Dennis Argall: video support for Congo project

29 November 2012

video support for Congo project

I have made a small video in support of the trades school project in Nyalebbe, DR Congo (see also my blog entry of 27 November).

The video is for the fundraiser of Reach Architectural Studio in Toronto, see and contribute at their website.

The protagonists, the principals of Reach, are two remarkable and committed women, Crystal Waddell and Lisa Sato. See also Crystal's website.

This Congo project is for their masters degrees in architecture at the University of Toronto. You can contribute online... I think it's worthwhile — as I say in my video:

When, in 2007, I sent the Nyalebbe Community Development Alliance funds to buy the first sewing machine for their tailoring trade course, they sent me back this wonderful photo and asked "can we call it the Argall machine".

I said could they please call it the Agwara Machine, after their traditional Agwara dance, music clip here.

about me

I am Australian. I have degrees in social anthropology and defence studies. I have worked for the Australian Government and parliament and in overseas missions in The Philippines, Italy, the United States and China. In Washington as Counsellor then acting Minister. In Beijing as Australian Ambassador to China. In disability I developed a small organic farm but had to give that up; I have had more opportunity than most to read and think. My disability begins with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, probably post-viral in China. Earning marginally less disrespect with the arrival of long covid. I am not a member of any organisation. I am solely responsible for what is placed in this blog. Unless otherwise stated I am the author of what is placed here. The blog is revived in early 2022 given the extraordinary rise in conflict, and if not of wider war, great damage to the planet by thoughtless sanctions programs.