for me but I do admire those who feel that they can commit themselves to it. TG is socialist in nature which is what I think scares people the most. We have had our director open the financial records for us and explain where the money goes. i am comfident that the only way that our money reaches the TG is through the salaries that are paid to the staff members. What they choose to do with their salaries is nobody's business but their own. I hope that this has helped anybody who is considering the organization. The best thing that you can do is to go to an orientation weekend to decide if this is right for you. Good Luck and keep an open mind! IICD MI Volunteer
I've been a solidarity worker for Tvind in Angola, five years ago and I got education at het Traveling Folk Highschools. This has been a great period in my life and I've learned a lot!!!!!!! It's a shame this website makes it look lilke Tvind is all bad!!! mado76@hotmail.com
Dear reader - dear people with common sense... What is the whole thing about - Do people die from AIDS or do they not? Thats important! And how do you take part in informing people about how they can prevent to get this deadly disease!! Go for this! We have one life - maybe one more later who knows??? But this one we have and I want to use it in a way so I am proud of myself - I want to take part in fighting to stop the disease! Do what you find right - but dont imagine that you need to stop me from suffering - I am quite aware of what I work for and what I work against. Spend your time with something important - STOP AIDS!
TVIDALert do something not only talk shit i easy!! do somethink people
check this!!!! http://www.unicef.org/statis/
my e-maillisabon_story@netc.pt
Home | UNICEF in Action | Highlights | Information Resources | Donations, Greeting Cards & Gifts | Press Centre | Voices of Youth | About UNICEF Children work together as 'ants of the future' in Mozambique By Ruth Ansah Ayisi*
Social worker Albertina Sidumo walks through the dusty yards of the ramshackle tin and reed huts that serve as houses in a densely populated suburb of Maputo, the capital. She has come to talk to the Sitoes, one of 400 families she helps in a community that clings to the edge of survival. Lacking adequate jobs, food, health care, schools and other basic services, these families testify to the devastating combined effects of poverty and the country's 16 years of civil strife, which ended in 1992.
When Ms. Sidumo sits with family members under the shade of a tree, Ms. Sitoe pours out her troubles, beginning with her son, three-year- old Antonio. "Antonio has been sick for two years," says Ms. Sitoe. "I took him to the clinic two months ago, but the nurse had already left. I haven't yet had the time to return."
Time probably had little to do with preventing Ms. Sitoe from returning to the clinic. More likely, lack of money and education were to blame. A mother of five children, Ms. Sitoe has never been to school. Worse still, her husband has no job.
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Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
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"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
DEAR MR, HANS JOERGEN LAUSTEN, STEN BYRNER
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PLEASE ADVISE YOUR CONFIRMATION, IF SO PLEASE ADVISE YOUR TERM CONDITIONS. IN ADVANCE WE VERY APPRECIATED FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION AND YOUR PROMPT REPLY.
BEST REGARD
Dear Sylvia, I sent you several messages but you don't seem to be getting them because you have never replied. Of course I would like to hear your story! Please get in touch again. Tvind Alert webmaster - tvindalert@bigfoot.com.
ok something is wrong here
Hey people, its been a long time since i have been here. Well, It's Sylvia. Old Winestead student. What i want to know is this. What about the Kids who lived in Winestead Hall and Red house? Seem's to me like were the one's that are forgotten. I wrote an email a while ago to the webmaster asking if he wanted my story. No reply. But what really bothers me is this. The young people that lived with me at Winestead seem to have no mention on this site at all. What about us? We had a hell of a time too. We were beaten, abused, exploited and a few other things i dont care to mention. If any one reading this who used to live in winestead, i would really like to hear from you. My email is baby_98_98@hotmail.com. Thanks
I joined Tvind less than ten years ago and stayed for a short time. Possibly things have changed. Even then, it was not the idealisic utopia it believed itself to be. Nevertheless, it was not the mind-controlling sinister cult that it has been vilified to be in the press, but I suppose everyone likes a sensational story. Not Waco and not Heaven's Gate.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Due to an article i read in the big issue i came across an this tvind article saying young scots linked to cult con, after reading this i went onto the sight to find out more and to my shock and horror im now completely at a loss as my girlfriend is i think is in one of these schools the address is FRISKOLEN I STARREKLINTE MOLLEVANGEN 11 4534 HORVE DENMARK Could someone please tell me what to do or let me at least know if this is one of those schools. I dont think she knows anything about this at or what she is getting herself into . She is now talking about going to Angola in Africa now they seem to be starting on her can someone PLEASE PLEASE HELP.
ROBERT bggg35@hotmail.com
Glasgow....
To some of the contributors of this guestbook: After I've read all this messages, it seems to me that there are two aspects of the Tvind issue that are put together, although it should not be necessarly so. One is the TG "cult" and the other are the institutions where the TG members are working - DRH, projects, small schools, etc.... I was a participant of the solidarity workers programme (starting in Norway, going to Angola) and I can say it was probably the best but also the toughest time of my life, an experience I'm very happy about to have and I guess many of my teammates would say the same. I didn't agree with the life style of the 'teachers' and I definitely think that the schools for problematic youngsters in Danemark, which I know from my teaching practise, are very unprofessional and dangerous for the kids. But as regards the volunteering programme, nobody forces anybody to join it. It's one's free will to do so. I've seen a couple of people who quit the programme, because they thought it wasn't for them. And others remained. One doesn't need to join the path of the TG, just come along for sometime, if he/she wishes. Therefore I think statements like "My stepdaughter was saved from ever having to go to Angola" are pretty much denying the capacity of that poor girl to decide on her own, thus being able to exist by herself. True, the programme is very demanding from the psychological point of view and "weaker" personalities might be a bit overwhelmed. And what than about all the Big Brothers, Houses of Love and Expeditions Robinson? So, please, do unclose the activities of the Tvind leader, investigate the financial transactions, explore the psychological terror, but don't transmitt the impression that the only explanation of defending some of the programmes is brainwashing and forced submission and that every single TG member is depraved. In case you'd like to discuss with me, please do so at php_rt2@usa.net
i think its important for everyone to realize that each individual has a different experience. i think "the project" are run so differently in each country. i've heard from volunteers who had wonderful experiences in their project, had money to expand and really help people. i know past volunteers who claim that there is no money at all except for those involved in teachers group. its so complex and there are so many wonderful people within who really are trying to do good. i know them personally. if there is corruption in the "higher up" places its a dam shame...
I am a past IICD/Zimbabwe volunteer. I suppose I am writing in defense of IICD in Williamstown. The 5 months I spent there living communally, working my ass off, fundraising, cooking, etc. were great. I would never say anything bad about the teachers and volunteers I had the oppurtunity to get to know and consider family while I was there. Maybe 5 months isn't long enough to really see into it... I was naive. I had yet to experience Africa and the DAPP projects. I will say there is a lot of "un"organization within DAPP. Plenty of money floating out there but never really making into our projects. That is all I can account for. My six months abroad were scary, confusing, and also the most wonderful 6 months of my life. I was able to bring something to the people I met in Zimbabwe and they gave me so much to take home. I think that is what is important. Is IICD a cult? I don't think so, is Tvind, teachers group?? I'm not sure its all terrible confusing and wishy-washy to me even after being a volunteer. Its important for people to have access to the information on this site before they decide whether or not to join IICD. I could not say if it would have changed my decision to go but I could have been spared some confusion. To future volunteers I'll say, find out all you can first, talk to past volunteers and know that you and only you make your experience what it is. Love and Light to All... J
Re.Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind". After the Danish authorities withdrew all funding to Tvind schools, SOME Tvind schools have partially succeeded in disguising there connection to Tvind, although usually: 1) The buildings are owned by Tvind ("Faelleseje") and 2) People in charge are members of "Teachers'Group", hence under the leadership of leader of the cult, Mogens Amdi Petersen. Such schools, for instance, are Gram Efterskole in South Jutland and the school Nebbegaard near Copenhagen. Quite a number of the pupils at those schools are placed by ignorant social workers needing placements for unruly youngsters. ANOTHER main type of Tvind schools here in Denmark are the so called "Small Schools" (Amdi Petersen vocabulary). At these schools, some counties have placed very difficult youngsters who have had almost no say as to where they were placed, again by a few and ignorant/desperate social workers in need of placements. ("There is always room for one more at Tvind" = Many of their buildings in Denmark are half or fully empty). The Danish county councils are now debating banning any placement at a Tvind-related school, also the so called small schools, in the light of an extremely strong antipathy against the cult among the Danish population, and in the light of the schools' bad reputation, for instance leaving very young people on remote roads or in forests on their own, as punishment. It has been a difficulty for the authorities that they at present do not have sufficient placements for criminal youngsters, in some cases causing some social workers sending a young person to a Tvind "small school". As a whole, a big percentuage of the pupils and students at the Danish Tvind schols are people from abroad, for instance from Germany. The placing authorities there, or the young people themselves, still have not as yet realised what they expose themselves to and what they support when entering a Tvind school. Even young Czechs, Americans, Chinese, and young people from Spain can be seen here in Denmark, following the same tracks as young Danes naively did twenty years ago. These people from abroad act here as underpaid "volunteers" or as socalled "students". They are NOT told who is really in charge and who is benefitting from their money and their work. Now, back to your "reply": Those 30 schools that have "continued": Well, how many students at each school, please? ( Lakolk: 20? , Tvind itself 20??, Juelsminde 5? 10? 0? Peterslyst 0?) And your full capacity at those schols? Number of non-Danes? And how many Danish students aged +18 have you really got at your schools today? 5? How many of them have come from another of your schools for younger people on your recommandation? Your listing of all "your" 30 schools could be interesting to see, also for the Danish authorities. It is possible for you to list them here as to: Name of school. Type of school. Full capacity of school (number). Name of headmaster. Owner of school. School fees ( Danish Kr. per month).Age of students. Number of students. Nationality of students.Number of volunteer-"teachers". Number of qualified teachers. Number of qualified care workers. Placing authorities.
Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind", below. Since 1997 when the government cut funding to all Tvind schools in Denmark, about 30 schools have continued, with alterntive funding. Could you please explain how that is possible if everyone in Denmark hates Tvind? Why do people still send their children and young people to Tvind schools despite the fact that they have been brainwashed for 20 years or so by the anti-Tvind media?
No,that exactly is the problem for you, as a member of a cult.
Long live TvindAlert!! :)
PS: Does anybody else suspect that Amdi and Mugabe are more than just friends;)
I have been a so called "Tvind member" for almost as long as you. For me it has been a great time. As I understand you claim the person that wrote the previous letter to be "naive", "abused", "trapped" or "stupid"? I do not consider myself as either.
Halleluja! The good word spreads, trapping all those, all over the Globe, who were never told what most Danes know today about Tvind. (Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind. Are all those people totally stupid, or do they know something you do not know?) The trick about doing good for the world has been abused by Tvind for all the time it has existed and trapped good-will people like you. Naively, you trust those "hardworking" Tvind people exactly like we did when it all began. You believe - like I did - that you just do your work fighting AIDS or setting up a development project. You do not want to realise the secret money and powerplay the TG people are part of. You do not (want to) know their plans with your private life, your future. Of course, YOU are strong enough to resist getting trapped! The same old story repeats itself, it seems. Without this naivity, other cults like The Moonies, Jehovah's Witnesses etc. would never have existed. I was a Tvind member for 15 years. I also used to believe them.
It would be a shame for all the people benefitting from the good work this organization does if it "goes down in flames". I would agree with you that the word is spreading very fast!!! More and more people and coming to join up! More and more starts to realize that all the hard work done by Humana really helps people!
Tvind better watch their backs because people aren't as dumb as they would like to assume. People are figuring them out and word is quickly spreading. I personally know someone who stands by the Planet Aid box and hands out information. I hope this "organization" goes down in flames and I'll stand by laughing my ass off!
Hello All, I am begging every individual who goes on this site to use their god given common sence. O.K folks, lets think about it "brainwashing"? "Guru"? "Cult"? If you are into this stuff, I think that the Tabloids are the place for you or maybe some crazy Sci-Fi movie. I doubt that this will stay posted long because it does not go along with the image that this ridiculous web site is attemting to project. I am a 25 year old woman and IICD volunteer. I have three university degrees in political Science, International Development, and Conflict Resolution Studies. I can assure you that I am quite capeable of accessing the situation that I am in as an IICD volunteer who is three days away from leaving to work in India. This place is not a cult, one can leave whenever they like, and we are not all "wide eyed" idealists who have been lured by the posters. I am recieving credit for this program through my University who has also checked out the allegations made against this organization through Universitys throughout North America. What was found in this check was that there is no reason for concern and that all those who returned had a positive experience and felt that the development projects they worked on were very good. This comes from people who are students in International Development studies. What this site does not mention is that Humana People to People is a UN recognized organization that has won awards for it's HIV/AIDS work in Africa. The water and sanitation project in India has been given funding from reputable organizations such as Unicef. At this point I am finished with my training and am three days from leaving. I think that the most valuable part of the training that I have finished is the fact that I have built confidence that I never knew i had through experiances I never expected. There are some things in this web-site that are true. However, they have been twisted drasticly to suit it's own purpose. So why does this site exist if this is all a load of crap? This is not for everyone, and not everyone is going to enjoy doing this, just like anything else, it is individual interpretation and opinion. The man who created this web-site has been offered the opportunity to visit our school in Michigan and speak with volunteers. He has not returned any calls. So how about the Teachers Group? The TG is a lifestyle choice that is right for some. I personally do not intend to join the TG at the end of all this because it is not for me but I do admire those who feel that they can commit themselves to it. TG is socialist in nature which is what I think scares people the most. We have had our director open the financial records for us and explain where the money goes. i am comfident that the only way that our money reaches the TG is through the salaries that are paid to the staff members. What they choose to do with their salaries is nobody's business but their own. I hope that this has helped anybody who is considering the organization. The best thing that you can do is to go to an orientation weekend to decide if this is right for you. Good Luck and keep an open mind! IICD MI Volunteer
I've been a solidarity worker for Tvind in Angola, five years ago and I got education at het Traveling Folk Highschools. This has been a great period in my life and I've learned a lot!!!!!!! It's a shame this website makes it look lilke Tvind is all bad!!! mado76@hotmail.com
Dear reader - dear people with common sense... What is the whole thing about - Do people die from AIDS or do they not? Thats important! And how do you take part in informing people about how they can prevent to get this deadly disease!! Go for this! We have one life - maybe one more later who knows??? But this one we have and I want to use it in a way so I am proud of myself - I want to take part in fighting to stop the disease! Do what you find right - but dont imagine that you need to stop me from suffering - I am quite aware of what I work for and what I work against. Spend your time with something important - STOP AIDS!
TVIDALert do something not only talk shit i easy!! do somethink people
check this!!!! http://www.unicef.org/statis/
my e-maillisabon_story@netc.pt
Home | UNICEF in Action | Highlights | Information Resources | Donations, Greeting Cards & Gifts | Press Centre | Voices of Youth | About UNICEF Children work together as 'ants of the future' in Mozambique By Ruth Ansah Ayisi*
Social worker Albertina Sidumo walks through the dusty yards of the ramshackle tin and reed huts that serve as houses in a densely populated suburb of Maputo, the capital. She has come to talk to the Sitoes, one of 400 families she helps in a community that clings to the edge of survival. Lacking adequate jobs, food, health care, schools and other basic services, these families testify to the devastating combined effects of poverty and the country's 16 years of civil strife, which ended in 1992.
When Ms. Sidumo sits with family members under the shade of a tree, Ms. Sitoe pours out her troubles, beginning with her son, three-year- old Antonio. "Antonio has been sick for two years," says Ms. Sitoe. "I took him to the clinic two months ago, but the nurse had already left. I haven't yet had the time to return."
Time probably had little to do with preventing Ms. Sitoe from returning to the clinic. More likely, lack of money and education were to blame. A mother of five children, Ms. Sitoe has never been to school. Worse still, her husband has no job.
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Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
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"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
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Dear Sylvia, I sent you several messages but you don't seem to be getting them because you have never replied. Of course I would like to hear your story! Please get in touch again. Tvind Alert webmaster - tvindalert@bigfoot.com.
ok something is wrong here
Hey people, its been a long time since i have been here. Well, It's Sylvia. Old Winestead student. What i want to know is this. What about the Kids who lived in Winestead Hall and Red house? Seem's to me like were the one's that are forgotten. I wrote an email a while ago to the webmaster asking if he wanted my story. No reply. But what really bothers me is this. The young people that lived with me at Winestead seem to have no mention on this site at all. What about us? We had a hell of a time too. We were beaten, abused, exploited and a few other things i dont care to mention. If any one reading this who used to live in winestead, i would really like to hear from you. My email is baby_98_98@hotmail.com. Thanks
I joined Tvind less than ten years ago and stayed for a short time. Possibly things have changed. Even then, it was not the idealisic utopia it believed itself to be. Nevertheless, it was not the mind-controlling sinister cult that it has been vilified to be in the press, but I suppose everyone likes a sensational story. Not Waco and not Heaven's Gate.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Due to an article i read in the big issue i came across an this tvind article saying young scots linked to cult con, after reading this i went onto the sight to find out more and to my shock and horror im now completely at a loss as my girlfriend is i think is in one of these schools the address is FRISKOLEN I STARREKLINTE MOLLEVANGEN 11 4534 HORVE DENMARK Could someone please tell me what to do or let me at least know if this is one of those schools. I dont think she knows anything about this at or what she is getting herself into . She is now talking about going to Angola in Africa now they seem to be starting on her can someone PLEASE PLEASE HELP.
ROBERT bggg35@hotmail.com
Glasgow....
To some of the contributors of this guestbook: After I've read all this messages, it seems to me that there are two aspects of the Tvind issue that are put together, although it should not be necessarly so. One is the TG "cult" and the other are the institutions where the TG members are working - DRH, projects, small schools, etc.... I was a participant of the solidarity workers programme (starting in Norway, going to Angola) and I can say it was probably the best but also the toughest time of my life, an experience I'm very happy about to have and I guess many of my teammates would say the same. I didn't agree with the life style of the 'teachers' and I definitely think that the schools for problematic youngsters in Danemark, which I know from my teaching practise, are very unprofessional and dangerous for the kids. But as regards the volunteering programme, nobody forces anybody to join it. It's one's free will to do so. I've seen a couple of people who quit the programme, because they thought it wasn't for them. And others remained. One doesn't need to join the path of the TG, just come along for sometime, if he/she wishes. Therefore I think statements like "My stepdaughter was saved from ever having to go to Angola" are pretty much denying the capacity of that poor girl to decide on her own, thus being able to exist by herself. True, the programme is very demanding from the psychological point of view and "weaker" personalities might be a bit overwhelmed. And what than about all the Big Brothers, Houses of Love and Expeditions Robinson? So, please, do unclose the activities of the Tvind leader, investigate the financial transactions, explore the psychological terror, but don't transmitt the impression that the only explanation of defending some of the programmes is brainwashing and forced submission and that every single TG member is depraved. In case you'd like to discuss with me, please do so at php_rt2@usa.net
i think its important for everyone to realize that each individual has a different experience. i think "the project" are run so differently in each country. i've heard from volunteers who had wonderful experiences in their project, had money to expand and really help people. i know past volunteers who claim that there is no money at all except for those involved in teachers group. its so complex and there are so many wonderful people within who really are trying to do good. i know them personally. if there is corruption in the "higher up" places its a dam shame...
I am a past IICD/Zimbabwe volunteer. I suppose I am writing in defense of IICD in Williamstown. The 5 months I spent there living communally, working my ass off, fundraising, cooking, etc. were great. I would never say anything bad about the teachers and volunteers I had the oppurtunity to get to know and consider family while I was there. Maybe 5 months isn't long enough to really see into it... I was naive. I had yet to experience Africa and the DAPP projects. I will say there is a lot of "un"organization within DAPP. Plenty of money floating out there but never really making into our projects. That is all I can account for. My six months abroad were scary, confusing, and also the most wonderful 6 months of my life. I was able to bring something to the people I met in Zimbabwe and they gave me so much to take home. I think that is what is important. Is IICD a cult? I don't think so, is Tvind, teachers group?? I'm not sure its all terrible confusing and wishy-washy to me even after being a volunteer. Its important for people to have access to the information on this site before they decide whether or not to join IICD. I could not say if it would have changed my decision to go but I could have been spared some confusion. To future volunteers I'll say, find out all you can first, talk to past volunteers and know that you and only you make your experience what it is. Love and Light to All... J
Re.Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind". After the Danish authorities withdrew all funding to Tvind schools, SOME Tvind schools have partially succeeded in disguising there connection to Tvind, although usually: 1) The buildings are owned by Tvind ("Faelleseje") and 2) People in charge are members of "Teachers'Group", hence under the leadership of leader of the cult, Mogens Amdi Petersen. Such schools, for instance, are Gram Efterskole in South Jutland and the school Nebbegaard near Copenhagen. Quite a number of the pupils at those schools are placed by ignorant social workers needing placements for unruly youngsters. ANOTHER main type of Tvind schools here in Denmark are the so called "Small Schools" (Amdi Petersen vocabulary). At these schools, some counties have placed very difficult youngsters who have had almost no say as to where they were placed, again by a few and ignorant/desperate social workers in need of placements. ("There is always room for one more at Tvind" = Many of their buildings in Denmark are half or fully empty). The Danish county councils are now debating banning any placement at a Tvind-related school, also the so called small schools, in the light of an extremely strong antipathy against the cult among the Danish population, and in the light of the schools' bad reputation, for instance leaving very young people on remote roads or in forests on their own, as punishment. It has been a difficulty for the authorities that they at present do not have sufficient placements for criminal youngsters, in some cases causing some social workers sending a young person to a Tvind "small school". As a whole, a big percentuage of the pupils and students at the Danish Tvind schols are people from abroad, for instance from Germany. The placing authorities there, or the young people themselves, still have not as yet realised what they expose themselves to and what they support when entering a Tvind school. Even young Czechs, Americans, Chinese, and young people from Spain can be seen here in Denmark, following the same tracks as young Danes naively did twenty years ago. These people from abroad act here as underpaid "volunteers" or as socalled "students". They are NOT told who is really in charge and who is benefitting from their money and their work. Now, back to your "reply": Those 30 schools that have "continued": Well, how many students at each school, please? ( Lakolk: 20? , Tvind itself 20??, Juelsminde 5? 10? 0? Peterslyst 0?) And your full capacity at those schols? Number of non-Danes? And how many Danish students aged +18 have you really got at your schools today? 5? How many of them have come from another of your schools for younger people on your recommandation? Your listing of all "your" 30 schools could be interesting to see, also for the Danish authorities. It is possible for you to list them here as to: Name of school. Type of school. Full capacity of school (number). Name of headmaster. Owner of school. School fees ( Danish Kr. per month).Age of students. Number of students. Nationality of students.Number of volunteer-"teachers". Number of qualified teachers. Number of qualified care workers. Placing authorities.
Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind", below. Since 1997 when the government cut funding to all Tvind schools in Denmark, about 30 schools have continued, with alterntive funding. Could you please explain how that is possible if everyone in Denmark hates Tvind? Why do people still send their children and young people to Tvind schools despite the fact that they have been brainwashed for 20 years or so by the anti-Tvind media?
No,that exactly is the problem for you, as a member of a cult.
Long live TvindAlert!! :)
PS: Does anybody else suspect that Amdi and Mugabe are more than just friends;)
I have been a so called "Tvind member" for almost as long as you. For me it has been a great time. As I understand you claim the person that wrote the previous letter to be "naive", "abused", "trapped" or "stupid"? I do not consider myself as either.
Halleluja! The good word spreads, trapping all those, all over the Globe, who were never told what most Danes know today about Tvind. (Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind. Are all those people totally stupid, or do they know something you do not know?) The trick about doing good for the world has been abused by Tvind for all the time it has existed and trapped good-will people like you. Naively, you trust those "hardworking" Tvind people exactly like we did when it all began. You believe - like I did - that you just do your work fighting AIDS or setting up a development project. You do not want to realise the secret money and powerplay the TG people are part of. You do not (want to) know their plans with your private life, your future. Of course, YOU are strong enough to resist getting trapped! The same old story repeats itself, it seems. Without this naivity, other cults like The Moonies, Jehovah's Witnesses etc. would never have existed. I was a Tvind member for 15 years. I also used to believe them.
It would be a shame for all the people benefitting from the good work this organization does if it "goes down in flames". I would agree with you that the word is spreading very fast!!! More and more people and coming to join up! More and more starts to realize that all the hard work done by Humana really helps people!
Tvind better watch their backs because people aren't as dumb as they would like to assume. People are figuring them out and word is quickly spreading. I personally know someone who stands by the Planet Aid box and hands out information. I hope this "organization" goes down in flames and I'll stand by laughing my ass off!
Hello All, I am begging every individual who goes on this site to use their god given common sence. O.K folks, lets think about it "brainwashing"? "Guru"? "Cult"? If you are into this stuff, I think that the Tabloids are the place for you or maybe some crazy Sci-Fi movie. I doubt that this will stay posted long because it does not go along with the image that this ridiculous web site is attemting to project. I am a 25 year old woman and IICD volunteer. I have three university degrees in political Science, International Development, and Conflict Resolution Studies. I can assure you that I am quite capeable of accessing the situation that I am in as an IICD volunteer who is three days away from leaving to work in India. This place is not a cult, one can leave whenever they like, and we are not all "wide eyed" idealists who have been lured by the posters. I am recieving credit for this program through my University who has also checked out the allegations made against this organization through Universitys throughout North America. What was found in this check was that there is no reason for concern and that all those who returned had a positive experience and felt that the development projects they worked on were very good. This comes from people who are students in International Development studies. What this site does not mention is that Humana People to People is a UN recognized organization that has won awards for it's HIV/AIDS work in Africa. The water and sanitation project in India has been given funding from reputable organizations such as Unicef. At this point I am finished with my training and am three days from leaving. I think that the most valuable part of the training that I have finished is the fact that I have built confidence that I never knew i had through experiances I never expected. There are some things in this web-site that are true. However, they have been twisted drasticly to suit it's own purpose. So why does this site exist if this is all a load of crap? This is not for everyone, and not everyone is going to enjoy doing this, just like anything else, it is individual interpretation and opinion. The man who created this web-site has been offered the opportunity to visit our school in Michigan and speak with volunteers. He has not returned any calls. So how about the Teachers Group? The TG is a lifestyle choice that is right for some. I personally do not intend to join the TG at the end of all this because it is not for me but I do admire those who feel that they can commit themselves to it. TG is socialist in nature which is what I think scares people the most. We have had our director open the financial records for us and explain where the money goes. i am comfident that the only way that our money reaches the TG is through the salaries that are paid to the staff members. What they choose to do with their salaries is nobody's business but their own. I hope that this has helped anybody who is considering the organization. The best thing that you can do is to go to an orientation weekend to decide if this is right for you. Good Luck and keep an open mind! IICD MI Volunteer
I've been a solidarity worker for Tvind in Angola, five years ago and I got education at het Traveling Folk Highschools. This has been a great period in my life and I've learned a lot!!!!!!! It's a shame this website makes it look lilke Tvind is all bad!!! mado76@hotmail.com
Dear reader - dear people with common sense... What is the whole thing about - Do people die from AIDS or do they not? Thats important! And how do you take part in informing people about how they can prevent to get this deadly disease!! Go for this! We have one life - maybe one more later who knows??? But this one we have and I want to use it in a way so I am proud of myself - I want to take part in fighting to stop the disease! Do what you find right - but dont imagine that you need to stop me from suffering - I am quite aware of what I work for and what I work against. Spend your time with something important - STOP AIDS!
TVIDALert do something not only talk shit i easy!! do somethink people
check this!!!! http://www.unicef.org/statis/
my e-maillisabon_story@netc.pt
Home | UNICEF in Action | Highlights | Information Resources | Donations, Greeting Cards & Gifts | Press Centre | Voices of Youth | About UNICEF Children work together as 'ants of the future' in Mozambique By Ruth Ansah Ayisi*
Social worker Albertina Sidumo walks through the dusty yards of the ramshackle tin and reed huts that serve as houses in a densely populated suburb of Maputo, the capital. She has come to talk to the Sitoes, one of 400 families she helps in a community that clings to the edge of survival. Lacking adequate jobs, food, health care, schools and other basic services, these families testify to the devastating combined effects of poverty and the country's 16 years of civil strife, which ended in 1992.
When Ms. Sidumo sits with family members under the shade of a tree, Ms. Sitoe pours out her troubles, beginning with her son, three-year- old Antonio. "Antonio has been sick for two years," says Ms. Sitoe. "I took him to the clinic two months ago, but the nurse had already left. I haven't yet had the time to return."
Time probably had little to do with preventing Ms. Sitoe from returning to the clinic. More likely, lack of money and education were to blame. A mother of five children, Ms. Sitoe has never been to school. Worse still, her husband has no job.
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Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
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"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
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BEST REGARD
Dear Sylvia, I sent you several messages but you don't seem to be getting them because you have never replied. Of course I would like to hear your story! Please get in touch again. Tvind Alert webmaster - tvindalert@bigfoot.com.
ok something is wrong here
Hey people, its been a long time since i have been here. Well, It's Sylvia. Old Winestead student. What i want to know is this. What about the Kids who lived in Winestead Hall and Red house? Seem's to me like were the one's that are forgotten. I wrote an email a while ago to the webmaster asking if he wanted my story. No reply. But what really bothers me is this. The young people that lived with me at Winestead seem to have no mention on this site at all. What about us? We had a hell of a time too. We were beaten, abused, exploited and a few other things i dont care to mention. If any one reading this who used to live in winestead, i would really like to hear from you. My email is baby_98_98@hotmail.com. Thanks
I joined Tvind less than ten years ago and stayed for a short time. Possibly things have changed. Even then, it was not the idealisic utopia it believed itself to be. Nevertheless, it was not the mind-controlling sinister cult that it has been vilified to be in the press, but I suppose everyone likes a sensational story. Not Waco and not Heaven's Gate.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Due to an article i read in the big issue i came across an this tvind article saying young scots linked to cult con, after reading this i went onto the sight to find out more and to my shock and horror im now completely at a loss as my girlfriend is i think is in one of these schools the address is FRISKOLEN I STARREKLINTE MOLLEVANGEN 11 4534 HORVE DENMARK Could someone please tell me what to do or let me at least know if this is one of those schools. I dont think she knows anything about this at or what she is getting herself into . She is now talking about going to Angola in Africa now they seem to be starting on her can someone PLEASE PLEASE HELP.
ROBERT bggg35@hotmail.com
Glasgow....
To some of the contributors of this guestbook: After I've read all this messages, it seems to me that there are two aspects of the Tvind issue that are put together, although it should not be necessarly so. One is the TG "cult" and the other are the institutions where the TG members are working - DRH, projects, small schools, etc.... I was a participant of the solidarity workers programme (starting in Norway, going to Angola) and I can say it was probably the best but also the toughest time of my life, an experience I'm very happy about to have and I guess many of my teammates would say the same. I didn't agree with the life style of the 'teachers' and I definitely think that the schools for problematic youngsters in Danemark, which I know from my teaching practise, are very unprofessional and dangerous for the kids. But as regards the volunteering programme, nobody forces anybody to join it. It's one's free will to do so. I've seen a couple of people who quit the programme, because they thought it wasn't for them. And others remained. One doesn't need to join the path of the TG, just come along for sometime, if he/she wishes. Therefore I think statements like "My stepdaughter was saved from ever having to go to Angola" are pretty much denying the capacity of that poor girl to decide on her own, thus being able to exist by herself. True, the programme is very demanding from the psychological point of view and "weaker" personalities might be a bit overwhelmed. And what than about all the Big Brothers, Houses of Love and Expeditions Robinson? So, please, do unclose the activities of the Tvind leader, investigate the financial transactions, explore the psychological terror, but don't transmitt the impression that the only explanation of defending some of the programmes is brainwashing and forced submission and that every single TG member is depraved. In case you'd like to discuss with me, please do so at php_rt2@usa.net
i think its important for everyone to realize that each individual has a different experience. i think "the project" are run so differently in each country. i've heard from volunteers who had wonderful experiences in their project, had money to expand and really help people. i know past volunteers who claim that there is no money at all except for those involved in teachers group. its so complex and there are so many wonderful people within who really are trying to do good. i know them personally. if there is corruption in the "higher up" places its a dam shame...
I am a past IICD/Zimbabwe volunteer. I suppose I am writing in defense of IICD in Williamstown. The 5 months I spent there living communally, working my ass off, fundraising, cooking, etc. were great. I would never say anything bad about the teachers and volunteers I had the oppurtunity to get to know and consider family while I was there. Maybe 5 months isn't long enough to really see into it... I was naive. I had yet to experience Africa and the DAPP projects. I will say there is a lot of "un"organization within DAPP. Plenty of money floating out there but never really making into our projects. That is all I can account for. My six months abroad were scary, confusing, and also the most wonderful 6 months of my life. I was able to bring something to the people I met in Zimbabwe and they gave me so much to take home. I think that is what is important. Is IICD a cult? I don't think so, is Tvind, teachers group?? I'm not sure its all terrible confusing and wishy-washy to me even after being a volunteer. Its important for people to have access to the information on this site before they decide whether or not to join IICD. I could not say if it would have changed my decision to go but I could have been spared some confusion. To future volunteers I'll say, find out all you can first, talk to past volunteers and know that you and only you make your experience what it is. Love and Light to All... J
Re.Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind". After the Danish authorities withdrew all funding to Tvind schools, SOME Tvind schools have partially succeeded in disguising there connection to Tvind, although usually: 1) The buildings are owned by Tvind ("Faelleseje") and 2) People in charge are members of "Teachers'Group", hence under the leadership of leader of the cult, Mogens Amdi Petersen. Such schools, for instance, are Gram Efterskole in South Jutland and the school Nebbegaard near Copenhagen. Quite a number of the pupils at those schools are placed by ignorant social workers needing placements for unruly youngsters. ANOTHER main type of Tvind schools here in Denmark are the so called "Small Schools" (Amdi Petersen vocabulary). At these schools, some counties have placed very difficult youngsters who have had almost no say as to where they were placed, again by a few and ignorant/desperate social workers in need of placements. ("There is always room for one more at Tvind" = Many of their buildings in Denmark are half or fully empty). The Danish county councils are now debating banning any placement at a Tvind-related school, also the so called small schools, in the light of an extremely strong antipathy against the cult among the Danish population, and in the light of the schools' bad reputation, for instance leaving very young people on remote roads or in forests on their own, as punishment. It has been a difficulty for the authorities that they at present do not have sufficient placements for criminal youngsters, in some cases causing some social workers sending a young person to a Tvind "small school". As a whole, a big percentuage of the pupils and students at the Danish Tvind schols are people from abroad, for instance from Germany. The placing authorities there, or the young people themselves, still have not as yet realised what they expose themselves to and what they support when entering a Tvind school. Even young Czechs, Americans, Chinese, and young people from Spain can be seen here in Denmark, following the same tracks as young Danes naively did twenty years ago. These people from abroad act here as underpaid "volunteers" or as socalled "students". They are NOT told who is really in charge and who is benefitting from their money and their work. Now, back to your "reply": Those 30 schools that have "continued": Well, how many students at each school, please? ( Lakolk: 20? , Tvind itself 20??, Juelsminde 5? 10? 0? Peterslyst 0?) And your full capacity at those schols? Number of non-Danes? And how many Danish students aged +18 have you really got at your schools today? 5? How many of them have come from another of your schools for younger people on your recommandation? Your listing of all "your" 30 schools could be interesting to see, also for the Danish authorities. It is possible for you to list them here as to: Name of school. Type of school. Full capacity of school (number). Name of headmaster. Owner of school. School fees ( Danish Kr. per month).Age of students. Number of students. Nationality of students.Number of volunteer-"teachers". Number of qualified teachers. Number of qualified care workers. Placing authorities.
Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind", below. Since 1997 when the government cut funding to all Tvind schools in Denmark, about 30 schools have continued, with alterntive funding. Could you please explain how that is possible if everyone in Denmark hates Tvind? Why do people still send their children and young people to Tvind schools despite the fact that they have been brainwashed for 20 years or so by the anti-Tvind media?
No,that exactly is the problem for you, as a member of a cult.
Long live TvindAlert!! :)
PS: Does anybody else suspect that Amdi and Mugabe are more than just friends;)
I have been a so called "Tvind member" for almost as long as you. For me it has been a great time. As I understand you claim the person that wrote the previous letter to be "naive", "abused", "trapped" or "stupid"? I do not consider myself as either.
Halleluja! The good word spreads, trapping all those, all over the Globe, who were never told what most Danes know today about Tvind. (Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind. Are all those people totally stupid, or do they know something you do not know?) The trick about doing good for the world has been abused by Tvind for all the time it has existed and trapped good-will people like you. Naively, you trust those "hardworking" Tvind people exactly like we did when it all began. You believe - like I did - that you just do your work fighting AIDS or setting up a development project. You do not want to realise the secret money and powerplay the TG people are part of. You do not (want to) know their plans with your private life, your future. Of course, YOU are strong enough to resist getting trapped! The same old story repeats itself, it seems. Without this naivity, other cults like The Moonies, Jehovah's Witnesses etc. would never have existed. I was a Tvind member for 15 years. I also used to believe them.
It would be a shame for all the people benefitting from the good work this organization does if it "goes down in flames". I would agree with you that the word is spreading very fast!!! More and more people and coming to join up! More and more starts to realize that all the hard work done by Humana really helps people!
Tvind better watch their backs because people aren't as dumb as they would like to assume. People are figuring them out and word is quickly spreading. I personally know someone who stands by the Planet Aid box and hands out information. I hope this "organization" goes down in flames and I'll stand by laughing my ass off!
Hello All, I am begging every individual who goes on this site to use their god given common sence. O.K folks, lets think about it "brainwashing"? "Guru"? "Cult"? If you are into this stuff, I think that the Tabloids are the place for you or maybe some crazy Sci-Fi movie. I doubt that this will stay posted long because it does not go along with the image that this ridiculous web site is attemting to project. I am a 25 year old woman and IICD volunteer. I have three university degrees in political Science, International Development, and Conflict Resolution Studies. I can assure you that I am quite capeable of accessing the situation that I am in as an IICD volunteer who is three days away from leaving to work in India. This place is not a cult, one can leave whenever they like, and we are not all "wide eyed" idealists who have been lured by the posters. I am recieving credit for this program through my University who has also checked out the allegations made against this organization through Universitys throughout North America. What was found in this check was that there is no reason for concern and that all those who returned had a positive experience and felt that the development projects they worked on were very good. This comes from people who are students in International Development studies. What this site does not mention is that Humana People to People is a UN recognized organization that has won awards for it's HIV/AIDS work in Africa. The water and sanitation project in India has been given funding from reputable organizations such as Unicef. At this point I am finished with my training and am three days from leaving. I think that the most valuable part of the training that I have finished is the fact that I have built confidence that I never knew i had through experiances I never expected. There are some things in this web-site that are true. However, they have been twisted drasticly to suit it's own purpose. So why does this site exist if this is all a load of crap? This is not for everyone, and not everyone is going to enjoy doing this, just like anything else, it is individual interpretation and opinion. The man who created this web-site has been offered the opportunity to visit our school in Michigan and speak with volunteers. He has not returned any calls. So how about the Teachers Group? The TG is a lifestyle choice that is right for some. I personally do not intend to join the TG at the end of all this because it is not for me but I do admire those who feel that they can commit themselves to it. TG is socialist in nature which is what I think scares people the most. We have had our director open the financial records for us and explain where the money goes. i am comfident that the only way that our money reaches the TG is through the salaries that are paid to the staff members. What they choose to do with their salaries is nobody's business but their own. I hope that this has helped anybody who is considering the organization. The best thing that you can do is to go to an orientation weekend to decide if this is right for you. Good Luck and keep an open mind! IICD MI Volunteer
I've been a solidarity worker for Tvind in Angola, five years ago and I got education at het Traveling Folk Highschools. This has been a great period in my life and I've learned a lot!!!!!!! It's a shame this website makes it look lilke Tvind is all bad!!! mado76@hotmail.com
Dear reader - dear people with common sense... What is the whole thing about - Do people die from AIDS or do they not? Thats important! And how do you take part in informing people about how they can prevent to get this deadly disease!! Go for this! We have one life - maybe one more later who knows??? But this one we have and I want to use it in a way so I am proud of myself - I want to take part in fighting to stop the disease! Do what you find right - but dont imagine that you need to stop me from suffering - I am quite aware of what I work for and what I work against. Spend your time with something important - STOP AIDS!
TVIDALert do something not only talk shit i easy!! do somethink people
check this!!!! http://www.unicef.org/statis/
my e-maillisabon_story@netc.pt
Home | UNICEF in Action | Highlights | Information Resources | Donations, Greeting Cards & Gifts | Press Centre | Voices of Youth | About UNICEF Children work together as 'ants of the future' in Mozambique By Ruth Ansah Ayisi*
Social worker Albertina Sidumo walks through the dusty yards of the ramshackle tin and reed huts that serve as houses in a densely populated suburb of Maputo, the capital. She has come to talk to the Sitoes, one of 400 families she helps in a community that clings to the edge of survival. Lacking adequate jobs, food, health care, schools and other basic services, these families testify to the devastating combined effects of poverty and the country's 16 years of civil strife, which ended in 1992.
When Ms. Sidumo sits with family members under the shade of a tree, Ms. Sitoe pours out her troubles, beginning with her son, three-year- old Antonio. "Antonio has been sick for two years," says Ms. Sitoe. "I took him to the clinic two months ago, but the nurse had already left. I haven't yet had the time to return."
Time probably had little to do with preventing Ms. Sitoe from returning to the clinic. More likely, lack of money and education were to blame. A mother of five children, Ms. Sitoe has never been to school. Worse still, her husband has no job.
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Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
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"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
HEREWITH WE APPEND YOU OUR OFFICES FULL STYLE ADDRESS FOR YOUR REFERENCE :
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PLEASE ADVISE YOUR CONFIRMATION, IF SO PLEASE ADVISE YOUR TERM CONDITIONS. IN ADVANCE WE VERY APPRECIATED FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION AND YOUR PROMPT REPLY.
BEST REGARD
Dear Sylvia, I sent you several messages but you don't seem to be getting them because you have never replied. Of course I would like to hear your story! Please get in touch again. Tvind Alert webmaster - tvindalert@bigfoot.com.
ok something is wrong here
Hey people, its been a long time since i have been here. Well, It's Sylvia. Old Winestead student. What i want to know is this. What about the Kids who lived in Winestead Hall and Red house? Seem's to me like were the one's that are forgotten. I wrote an email a while ago to the webmaster asking if he wanted my story. No reply. But what really bothers me is this. The young people that lived with me at Winestead seem to have no mention on this site at all. What about us? We had a hell of a time too. We were beaten, abused, exploited and a few other things i dont care to mention. If any one reading this who used to live in winestead, i would really like to hear from you. My email is baby_98_98@hotmail.com. Thanks
I joined Tvind less than ten years ago and stayed for a short time. Possibly things have changed. Even then, it was not the idealisic utopia it believed itself to be. Nevertheless, it was not the mind-controlling sinister cult that it has been vilified to be in the press, but I suppose everyone likes a sensational story. Not Waco and not Heaven's Gate.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Due to an article i read in the big issue i came across an this tvind article saying young scots linked to cult con, after reading this i went onto the sight to find out more and to my shock and horror im now completely at a loss as my girlfriend is i think is in one of these schools the address is FRISKOLEN I STARREKLINTE MOLLEVANGEN 11 4534 HORVE DENMARK Could someone please tell me what to do or let me at least know if this is one of those schools. I dont think she knows anything about this at or what she is getting herself into . She is now talking about going to Angola in Africa now they seem to be starting on her can someone PLEASE PLEASE HELP.
