The Great Primate Handshake – Volunteer in Africa, working to conserve monkeys and apes through film and educational content production

Sunday

Sunday was an busy day for the handshake members especially those in the research team who, after participating in the team building exercises departed the Fisherman’s camp to visit the Ellesmere Center.

Ellesmere was the home of the famous husband and wife duo, Joy and George Adamson, whom gained recognition for constant conservation work in Kenya. Joy and George have gained worldwide acclaim for their work with lions, as documented in Joy’s book Born Free, which has also been turned into a film.

The story focuses upon the raising of an orphan Lioness called Elsa and her subsequent release back into the wild. The Ellesmere Center was the home of the couple and has been preserved in its original condition, just as it had been during the lifetime of Joy and George.

The House looks out upon the maginificient Lake Naivasha allowing the research team to gain an incite into the history of conservation within the area.

Once back at the camp, the evening was spent watching the thought provoking film Wheres the Meet the Sky, focusing on a group of women in poverty stricken area Northern Zambia, who undertook the unique project of being able to produce a film.

This opportunity was devised to raise awareness to the concerns of the women within the community, where women traditionally are not expected to raise strong opinions, creating a film gave them the chance to focus on a subject which they felt needed addressing.

Most of the people who were in the group had never come into contact with camera, TV or film and most couldnt even read, so even the process of filming was a fascinating for them. With the help of two professionals from the field of film making, progress began on a project which hoped to have massive effect on the social dynamic of their community and ones throughout Zambia

The film revolved around the plight of female orphans and how their lives can unfortunately lead into prositution, leading on to other issues such as HIV/AIDS and its affects. After the film was completed, showings were arranged at different locations throughout Zambia, although the premiere was held within the women’s community. It was a story of women facing issues they were often told not to consider and hopefully making them more accessible for people within their community. This should hopefully make it easier for people to  voice opinions and concerns relating to them. For many of the women who participated, it was a life changing experience. Many went on to enter education and change their life for the better.

Another film is now in production which will hopefully have the same effect as this ground breaking project.  With naration from Hollywood star Morgan Freeman, it is hoped the film will be seen by as many people as possible

The film itself helped the handshake volunteers see a different approach to film making, and how they would construct the content that the volunteers will produce. Such an emotional subject also acted as inspiration and gave the group extra impertus for our project.

The Handshake volunteers would appreciate any comments you can make about this subject. Do you think more projects like this which encourage people who are actually involved first hand should be established, any comments will be received with thanks.