Civil War

For Sierra Leone’s first female surfer, surfing means hope
Surf

For Sierra Leone’s first female surfer, surfing means hope

A Million Waves — Daniel Ali and Louis Leeson’s poetic film features Kadiatu Kamara, the only female surfer in Sierra Leone, for whom surfing is an escape from the devastating effects of civil war and the Ebola epidemic which swept her country.

Written by: Charlotte Irwin

The harsh reality of being a White Helmet, heroes of the Syrian civil war
Film

The harsh reality of being a White Helmet, heroes of the Syrian civil war

Hope amidst the bloodshed — Director Orlando von Einsiedel’s documentary ‘The White Helmets’ pays tribute to the sacrifice and heroism of the volunteer rescue workers risking everything to save civilian lives in Syria.

Written by: Alex King

Life as a White Helmet: The volunteer rescue workers saving civilian lives in Syria
Activism

Life as a White Helmet: The volunteer rescue workers saving civilian lives in Syria

“Every day is a new life” — Also known as The White Helmets, the Syrian Civil Defence is an unarmed, volunteer organisation which helps anyone in need - regardless of their religion or politics - in areas where public services no longer function. They have saved 60,000 lives across Syria and were recognised for their heroic work with a nomination for the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize. Syrian Civil Defence volunteer Mahmood Adam reflects on his work as a White Helmet and on rescuing civilians after the Douma massacre, one of the deadliest attacks of the war.

Written by: Mahmood Adam - as told to Alex King and Laila Kiki

First Person: How I escaped civil war in Sierra Leone to become a CEO & Afrobeat star
Activism

First Person: How I escaped civil war in Sierra Leone to become a CEO & Afrobeat star

Refugee Stories — Yasmin Kadi fled Sierra Leone with her family during the outbreak of the Blood Diamond Civil War. Seeking refuge in the UK, Yasmin has gone on to become a cult Afrobeat musician, musical theatre actress, and CEO of her own record label: Refugee Records. As part of our Refugee Stories series, Yasmin speaks of her experiences.

Written by: Elizabeth Sulis Gear

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Issue 81: The more than a game issue

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