ROBERT bggg35@hotmail.com
Glasgow....
To some of the contributors of this guestbook: After I've read all this messages, it seems to me that there are two aspects of the Tvind issue that are put together, although it should not be necessarly so. One is the TG "cult" and the other are the institutions where the TG members are working - DRH, projects, small schools, etc.... I was a participant of the solidarity workers programme (starting in Norway, going to Angola) and I can say it was probably the best but also the toughest time of my life, an experience I'm very happy about to have and I guess many of my teammates would say the same. I didn't agree with the life style of the 'teachers' and I definitely think that the schools for problematic youngsters in Danemark, which I know from my teaching practise, are very unprofessional and dangerous for the kids. But as regards the volunteering programme, nobody forces anybody to join it. It's one's free will to do so. I've seen a couple of people who quit the programme, because they thought it wasn't for them. And others remained. One doesn't need to join the path of the TG, just come along for sometime, if he/she wishes. Therefore I think statements like "My stepdaughter was saved from ever having to go to Angola" are pretty much denying the capacity of that poor girl to decide on her own, thus being able to exist by herself. True, the programme is very demanding from the psychological point of view and "weaker" personalities might be a bit overwhelmed. And what than about all the Big Brothers, Houses of Love and Expeditions Robinson? So, please, do unclose the activities of the Tvind leader, investigate the financial transactions, explore the psychological terror, but don't transmitt the impression that the only explanation of defending some of the programmes is brainwashing and forced submission and that every single TG member is depraved. In case you'd like to discuss with me, please do so at php_rt2@usa.net
i think its important for everyone to realize that each individual has a different experience. i think "the project" are run so differently in each country. i've heard from volunteers who had wonderful experiences in their project, had money to expand and really help people. i know past volunteers who claim that there is no money at all except for those involved in teachers group. its so complex and there are so many wonderful people within who really are trying to do good. i know them personally. if there is corruption in the "higher up" places its a dam shame...
I am a past IICD/Zimbabwe volunteer. I suppose I am writing in defense of IICD in Williamstown. The 5 months I spent there living communally, working my ass off, fundraising, cooking, etc. were great. I would never say anything bad about the teachers and volunteers I had the oppurtunity to get to know and consider family while I was there. Maybe 5 months isn't long enough to really see into it... I was naive. I had yet to experience Africa and the DAPP projects. I will say there is a lot of "un"organization within DAPP. Plenty of money floating out there but never really making into our projects. That is all I can account for. My six months abroad were scary, confusing, and also the most wonderful 6 months of my life. I was able to bring something to the people I met in Zimbabwe and they gave me so much to take home. I think that is what is important. Is IICD a cult? I don't think so, is Tvind, teachers group?? I'm not sure its all terrible confusing and wishy-washy to me even after being a volunteer. Its important for people to have access to the information on this site before they decide whether or not to join IICD. I could not say if it would have changed my decision to go but I could have been spared some confusion. To future volunteers I'll say, find out all you can first, talk to past volunteers and know that you and only you make your experience what it is. Love and Light to All... J
Re.Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind". After the Danish authorities withdrew all funding to Tvind schools, SOME Tvind schools have partially succeeded in disguising there connection to Tvind, although usually: 1) The buildings are owned by Tvind ("Faelleseje") and 2) People in charge are members of "Teachers'Group", hence under the leadership of leader of the cult, Mogens Amdi Petersen. Such schools, for instance, are Gram Efterskole in South Jutland and the school Nebbegaard near Copenhagen. Quite a number of the pupils at those schools are placed by ignorant social workers needing placements for unruly youngsters. ANOTHER main type of Tvind schools here in Denmark are the so called "Small Schools" (Amdi Petersen vocabulary). At these schools, some counties have placed very difficult youngsters who have had almost no say as to where they were placed, again by a few and ignorant/desperate social workers in need of placements. ("There is always room for one more at Tvind" = Many of their buildings in Denmark are half or fully empty). The Danish county councils are now debating banning any placement at a Tvind-related school, also the so called small schools, in the light of an extremely strong antipathy against the cult among the Danish population, and in the light of the schools' bad reputation, for instance leaving very young people on remote roads or in forests on their own, as punishment. It has been a difficulty for the authorities that they at present do not have sufficient placements for criminal youngsters, in some cases causing some social workers sending a young person to a Tvind "small school". As a whole, a big percentuage of the pupils and students at the Danish Tvind schols are people from abroad, for instance from Germany. The placing authorities there, or the young people themselves, still have not as yet realised what they expose themselves to and what they support when entering a Tvind school. Even young Czechs, Americans, Chinese, and young people from Spain can be seen here in Denmark, following the same tracks as young Danes naively did twenty years ago. These people from abroad act here as underpaid "volunteers" or as socalled "students". They are NOT told who is really in charge and who is benefitting from their money and their work. Now, back to your "reply": Those 30 schools that have "continued": Well, how many students at each school, please? ( Lakolk: 20? , Tvind itself 20??, Juelsminde 5? 10? 0? Peterslyst 0?) And your full capacity at those schols? Number of non-Danes? And how many Danish students aged +18 have you really got at your schools today? 5? How many of them have come from another of your schools for younger people on your recommandation? Your listing of all "your" 30 schools could be interesting to see, also for the Danish authorities. It is possible for you to list them here as to: Name of school. Type of school. Full capacity of school (number). Name of headmaster. Owner of school. School fees ( Danish Kr. per month).Age of students. Number of students. Nationality of students.Number of volunteer-"teachers". Number of qualified teachers. Number of qualified care workers. Placing authorities.
Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind", below. Since 1997 when the government cut funding to all Tvind schools in Denmark, about 30 schools have continued, with alterntive funding. Could you please explain how that is possible if everyone in Denmark hates Tvind? Why do people still send their children and young people to Tvind schools despite the fact that they have been brainwashed for 20 years or so by the anti-Tvind media?
No,that exactly is the problem for you, as a member of a cult.
Long live TvindAlert!! :)
PS: Does anybody else suspect that Amdi and Mugabe are more than just friends;)
I have been a so called "Tvind member" for almost as long as you. For me it has been a great time. As I understand you claim the person that wrote the previous letter to be "naive", "abused", "trapped" or "stupid"? I do not consider myself as either.
Halleluja! The good word spreads, trapping all those, all over the Globe, who were never told what most Danes know today about Tvind. (Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind. Are all those people totally stupid, or do they know something you do not know?) The trick about doing good for the world has been abused by Tvind for all the time it has existed and trapped good-will people like you. Naively, you trust those "hardworking" Tvind people exactly like we did when it all began. You believe - like I did - that you just do your work fighting AIDS or setting up a development project. You do not want to realise the secret money and powerplay the TG people are part of. You do not (want to) know their plans with your private life, your future. Of course, YOU are strong enough to resist getting trapped! The same old story repeats itself, it seems. Without this naivity, other cults like The Moonies, Jehovah's Witnesses etc. would never have existed. I was a Tvind member for 15 years. I also used to believe them.
It would be a shame for all the people benefitting from the good work this organization does if it "goes down in flames". I would agree with you that the word is spreading very fast!!! More and more people and coming to join up! More and more starts to realize that all the hard work done by Humana really helps people!
Tvind better watch their backs because people aren't as dumb as they would like to assume. People are figuring them out and word is quickly spreading. I personally know someone who stands by the Planet Aid box and hands out information. I hope this "organization" goes down in flames and I'll stand by laughing my ass off!
Hello All, I am begging every individual who goes on this site to use their god given common sence. O.K folks, lets think about it "brainwashing"? "Guru"? "Cult"? If you are into this stuff, I think that the Tabloids are the place for you or maybe some crazy Sci-Fi movie. I doubt that this will stay posted long because it does not go along with the image that this ridiculous web site is attemting to project. I am a 25 year old woman and IICD volunteer. I have three university degrees in political Science, International Development, and Conflict Resolution Studies. I can assure you that I am quite capeable of accessing the situation that I am in as an IICD volunteer who is three days away from leaving to work in India. This place is not a cult, one can leave whenever they like, and we are not all "wide eyed" idealists who have been lured by the posters. I am recieving credit for this program through my University who has also checked out the allegations made against this organization through Universitys throughout North America. What was found in this check was that there is no reason for concern and that all those who returned had a positive experience and felt that the development projects they worked on were very good. This comes from people who are students in International Development studies. What this site does not mention is that Humana People to People is a UN recognized organization that has won awards for it's HIV/AIDS work in Africa. The water and sanitation project in India has been given funding from reputable organizations such as Unicef. At this point I am finished with my training and am three days from leaving. I think that the most valuable part of the training that I have finished is the fact that I have built confidence that I never knew i had through experiances I never expected. There are some things in this web-site that are true. However, they have been twisted drasticly to suit it's own purpose. So why does this site exist if this is all a load of crap? This is not for everyone, and not everyone is going to enjoy doing this, just like anything else, it is individual interpretation and opinion. The man who created this web-site has been offered the opportunity to visit our school in Michigan and speak with volunteers. He has not returned any calls. So how about the Teachers Group? The TG is a lifestyle choice that is right for some. I personally do not intend to join the TG at the end of all this because it is not for me but I do admire those who feel that they can commit themselves to it. TG is socialist in nature which is what I think scares people the most. We have had our director open the financial records for us and explain where the money goes. i am comfident that the only way that our money reaches the TG is through the salaries that are paid to the staff members. What they choose to do with their salaries is nobody's business but their own. I hope that this has helped anybody who is considering the organization. The best thing that you can do is to go to an orientation weekend to decide if this is right for you. Good Luck and keep an open mind! IICD MI Volunteer
I've been a solidarity worker for Tvind in Angola, five years ago and I got education at het Traveling Folk Highschools. This has been a great period in my life and I've learned a lot!!!!!!! It's a shame this website makes it look lilke Tvind is all bad!!! mado76@hotmail.com
Dear reader - dear people with common sense... What is the whole thing about - Do people die from AIDS or do they not? Thats important! And how do you take part in informing people about how they can prevent to get this deadly disease!! Go for this! We have one life - maybe one more later who knows??? But this one we have and I want to use it in a way so I am proud of myself - I want to take part in fighting to stop the disease! Do what you find right - but dont imagine that you need to stop me from suffering - I am quite aware of what I work for and what I work against. Spend your time with something important - STOP AIDS!
TVIDALert do something not only talk shit i easy!! do somethink people
check this!!!! http://www.unicef.org/statis/
my e-maillisabon_story@netc.pt
Home | UNICEF in Action | Highlights | Information Resources | Donations, Greeting Cards & Gifts | Press Centre | Voices of Youth | About UNICEF Children work together as 'ants of the future' in Mozambique By Ruth Ansah Ayisi*
Social worker Albertina Sidumo walks through the dusty yards of the ramshackle tin and reed huts that serve as houses in a densely populated suburb of Maputo, the capital. She has come to talk to the Sitoes, one of 400 families she helps in a community that clings to the edge of survival. Lacking adequate jobs, food, health care, schools and other basic services, these families testify to the devastating combined effects of poverty and the country's 16 years of civil strife, which ended in 1992.
When Ms. Sidumo sits with family members under the shade of a tree, Ms. Sitoe pours out her troubles, beginning with her son, three-year- old Antonio. "Antonio has been sick for two years," says Ms. Sitoe. "I took him to the clinic two months ago, but the nurse had already left. I haven't yet had the time to return."
Time probably had little to do with preventing Ms. Sitoe from returning to the clinic. More likely, lack of money and education were to blame. A mother of five children, Ms. Sitoe has never been to school. Worse still, her husband has no job.
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Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
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"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
PT. SENTRAL ARTHA LINTAS CARGO KOMPLEKS PERKANTORAN ROYAL SUNTER JL. DANAU SUNTER SELATAN BLOCK F22 JAKARTA UTARA
TEL :(62-21) 65300832 FAX :(62-21) 9172796 EMAIL : pt.salc@centrin.net.id PIC :MR. PAROTUA SINAGA
PLEASE ADVISE YOUR CONFIRMATION, IF SO PLEASE ADVISE YOUR TERM CONDITIONS. IN ADVANCE WE VERY APPRECIATED FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION AND YOUR PROMPT REPLY.
BEST REGARD
Dear Sylvia, I sent you several messages but you don't seem to be getting them because you have never replied. Of course I would like to hear your story! Please get in touch again. Tvind Alert webmaster - tvindalert@bigfoot.com.
ok something is wrong here
Hey people, its been a long time since i have been here. Well, It's Sylvia. Old Winestead student. What i want to know is this. What about the Kids who lived in Winestead Hall and Red house? Seem's to me like were the one's that are forgotten. I wrote an email a while ago to the webmaster asking if he wanted my story. No reply. But what really bothers me is this. The young people that lived with me at Winestead seem to have no mention on this site at all. What about us? We had a hell of a time too. We were beaten, abused, exploited and a few other things i dont care to mention. If any one reading this who used to live in winestead, i would really like to hear from you. My email is baby_98_98@hotmail.com. Thanks
I joined Tvind less than ten years ago and stayed for a short time. Possibly things have changed. Even then, it was not the idealisic utopia it believed itself to be. Nevertheless, it was not the mind-controlling sinister cult that it has been vilified to be in the press, but I suppose everyone likes a sensational story. Not Waco and not Heaven's Gate.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Due to an article i read in the big issue i came across an this tvind article saying young scots linked to cult con, after reading this i went onto the sight to find out more and to my shock and horror im now completely at a loss as my girlfriend is i think is in one of these schools the address is FRISKOLEN I STARREKLINTE MOLLEVANGEN 11 4534 HORVE DENMARK Could someone please tell me what to do or let me at least know if this is one of those schools. I dont think she knows anything about this at or what she is getting herself into . She is now talking about going to Angola in Africa now they seem to be starting on her can someone PLEASE PLEASE HELP.
ROBERT bggg35@hotmail.com
Glasgow....
To some of the contributors of this guestbook: After I've read all this messages, it seems to me that there are two aspects of the Tvind issue that are put together, although it should not be necessarly so. One is the TG "cult" and the other are the institutions where the TG members are working - DRH, projects, small schools, etc.... I was a participant of the solidarity workers programme (starting in Norway, going to Angola) and I can say it was probably the best but also the toughest time of my life, an experience I'm very happy about to have and I guess many of my teammates would say the same. I didn't agree with the life style of the 'teachers' and I definitely think that the schools for problematic youngsters in Danemark, which I know from my teaching practise, are very unprofessional and dangerous for the kids. But as regards the volunteering programme, nobody forces anybody to join it. It's one's free will to do so. I've seen a couple of people who quit the programme, because they thought it wasn't for them. And others remained. One doesn't need to join the path of the TG, just come along for sometime, if he/she wishes. Therefore I think statements like "My stepdaughter was saved from ever having to go to Angola" are pretty much denying the capacity of that poor girl to decide on her own, thus being able to exist by herself. True, the programme is very demanding from the psychological point of view and "weaker" personalities might be a bit overwhelmed. And what than about all the Big Brothers, Houses of Love and Expeditions Robinson? So, please, do unclose the activities of the Tvind leader, investigate the financial transactions, explore the psychological terror, but don't transmitt the impression that the only explanation of defending some of the programmes is brainwashing and forced submission and that every single TG member is depraved. In case you'd like to discuss with me, please do so at php_rt2@usa.net
i think its important for everyone to realize that each individual has a different experience. i think "the project" are run so differently in each country. i've heard from volunteers who had wonderful experiences in their project, had money to expand and really help people. i know past volunteers who claim that there is no money at all except for those involved in teachers group. its so complex and there are so many wonderful people within who really are trying to do good. i know them personally. if there is corruption in the "higher up" places its a dam shame...
I am a past IICD/Zimbabwe volunteer. I suppose I am writing in defense of IICD in Williamstown. The 5 months I spent there living communally, working my ass off, fundraising, cooking, etc. were great. I would never say anything bad about the teachers and volunteers I had the oppurtunity to get to know and consider family while I was there. Maybe 5 months isn't long enough to really see into it... I was naive. I had yet to experience Africa and the DAPP projects. I will say there is a lot of "un"organization within DAPP. Plenty of money floating out there but never really making into our projects. That is all I can account for. My six months abroad were scary, confusing, and also the most wonderful 6 months of my life. I was able to bring something to the people I met in Zimbabwe and they gave me so much to take home. I think that is what is important. Is IICD a cult? I don't think so, is Tvind, teachers group?? I'm not sure its all terrible confusing and wishy-washy to me even after being a volunteer. Its important for people to have access to the information on this site before they decide whether or not to join IICD. I could not say if it would have changed my decision to go but I could have been spared some confusion. To future volunteers I'll say, find out all you can first, talk to past volunteers and know that you and only you make your experience what it is. Love and Light to All... J
Re.Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind". After the Danish authorities withdrew all funding to Tvind schools, SOME Tvind schools have partially succeeded in disguising there connection to Tvind, although usually: 1) The buildings are owned by Tvind ("Faelleseje") and 2) People in charge are members of "Teachers'Group", hence under the leadership of leader of the cult, Mogens Amdi Petersen. Such schools, for instance, are Gram Efterskole in South Jutland and the school Nebbegaard near Copenhagen. Quite a number of the pupils at those schools are placed by ignorant social workers needing placements for unruly youngsters. ANOTHER main type of Tvind schools here in Denmark are the so called "Small Schools" (Amdi Petersen vocabulary). At these schools, some counties have placed very difficult youngsters who have had almost no say as to where they were placed, again by a few and ignorant/desperate social workers in need of placements. ("There is always room for one more at Tvind" = Many of their buildings in Denmark are half or fully empty). The Danish county councils are now debating banning any placement at a Tvind-related school, also the so called small schools, in the light of an extremely strong antipathy against the cult among the Danish population, and in the light of the schools' bad reputation, for instance leaving very young people on remote roads or in forests on their own, as punishment. It has been a difficulty for the authorities that they at present do not have sufficient placements for criminal youngsters, in some cases causing some social workers sending a young person to a Tvind "small school". As a whole, a big percentuage of the pupils and students at the Danish Tvind schols are people from abroad, for instance from Germany. The placing authorities there, or the young people themselves, still have not as yet realised what they expose themselves to and what they support when entering a Tvind school. Even young Czechs, Americans, Chinese, and young people from Spain can be seen here in Denmark, following the same tracks as young Danes naively did twenty years ago. These people from abroad act here as underpaid "volunteers" or as socalled "students". They are NOT told who is really in charge and who is benefitting from their money and their work. Now, back to your "reply": Those 30 schools that have "continued": Well, how many students at each school, please? ( Lakolk: 20? , Tvind itself 20??, Juelsminde 5? 10? 0? Peterslyst 0?) And your full capacity at those schols? Number of non-Danes? And how many Danish students aged +18 have you really got at your schools today? 5? How many of them have come from another of your schools for younger people on your recommandation? Your listing of all "your" 30 schools could be interesting to see, also for the Danish authorities. It is possible for you to list them here as to: Name of school. Type of school. Full capacity of school (number). Name of headmaster. Owner of school. School fees ( Danish Kr. per month).Age of students. Number of students. Nationality of students.Number of volunteer-"teachers". Number of qualified teachers. Number of qualified care workers. Placing authorities.
Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind", below. Since 1997 when the government cut funding to all Tvind schools in Denmark, about 30 schools have continued, with alterntive funding. Could you please explain how that is possible if everyone in Denmark hates Tvind? Why do people still send their children and young people to Tvind schools despite the fact that they have been brainwashed for 20 years or so by the anti-Tvind media?
No,that exactly is the problem for you, as a member of a cult.
Long live TvindAlert!! :)
PS: Does anybody else suspect that Amdi and Mugabe are more than just friends;)
I have been a so called "Tvind member" for almost as long as you. For me it has been a great time. As I understand you claim the person that wrote the previous letter to be "naive", "abused", "trapped" or "stupid"? I do not consider myself as either.
Halleluja! The good word spreads, trapping all those, all over the Globe, who were never told what most Danes know today about Tvind. (Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind. Are all those people totally stupid, or do they know something you do not know?) The trick about doing good for the world has been abused by Tvind for all the time it has existed and trapped good-will people like you. Naively, you trust those "hardworking" Tvind people exactly like we did when it all began. You believe - like I did - that you just do your work fighting AIDS or setting up a development project. You do not want to realise the secret money and powerplay the TG people are part of. You do not (want to) know their plans with your private life, your future. Of course, YOU are strong enough to resist getting trapped! The same old story repeats itself, it seems. Without this naivity, other cults like The Moonies, Jehovah's Witnesses etc. would never have existed. I was a Tvind member for 15 years. I also used to believe them.
It would be a shame for all the people benefitting from the good work this organization does if it "goes down in flames". I would agree with you that the word is spreading very fast!!! More and more people and coming to join up! More and more starts to realize that all the hard work done by Humana really helps people!
Tvind better watch their backs because people aren't as dumb as they would like to assume. People are figuring them out and word is quickly spreading. I personally know someone who stands by the Planet Aid box and hands out information. I hope this "organization" goes down in flames and I'll stand by laughing my ass off!
