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Each year we go to Africa, I feel like another lesson awaits. Sure, we’re new to this whole adventure, learning so many new skills with each year and each drilling experience, but this year’s lessons we’ll never forget. We will take the knowledge that we’ve learned with us in each project as we move forward.
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Last year we began drilling in a village called Kibebe, a place, like all the others, that was in dire need of water. When we first met with the community they seemed excited at the prospect of having access to clean water, but in a way they didn’t take us seriously. Think about it; there are thousands of organizations that make promises and appeals but yet never seem to deliver… what made us different to these people?
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Their expectations of a Western non-profit became apparent when we all learned that the well we drilled last year broke down. The company we hired locally to fix it, was stalling and putting off it’s repairs, thus making it very difficult for us to maintain and manage. The bore-hole wells are in fact a blending of intricately laid pipes and parts, and just like any machine, is subject to breaking down. In Africa the breaking down of these parts is nothing new. Across the continent there are literally THOUSANDS of abandoned, broken down wells that, at some point, were neglected to get repaired by either the group that placed them there or people in the community. This is due to lack of funds for new parts. So when our well broke down and the local company who we hired to fix it kept stalling it’s repair, we realized the importance of putting the power to repair these pumps directly in the communities hands.
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The broken well threw a wrench in our schedule, but we, along with our 3 volunteers, stayed in Kibebe, helping a small group of men from the community work through the night until it was finished. It took a few days, but the outcome and lessons learned were immeasurable; if every problem that arises has to be dealt with by an outside party, whether it be us or a local repair shop, the people in the community will constantly be put at the mercy of their time. So why not create a group of individuals within the community that we could train to know these pumps inside and out? Why not make them accountable for the upkeep instead of placing the responsibility on an outside party?
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That, to me, is what true empowerment is. Give a person the ability to help themselves instead of just giving a handout. Putting the people in control is the first step to gaining this empowerment and growth within each community.
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-Alexi Panos
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Photo: Laurel Dailey
First off…in the summer… managed to support the unreal Lissie ….in Bristol and Manchester. What an honour to be able to say that I did that….she is absolutely ….WELL GOOD !!!! fact.
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Then not long ago… got a phone call off my manager asking me if I would like to support The Script ….that night…all the way in Portsmouth and in Leicester.
So of course… I said no… Only messing! I say YES PLEASE…and it was unreal… was just me and my guitar so it was very very scary…but I couldn’t have loved it any more… it was buzzin!!! Such lovely guys as well!!!
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But recently…. I’ve been writing a lot …with some really lovely and very talented people… had so much with it… and yeah…basically trying to get my first single done… ( as you all know… my album is done…but we felt like my first single wasn’t there yet…..And I’ve only got 1 shot at this…so I’m gonna make sure I’m doing it right…..so I’m sorry if I haven’t been telling when my album is out yet….because I need to write this first single first…..but as soon as I do………….I will let you now….and remember…all good things take time! (hahaa cringe at me saying that )
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So yeah…
Also got the chance to write with 2 of my favourite people in the world….( Dan G and Adam Argyle ) so amazing to see them again….don’t think I can actually explain to you all…how funny and talented they are.
ALSO been working with 2 other lovely lads who go by the name of Future Cut… very excited about the song we are doing!!!
AND… (get ready for a massive name drop) I also got to write with the amazing!!!! Newton Faulkner. What an honour!!!!!!!!!!
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Oh………..and ON THE 13TH ….OF DECEMBER…I’M FLYING TO NEW YORK…..TO WRITE WITH……
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………………………………..AMANDA GHOST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]
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(if you know who she is…u will understand how excited I am.)
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so yeah… been a bit of a busy bee…so that’s why I have decided….to book a little jolly holiday… to Lanazarote with my lovely friend Lottie.…( don’t laugh….its the only place that is hot at the mo…haha:))
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and that’s not all….on the 29th….me and my friend are going to see..…JEDWARD LIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Don’t judge… but I fancy them…..
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Hope you have all enjoyed this blog… got a special treat coming for u this Thursday……….. Thank you for all your support
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big big big BIG love
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charlotteOc xx`
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www.myspace.com/charlottesoul
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As most of you already know Quiksilver Women’s honors and supports leaders who are characterized as “independent, creative, effortless sexy and timeless.” Now insert, Alexi Panos and Tennille Amor, two QSW ambassadors who both embody the passion, personality and spirit we at Quiksilver love and embrace! For the past year QSW has been partners with these two incredible women in their efforts to bring change to the people in Africa. Through their non-profit Organization E.P.I.C., Everyday People Initiating Change, Tennille and Alexi travel to Tanzania, Africa consistently to drill sustainable water wells and teach the people there the importance of hygiene and sanitation. Being partners with E.P.I.C., QSW will continue to donate 3% of our T-Shirt sales to the drilling of these wells. We are pleased to say that under E.P.I.C. two wells have already been completed and more are in the process of being developed.
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Because it is important for us to show you exactly what is going on when these two girls travel to Africa, for the next couple of weeks this blog will be presenting Blog entries from both Tennille and Alexi telling us of their travels. These entries will inform you of the real struggles these girls face while over in Tanzania, and the satisfaction it brings when one gives back. We hope their stories will open up a sense of compassion within and help drive all of our readers to help support their very special cause.