Hello All, I am begging every individual who goes on this site to use their god given common sence. O.K folks, lets think about it "brainwashing"? "Guru"? "Cult"? If you are into this stuff, I think that the Tabloids are the place for you or maybe some crazy Sci-Fi movie. I doubt that this will stay posted long because it does not go along with the image that this ridiculous web site is attemting to project. I am a 25 year old woman and IICD volunteer. I have three university degrees in political Science, International Development, and Conflict Resolution Studies. I can assure you that I am quite capeable of accessing the situation that I am in as an IICD volunteer who is three days away from leaving to work in India. This place is not a cult, one can leave whenever they like, and we are not all "wide eyed" idealists who have been lured by the posters. I am recieving credit for this program through my University who has also checked out the allegations made against this organization through Universitys throughout North America. What was found in this check was that there is no reason for concern and that all those who returned had a positive experience and felt that the development projects they worked on were very good. This comes from people who are students in International Development studies. What this site does not mention is that Humana People to People is a UN recognized organization that has won awards for it's HIV/AIDS work in Africa. The water and sanitation project in India has been given funding from reputable organizations such as Unicef. At this point I am finished with my training and am three days from leaving. I think that the most valuable part of the training that I have finished is the fact that I have built confidence that I never knew i had through experiances I never expected. There are some things in this web-site that are true. However, they have been twisted drasticly to suit it's own purpose. So why does this site exist if this is all a load of crap? This is not for everyone, and not everyone is going to enjoy doing this, just like anything else, it is individual interpretation and opinion. The man who created this web-site has been offered the opportunity to visit our school in Michigan and speak with volunteers. He has not returned any calls. So how about the Teachers Group? The TG is a lifestyle choice that is right for some. I personally do not intend to join the TG at the end of all this because it is not for me but I do admire those who feel that they can commit themselves to it. TG is socialist in nature which is what I think scares people the most. We have had our director open the financial records for us and explain where the money goes. i am comfident that the only way that our money reaches the TG is through the salaries that are paid to the staff members. What they choose to do with their salaries is nobody's business but their own. I hope that this has helped anybody who is considering the organization. The best thing that you can do is to go to an orientation weekend to decide if this is right for you. Good Luck and keep an open mind! IICD MI Volunteer
I've been a solidarity worker for Tvind in Angola, five years ago and I got education at het Traveling Folk Highschools. This has been a great period in my life and I've learned a lot!!!!!!! It's a shame this website makes it look lilke Tvind is all bad!!! mado76@hotmail.com
Dear reader - dear people with common sense... What is the whole thing about - Do people die from AIDS or do they not? Thats important! And how do you take part in informing people about how they can prevent to get this deadly disease!! Go for this! We have one life - maybe one more later who knows??? But this one we have and I want to use it in a way so I am proud of myself - I want to take part in fighting to stop the disease! Do what you find right - but dont imagine that you need to stop me from suffering - I am quite aware of what I work for and what I work against. Spend your time with something important - STOP AIDS!
TVIDALert do something not only talk shit i easy!! do somethink people
check this!!!! http://www.unicef.org/statis/
my e-maillisabon_story@netc.pt
Home | UNICEF in Action | Highlights | Information Resources | Donations, Greeting Cards & Gifts | Press Centre | Voices of Youth | About UNICEF Children work together as 'ants of the future' in Mozambique By Ruth Ansah Ayisi*
Social worker Albertina Sidumo walks through the dusty yards of the ramshackle tin and reed huts that serve as houses in a densely populated suburb of Maputo, the capital. She has come to talk to the Sitoes, one of 400 families she helps in a community that clings to the edge of survival. Lacking adequate jobs, food, health care, schools and other basic services, these families testify to the devastating combined effects of poverty and the country's 16 years of civil strife, which ended in 1992.
When Ms. Sidumo sits with family members under the shade of a tree, Ms. Sitoe pours out her troubles, beginning with her son, three-year- old Antonio. "Antonio has been sick for two years," says Ms. Sitoe. "I took him to the clinic two months ago, but the nurse had already left. I haven't yet had the time to return."
Time probably had little to do with preventing Ms. Sitoe from returning to the clinic. More likely, lack of money and education were to blame. A mother of five children, Ms. Sitoe has never been to school. Worse still, her husband has no job.
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Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
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"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
TEL :(62-21) 65300832 FAX :(62-21) 9172796 EMAIL : pt.salc@centrin.net.id PIC :MR. PAROTUA SINAGA
PLEASE ADVISE YOUR CONFIRMATION, IF SO PLEASE ADVISE YOUR TERM CONDITIONS. IN ADVANCE WE VERY APPRECIATED FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION AND YOUR PROMPT REPLY.
BEST REGARD
Dear Sylvia, I sent you several messages but you don't seem to be getting them because you have never replied. Of course I would like to hear your story! Please get in touch again. Tvind Alert webmaster - tvindalert@bigfoot.com.
ok something is wrong here
Hey people, its been a long time since i have been here. Well, It's Sylvia. Old Winestead student. What i want to know is this. What about the Kids who lived in Winestead Hall and Red house? Seem's to me like were the one's that are forgotten. I wrote an email a while ago to the webmaster asking if he wanted my story. No reply. But what really bothers me is this. The young people that lived with me at Winestead seem to have no mention on this site at all. What about us? We had a hell of a time too. We were beaten, abused, exploited and a few other things i dont care to mention. If any one reading this who used to live in winestead, i would really like to hear from you. My email is baby_98_98@hotmail.com. Thanks
I joined Tvind less than ten years ago and stayed for a short time. Possibly things have changed. Even then, it was not the idealisic utopia it believed itself to be. Nevertheless, it was not the mind-controlling sinister cult that it has been vilified to be in the press, but I suppose everyone likes a sensational story. Not Waco and not Heaven's Gate.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Due to an article i read in the big issue i came across an this tvind article saying young scots linked to cult con, after reading this i went onto the sight to find out more and to my shock and horror im now completely at a loss as my girlfriend is i think is in one of these schools the address is FRISKOLEN I STARREKLINTE MOLLEVANGEN 11 4534 HORVE DENMARK Could someone please tell me what to do or let me at least know if this is one of those schools. I dont think she knows anything about this at or what she is getting herself into . She is now talking about going to Angola in Africa now they seem to be starting on her can someone PLEASE PLEASE HELP.
ROBERT bggg35@hotmail.com
Glasgow....
To some of the contributors of this guestbook: After I've read all this messages, it seems to me that there are two aspects of the Tvind issue that are put together, although it should not be necessarly so. One is the TG "cult" and the other are the institutions where the TG members are working - DRH, projects, small schools, etc.... I was a participant of the solidarity workers programme (starting in Norway, going to Angola) and I can say it was probably the best but also the toughest time of my life, an experience I'm very happy about to have and I guess many of my teammates would say the same. I didn't agree with the life style of the 'teachers' and I definitely think that the schools for problematic youngsters in Danemark, which I know from my teaching practise, are very unprofessional and dangerous for the kids. But as regards the volunteering programme, nobody forces anybody to join it. It's one's free will to do so. I've seen a couple of people who quit the programme, because they thought it wasn't for them. And others remained. One doesn't need to join the path of the TG, just come along for sometime, if he/she wishes. Therefore I think statements like "My stepdaughter was saved from ever having to go to Angola" are pretty much denying the capacity of that poor girl to decide on her own, thus being able to exist by herself. True, the programme is very demanding from the psychological point of view and "weaker" personalities might be a bit overwhelmed. And what than about all the Big Brothers, Houses of Love and Expeditions Robinson? So, please, do unclose the activities of the Tvind leader, investigate the financial transactions, explore the psychological terror, but don't transmitt the impression that the only explanation of defending some of the programmes is brainwashing and forced submission and that every single TG member is depraved. In case you'd like to discuss with me, please do so at php_rt2@usa.net
i think its important for everyone to realize that each individual has a different experience. i think "the project" are run so differently in each country. i've heard from volunteers who had wonderful experiences in their project, had money to expand and really help people. i know past volunteers who claim that there is no money at all except for those involved in teachers group. its so complex and there are so many wonderful people within who really are trying to do good. i know them personally. if there is corruption in the "higher up" places its a dam shame...
I am a past IICD/Zimbabwe volunteer. I suppose I am writing in defense of IICD in Williamstown. The 5 months I spent there living communally, working my ass off, fundraising, cooking, etc. were great. I would never say anything bad about the teachers and volunteers I had the oppurtunity to get to know and consider family while I was there. Maybe 5 months isn't long enough to really see into it... I was naive. I had yet to experience Africa and the DAPP projects. I will say there is a lot of "un"organization within DAPP. Plenty of money floating out there but never really making into our projects. That is all I can account for. My six months abroad were scary, confusing, and also the most wonderful 6 months of my life. I was able to bring something to the people I met in Zimbabwe and they gave me so much to take home. I think that is what is important. Is IICD a cult? I don't think so, is Tvind, teachers group?? I'm not sure its all terrible confusing and wishy-washy to me even after being a volunteer. Its important for people to have access to the information on this site before they decide whether or not to join IICD. I could not say if it would have changed my decision to go but I could have been spared some confusion. To future volunteers I'll say, find out all you can first, talk to past volunteers and know that you and only you make your experience what it is. Love and Light to All... J
Re.Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind". After the Danish authorities withdrew all funding to Tvind schools, SOME Tvind schools have partially succeeded in disguising there connection to Tvind, although usually: 1) The buildings are owned by Tvind ("Faelleseje") and 2) People in charge are members of "Teachers'Group", hence under the leadership of leader of the cult, Mogens Amdi Petersen. Such schools, for instance, are Gram Efterskole in South Jutland and the school Nebbegaard near Copenhagen. Quite a number of the pupils at those schools are placed by ignorant social workers needing placements for unruly youngsters. ANOTHER main type of Tvind schools here in Denmark are the so called "Small Schools" (Amdi Petersen vocabulary). At these schools, some counties have placed very difficult youngsters who have had almost no say as to where they were placed, again by a few and ignorant/desperate social workers in need of placements. ("There is always room for one more at Tvind" = Many of their buildings in Denmark are half or fully empty). The Danish county councils are now debating banning any placement at a Tvind-related school, also the so called small schools, in the light of an extremely strong antipathy against the cult among the Danish population, and in the light of the schools' bad reputation, for instance leaving very young people on remote roads or in forests on their own, as punishment. It has been a difficulty for the authorities that they at present do not have sufficient placements for criminal youngsters, in some cases causing some social workers sending a young person to a Tvind "small school". As a whole, a big percentuage of the pupils and students at the Danish Tvind schols are people from abroad, for instance from Germany. The placing authorities there, or the young people themselves, still have not as yet realised what they expose themselves to and what they support when entering a Tvind school. Even young Czechs, Americans, Chinese, and young people from Spain can be seen here in Denmark, following the same tracks as young Danes naively did twenty years ago. These people from abroad act here as underpaid "volunteers" or as socalled "students". They are NOT told who is really in charge and who is benefitting from their money and their work. Now, back to your "reply": Those 30 schools that have "continued": Well, how many students at each school, please? ( Lakolk: 20? , Tvind itself 20??, Juelsminde 5? 10? 0? Peterslyst 0?) And your full capacity at those schols? Number of non-Danes? And how many Danish students aged +18 have you really got at your schools today? 5? How many of them have come from another of your schools for younger people on your recommandation? Your listing of all "your" 30 schools could be interesting to see, also for the Danish authorities. It is possible for you to list them here as to: Name of school. Type of school. Full capacity of school (number). Name of headmaster. Owner of school. School fees ( Danish Kr. per month).Age of students. Number of students. Nationality of students.Number of volunteer-"teachers". Number of qualified teachers. Number of qualified care workers. Placing authorities.
Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind", below. Since 1997 when the government cut funding to all Tvind schools in Denmark, about 30 schools have continued, with alterntive funding. Could you please explain how that is possible if everyone in Denmark hates Tvind? Why do people still send their children and young people to Tvind schools despite the fact that they have been brainwashed for 20 years or so by the anti-Tvind media?
No,that exactly is the problem for you, as a member of a cult.
Long live TvindAlert!! :)
PS: Does anybody else suspect that Amdi and Mugabe are more than just friends;)
I have been a so called "Tvind member" for almost as long as you. For me it has been a great time. As I understand you claim the person that wrote the previous letter to be "naive", "abused", "trapped" or "stupid"? I do not consider myself as either.
Halleluja! The good word spreads, trapping all those, all over the Globe, who were never told what most Danes know today about Tvind. (Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind. Are all those people totally stupid, or do they know something you do not know?) The trick about doing good for the world has been abused by Tvind for all the time it has existed and trapped good-will people like you. Naively, you trust those "hardworking" Tvind people exactly like we did when it all began. You believe - like I did - that you just do your work fighting AIDS or setting up a development project. You do not want to realise the secret money and powerplay the TG people are part of. You do not (want to) know their plans with your private life, your future. Of course, YOU are strong enough to resist getting trapped! The same old story repeats itself, it seems. Without this naivity, other cults like The Moonies, Jehovah's Witnesses etc. would never have existed. I was a Tvind member for 15 years. I also used to believe them.
It would be a shame for all the people benefitting from the good work this organization does if it "goes down in flames". I would agree with you that the word is spreading very fast!!! More and more people and coming to join up! More and more starts to realize that all the hard work done by Humana really helps people!
Tvind better watch their backs because people aren't as dumb as they would like to assume. People are figuring them out and word is quickly spreading. I personally know someone who stands by the Planet Aid box and hands out information. I hope this "organization" goes down in flames and I'll stand by laughing my ass off!
Hello All, I am begging every individual who goes on this site to use their god given common sence. O.K folks, lets think about it "brainwashing"? "Guru"? "Cult"? If you are into this stuff, I think that the Tabloids are the place for you or maybe some crazy Sci-Fi movie. I doubt that this will stay posted long because it does not go along with the image that this ridiculous web site is attemting to project. I am a 25 year old woman and IICD volunteer. I have three university degrees in political Science, International Development, and Conflict Resolution Studies. I can assure you that I am quite capeable of accessing the situation that I am in as an IICD volunteer who is three days away from leaving to work in India. This place is not a cult, one can leave whenever they like, and we are not all "wide eyed" idealists who have been lured by the posters. I am recieving credit for this program through my University who has also checked out the allegations made against this organization through Universitys throughout North America. What was found in this check was that there is no reason for concern and that all those who returned had a positive experience and felt that the development projects they worked on were very good. This comes from people who are students in International Development studies. What this site does not mention is that Humana People to People is a UN recognized organization that has won awards for it's HIV/AIDS work in Africa. The water and sanitation project in India has been given funding from reputable organizations such as Unicef. At this point I am finished with my training and am three days from leaving. I think that the most valuable part of the training that I have finished is the fact that I have built confidence that I never knew i had through experiances I never expected. There are some things in this web-site that are true. However, they have been twisted drasticly to suit it's own purpose. So why does this site exist if this is all a load of crap? This is not for everyone, and not everyone is going to enjoy doing this, just like anything else, it is individual interpretation and opinion. The man who created this web-site has been offered the opportunity to visit our school in Michigan and speak with volunteers. He has not returned any calls. So how about the Teachers Group? The TG is a lifestyle choice that is right for some. I personally do not intend to join the TG at the end of all this because it is not for me but I do admire those who feel that they can commit themselves to it. TG is socialist in nature which is what I think scares people the most. We have had our director open the financial records for us and explain where the money goes. i am comfident that the only way that our money reaches the TG is through the salaries that are paid to the staff members. What they choose to do with their salaries is nobody's business but their own. I hope that this has helped anybody who is considering the organization. The best thing that you can do is to go to an orientation weekend to decide if this is right for you. Good Luck and keep an open mind! IICD MI Volunteer
I've been a solidarity worker for Tvind in Angola, five years ago and I got education at het Traveling Folk Highschools. This has been a great period in my life and I've learned a lot!!!!!!! It's a shame this website makes it look lilke Tvind is all bad!!! mado76@hotmail.com
Dear reader - dear people with common sense... What is the whole thing about - Do people die from AIDS or do they not? Thats important! And how do you take part in informing people about how they can prevent to get this deadly disease!! Go for this! We have one life - maybe one more later who knows??? But this one we have and I want to use it in a way so I am proud of myself - I want to take part in fighting to stop the disease! Do what you find right - but dont imagine that you need to stop me from suffering - I am quite aware of what I work for and what I work against. Spend your time with something important - STOP AIDS!
TVIDALert do something not only talk shit i easy!! do somethink people
check this!!!! http://www.unicef.org/statis/
my e-maillisabon_story@netc.pt
Home | UNICEF in Action | Highlights | Information Resources | Donations, Greeting Cards & Gifts | Press Centre | Voices of Youth | About UNICEF Children work together as 'ants of the future' in Mozambique By Ruth Ansah Ayisi*
Social worker Albertina Sidumo walks through the dusty yards of the ramshackle tin and reed huts that serve as houses in a densely populated suburb of Maputo, the capital. She has come to talk to the Sitoes, one of 400 families she helps in a community that clings to the edge of survival. Lacking adequate jobs, food, health care, schools and other basic services, these families testify to the devastating combined effects of poverty and the country's 16 years of civil strife, which ended in 1992.
When Ms. Sidumo sits with family members under the shade of a tree, Ms. Sitoe pours out her troubles, beginning with her son, three-year- old Antonio. "Antonio has been sick for two years," says Ms. Sitoe. "I took him to the clinic two months ago, but the nurse had already left. I haven't yet had the time to return."
Time probably had little to do with preventing Ms. Sitoe from returning to the clinic. More likely, lack of money and education were to blame. A mother of five children, Ms. Sitoe has never been to school. Worse still, her husband has no job.
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Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
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"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
PLEASE ADVISE YOUR CONFIRMATION, IF SO PLEASE ADVISE YOUR TERM CONDITIONS. IN ADVANCE WE VERY APPRECIATED FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION AND YOUR PROMPT REPLY.
BEST REGARD
Dear Sylvia, I sent you several messages but you don't seem to be getting them because you have never replied. Of course I would like to hear your story! Please get in touch again. Tvind Alert webmaster - tvindalert@bigfoot.com.
ok something is wrong here
Hey people, its been a long time since i have been here. Well, It's Sylvia. Old Winestead student. What i want to know is this. What about the Kids who lived in Winestead Hall and Red house? Seem's to me like were the one's that are forgotten. I wrote an email a while ago to the webmaster asking if he wanted my story. No reply. But what really bothers me is this. The young people that lived with me at Winestead seem to have no mention on this site at all. What about us? We had a hell of a time too. We were beaten, abused, exploited and a few other things i dont care to mention. If any one reading this who used to live in winestead, i would really like to hear from you. My email is baby_98_98@hotmail.com. Thanks
I joined Tvind less than ten years ago and stayed for a short time. Possibly things have changed. Even then, it was not the idealisic utopia it believed itself to be. Nevertheless, it was not the mind-controlling sinister cult that it has been vilified to be in the press, but I suppose everyone likes a sensational story. Not Waco and not Heaven's Gate.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Due to an article i read in the big issue i came across an this tvind article saying young scots linked to cult con, after reading this i went onto the sight to find out more and to my shock and horror im now completely at a loss as my girlfriend is i think is in one of these schools the address is FRISKOLEN I STARREKLINTE MOLLEVANGEN 11 4534 HORVE DENMARK Could someone please tell me what to do or let me at least know if this is one of those schools. I dont think she knows anything about this at or what she is getting herself into . She is now talking about going to Angola in Africa now they seem to be starting on her can someone PLEASE PLEASE HELP.
ROBERT bggg35@hotmail.com
Glasgow....
To some of the contributors of this guestbook: After I've read all this messages, it seems to me that there are two aspects of the Tvind issue that are put together, although it should not be necessarly so. One is the TG "cult" and the other are the institutions where the TG members are working - DRH, projects, small schools, etc.... I was a participant of the solidarity workers programme (starting in Norway, going to Angola) and I can say it was probably the best but also the toughest time of my life, an experience I'm very happy about to have and I guess many of my teammates would say the same. I didn't agree with the life style of the 'teachers' and I definitely think that the schools for problematic youngsters in Danemark, which I know from my teaching practise, are very unprofessional and dangerous for the kids. But as regards the volunteering programme, nobody forces anybody to join it. It's one's free will to do so. I've seen a couple of people who quit the programme, because they thought it wasn't for them. And others remained. One doesn't need to join the path of the TG, just come along for sometime, if he/she wishes. Therefore I think statements like "My stepdaughter was saved from ever having to go to Angola" are pretty much denying the capacity of that poor girl to decide on her own, thus being able to exist by herself. True, the programme is very demanding from the psychological point of view and "weaker" personalities might be a bit overwhelmed. And what than about all the Big Brothers, Houses of Love and Expeditions Robinson? So, please, do unclose the activities of the Tvind leader, investigate the financial transactions, explore the psychological terror, but don't transmitt the impression that the only explanation of defending some of the programmes is brainwashing and forced submission and that every single TG member is depraved. In case you'd like to discuss with me, please do so at php_rt2@usa.net
i think its important for everyone to realize that each individual has a different experience. i think "the project" are run so differently in each country. i've heard from volunteers who had wonderful experiences in their project, had money to expand and really help people. i know past volunteers who claim that there is no money at all except for those involved in teachers group. its so complex and there are so many wonderful people within who really are trying to do good. i know them personally. if there is corruption in the "higher up" places its a dam shame...
I am a past IICD/Zimbabwe volunteer. I suppose I am writing in defense of IICD in Williamstown. The 5 months I spent there living communally, working my ass off, fundraising, cooking, etc. were great. I would never say anything bad about the teachers and volunteers I had the oppurtunity to get to know and consider family while I was there. Maybe 5 months isn't long enough to really see into it... I was naive. I had yet to experience Africa and the DAPP projects. I will say there is a lot of "un"organization within DAPP. Plenty of money floating out there but never really making into our projects. That is all I can account for. My six months abroad were scary, confusing, and also the most wonderful 6 months of my life. I was able to bring something to the people I met in Zimbabwe and they gave me so much to take home. I think that is what is important. Is IICD a cult? I don't think so, is Tvind, teachers group?? I'm not sure its all terrible confusing and wishy-washy to me even after being a volunteer. Its important for people to have access to the information on this site before they decide whether or not to join IICD. I could not say if it would have changed my decision to go but I could have been spared some confusion. To future volunteers I'll say, find out all you can first, talk to past volunteers and know that you and only you make your experience what it is. Love and Light to All... J
Re.Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind". After the Danish authorities withdrew all funding to Tvind schools, SOME Tvind schools have partially succeeded in disguising there connection to Tvind, although usually: 1) The buildings are owned by Tvind ("Faelleseje") and 2) People in charge are members of "Teachers'Group", hence under the leadership of leader of the cult, Mogens Amdi Petersen. Such schools, for instance, are Gram Efterskole in South Jutland and the school Nebbegaard near Copenhagen. Quite a number of the pupils at those schools are placed by ignorant social workers needing placements for unruly youngsters. ANOTHER main type of Tvind schools here in Denmark are the so called "Small Schools" (Amdi Petersen vocabulary). At these schools, some counties have placed very difficult youngsters who have had almost no say as to where they were placed, again by a few and ignorant/desperate social workers in need of placements. ("There is always room for one more at Tvind" = Many of their buildings in Denmark are half or fully empty). The Danish county councils are now debating banning any placement at a Tvind-related school, also the so called small schools, in the light of an extremely strong antipathy against the cult among the Danish population, and in the light of the schools' bad reputation, for instance leaving very young people on remote roads or in forests on their own, as punishment. It has been a difficulty for the authorities that they at present do not have sufficient placements for criminal youngsters, in some cases causing some social workers sending a young person to a Tvind "small school". As a whole, a big percentuage of the pupils and students at the Danish Tvind schols are people from abroad, for instance from Germany. The placing authorities there, or the young people themselves, still have not as yet realised what they expose themselves to and what they support when entering a Tvind school. Even young Czechs, Americans, Chinese, and young people from Spain can be seen here in Denmark, following the same tracks as young Danes naively did twenty years ago. These people from abroad act here as underpaid "volunteers" or as socalled "students". They are NOT told who is really in charge and who is benefitting from their money and their work. Now, back to your "reply": Those 30 schools that have "continued": Well, how many students at each school, please? ( Lakolk: 20? , Tvind itself 20??, Juelsminde 5? 10? 0? Peterslyst 0?) And your full capacity at those schols? Number of non-Danes? And how many Danish students aged +18 have you really got at your schools today? 5? How many of them have come from another of your schools for younger people on your recommandation? Your listing of all "your" 30 schools could be interesting to see, also for the Danish authorities. It is possible for you to list them here as to: Name of school. Type of school. Full capacity of school (number). Name of headmaster. Owner of school. School fees ( Danish Kr. per month).Age of students. Number of students. Nationality of students.Number of volunteer-"teachers". Number of qualified teachers. Number of qualified care workers. Placing authorities.
Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind", below. Since 1997 when the government cut funding to all Tvind schools in Denmark, about 30 schools have continued, with alterntive funding. Could you please explain how that is possible if everyone in Denmark hates Tvind? Why do people still send their children and young people to Tvind schools despite the fact that they have been brainwashed for 20 years or so by the anti-Tvind media?
No,that exactly is the problem for you, as a member of a cult.
Long live TvindAlert!! :)
PS: Does anybody else suspect that Amdi and Mugabe are more than just friends;)
I have been a so called "Tvind member" for almost as long as you. For me it has been a great time. As I understand you claim the person that wrote the previous letter to be "naive", "abused", "trapped" or "stupid"? I do not consider myself as either.
Halleluja! The good word spreads, trapping all those, all over the Globe, who were never told what most Danes know today about Tvind. (Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind. Are all those people totally stupid, or do they know something you do not know?) The trick about doing good for the world has been abused by Tvind for all the time it has existed and trapped good-will people like you. Naively, you trust those "hardworking" Tvind people exactly like we did when it all began. You believe - like I did - that you just do your work fighting AIDS or setting up a development project. You do not want to realise the secret money and powerplay the TG people are part of. You do not (want to) know their plans with your private life, your future. Of course, YOU are strong enough to resist getting trapped! The same old story repeats itself, it seems. Without this naivity, other cults like The Moonies, Jehovah's Witnesses etc. would never have existed. I was a Tvind member for 15 years. I also used to believe them.
It would be a shame for all the people benefitting from the good work this organization does if it "goes down in flames". I would agree with you that the word is spreading very fast!!! More and more people and coming to join up! More and more starts to realize that all the hard work done by Humana really helps people!
Tvind better watch their backs because people aren't as dumb as they would like to assume. People are figuring them out and word is quickly spreading. I personally know someone who stands by the Planet Aid box and hands out information. I hope this "organization" goes down in flames and I'll stand by laughing my ass off!
Hello All, I am begging every individual who goes on this site to use their god given common sence. O.K folks, lets think about it "brainwashing"? "Guru"? "Cult"? If you are into this stuff, I think that the Tabloids are the place for you or maybe some crazy Sci-Fi movie. I doubt that this will stay posted long because it does not go along with the image that this ridiculous web site is attemting to project. I am a 25 year old woman and IICD volunteer. I have three university degrees in political Science, International Development, and Conflict Resolution Studies. I can assure you that I am quite capeable of accessing the situation that I am in as an IICD volunteer who is three days away from leaving to work in India. This place is not a cult, one can leave whenever they like, and we are not all "wide eyed" idealists who have been lured by the posters. I am recieving credit for this program through my University who has also checked out the allegations made against this organization through Universitys throughout North America. What was found in this check was that there is no reason for concern and that all those who returned had a positive experience and felt that the development projects they worked on were very good. This comes from people who are students in International Development studies. What this site does not mention is that Humana People to People is a UN recognized organization that has won awards for it's HIV/AIDS work in Africa. The water and sanitation project in India has been given funding from reputable organizations such as Unicef. At this point I am finished with my training and am three days from leaving. I think that the most valuable part of the training that I have finished is the fact that I have built confidence that I never knew i had through experiances I never expected. There are some things in this web-site that are true. However, they have been twisted drasticly to suit it's own purpose. So why does this site exist if this is all a load of crap? This is not for everyone, and not everyone is going to enjoy doing this, just like anything else, it is individual interpretation and opinion. The man who created this web-site has been offered the opportunity to visit our school in Michigan and speak with volunteers. He has not returned any calls. So how about the Teachers Group? The TG is a lifestyle choice that is right for some. I personally do not intend to join the TG at the end of all this because it is not for me but I do admire those who feel that they can commit themselves to it. TG is socialist in nature which is what I think scares people the most. We have had our director open the financial records for us and explain where the money goes. i am comfident that the only way that our money reaches the TG is through the salaries that are paid to the staff members. What they choose to do with their salaries is nobody's business but their own. I hope that this has helped anybody who is considering the organization. The best thing that you can do is to go to an orientation weekend to decide if this is right for you. Good Luck and keep an open mind! IICD MI Volunteer
I've been a solidarity worker for Tvind in Angola, five years ago and I got education at het Traveling Folk Highschools. This has been a great period in my life and I've learned a lot!!!!!!! It's a shame this website makes it look lilke Tvind is all bad!!! mado76@hotmail.com
Dear reader - dear people with common sense... What is the whole thing about - Do people die from AIDS or do they not? Thats important! And how do you take part in informing people about how they can prevent to get this deadly disease!! Go for this! We have one life - maybe one more later who knows??? But this one we have and I want to use it in a way so I am proud of myself - I want to take part in fighting to stop the disease! Do what you find right - but dont imagine that you need to stop me from suffering - I am quite aware of what I work for and what I work against. Spend your time with something important - STOP AIDS!
TVIDALert do something not only talk shit i easy!! do somethink people
check this!!!! http://www.unicef.org/statis/
my e-maillisabon_story@netc.pt
Home | UNICEF in Action | Highlights | Information Resources | Donations, Greeting Cards & Gifts | Press Centre | Voices of Youth | About UNICEF Children work together as 'ants of the future' in Mozambique By Ruth Ansah Ayisi*
Social worker Albertina Sidumo walks through the dusty yards of the ramshackle tin and reed huts that serve as houses in a densely populated suburb of Maputo, the capital. She has come to talk to the Sitoes, one of 400 families she helps in a community that clings to the edge of survival. Lacking adequate jobs, food, health care, schools and other basic services, these families testify to the devastating combined effects of poverty and the country's 16 years of civil strife, which ended in 1992.
When Ms. Sidumo sits with family members under the shade of a tree, Ms. Sitoe pours out her troubles, beginning with her son, three-year- old Antonio. "Antonio has been sick for two years," says Ms. Sitoe. "I took him to the clinic two months ago, but the nurse had already left. I haven't yet had the time to return."
Time probably had little to do with preventing Ms. Sitoe from returning to the clinic. More likely, lack of money and education were to blame. A mother of five children, Ms. Sitoe has never been to school. Worse still, her husband has no job.
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Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
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"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
BEST REGARD
Dear Sylvia, I sent you several messages but you don't seem to be getting them because you have never replied. Of course I would like to hear your story! Please get in touch again. Tvind Alert webmaster - tvindalert@bigfoot.com.
ok something is wrong here
Hey people, its been a long time since i have been here. Well, It's Sylvia. Old Winestead student. What i want to know is this. What about the Kids who lived in Winestead Hall and Red house? Seem's to me like were the one's that are forgotten. I wrote an email a while ago to the webmaster asking if he wanted my story. No reply. But what really bothers me is this. The young people that lived with me at Winestead seem to have no mention on this site at all. What about us? We had a hell of a time too. We were beaten, abused, exploited and a few other things i dont care to mention. If any one reading this who used to live in winestead, i would really like to hear from you. My email is baby_98_98@hotmail.com. Thanks
I joined Tvind less than ten years ago and stayed for a short time. Possibly things have changed. Even then, it was not the idealisic utopia it believed itself to be. Nevertheless, it was not the mind-controlling sinister cult that it has been vilified to be in the press, but I suppose everyone likes a sensational story. Not Waco and not Heaven's Gate.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Due to an article i read in the big issue i came across an this tvind article saying young scots linked to cult con, after reading this i went onto the sight to find out more and to my shock and horror im now completely at a loss as my girlfriend is i think is in one of these schools the address is FRISKOLEN I STARREKLINTE MOLLEVANGEN 11 4534 HORVE DENMARK Could someone please tell me what to do or let me at least know if this is one of those schools. I dont think she knows anything about this at or what she is getting herself into . She is now talking about going to Angola in Africa now they seem to be starting on her can someone PLEASE PLEASE HELP.
ROBERT bggg35@hotmail.com
Glasgow....
To some of the contributors of this guestbook: After I've read all this messages, it seems to me that there are two aspects of the Tvind issue that are put together, although it should not be necessarly so. One is the TG "cult" and the other are the institutions where the TG members are working - DRH, projects, small schools, etc.... I was a participant of the solidarity workers programme (starting in Norway, going to Angola) and I can say it was probably the best but also the toughest time of my life, an experience I'm very happy about to have and I guess many of my teammates would say the same. I didn't agree with the life style of the 'teachers' and I definitely think that the schools for problematic youngsters in Danemark, which I know from my teaching practise, are very unprofessional and dangerous for the kids. But as regards the volunteering programme, nobody forces anybody to join it. It's one's free will to do so. I've seen a couple of people who quit the programme, because they thought it wasn't for them. And others remained. One doesn't need to join the path of the TG, just come along for sometime, if he/she wishes. Therefore I think statements like "My stepdaughter was saved from ever having to go to Angola" are pretty much denying the capacity of that poor girl to decide on her own, thus being able to exist by herself. True, the programme is very demanding from the psychological point of view and "weaker" personalities might be a bit overwhelmed. And what than about all the Big Brothers, Houses of Love and Expeditions Robinson? So, please, do unclose the activities of the Tvind leader, investigate the financial transactions, explore the psychological terror, but don't transmitt the impression that the only explanation of defending some of the programmes is brainwashing and forced submission and that every single TG member is depraved. In case you'd like to discuss with me, please do so at php_rt2@usa.net
i think its important for everyone to realize that each individual has a different experience. i think "the project" are run so differently in each country. i've heard from volunteers who had wonderful experiences in their project, had money to expand and really help people. i know past volunteers who claim that there is no money at all except for those involved in teachers group. its so complex and there are so many wonderful people within who really are trying to do good. i know them personally. if there is corruption in the "higher up" places its a dam shame...
I am a past IICD/Zimbabwe volunteer. I suppose I am writing in defense of IICD in Williamstown. The 5 months I spent there living communally, working my ass off, fundraising, cooking, etc. were great. I would never say anything bad about the teachers and volunteers I had the oppurtunity to get to know and consider family while I was there. Maybe 5 months isn't long enough to really see into it... I was naive. I had yet to experience Africa and the DAPP projects. I will say there is a lot of "un"organization within DAPP. Plenty of money floating out there but never really making into our projects. That is all I can account for. My six months abroad were scary, confusing, and also the most wonderful 6 months of my life. I was able to bring something to the people I met in Zimbabwe and they gave me so much to take home. I think that is what is important. Is IICD a cult? I don't think so, is Tvind, teachers group?? I'm not sure its all terrible confusing and wishy-washy to me even after being a volunteer. Its important for people to have access to the information on this site before they decide whether or not to join IICD. I could not say if it would have changed my decision to go but I could have been spared some confusion. To future volunteers I'll say, find out all you can first, talk to past volunteers and know that you and only you make your experience what it is. Love and Light to All... J
Re.Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind". After the Danish authorities withdrew all funding to Tvind schools, SOME Tvind schools have partially succeeded in disguising there connection to Tvind, although usually: 1) The buildings are owned by Tvind ("Faelleseje") and 2) People in charge are members of "Teachers'Group", hence under the leadership of leader of the cult, Mogens Amdi Petersen. Such schools, for instance, are Gram Efterskole in South Jutland and the school Nebbegaard near Copenhagen. Quite a number of the pupils at those schools are placed by ignorant social workers needing placements for unruly youngsters. ANOTHER main type of Tvind schools here in Denmark are the so called "Small Schools" (Amdi Petersen vocabulary). At these schools, some counties have placed very difficult youngsters who have had almost no say as to where they were placed, again by a few and ignorant/desperate social workers in need of placements. ("There is always room for one more at Tvind" = Many of their buildings in Denmark are half or fully empty). The Danish county councils are now debating banning any placement at a Tvind-related school, also the so called small schools, in the light of an extremely strong antipathy against the cult among the Danish population, and in the light of the schools' bad reputation, for instance leaving very young people on remote roads or in forests on their own, as punishment. It has been a difficulty for the authorities that they at present do not have sufficient placements for criminal youngsters, in some cases causing some social workers sending a young person to a Tvind "small school". As a whole, a big percentuage of the pupils and students at the Danish Tvind schols are people from abroad, for instance from Germany. The placing authorities there, or the young people themselves, still have not as yet realised what they expose themselves to and what they support when entering a Tvind school. Even young Czechs, Americans, Chinese, and young people from Spain can be seen here in Denmark, following the same tracks as young Danes naively did twenty years ago. These people from abroad act here as underpaid "volunteers" or as socalled "students". They are NOT told who is really in charge and who is benefitting from their money and their work. Now, back to your "reply": Those 30 schools that have "continued": Well, how many students at each school, please? ( Lakolk: 20? , Tvind itself 20??, Juelsminde 5? 10? 0? Peterslyst 0?) And your full capacity at those schols? Number of non-Danes? And how many Danish students aged +18 have you really got at your schools today? 5? How many of them have come from another of your schools for younger people on your recommandation? Your listing of all "your" 30 schools could be interesting to see, also for the Danish authorities. It is possible for you to list them here as to: Name of school. Type of school. Full capacity of school (number). Name of headmaster. Owner of school. School fees ( Danish Kr. per month).Age of students. Number of students. Nationality of students.Number of volunteer-"teachers". Number of qualified teachers. Number of qualified care workers. Placing authorities.
Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind", below. Since 1997 when the government cut funding to all Tvind schools in Denmark, about 30 schools have continued, with alterntive funding. Could you please explain how that is possible if everyone in Denmark hates Tvind? Why do people still send their children and young people to Tvind schools despite the fact that they have been brainwashed for 20 years or so by the anti-Tvind media?
No,that exactly is the problem for you, as a member of a cult.
Long live TvindAlert!! :)
PS: Does anybody else suspect that Amdi and Mugabe are more than just friends;)
I have been a so called "Tvind member" for almost as long as you. For me it has been a great time. As I understand you claim the person that wrote the previous letter to be "naive", "abused", "trapped" or "stupid"? I do not consider myself as either.
Halleluja! The good word spreads, trapping all those, all over the Globe, who were never told what most Danes know today about Tvind. (Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind. Are all those people totally stupid, or do they know something you do not know?) The trick about doing good for the world has been abused by Tvind for all the time it has existed and trapped good-will people like you. Naively, you trust those "hardworking" Tvind people exactly like we did when it all began. You believe - like I did - that you just do your work fighting AIDS or setting up a development project. You do not want to realise the secret money and powerplay the TG people are part of. You do not (want to) know their plans with your private life, your future. Of course, YOU are strong enough to resist getting trapped! The same old story repeats itself, it seems. Without this naivity, other cults like The Moonies, Jehovah's Witnesses etc. would never have existed. I was a Tvind member for 15 years. I also used to believe them.
It would be a shame for all the people benefitting from the good work this organization does if it "goes down in flames". I would agree with you that the word is spreading very fast!!! More and more people and coming to join up! More and more starts to realize that all the hard work done by Humana really helps people!
Tvind better watch their backs because people aren't as dumb as they would like to assume. People are figuring them out and word is quickly spreading. I personally know someone who stands by the Planet Aid box and hands out information. I hope this "organization" goes down in flames and I'll stand by laughing my ass off!
Hello All, I am begging every individual who goes on this site to use their god given common sence. O.K folks, lets think about it "brainwashing"? "Guru"? "Cult"? If you are into this stuff, I think that the Tabloids are the place for you or maybe some crazy Sci-Fi movie. I doubt that this will stay posted long because it does not go along with the image that this ridiculous web site is attemting to project. I am a 25 year old woman and IICD volunteer. I have three university degrees in political Science, International Development, and Conflict Resolution Studies. I can assure you that I am quite capeable of accessing the situation that I am in as an IICD volunteer who is three days away from leaving to work in India. This place is not a cult, one can leave whenever they like, and we are not all "wide eyed" idealists who have been lured by the posters. I am recieving credit for this program through my University who has also checked out the allegations made against this organization through Universitys throughout North America. What was found in this check was that there is no reason for concern and that all those who returned had a positive experience and felt that the development projects they worked on were very good. This comes from people who are students in International Development studies. What this site does not mention is that Humana People to People is a UN recognized organization that has won awards for it's HIV/AIDS work in Africa. The water and sanitation project in India has been given funding from reputable organizations such as Unicef. At this point I am finished with my training and am three days from leaving. I think that the most valuable part of the training that I have finished is the fact that I have built confidence that I never knew i had through experiances I never expected. There are some things in this web-site that are true. However, they have been twisted drasticly to suit it's own purpose. So why does this site exist if this is all a load of crap? This is not for everyone, and not everyone is going to enjoy doing this, just like anything else, it is individual interpretation and opinion. The man who created this web-site has been offered the opportunity to visit our school in Michigan and speak with volunteers. He has not returned any calls. So how about the Teachers Group? The TG is a lifestyle choice that is right for some. I personally do not intend to join the TG at the end of all this because it is not for me but I do admire those who feel that they can commit themselves to it. TG is socialist in nature which is what I think scares people the most. We have had our director open the financial records for us and explain where the money goes. i am comfident that the only way that our money reaches the TG is through the salaries that are paid to the staff members. What they choose to do with their salaries is nobody's business but their own. I hope that this has helped anybody who is considering the organization. The best thing that you can do is to go to an orientation weekend to decide if this is right for you. Good Luck and keep an open mind! IICD MI Volunteer
I've been a solidarity worker for Tvind in Angola, five years ago and I got education at het Traveling Folk Highschools. This has been a great period in my life and I've learned a lot!!!!!!! It's a shame this website makes it look lilke Tvind is all bad!!! mado76@hotmail.com
Dear reader - dear people with common sense... What is the whole thing about - Do people die from AIDS or do they not? Thats important! And how do you take part in informing people about how they can prevent to get this deadly disease!! Go for this! We have one life - maybe one more later who knows??? But this one we have and I want to use it in a way so I am proud of myself - I want to take part in fighting to stop the disease! Do what you find right - but dont imagine that you need to stop me from suffering - I am quite aware of what I work for and what I work against. Spend your time with something important - STOP AIDS!
TVIDALert do something not only talk shit i easy!! do somethink people
check this!!!! http://www.unicef.org/statis/
my e-maillisabon_story@netc.pt
Home | UNICEF in Action | Highlights | Information Resources | Donations, Greeting Cards & Gifts | Press Centre | Voices of Youth | About UNICEF Children work together as 'ants of the future' in Mozambique By Ruth Ansah Ayisi*
Social worker Albertina Sidumo walks through the dusty yards of the ramshackle tin and reed huts that serve as houses in a densely populated suburb of Maputo, the capital. She has come to talk to the Sitoes, one of 400 families she helps in a community that clings to the edge of survival. Lacking adequate jobs, food, health care, schools and other basic services, these families testify to the devastating combined effects of poverty and the country's 16 years of civil strife, which ended in 1992.
When Ms. Sidumo sits with family members under the shade of a tree, Ms. Sitoe pours out her troubles, beginning with her son, three-year- old Antonio. "Antonio has been sick for two years," says Ms. Sitoe. "I took him to the clinic two months ago, but the nurse had already left. I haven't yet had the time to return."
Time probably had little to do with preventing Ms. Sitoe from returning to the clinic. More likely, lack of money and education were to blame. A mother of five children, Ms. Sitoe has never been to school. Worse still, her husband has no job.
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Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
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"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
Due to an article i read in the big issue i came across an this tvind article saying young scots linked to cult con, after reading this i went onto the sight to find out more and to my shock and horror im now completely at a loss as my girlfriend is i think is in one of these schools the address is FRISKOLEN I STARREKLINTE MOLLEVANGEN 11 4534 HORVE DENMARK Could someone please tell me what to do or let me at least know if this is one of those schools. I dont think she knows anything about this at or what she is getting herself into . She is now talking about going to Angola in Africa now they seem to be starting on her can someone PLEASE PLEASE HELP.
ROBERT bggg35@hotmail.com
Glasgow....