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To donate directly to E.P.I.C. click here!
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Two girls.. four suitcases.. and Europe to Conquer..
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We said cheers to London…hopped in a cab.. flew on a plane and landed in back in Paris. Bonjour!
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With a little more time on this trip into the city of love, we were able to relish in the Parisian culture. Walks through cobblestone streets, shopping amongst the tres chic, nibbles on crepes and dinner in a glass roofed restaurant.
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It was after this perfect day that I realized I had my Paris moment.
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Let Laurel’s lens take you through this beautiful day..
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I am wearing the Underground Tank.
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A weekend getaway to Palm Springs and chose to go with the desert-hippie-luxe look.
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Created my outfits in STYLIT, packed up, hit the road and spent two delightful days in one of my favorite spots. Soaked in the sunshine, thrifted my way around town and ate at local hot spots all wearing my favorite QSW 213 Park Pants.
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My Tips on Palm Springs:
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Stay – Renaissance Hotel
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Shop – Revivals and Angel View Thrift Store
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Eat – Cheeky’s
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Two girls.. four suitcases…and Europe to conquer…
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Our final chapter in London came to a close with the blogger veteran and all-around-cute-as-a-button, Laetitia Wajnapel, of Mademoiselle Robot!
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While perusing the racks, Laetitia commented that there were items that appealed to her love for the romantic and feminine side of dressing. She chose the Outside Line dress and styled it by tying it at the waist of her to-die-for shorts. Grabbing the bow-tied boater hat we hit the streets of London.
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We had fun snapping iconic phone booth pics and giggling our way down cobblestone streets.
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Finally, the day came to an end.. just as the light was casting an amber glow on our London terrace.. and I thought.. It doesn’t get better than this!
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Take a peek from Laurel’s lens…
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I’ve just got back from Prague, where I spent five days and nights exploring this ancient city, trying out my pinhole camera, sampling the local yummy things and hanging out with some great people, like fellow QSW Ambassador Bara Prasilova. I had a great time, although, it was slightly embarrassing when Bara and I met up for lunch, both wearing the Two-Way Street coat – we must have looked like those strange twins that like to dress the same!
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However, I wasn’t just there for fun. I was there with the British Council for a climate change conference, as part of my role as a Climate Advocate for the UK. The conference was held in conjunction with award winning charity Global Action Plan and Advocates from across Europe ahead of the COP16 talks in Cancun at the end of the Month.
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We talked about everything from deforestation to art with one of the main focuses being how we can combine creativity with cutting carbon emissions. It’s more and more apparent to me that tackling climate change is not just for eco-warriors and scientists trapped in a lab. Art, fashion, creative writing, photography, design, music and film all have their part to play in preserving this planet of ours and publicising environmental issues such as climate change.
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There’s this famous Dostoyevsky quote that says, “beauty will save the world.” I can’t debate that beauty has a role in this process; however, I see beauty as something that is mixed in with the creative guises I’ve mentioned already. And so, for me, a more fitting phrase would be, “creativity will save the world.”
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Whether it’s filming an enigmatic documentary about overfishing, exhibiting artwork inspired by nature or looking at new ways of designing items such as clothes and furniture, there is room for everyone to use their creative energy to create change. Check out the DO Lectures to find out about some of the people who are doing this already.
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From a creative point of view I think this photo I took outside the National Theatre in Prague sums up what I mean. It’s not a striking image, but the patchwork of crochet that hugs this sphere, to me, represents an intertwining of creative talents across our globe. And even though we cannot see this rich tapestry wrap round our planet in real life it’s there. What’s more, creative connections between each other and our planet are being made very day, so why don’t you start stitching your own contribution?
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I just received the runaround.. that’s right.. the runaround dress!
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I love this dress for the holiday season – it is the perfect mix of dressy and casual and can be styled in so many ways.
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Take a cue from this look and pair it with tights, oxfords and a slouchy hat when heading out for a festive event. To change it up, choose to monochromatic the look.. meaning.. pair it with gray tights and gray booties – all in different shades! Then finish it off with loads of rhinestone necklaces and a fabulous cocktail ring.
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You are now ready for a festive holiday party!
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Shop the Runaround Dress
With heartfelt, honest lyrics that come straight from the soul, Quiksilver Women brand ambassador Leddra-Chapman is truly one of the most gifted young songwriters and vocalists in Britain today.
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On a break from her UK Tour to promote her debut album “Telling Tales”, Leddra spent a few days at the Quiksilver House in Hossegor with her good friend and musician Ed Sheeran. With their feet on the sand and surrounded by the ocean and the forest in les Landes, this was the perfect trip to write a few new songs and recharge batteries!
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Here’s a live recording of “Jocelin” that we did during a day we spent at the Miramar Hotel in Biarritz.
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Enjoy!
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www.quiksilver-women.com
www.myspace.com/leddrachapman
www.sofitel.com/fr/hotel-2049-sofitel-biarritz-le-miramar-thalassa/index.html