To some of the contributors of this guestbook: After I've read all this messages, it seems to me that there are two aspects of the Tvind issue that are put together, although it should not be necessarly so. One is the TG "cult" and the other are the institutions where the TG members are working - DRH, projects, small schools, etc.... I was a participant of the solidarity workers programme (starting in Norway, going to Angola) and I can say it was probably the best but also the toughest time of my life, an experience I'm very happy about to have and I guess many of my teammates would say the same. I didn't agree with the life style of the 'teachers' and I definitely think that the schools for problematic youngsters in Danemark, which I know from my teaching practise, are very unprofessional and dangerous for the kids. But as regards the volunteering programme, nobody forces anybody to join it. It's one's free will to do so. I've seen a couple of people who quit the programme, because they thought it wasn't for them. And others remained. One doesn't need to join the path of the TG, just come along for sometime, if he/she wishes. Therefore I think statements like "My stepdaughter was saved from ever having to go to Angola" are pretty much denying the capacity of that poor girl to decide on her own, thus being able to exist by herself. True, the programme is very demanding from the psychological point of view and "weaker" personalities might be a bit overwhelmed. And what than about all the Big Brothers, Houses of Love and Expeditions Robinson? So, please, do unclose the activities of the Tvind leader, investigate the financial transactions, explore the psychological terror, but don't transmitt the impression that the only explanation of defending some of the programmes is brainwashing and forced submission and that every single TG member is depraved. In case you'd like to discuss with me, please do so at php_rt2@usa.net
i think its important for everyone to realize that each individual has a different experience. i think "the project" are run so differently in each country. i've heard from volunteers who had wonderful experiences in their project, had money to expand and really help people. i know past volunteers who claim that there is no money at all except for those involved in teachers group. its so complex and there are so many wonderful people within who really are trying to do good. i know them personally. if there is corruption in the "higher up" places its a dam shame...
I am a past IICD/Zimbabwe volunteer. I suppose I am writing in defense of IICD in Williamstown. The 5 months I spent there living communally, working my ass off, fundraising, cooking, etc. were great. I would never say anything bad about the teachers and volunteers I had the oppurtunity to get to know and consider family while I was there. Maybe 5 months isn't long enough to really see into it... I was naive. I had yet to experience Africa and the DAPP projects. I will say there is a lot of "un"organization within DAPP. Plenty of money floating out there but never really making into our projects. That is all I can account for. My six months abroad were scary, confusing, and also the most wonderful 6 months of my life. I was able to bring something to the people I met in Zimbabwe and they gave me so much to take home. I think that is what is important. Is IICD a cult? I don't think so, is Tvind, teachers group?? I'm not sure its all terrible confusing and wishy-washy to me even after being a volunteer. Its important for people to have access to the information on this site before they decide whether or not to join IICD. I could not say if it would have changed my decision to go but I could have been spared some confusion. To future volunteers I'll say, find out all you can first, talk to past volunteers and know that you and only you make your experience what it is. Love and Light to All... J
Re.Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind". After the Danish authorities withdrew all funding to Tvind schools, SOME Tvind schools have partially succeeded in disguising there connection to Tvind, although usually: 1) The buildings are owned by Tvind ("Faelleseje") and 2) People in charge are members of "Teachers'Group", hence under the leadership of leader of the cult, Mogens Amdi Petersen. Such schools, for instance, are Gram Efterskole in South Jutland and the school Nebbegaard near Copenhagen. Quite a number of the pupils at those schools are placed by ignorant social workers needing placements for unruly youngsters. ANOTHER main type of Tvind schools here in Denmark are the so called "Small Schools" (Amdi Petersen vocabulary). At these schools, some counties have placed very difficult youngsters who have had almost no say as to where they were placed, again by a few and ignorant/desperate social workers in need of placements. ("There is always room for one more at Tvind" = Many of their buildings in Denmark are half or fully empty). The Danish county councils are now debating banning any placement at a Tvind-related school, also the so called small schools, in the light of an extremely strong antipathy against the cult among the Danish population, and in the light of the schools' bad reputation, for instance leaving very young people on remote roads or in forests on their own, as punishment. It has been a difficulty for the authorities that they at present do not have sufficient placements for criminal youngsters, in some cases causing some social workers sending a young person to a Tvind "small school". As a whole, a big percentuage of the pupils and students at the Danish Tvind schols are people from abroad, for instance from Germany. The placing authorities there, or the young people themselves, still have not as yet realised what they expose themselves to and what they support when entering a Tvind school. Even young Czechs, Americans, Chinese, and young people from Spain can be seen here in Denmark, following the same tracks as young Danes naively did twenty years ago. These people from abroad act here as underpaid "volunteers" or as socalled "students". They are NOT told who is really in charge and who is benefitting from their money and their work. Now, back to your "reply": Those 30 schools that have "continued": Well, how many students at each school, please? ( Lakolk: 20? , Tvind itself 20??, Juelsminde 5? 10? 0? Peterslyst 0?) And your full capacity at those schols? Number of non-Danes? And how many Danish students aged +18 have you really got at your schools today? 5? How many of them have come from another of your schools for younger people on your recommandation? Your listing of all "your" 30 schools could be interesting to see, also for the Danish authorities. It is possible for you to list them here as to: Name of school. Type of school. Full capacity of school (number). Name of headmaster. Owner of school. School fees ( Danish Kr. per month).Age of students. Number of students. Nationality of students.Number of volunteer-"teachers". Number of qualified teachers. Number of qualified care workers. Placing authorities.
Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind", below. Since 1997 when the government cut funding to all Tvind schools in Denmark, about 30 schools have continued, with alterntive funding. Could you please explain how that is possible if everyone in Denmark hates Tvind? Why do people still send their children and young people to Tvind schools despite the fact that they have been brainwashed for 20 years or so by the anti-Tvind media?
No,that exactly is the problem for you, as a member of a cult.
Long live TvindAlert!! :)
PS: Does anybody else suspect that Amdi and Mugabe are more than just friends;)
I have been a so called "Tvind member" for almost as long as you. For me it has been a great time. As I understand you claim the person that wrote the previous letter to be "naive", "abused", "trapped" or "stupid"? I do not consider myself as either.
Halleluja! The good word spreads, trapping all those, all over the Globe, who were never told what most Danes know today about Tvind. (Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind. Are all those people totally stupid, or do they know something you do not know?) The trick about doing good for the world has been abused by Tvind for all the time it has existed and trapped good-will people like you. Naively, you trust those "hardworking" Tvind people exactly like we did when it all began. You believe - like I did - that you just do your work fighting AIDS or setting up a development project. You do not want to realise the secret money and powerplay the TG people are part of. You do not (want to) know their plans with your private life, your future. Of course, YOU are strong enough to resist getting trapped! The same old story repeats itself, it seems. Without this naivity, other cults like The Moonies, Jehovah's Witnesses etc. would never have existed. I was a Tvind member for 15 years. I also used to believe them.
It would be a shame for all the people benefitting from the good work this organization does if it "goes down in flames". I would agree with you that the word is spreading very fast!!! More and more people and coming to join up! More and more starts to realize that all the hard work done by Humana really helps people!
Tvind better watch their backs because people aren't as dumb as they would like to assume. People are figuring them out and word is quickly spreading. I personally know someone who stands by the Planet Aid box and hands out information. I hope this "organization" goes down in flames and I'll stand by laughing my ass off!
Hello All, I am begging every individual who goes on this site to use their god given common sence. O.K folks, lets think about it "brainwashing"? "Guru"? "Cult"? If you are into this stuff, I think that the Tabloids are the place for you or maybe some crazy Sci-Fi movie. I doubt that this will stay posted long because it does not go along with the image that this ridiculous web site is attemting to project. I am a 25 year old woman and IICD volunteer. I have three university degrees in political Science, International Development, and Conflict Resolution Studies. I can assure you that I am quite capeable of accessing the situation that I am in as an IICD volunteer who is three days away from leaving to work in India. This place is not a cult, one can leave whenever they like, and we are not all "wide eyed" idealists who have been lured by the posters. I am recieving credit for this program through my University who has also checked out the allegations made against this organization through Universitys throughout North America. What was found in this check was that there is no reason for concern and that all those who returned had a positive experience and felt that the development projects they worked on were very good. This comes from people who are students in International Development studies. What this site does not mention is that Humana People to People is a UN recognized organization that has won awards for it's HIV/AIDS work in Africa. The water and sanitation project in India has been given funding from reputable organizations such as Unicef. At this point I am finished with my training and am three days from leaving. I think that the most valuable part of the training that I have finished is the fact that I have built confidence that I never knew i had through experiances I never expected. There are some things in this web-site that are true. However, they have been twisted drasticly to suit it's own purpose. So why does this site exist if this is all a load of crap? This is not for everyone, and not everyone is going to enjoy doing this, just like anything else, it is individual interpretation and opinion. The man who created this web-site has been offered the opportunity to visit our school in Michigan and speak with volunteers. He has not returned any calls. So how about the Teachers Group? The TG is a lifestyle choice that is right for some. I personally do not intend to join the TG at the end of all this because it is not for me but I do admire those who feel that they can commit themselves to it. TG is socialist in nature which is what I think scares people the most. We have had our director open the financial records for us and explain where the money goes. i am comfident that the only way that our money reaches the TG is through the salaries that are paid to the staff members. What they choose to do with their salaries is nobody's business but their own. I hope that this has helped anybody who is considering the organization. The best thing that you can do is to go to an orientation weekend to decide if this is right for you. Good Luck and keep an open mind! IICD MI Volunteer
I've been a solidarity worker for Tvind in Angola, five years ago and I got education at het Traveling Folk Highschools. This has been a great period in my life and I've learned a lot!!!!!!! It's a shame this website makes it look lilke Tvind is all bad!!! mado76@hotmail.com
Dear reader - dear people with common sense... What is the whole thing about - Do people die from AIDS or do they not? Thats important! And how do you take part in informing people about how they can prevent to get this deadly disease!! Go for this! We have one life - maybe one more later who knows??? But this one we have and I want to use it in a way so I am proud of myself - I want to take part in fighting to stop the disease! Do what you find right - but dont imagine that you need to stop me from suffering - I am quite aware of what I work for and what I work against. Spend your time with something important - STOP AIDS!
TVIDALert do something not only talk shit i easy!! do somethink people
check this!!!! http://www.unicef.org/statis/
my e-maillisabon_story@netc.pt
Home | UNICEF in Action | Highlights | Information Resources | Donations, Greeting Cards & Gifts | Press Centre | Voices of Youth | About UNICEF Children work together as 'ants of the future' in Mozambique By Ruth Ansah Ayisi*
Social worker Albertina Sidumo walks through the dusty yards of the ramshackle tin and reed huts that serve as houses in a densely populated suburb of Maputo, the capital. She has come to talk to the Sitoes, one of 400 families she helps in a community that clings to the edge of survival. Lacking adequate jobs, food, health care, schools and other basic services, these families testify to the devastating combined effects of poverty and the country's 16 years of civil strife, which ended in 1992.
When Ms. Sidumo sits with family members under the shade of a tree, Ms. Sitoe pours out her troubles, beginning with her son, three-year- old Antonio. "Antonio has been sick for two years," says Ms. Sitoe. "I took him to the clinic two months ago, but the nurse had already left. I haven't yet had the time to return."
Time probably had little to do with preventing Ms. Sitoe from returning to the clinic. More likely, lack of money and education were to blame. A mother of five children, Ms. Sitoe has never been to school. Worse still, her husband has no job.
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Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
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"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
ROBERT bggg35@hotmail.com
Glasgow....
To some of the contributors of this guestbook: After I've read all this messages, it seems to me that there are two aspects of the Tvind issue that are put together, although it should not be necessarly so. One is the TG "cult" and the other are the institutions where the TG members are working - DRH, projects, small schools, etc.... I was a participant of the solidarity workers programme (starting in Norway, going to Angola) and I can say it was probably the best but also the toughest time of my life, an experience I'm very happy about to have and I guess many of my teammates would say the same. I didn't agree with the life style of the 'teachers' and I definitely think that the schools for problematic youngsters in Danemark, which I know from my teaching practise, are very unprofessional and dangerous for the kids. But as regards the volunteering programme, nobody forces anybody to join it. It's one's free will to do so. I've seen a couple of people who quit the programme, because they thought it wasn't for them. And others remained. One doesn't need to join the path of the TG, just come along for sometime, if he/she wishes. Therefore I think statements like "My stepdaughter was saved from ever having to go to Angola" are pretty much denying the capacity of that poor girl to decide on her own, thus being able to exist by herself. True, the programme is very demanding from the psychological point of view and "weaker" personalities might be a bit overwhelmed. And what than about all the Big Brothers, Houses of Love and Expeditions Robinson? So, please, do unclose the activities of the Tvind leader, investigate the financial transactions, explore the psychological terror, but don't transmitt the impression that the only explanation of defending some of the programmes is brainwashing and forced submission and that every single TG member is depraved. In case you'd like to discuss with me, please do so at php_rt2@usa.net
i think its important for everyone to realize that each individual has a different experience. i think "the project" are run so differently in each country. i've heard from volunteers who had wonderful experiences in their project, had money to expand and really help people. i know past volunteers who claim that there is no money at all except for those involved in teachers group. its so complex and there are so many wonderful people within who really are trying to do good. i know them personally. if there is corruption in the "higher up" places its a dam shame...
I am a past IICD/Zimbabwe volunteer. I suppose I am writing in defense of IICD in Williamstown. The 5 months I spent there living communally, working my ass off, fundraising, cooking, etc. were great. I would never say anything bad about the teachers and volunteers I had the oppurtunity to get to know and consider family while I was there. Maybe 5 months isn't long enough to really see into it... I was naive. I had yet to experience Africa and the DAPP projects. I will say there is a lot of "un"organization within DAPP. Plenty of money floating out there but never really making into our projects. That is all I can account for. My six months abroad were scary, confusing, and also the most wonderful 6 months of my life. I was able to bring something to the people I met in Zimbabwe and they gave me so much to take home. I think that is what is important. Is IICD a cult? I don't think so, is Tvind, teachers group?? I'm not sure its all terrible confusing and wishy-washy to me even after being a volunteer. Its important for people to have access to the information on this site before they decide whether or not to join IICD. I could not say if it would have changed my decision to go but I could have been spared some confusion. To future volunteers I'll say, find out all you can first, talk to past volunteers and know that you and only you make your experience what it is. Love and Light to All... J
Re.Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind". After the Danish authorities withdrew all funding to Tvind schools, SOME Tvind schools have partially succeeded in disguising there connection to Tvind, although usually: 1) The buildings are owned by Tvind ("Faelleseje") and 2) People in charge are members of "Teachers'Group", hence under the leadership of leader of the cult, Mogens Amdi Petersen. Such schools, for instance, are Gram Efterskole in South Jutland and the school Nebbegaard near Copenhagen. Quite a number of the pupils at those schools are placed by ignorant social workers needing placements for unruly youngsters. ANOTHER main type of Tvind schools here in Denmark are the so called "Small Schools" (Amdi Petersen vocabulary). At these schools, some counties have placed very difficult youngsters who have had almost no say as to where they were placed, again by a few and ignorant/desperate social workers in need of placements. ("There is always room for one more at Tvind" = Many of their buildings in Denmark are half or fully empty). The Danish county councils are now debating banning any placement at a Tvind-related school, also the so called small schools, in the light of an extremely strong antipathy against the cult among the Danish population, and in the light of the schools' bad reputation, for instance leaving very young people on remote roads or in forests on their own, as punishment. It has been a difficulty for the authorities that they at present do not have sufficient placements for criminal youngsters, in some cases causing some social workers sending a young person to a Tvind "small school". As a whole, a big percentuage of the pupils and students at the Danish Tvind schols are people from abroad, for instance from Germany. The placing authorities there, or the young people themselves, still have not as yet realised what they expose themselves to and what they support when entering a Tvind school. Even young Czechs, Americans, Chinese, and young people from Spain can be seen here in Denmark, following the same tracks as young Danes naively did twenty years ago. These people from abroad act here as underpaid "volunteers" or as socalled "students". They are NOT told who is really in charge and who is benefitting from their money and their work. Now, back to your "reply": Those 30 schools that have "continued": Well, how many students at each school, please? ( Lakolk: 20? , Tvind itself 20??, Juelsminde 5? 10? 0? Peterslyst 0?) And your full capacity at those schols? Number of non-Danes? And how many Danish students aged +18 have you really got at your schools today? 5? How many of them have come from another of your schools for younger people on your recommandation? Your listing of all "your" 30 schools could be interesting to see, also for the Danish authorities. It is possible for you to list them here as to: Name of school. Type of school. Full capacity of school (number). Name of headmaster. Owner of school. School fees ( Danish Kr. per month).Age of students. Number of students. Nationality of students.Number of volunteer-"teachers". Number of qualified teachers. Number of qualified care workers. Placing authorities.
Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind", below. Since 1997 when the government cut funding to all Tvind schools in Denmark, about 30 schools have continued, with alterntive funding. Could you please explain how that is possible if everyone in Denmark hates Tvind? Why do people still send their children and young people to Tvind schools despite the fact that they have been brainwashed for 20 years or so by the anti-Tvind media?
No,that exactly is the problem for you, as a member of a cult.
Long live TvindAlert!! :)
PS: Does anybody else suspect that Amdi and Mugabe are more than just friends;)
I have been a so called "Tvind member" for almost as long as you. For me it has been a great time. As I understand you claim the person that wrote the previous letter to be "naive", "abused", "trapped" or "stupid"? I do not consider myself as either.
Halleluja! The good word spreads, trapping all those, all over the Globe, who were never told what most Danes know today about Tvind. (Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind. Are all those people totally stupid, or do they know something you do not know?) The trick about doing good for the world has been abused by Tvind for all the time it has existed and trapped good-will people like you. Naively, you trust those "hardworking" Tvind people exactly like we did when it all began. You believe - like I did - that you just do your work fighting AIDS or setting up a development project. You do not want to realise the secret money and powerplay the TG people are part of. You do not (want to) know their plans with your private life, your future. Of course, YOU are strong enough to resist getting trapped! The same old story repeats itself, it seems. Without this naivity, other cults like The Moonies, Jehovah's Witnesses etc. would never have existed. I was a Tvind member for 15 years. I also used to believe them.
It would be a shame for all the people benefitting from the good work this organization does if it "goes down in flames". I would agree with you that the word is spreading very fast!!! More and more people and coming to join up! More and more starts to realize that all the hard work done by Humana really helps people!
Tvind better watch their backs because people aren't as dumb as they would like to assume. People are figuring them out and word is quickly spreading. I personally know someone who stands by the Planet Aid box and hands out information. I hope this "organization" goes down in flames and I'll stand by laughing my ass off!
Hello All, I am begging every individual who goes on this site to use their god given common sence. O.K folks, lets think about it "brainwashing"? "Guru"? "Cult"? If you are into this stuff, I think that the Tabloids are the place for you or maybe some crazy Sci-Fi movie. I doubt that this will stay posted long because it does not go along with the image that this ridiculous web site is attemting to project. I am a 25 year old woman and IICD volunteer. I have three university degrees in political Science, International Development, and Conflict Resolution Studies. I can assure you that I am quite capeable of accessing the situation that I am in as an IICD volunteer who is three days away from leaving to work in India. This place is not a cult, one can leave whenever they like, and we are not all "wide eyed" idealists who have been lured by the posters. I am recieving credit for this program through my University who has also checked out the allegations made against this organization through Universitys throughout North America. What was found in this check was that there is no reason for concern and that all those who returned had a positive experience and felt that the development projects they worked on were very good. This comes from people who are students in International Development studies. What this site does not mention is that Humana People to People is a UN recognized organization that has won awards for it's HIV/AIDS work in Africa. The water and sanitation project in India has been given funding from reputable organizations such as Unicef. At this point I am finished with my training and am three days from leaving. I think that the most valuable part of the training that I have finished is the fact that I have built confidence that I never knew i had through experiances I never expected. There are some things in this web-site that are true. However, they have been twisted drasticly to suit it's own purpose. So why does this site exist if this is all a load of crap? This is not for everyone, and not everyone is going to enjoy doing this, just like anything else, it is individual interpretation and opinion. The man who created this web-site has been offered the opportunity to visit our school in Michigan and speak with volunteers. He has not returned any calls. So how about the Teachers Group? The TG is a lifestyle choice that is right for some. I personally do not intend to join the TG at the end of all this because it is not for me but I do admire those who feel that they can commit themselves to it. TG is socialist in nature which is what I think scares people the most. We have had our director open the financial records for us and explain where the money goes. i am comfident that the only way that our money reaches the TG is through the salaries that are paid to the staff members. What they choose to do with their salaries is nobody's business but their own. I hope that this has helped anybody who is considering the organization. The best thing that you can do is to go to an orientation weekend to decide if this is right for you. Good Luck and keep an open mind! IICD MI Volunteer
I've been a solidarity worker for Tvind in Angola, five years ago and I got education at het Traveling Folk Highschools. This has been a great period in my life and I've learned a lot!!!!!!! It's a shame this website makes it look lilke Tvind is all bad!!! mado76@hotmail.com
Dear reader - dear people with common sense... What is the whole thing about - Do people die from AIDS or do they not? Thats important! And how do you take part in informing people about how they can prevent to get this deadly disease!! Go for this! We have one life - maybe one more later who knows??? But this one we have and I want to use it in a way so I am proud of myself - I want to take part in fighting to stop the disease! Do what you find right - but dont imagine that you need to stop me from suffering - I am quite aware of what I work for and what I work against. Spend your time with something important - STOP AIDS!
TVIDALert do something not only talk shit i easy!! do somethink people
check this!!!! http://www.unicef.org/statis/
my e-maillisabon_story@netc.pt
Home | UNICEF in Action | Highlights | Information Resources | Donations, Greeting Cards & Gifts | Press Centre | Voices of Youth | About UNICEF Children work together as 'ants of the future' in Mozambique By Ruth Ansah Ayisi*
Social worker Albertina Sidumo walks through the dusty yards of the ramshackle tin and reed huts that serve as houses in a densely populated suburb of Maputo, the capital. She has come to talk to the Sitoes, one of 400 families she helps in a community that clings to the edge of survival. Lacking adequate jobs, food, health care, schools and other basic services, these families testify to the devastating combined effects of poverty and the country's 16 years of civil strife, which ended in 1992.
When Ms. Sidumo sits with family members under the shade of a tree, Ms. Sitoe pours out her troubles, beginning with her son, three-year- old Antonio. "Antonio has been sick for two years," says Ms. Sitoe. "I took him to the clinic two months ago, but the nurse had already left. I haven't yet had the time to return."
Time probably had little to do with preventing Ms. Sitoe from returning to the clinic. More likely, lack of money and education were to blame. A mother of five children, Ms. Sitoe has never been to school. Worse still, her husband has no job.
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Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
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"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
Glasgow....
To some of the contributors of this guestbook: After I've read all this messages, it seems to me that there are two aspects of the Tvind issue that are put together, although it should not be necessarly so. One is the TG "cult" and the other are the institutions where the TG members are working - DRH, projects, small schools, etc.... I was a participant of the solidarity workers programme (starting in Norway, going to Angola) and I can say it was probably the best but also the toughest time of my life, an experience I'm very happy about to have and I guess many of my teammates would say the same. I didn't agree with the life style of the 'teachers' and I definitely think that the schools for problematic youngsters in Danemark, which I know from my teaching practise, are very unprofessional and dangerous for the kids. But as regards the volunteering programme, nobody forces anybody to join it. It's one's free will to do so. I've seen a couple of people who quit the programme, because they thought it wasn't for them. And others remained. One doesn't need to join the path of the TG, just come along for sometime, if he/she wishes. Therefore I think statements like "My stepdaughter was saved from ever having to go to Angola" are pretty much denying the capacity of that poor girl to decide on her own, thus being able to exist by herself. True, the programme is very demanding from the psychological point of view and "weaker" personalities might be a bit overwhelmed. And what than about all the Big Brothers, Houses of Love and Expeditions Robinson? So, please, do unclose the activities of the Tvind leader, investigate the financial transactions, explore the psychological terror, but don't transmitt the impression that the only explanation of defending some of the programmes is brainwashing and forced submission and that every single TG member is depraved. In case you'd like to discuss with me, please do so at php_rt2@usa.net
i think its important for everyone to realize that each individual has a different experience. i think "the project" are run so differently in each country. i've heard from volunteers who had wonderful experiences in their project, had money to expand and really help people. i know past volunteers who claim that there is no money at all except for those involved in teachers group. its so complex and there are so many wonderful people within who really are trying to do good. i know them personally. if there is corruption in the "higher up" places its a dam shame...
I am a past IICD/Zimbabwe volunteer. I suppose I am writing in defense of IICD in Williamstown. The 5 months I spent there living communally, working my ass off, fundraising, cooking, etc. were great. I would never say anything bad about the teachers and volunteers I had the oppurtunity to get to know and consider family while I was there. Maybe 5 months isn't long enough to really see into it... I was naive. I had yet to experience Africa and the DAPP projects. I will say there is a lot of "un"organization within DAPP. Plenty of money floating out there but never really making into our projects. That is all I can account for. My six months abroad were scary, confusing, and also the most wonderful 6 months of my life. I was able to bring something to the people I met in Zimbabwe and they gave me so much to take home. I think that is what is important. Is IICD a cult? I don't think so, is Tvind, teachers group?? I'm not sure its all terrible confusing and wishy-washy to me even after being a volunteer. Its important for people to have access to the information on this site before they decide whether or not to join IICD. I could not say if it would have changed my decision to go but I could have been spared some confusion. To future volunteers I'll say, find out all you can first, talk to past volunteers and know that you and only you make your experience what it is. Love and Light to All... J
Re.Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind". After the Danish authorities withdrew all funding to Tvind schools, SOME Tvind schools have partially succeeded in disguising there connection to Tvind, although usually: 1) The buildings are owned by Tvind ("Faelleseje") and 2) People in charge are members of "Teachers'Group", hence under the leadership of leader of the cult, Mogens Amdi Petersen. Such schools, for instance, are Gram Efterskole in South Jutland and the school Nebbegaard near Copenhagen. Quite a number of the pupils at those schools are placed by ignorant social workers needing placements for unruly youngsters. ANOTHER main type of Tvind schools here in Denmark are the so called "Small Schools" (Amdi Petersen vocabulary). At these schools, some counties have placed very difficult youngsters who have had almost no say as to where they were placed, again by a few and ignorant/desperate social workers in need of placements. ("There is always room for one more at Tvind" = Many of their buildings in Denmark are half or fully empty). The Danish county councils are now debating banning any placement at a Tvind-related school, also the so called small schools, in the light of an extremely strong antipathy against the cult among the Danish population, and in the light of the schools' bad reputation, for instance leaving very young people on remote roads or in forests on their own, as punishment. It has been a difficulty for the authorities that they at present do not have sufficient placements for criminal youngsters, in some cases causing some social workers sending a young person to a Tvind "small school". As a whole, a big percentuage of the pupils and students at the Danish Tvind schols are people from abroad, for instance from Germany. The placing authorities there, or the young people themselves, still have not as yet realised what they expose themselves to and what they support when entering a Tvind school. Even young Czechs, Americans, Chinese, and young people from Spain can be seen here in Denmark, following the same tracks as young Danes naively did twenty years ago. These people from abroad act here as underpaid "volunteers" or as socalled "students". They are NOT told who is really in charge and who is benefitting from their money and their work. Now, back to your "reply": Those 30 schools that have "continued": Well, how many students at each school, please? ( Lakolk: 20? , Tvind itself 20??, Juelsminde 5? 10? 0? Peterslyst 0?) And your full capacity at those schols? Number of non-Danes? And how many Danish students aged +18 have you really got at your schools today? 5? How many of them have come from another of your schools for younger people on your recommandation? Your listing of all "your" 30 schools could be interesting to see, also for the Danish authorities. It is possible for you to list them here as to: Name of school. Type of school. Full capacity of school (number). Name of headmaster. Owner of school. School fees ( Danish Kr. per month).Age of students. Number of students. Nationality of students.Number of volunteer-"teachers". Number of qualified teachers. Number of qualified care workers. Placing authorities.
Re. "Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind", below. Since 1997 when the government cut funding to all Tvind schools in Denmark, about 30 schools have continued, with alterntive funding. Could you please explain how that is possible if everyone in Denmark hates Tvind? Why do people still send their children and young people to Tvind schools despite the fact that they have been brainwashed for 20 years or so by the anti-Tvind media?
No,that exactly is the problem for you, as a member of a cult.
Long live TvindAlert!! :)
PS: Does anybody else suspect that Amdi and Mugabe are more than just friends;)
I have been a so called "Tvind member" for almost as long as you. For me it has been a great time. As I understand you claim the person that wrote the previous letter to be "naive", "abused", "trapped" or "stupid"? I do not consider myself as either.
Halleluja! The good word spreads, trapping all those, all over the Globe, who were never told what most Danes know today about Tvind. (Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind. Are all those people totally stupid, or do they know something you do not know?) The trick about doing good for the world has been abused by Tvind for all the time it has existed and trapped good-will people like you. Naively, you trust those "hardworking" Tvind people exactly like we did when it all began. You believe - like I did - that you just do your work fighting AIDS or setting up a development project. You do not want to realise the secret money and powerplay the TG people are part of. You do not (want to) know their plans with your private life, your future. Of course, YOU are strong enough to resist getting trapped! The same old story repeats itself, it seems. Without this naivity, other cults like The Moonies, Jehovah's Witnesses etc. would never have existed. I was a Tvind member for 15 years. I also used to believe them.
It would be a shame for all the people benefitting from the good work this organization does if it "goes down in flames". I would agree with you that the word is spreading very fast!!! More and more people and coming to join up! More and more starts to realize that all the hard work done by Humana really helps people!
Tvind better watch their backs because people aren't as dumb as they would like to assume. People are figuring them out and word is quickly spreading. I personally know someone who stands by the Planet Aid box and hands out information. I hope this "organization" goes down in flames and I'll stand by laughing my ass off!
Hello All, I am begging every individual who goes on this site to use their god given common sence. O.K folks, lets think about it "brainwashing"? "Guru"? "Cult"? If you are into this stuff, I think that the Tabloids are the place for you or maybe some crazy Sci-Fi movie. I doubt that this will stay posted long because it does not go along with the image that this ridiculous web site is attemting to project. I am a 25 year old woman and IICD volunteer. I have three university degrees in political Science, International Development, and Conflict Resolution Studies. I can assure you that I am quite capeable of accessing the situation that I am in as an IICD volunteer who is three days away from leaving to work in India. This place is not a cult, one can leave whenever they like, and we are not all "wide eyed" idealists who have been lured by the posters. I am recieving credit for this program through my University who has also checked out the allegations made against this organization through Universitys throughout North America. What was found in this check was that there is no reason for concern and that all those who returned had a positive experience and felt that the development projects they worked on were very good. This comes from people who are students in International Development studies. What this site does not mention is that Humana People to People is a UN recognized organization that has won awards for it's HIV/AIDS work in Africa. The water and sanitation project in India has been given funding from reputable organizations such as Unicef. At this point I am finished with my training and am three days from leaving. I think that the most valuable part of the training that I have finished is the fact that I have built confidence that I never knew i had through experiances I never expected. There are some things in this web-site that are true. However, they have been twisted drasticly to suit it's own purpose. So why does this site exist if this is all a load of crap? This is not for everyone, and not everyone is going to enjoy doing this, just like anything else, it is individual interpretation and opinion. The man who created this web-site has been offered the opportunity to visit our school in Michigan and speak with volunteers. He has not returned any calls. So how about the Teachers Group? The TG is a lifestyle choice that is right for some. I personally do not intend to join the TG at the end of all this because it is not for me but I do admire those who feel that they can commit themselves to it. TG is socialist in nature which is what I think scares people the most. We have had our director open the financial records for us and explain where the money goes. i am comfident that the only way that our money reaches the TG is through the salaries that are paid to the staff members. What they choose to do with their salaries is nobody's business but their own. I hope that this has helped anybody who is considering the organization. The best thing that you can do is to go to an orientation weekend to decide if this is right for you. Good Luck and keep an open mind! IICD MI Volunteer
I've been a solidarity worker for Tvind in Angola, five years ago and I got education at het Traveling Folk Highschools. This has been a great period in my life and I've learned a lot!!!!!!! It's a shame this website makes it look lilke Tvind is all bad!!! mado76@hotmail.com
Dear reader - dear people with common sense... What is the whole thing about - Do people die from AIDS or do they not? Thats important! And how do you take part in informing people about how they can prevent to get this deadly disease!! Go for this! We have one life - maybe one more later who knows??? But this one we have and I want to use it in a way so I am proud of myself - I want to take part in fighting to stop the disease! Do what you find right - but dont imagine that you need to stop me from suffering - I am quite aware of what I work for and what I work against. Spend your time with something important - STOP AIDS!
TVIDALert do something not only talk shit i easy!! do somethink people
check this!!!! http://www.unicef.org/statis/
my e-maillisabon_story@netc.pt
Home | UNICEF in Action | Highlights | Information Resources | Donations, Greeting Cards & Gifts | Press Centre | Voices of Youth | About UNICEF Children work together as 'ants of the future' in Mozambique By Ruth Ansah Ayisi*
Social worker Albertina Sidumo walks through the dusty yards of the ramshackle tin and reed huts that serve as houses in a densely populated suburb of Maputo, the capital. She has come to talk to the Sitoes, one of 400 families she helps in a community that clings to the edge of survival. Lacking adequate jobs, food, health care, schools and other basic services, these families testify to the devastating combined effects of poverty and the country's 16 years of civil strife, which ended in 1992.
When Ms. Sidumo sits with family members under the shade of a tree, Ms. Sitoe pours out her troubles, beginning with her son, three-year- old Antonio. "Antonio has been sick for two years," says Ms. Sitoe. "I took him to the clinic two months ago, but the nurse had already left. I haven't yet had the time to return."
Time probably had little to do with preventing Ms. Sitoe from returning to the clinic. More likely, lack of money and education were to blame. A mother of five children, Ms. Sitoe has never been to school. Worse still, her husband has no job.
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Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
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"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
PS: Does anybody else suspect that Amdi and Mugabe are more than just friends;)
I have been a so called "Tvind member" for almost as long as you. For me it has been a great time. As I understand you claim the person that wrote the previous letter to be "naive", "abused", "trapped" or "stupid"? I do not consider myself as either.
Halleluja! The good word spreads, trapping all those, all over the Globe, who were never told what most Danes know today about Tvind. (Just about no Danish person of today would ever consider touching Tvind. Are all those people totally stupid, or do they know something you do not know?) The trick about doing good for the world has been abused by Tvind for all the time it has existed and trapped good-will people like you. Naively, you trust those "hardworking" Tvind people exactly like we did when it all began. You believe - like I did - that you just do your work fighting AIDS or setting up a development project. You do not want to realise the secret money and powerplay the TG people are part of. You do not (want to) know their plans with your private life, your future. Of course, YOU are strong enough to resist getting trapped! The same old story repeats itself, it seems. Without this naivity, other cults like The Moonies, Jehovah's Witnesses etc. would never have existed. I was a Tvind member for 15 years. I also used to believe them.
It would be a shame for all the people benefitting from the good work this organization does if it "goes down in flames". I would agree with you that the word is spreading very fast!!! More and more people and coming to join up! More and more starts to realize that all the hard work done by Humana really helps people!
Tvind better watch their backs because people aren't as dumb as they would like to assume. People are figuring them out and word is quickly spreading. I personally know someone who stands by the Planet Aid box and hands out information. I hope this "organization" goes down in flames and I'll stand by laughing my ass off!
Hello All, I am begging every individual who goes on this site to use their god given common sence. O.K folks, lets think about it "brainwashing"? "Guru"? "Cult"? If you are into this stuff, I think that the Tabloids are the place for you or maybe some crazy Sci-Fi movie. I doubt that this will stay posted long because it does not go along with the image that this ridiculous web site is attemting to project. I am a 25 year old woman and IICD volunteer. I have three university degrees in political Science, International Development, and Conflict Resolution Studies. I can assure you that I am quite capeable of accessing the situation that I am in as an IICD volunteer who is three days away from leaving to work in India. This place is not a cult, one can leave whenever they like, and we are not all "wide eyed" idealists who have been lured by the posters. I am recieving credit for this program through my University who has also checked out the allegations made against this organization through Universitys throughout North America. What was found in this check was that there is no reason for concern and that all those who returned had a positive experience and felt that the development projects they worked on were very good. This comes from people who are students in International Development studies. What this site does not mention is that Humana People to People is a UN recognized organization that has won awards for it's HIV/AIDS work in Africa. The water and sanitation project in India has been given funding from reputable organizations such as Unicef. At this point I am finished with my training and am three days from leaving. I think that the most valuable part of the training that I have finished is the fact that I have built confidence that I never knew i had through experiances I never expected. There are some things in this web-site that are true. However, they have been twisted drasticly to suit it's own purpose. So why does this site exist if this is all a load of crap? This is not for everyone, and not everyone is going to enjoy doing this, just like anything else, it is individual interpretation and opinion. The man who created this web-site has been offered the opportunity to visit our school in Michigan and speak with volunteers. He has not returned any calls. So how about the Teachers Group? The TG is a lifestyle choice that is right for some. I personally do not intend to join the TG at the end of all this because it is not for me but I do admire those who feel that they can commit themselves to it. TG is socialist in nature which is what I think scares people the most. We have had our director open the financial records for us and explain where the money goes. i am comfident that the only way that our money reaches the TG is through the salaries that are paid to the staff members. What they choose to do with their salaries is nobody's business but their own. I hope that this has helped anybody who is considering the organization. The best thing that you can do is to go to an orientation weekend to decide if this is right for you. Good Luck and keep an open mind! IICD MI Volunteer
I've been a solidarity worker for Tvind in Angola, five years ago and I got education at het Traveling Folk Highschools. This has been a great period in my life and I've learned a lot!!!!!!! It's a shame this website makes it look lilke Tvind is all bad!!! mado76@hotmail.com
Dear reader - dear people with common sense... What is the whole thing about - Do people die from AIDS or do they not? Thats important! And how do you take part in informing people about how they can prevent to get this deadly disease!! Go for this! We have one life - maybe one more later who knows??? But this one we have and I want to use it in a way so I am proud of myself - I want to take part in fighting to stop the disease! Do what you find right - but dont imagine that you need to stop me from suffering - I am quite aware of what I work for and what I work against. Spend your time with something important - STOP AIDS!
TVIDALert do something not only talk shit i easy!! do somethink people
check this!!!! http://www.unicef.org/statis/
my e-maillisabon_story@netc.pt
Home | UNICEF in Action | Highlights | Information Resources | Donations, Greeting Cards & Gifts | Press Centre | Voices of Youth | About UNICEF Children work together as 'ants of the future' in Mozambique By Ruth Ansah Ayisi*
Social worker Albertina Sidumo walks through the dusty yards of the ramshackle tin and reed huts that serve as houses in a densely populated suburb of Maputo, the capital. She has come to talk to the Sitoes, one of 400 families she helps in a community that clings to the edge of survival. Lacking adequate jobs, food, health care, schools and other basic services, these families testify to the devastating combined effects of poverty and the country's 16 years of civil strife, which ended in 1992.
When Ms. Sidumo sits with family members under the shade of a tree, Ms. Sitoe pours out her troubles, beginning with her son, three-year- old Antonio. "Antonio has been sick for two years," says Ms. Sitoe. "I took him to the clinic two months ago, but the nurse had already left. I haven't yet had the time to return."
Time probably had little to do with preventing Ms. Sitoe from returning to the clinic. More likely, lack of money and education were to blame. A mother of five children, Ms. Sitoe has never been to school. Worse still, her husband has no job.
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Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
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"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
I've been a solidarity worker for Tvind in Angola, five years ago and I got education at het Traveling Folk Highschools. This has been a great period in my life and I've learned a lot!!!!!!! It's a shame this website makes it look lilke Tvind is all bad!!! mado76@hotmail.com
Dear reader - dear people with common sense... What is the whole thing about - Do people die from AIDS or do they not? Thats important! And how do you take part in informing people about how they can prevent to get this deadly disease!! Go for this! We have one life - maybe one more later who knows??? But this one we have and I want to use it in a way so I am proud of myself - I want to take part in fighting to stop the disease! Do what you find right - but dont imagine that you need to stop me from suffering - I am quite aware of what I work for and what I work against. Spend your time with something important - STOP AIDS!
TVIDALert do something not only talk shit i easy!! do somethink people
check this!!!! http://www.unicef.org/statis/
my e-maillisabon_story@netc.pt
Home | UNICEF in Action | Highlights | Information Resources | Donations, Greeting Cards & Gifts | Press Centre | Voices of Youth | About UNICEF Children work together as 'ants of the future' in Mozambique By Ruth Ansah Ayisi*
Social worker Albertina Sidumo walks through the dusty yards of the ramshackle tin and reed huts that serve as houses in a densely populated suburb of Maputo, the capital. She has come to talk to the Sitoes, one of 400 families she helps in a community that clings to the edge of survival. Lacking adequate jobs, food, health care, schools and other basic services, these families testify to the devastating combined effects of poverty and the country's 16 years of civil strife, which ended in 1992.
When Ms. Sidumo sits with family members under the shade of a tree, Ms. Sitoe pours out her troubles, beginning with her son, three-year- old Antonio. "Antonio has been sick for two years," says Ms. Sitoe. "I took him to the clinic two months ago, but the nurse had already left. I haven't yet had the time to return."
Time probably had little to do with preventing Ms. Sitoe from returning to the clinic. More likely, lack of money and education were to blame. A mother of five children, Ms. Sitoe has never been to school. Worse still, her husband has no job.
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Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
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"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
I've been a solidarity worker for Tvind in Angola, five years ago and I got education at het Traveling Folk Highschools. This has been a great period in my life and I've learned a lot!!!!!!! It's a shame this website makes it look lilke Tvind is all bad!!! mado76@hotmail.com
Dear reader - dear people with common sense... What is the whole thing about - Do people die from AIDS or do they not? Thats important! And how do you take part in informing people about how they can prevent to get this deadly disease!! Go for this! We have one life - maybe one more later who knows??? But this one we have and I want to use it in a way so I am proud of myself - I want to take part in fighting to stop the disease! Do what you find right - but dont imagine that you need to stop me from suffering - I am quite aware of what I work for and what I work against. Spend your time with something important - STOP AIDS!
TVIDALert do something not only talk shit i easy!! do somethink people
check this!!!! http://www.unicef.org/statis/
my e-maillisabon_story@netc.pt
Home | UNICEF in Action | Highlights | Information Resources | Donations, Greeting Cards & Gifts | Press Centre | Voices of Youth | About UNICEF Children work together as 'ants of the future' in Mozambique By Ruth Ansah Ayisi*
Social worker Albertina Sidumo walks through the dusty yards of the ramshackle tin and reed huts that serve as houses in a densely populated suburb of Maputo, the capital. She has come to talk to the Sitoes, one of 400 families she helps in a community that clings to the edge of survival. Lacking adequate jobs, food, health care, schools and other basic services, these families testify to the devastating combined effects of poverty and the country's 16 years of civil strife, which ended in 1992.
When Ms. Sidumo sits with family members under the shade of a tree, Ms. Sitoe pours out her troubles, beginning with her son, three-year- old Antonio. "Antonio has been sick for two years," says Ms. Sitoe. "I took him to the clinic two months ago, but the nurse had already left. I haven't yet had the time to return."
Time probably had little to do with preventing Ms. Sitoe from returning to the clinic. More likely, lack of money and education were to blame. A mother of five children, Ms. Sitoe has never been to school. Worse still, her husband has no job.
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Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
TVIDALert do something not only talk shit i easy!! do somethink people
check this!!!! http://www.unicef.org/statis/
my e-maillisabon_story@netc.pt
Home | UNICEF in Action | Highlights | Information Resources | Donations, Greeting Cards & Gifts | Press Centre | Voices of Youth | About UNICEF Children work together as 'ants of the future' in Mozambique By Ruth Ansah Ayisi*
Social worker Albertina Sidumo walks through the dusty yards of the ramshackle tin and reed huts that serve as houses in a densely populated suburb of Maputo, the capital. She has come to talk to the Sitoes, one of 400 families she helps in a community that clings to the edge of survival. Lacking adequate jobs, food, health care, schools and other basic services, these families testify to the devastating combined effects of poverty and the country's 16 years of civil strife, which ended in 1992.
When Ms. Sidumo sits with family members under the shade of a tree, Ms. Sitoe pours out her troubles, beginning with her son, three-year- old Antonio. "Antonio has been sick for two years," says Ms. Sitoe. "I took him to the clinic two months ago, but the nurse had already left. I haven't yet had the time to return."
Time probably had little to do with preventing Ms. Sitoe from returning to the clinic. More likely, lack of money and education were to blame. A mother of five children, Ms. Sitoe has never been to school. Worse still, her husband has no job.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
check this!!!! http://www.unicef.org/statis/
my e-maillisabon_story@netc.pt
Home | UNICEF in Action | Highlights | Information Resources | Donations, Greeting Cards & Gifts | Press Centre | Voices of Youth | About UNICEF Children work together as 'ants of the future' in Mozambique By Ruth Ansah Ayisi*
Social worker Albertina Sidumo walks through the dusty yards of the ramshackle tin and reed huts that serve as houses in a densely populated suburb of Maputo, the capital. She has come to talk to the Sitoes, one of 400 families she helps in a community that clings to the edge of survival. Lacking adequate jobs, food, health care, schools and other basic services, these families testify to the devastating combined effects of poverty and the country's 16 years of civil strife, which ended in 1992.
When Ms. Sidumo sits with family members under the shade of a tree, Ms. Sitoe pours out her troubles, beginning with her son, three-year- old Antonio. "Antonio has been sick for two years," says Ms. Sitoe. "I took him to the clinic two months ago, but the nurse had already left. I haven't yet had the time to return."
Time probably had little to do with preventing Ms. Sitoe from returning to the clinic. More likely, lack of money and education were to blame. A mother of five children, Ms. Sitoe has never been to school. Worse still, her husband has no job.
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Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
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"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
my e-maillisabon_story@netc.pt
Home | UNICEF in Action | Highlights | Information Resources | Donations, Greeting Cards & Gifts | Press Centre | Voices of Youth | About UNICEF Children work together as 'ants of the future' in Mozambique By Ruth Ansah Ayisi*
Social worker Albertina Sidumo walks through the dusty yards of the ramshackle tin and reed huts that serve as houses in a densely populated suburb of Maputo, the capital. She has come to talk to the Sitoes, one of 400 families she helps in a community that clings to the edge of survival. Lacking adequate jobs, food, health care, schools and other basic services, these families testify to the devastating combined effects of poverty and the country's 16 years of civil strife, which ended in 1992.
When Ms. Sidumo sits with family members under the shade of a tree, Ms. Sitoe pours out her troubles, beginning with her son, three-year- old Antonio. "Antonio has been sick for two years," says Ms. Sitoe. "I took him to the clinic two months ago, but the nurse had already left. I haven't yet had the time to return."
Time probably had little to do with preventing Ms. Sitoe from returning to the clinic. More likely, lack of money and education were to blame. A mother of five children, Ms. Sitoe has never been to school. Worse still, her husband has no job.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
Home | UNICEF in Action | Highlights | Information Resources | Donations, Greeting Cards & Gifts | Press Centre | Voices of Youth | About UNICEF Children work together as 'ants of the future' in Mozambique By Ruth Ansah Ayisi*
Social worker Albertina Sidumo walks through the dusty yards of the ramshackle tin and reed huts that serve as houses in a densely populated suburb of Maputo, the capital. She has come to talk to the Sitoes, one of 400 families she helps in a community that clings to the edge of survival. Lacking adequate jobs, food, health care, schools and other basic services, these families testify to the devastating combined effects of poverty and the country's 16 years of civil strife, which ended in 1992.
When Ms. Sidumo sits with family members under the shade of a tree, Ms. Sitoe pours out her troubles, beginning with her son, three-year- old Antonio. "Antonio has been sick for two years," says Ms. Sitoe. "I took him to the clinic two months ago, but the nurse had already left. I haven't yet had the time to return."
Time probably had little to do with preventing Ms. Sitoe from returning to the clinic. More likely, lack of money and education were to blame. A mother of five children, Ms. Sitoe has never been to school. Worse still, her husband has no job.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
Social worker Albertina Sidumo walks through the dusty yards of the ramshackle tin and reed huts that serve as houses in a densely populated suburb of Maputo, the capital. She has come to talk to the Sitoes, one of 400 families she helps in a community that clings to the edge of survival. Lacking adequate jobs, food, health care, schools and other basic services, these families testify to the devastating combined effects of poverty and the country's 16 years of civil strife, which ended in 1992.
When Ms. Sidumo sits with family members under the shade of a tree, Ms. Sitoe pours out her troubles, beginning with her son, three-year- old Antonio. "Antonio has been sick for two years," says Ms. Sitoe. "I took him to the clinic two months ago, but the nurse had already left. I haven't yet had the time to return."
Time probably had little to do with preventing Ms. Sitoe from returning to the clinic. More likely, lack of money and education were to blame. A mother of five children, Ms. Sitoe has never been to school. Worse still, her husband has no job.
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Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
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"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
When Ms. Sidumo sits with family members under the shade of a tree, Ms. Sitoe pours out her troubles, beginning with her son, three-year- old Antonio. "Antonio has been sick for two years," says Ms. Sitoe. "I took him to the clinic two months ago, but the nurse had already left. I haven't yet had the time to return."
Time probably had little to do with preventing Ms. Sitoe from returning to the clinic. More likely, lack of money and education were to blame. A mother of five children, Ms. Sitoe has never been to school. Worse still, her husband has no job.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
Time probably had little to do with preventing Ms. Sitoe from returning to the clinic. More likely, lack of money and education were to blame. A mother of five children, Ms. Sitoe has never been to school. Worse still, her husband has no job.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
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Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
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"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
Photo: Social worker Albertina Sidumo (second from left) from the UNICEF-assisted Child Aid project, shakes hands with one of the members of the Sitoe family who are standing around her, on a visit to a poor suburb in Maputo, the capital.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
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"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
"We survive off other family members who give us some rice when they want," says her husband, Enoch, who several years ago lost his job working for a railroad company. "My house is bare," he adds, gesturing to the dingy one-room shelter, where the seven family members squash together under the corrugated tin roof. A few old pots lie in one corner along with a couple of empty beer cans.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
Although about 70 per cent of Mozambique's 16 million people live in the countryside, an increasing number of families eke out subsistence in urban areas. Some of these families were displaced during the country's years of fighting; others, like the Sitoe family, have lived in urban enclaves all their lives.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
In these suburban communities, the head of the household is often unemployed and the children, most of them raggedly dressed and sickly, rarely attend school. Hunger is a never-ending problem. With few plots of land to farm, the families rely on whatever meagre provisions they can afford at the market. Food subsidies, like other social services, have all but vanished. As a result of these pressures, many community members turn to crime and alcoholism, problems that further dissipate their morale.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
Making matters even worse for them is the national Economic Recovery Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This austerity plan, designed to spur business, has left many families struggling with soaring prices, wage controls and shrinking job opportunities. In October 1995, Mozambique's minimum monthly wage was just over 218,000 meticais, about US$20. That same month, a price increase in rice and other basic foodstuffs set off a small riot in Maputo. Youngsters looted shops, stoned passing cars and attacked stall holders. Pulling the country out of chaos and poverty is the biggest challenge facing President Joaquim Chissano's new government, which won multi-party elections in 1994.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
Poverty forced Adolfo Sitoe, Antonio's 14-year-old brother, to drop out of school two years ago. "I enjoyed school," the boy laments. "These days I don't do anything. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to study again."
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
That opportunity is getting closer, thanks to the efforts of a Danish non-governmental organization, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP). DAPP helps build schools as part of the 22 projects it has run in Mozambique since it started working in the country in 1982. UNICEF has contributed US$50,000 to DAPP programmes assisting 1,200 children.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
In 1991, DAPP started Child Aid, a unique project designed specifically to help the urban poor. The UNICEF-assisted project sends 12 activistas to communities in the Maputo area to assess the needs of families and help them get social services. Ms. Sidumo is one of them.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
"Our main aim is to encourage self-help initiatives and to set an example for other communities," she says. "It's not easy to mobilize such poor families whose community spirit has been dampened."
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
Ms. Sidumo and her co-workers give families instruction in health and hygiene, help them find ways to build and improve latrines, get them free primary health care and try to find places for their children in DAPP schools. In some cases, the community worker will get a student enrolled in a state school by pleading with education officials to squeeze in another pupil.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
Ms. Sidumo will most likely encourage Adolfo, and later the other Sitoe children, to enrol in the DAPP school near their home. The school, Centro do Formigos do Futuro (Portuguese for Centre for Ants of the Future) is so named because ants, like people, work together to build communities. Set amidst a wood of eucalyptus trees, the primary school serving grades 1 through 5 offers a mixture of academic and technical education for 345 students--a third of them girls--who live in poor suburbs of Maputo. Sensitive to the students' special needs, the school offers extra tutorials for children with learning difficulties or who have missed school for a number of years.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
As its name suggests, the centre encourages working together and gives its students the skills to help them rebuild their communities. In addition to the regular curriculum, the students learn brick-making, rabbit breeding, basket-weaving, agriculture, irrigation and carpentry. When their year-end exams are over, the students will clean up the massive marketplace nearby, where heaps of rubbish harbour an ever-increasing population of rats, a major problem in the city.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
"We teach the children these skills and responsibilities so they can in turn help their parents," says Claudio Joao, a teacher. "So far, we have seen success. The children are becoming examples for their elders."
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school and meet each other. "We try to involve the community as much as possible," says Mr. Joao. But some parents live too far away and others say they have no time. A park next to the centre, planned for completion in 1995, may help overcome these obstacles. School officials hope that mothers will get to know each other when they bring their children to play.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
It is likely that one of the mothers will be Ms. Sitoe, who will finally have a playground for her four younger children. If the Child Aid activista has any success, Adolfo will be nearby, enrolled in the Centre for Ants of the Future, learning how to ply a trade and set an example for his community.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
*Ruth Ansah Ayisi is an Information Officer for UNICEF in Maputo, Mozambique.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
In my opinion, the entry from John does not tell about a person filled with hatred. The wish of digging out and showing the true situation regarding the Tvind power structure seems to be his intention. So, instead of you filling people with that crap about peoples choices, then now please use this opportunity of informing people properly about things like - DID Amdi Petersen decide about that meeting in the UN, DID he make the plans as to how the TG should be in charge in a large number of countries, etc. etc.? IS it true that the Teachers Group fulfills a global recognition of the definition of a cult? IS it true that Amdi Petersen from his hidings is the absolute leader of the TG? Why don't you comment on the the items in Johns entry? I know you cannot tell the truth about things like those, but you Tvind people will have to understand that as long time as you keep secret what are your true aims and what is your true power structure, you will be asked to answer, again and again. When people get angry with you, these things are reasons. To compare the situation of a person in the Teachers Group with that of a person working in a super market is rubbish and manipulative. You know that for certain.
To the person writing the previous letter. It seems like your arguments are coming from hate. Say as much bad as you can in one sentence so people reading your text will get ..... Do the your aims justify the your methods?
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
Some people say: The Teachers group is an evil cult. Others say: The Teachers group is very good. Some people love working at a Super market, others not. Some people say that the governmental development aid has been coloured by political aims, other say that the governmental aid is the best. Some people like to study at Universities, others not. Some say "bombs over Irak", others not. Some have the ability to express themselves well, others struggle a bit. We are living in a diverse and complex world filled with many choices. That is great! Use it to get most out of your life and stop wasting it by spreading hate around you.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
Humana have achieved some very good results. That is many people in this world with that opinion. For example a Prince.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
To the Tvind person writing the previous letter: As so often before, Tvind do the trick of making it look like Red Cross and even the UN are partners, using ANY contact with these organisations for giving the impression that Tvind is an approved partner. You write:"Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo". These organisations etc., including the Saudi Arabian prince, obviously have never been properly informed about Humana and its power structure. What do they really know about the cult named the Teachers' Group and its leader and about his striving for power all over the world? Well, in December 2000, when the Tvind TG member Maria Lichtenberg, the sister of the TG member Simon Lichtenberg of Tvind company Trayton/China, was at a meeting in the UN, representing Amdi Petersen's anti AIDS campaign, she never told the full story about Tvind, and the UN people did not know about it at all.Hopefully, the UN, Red Cross, etc.will soon realise with whom they are dealing when dealing with Humana. By the way, it could be interesting to know if the Saudi Arabian prince has now finally purchased Amdi Petersen's luxury sailing vessel "Butterfly McQueen" that was once meant to be sold to him by Tvind? Is the vessel part of a deal? Does anybody know the wherabouts of that vessel? Is it still based in Hong Kong? (Perhaps it would be prudent to send the reply on that matter as an email to Tvind Alert). John.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
I think that although some of information might be correct that you are widley off when it cones to the organisations and their money. All companies have to get started and this takes time. Most businesses fail in the first five years charitable organisations are no different. You only have to look at the work done in Africa and the 134 projects to see that the money IS being spent on development aid. If you have worries about the Humana group ask AGFUND what they think of the organisation. The prince of Saudi Arabia had just donated $150000 to the TCE project run by Humana. Other companies who have dealings with the Humana group are the UN and UNICEF, African Governments and also the Red Cross in Kosovo. They do not support organisations who do not live up to what they promise. The proof is in the eating. Reports by Mr Durham are founded on hearsay and he should take the opportunity of visiting the projects in Africa before making wild allegations.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html " The official Paul Jaisini site" Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people. Paul Jaisini - Gleitzeit
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: -The fact of the matter is that your hard work will help many people in Africa, Central america and India.
To all people considering volunteering for Humana, CCTG, IICD, etc: The fact of the matter is that your hard work will merely be helping a few cynical, old, ex-hippie Scandinavian capitalists become richer. If that fits with what you want to do for a couple of years (or longer), by all means go ahead. If not, maybe you should consider something like the Peace Corps, the Sally Ann or Oxfam.
http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini art site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
This action is taken on behalf of Gleitzeit, Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
Jaisini Gleitzeit Supermodernity
Answer: read about the tv-programmes
To the message below.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
-If she brought 5 million DK. That should be something like 700.000 USD. How many people is it that recieved that amount of money? What about if they are 100 people recieving that as a salary? Or 150? Or 200? Is it too much? Let's say it is salaries for 100 persons over 1 year. That means each recieve a salary on 7000 USD for 1 entire year!!! Have you checked up on how many projects it is in Africa and how many of the people working there that are in the Teachers Group. I would guess that in reality the amount of money the person "bring to Denmark" should be much bigger!!!!! It must be. Would you work for 7000 USD a year? Would you work for 14.000 USD a year...? In any case. Your email is indicating that something is rotten. I cannot see your logic
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
If we are basing our conclusion upon your facts a big part of the Danish population should not be liked by them selves!
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
I have been at a "Tvind school" and felt very free, so I can't see what the "3rd person" is going on about. What is freedom for him??
We know, that the teachers and projectleaders are doing a good job and spend all their time on it. And off couse they earn their wages, and off course the houserent has to be paid. But it does not nescessary be the highest possible houserent and the highest possible wage. In august this year the danish tv-station, TV2 had a program in which three former teachers participated, and what thet told, shaked med. One of them told, that she had got the mission, to travel home from Africa with 5. million d.kr. collected from the projektleaders wags, which now is allmost half a million a year, which they of course not are ment to keep for themselves. These big amount are part of the fundraising and clothcollecting. She told that she next year shold bring home 10 millions and so on. This is information, that can be kontrolled by evry one Who want it. It os public news, and one of the reasons, why Tvind is not populair in Denmark The other, at firmer teacher told, how money for research pays by the fund, is leaded throught non existing projects and into hidden accounts. As far as I understood it. The third one told about the proof he delivered to the gouvernement, that the Tvind-school are not free, but all under the same directions which are all coming from Amdi.
The only way for Tvind to clear the air and throw the press of its back is if Mogens Amdi Petersen were to reveal his whereabouts and intentions. Enough bad-press has accumulated that it has become a self-licking ice-cream cone -- bad press generating bad press. Tabloid journalism building on tabloid journalism.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
Justified or not, in this connected world, a group with a culture of secrecy will always be suspect. And some journalist will always be looking for the next scoop. Until Amdi reappears, Tvind will be handicapped if not destroyed by the media.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
It may be a good time for Amdi to show his face again. With riots at WTO meetings, anarchists coming back into vogue, and Mexican guerilla leaders charming celebrities, the left is in a state of confusion. There is little danger of being shouted down as a communist in another red scare -- the cold war is over.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
If Amdi, or whomever is in control at Tvind, comes forward and defends Tvind's development and business concerns in a transparent manner, there are members of the press who will write more balanced stories -- not everyone loathes Tvind as much as Mike Durham. North Korea's recent PR campaign has won over many in the press.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
If Amdi can articulate his use of business and charity for a "cause", the movement can mutate and continue for generations doing good work. Secrecy, however, invites the curiosity of journalists who will pester Tvind into the grave and beyond -- learn from Nixon's mistakes.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
As a journalist who has not had the most positive experience trying to get questions answered by Tvind, I still believe in the dedication and good intentions of the vast majority of Teachers Group members (even the one who screamed in my face). One day, I hope I get to apologize to him because my questions were designed to provoke. I feel bad that, in the face of Tvind's secrecy, he could not adequately defend his organization.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
So it's up to Amdi, it's up to the "inner circle" (whatever that means) to save Tvind from a handful of niggling journalists who will continue to make life difficult for other members. But, if at the end of the day, Amdi is nowhere to be found, I have to apologize for being a royal pain in the arse.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
sixandone@hotmail.com
This book is so awesome and gets a person to think in so many ways and really gets a person to open their eyes to the way this evil world really works. If youve ever suspected the military or the government of a conspiracy, Mirage, a new novel by Don Passman, will haunt your dreams. A brilliant computer cryptographer is the unwitting victim of a brainwashing project, as the FBI engages a cult deprogrammer/mind control specialist to unlock whats in his mind. The book is a real page turner which leaves you wanting more, and which I definitely recommend. To get a deeper look into the book visit http://www.donpassman.com
I went to an information session at IICD in MA and I was very impressed with the program. If there are things I need to know that will change my opinion, please tell me. It seemed like everyone there was intelligent, welcome to differ in opinion, and able to leave whenever they wanted.
Don't the Tvind overseas volunteering programs seem to fill a gap in the market? If you want to go to a developing nation and have a real chance to use your own initiative to work with indigenous innovators, educators and campaigners then the you really have few options. If you're really resourceful you could travel to your country of choice, meet up with a local NGO and make yourself invaluable to them. Not everyone can do this. If you're educated highly and have good relevant skills then you could go with one of many reknowned organisations (VSO, PeaceCorps, WHO, etc...). Good luck, but not everyone can do this. If you do not fit that profile, or you don't want to commit 2 years or more then what can you do? You could decide not to go. Or you could get involved with one of the Tvind schools. If you don't like what they do then don't do it, but really - you make your own experience when you work with them. I have been a student at Lindersvold, a volunteer in Nacala, a team leader at IICDMass. When I decided I'd had enough then that was fine and I left - no problem. Financial irregularities? As an ex TG member there were lots of questions for me to ask and answer and I was satisfied with almost everything I heard. The things I didn't agree with are things that I have also seen evident in other NGO's and all sorts of business ventures. I don't think I agree with anything competely!
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
To be a volunteer is still, I think a great opportunity, but it's not forced on anyone. I think some of the school policies need to catch up with huge changes in the prospective volunteers pool but hey, if you don't like what they say then just say no - don't get all sad and bitter.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
Thanks to Jostein for letting me know about this site, but I'm afraid mate that I'm joining the other side of the arguement. love phil.
I seriously question people defending Tvind...
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK STEEN T YOURS BUILDING 2
People who post anonymously do not allow for details to be requested. I seriously question that, and don't believe that it leads to truth, as there is no one to reply to or debate with.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
HortonSnR@aol.com (mother of persephoneb2000@yahoo.com; who also extends greetings to names named in perseph's posts)
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
By the way, the Danish AIDS foundation have banned Tvind from abusing the red AIDS ribbon.
I think that the reason for their focus on AIDS is that it is much easier to fundraise if you say you collect money to fight AIDS. No more postcards to sell! Fashionable red AIDS ribbons instead! It is easier to explain what you are doing and there will be less questions asked...
If you read about the Hope AIDS/HIV program in Humanas own websites , it is obvius that this is just another air-castle. And the ranting style is like that of the Humana "charter" - written by Amdi himself. I once asked a long time teacher group member in confidentiality about Amdi. She (the headmaster of Lindersvold) told me they have agreed that he should be left alone, his job is to "think great thoughts" for the teachers group. His perspective on things was supposedly so mindblowing and too big for us regular people grasp. The listening to space for aliens program(check out Tvind DK's webpages about this), and the Zimbabwe headquarter, also meant to bee seen from outer space are examples of his great vision for the future.
Thanks to this site, my stepdaughter & her boyfriend were saved from ever having to go to Angola. They signed up, raised the money & had been at the first destination in Mass. for two days when her mother found this site & was able to alert them. I want to Thank you.
I just recently became a student at IICD in Williamstown Mass. One week after driving up onto the mountain, I canceled my check and drove right back off of it. I do believe that much of the information on this site is embelished, but the basic facts are true. If you are going ot dedicate one year or more of your life working for a cause you believe in, don't you think it should be one you believe in 100% beyond the shadow of any doubt. The fact that this web site even exists, the fact that any articles have even been written...what more cause for doubt do you need. To all those looking into joining any of the organizations listed on this site, think twice about it. There are thousands of organizations out there to choose from...look into some of those before commiting and giving "The Teachers Group" any of your money, because you won't get it back if you decide to leave.
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