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Fiama, Gbaneh, Gbaneh Kandoh, Gbenseh, Gorama Kono, Kamara, Lei, Mafindoh, Nimikor, Nimiyama, Sandoh, Soa, Tankoro, Toli.
These are our chiefdoms in Kono, each has its own characteristics and needs, each needs our special attention. If you have a development project or programme that represents the interests of any of these chiefdoms, or is active in any of these chiefdoms, please let us know so we can publicise it on this site for all to see. Networking and partnerships will secure our future.

Kono Proverbs

Kono proverbs on the Sierra Leone Web Site


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Kono (pronunciation: kohnoh)


District
The Kono District is situated in the Eastern Province of Sierra Leone. It's largest town is Koidu (Sefadu). Kono has much fertile land and is traditionally a farming district, however, Kono has historically contained large deposits of alluvial diamonds. The majority were mined on an industrial scale by Britain during and shortly after its colonisation of Sierra Leone. Alluvial diamond mining, which destroys fertile topsoil and encourages plagues of mosquitoes, is now less productive and some international companies have begun controversial blasting of the volcanic rock known as kimberlite in their search for diamonds barely a kilometre away from the suburbs of Koidu Town the concussions of which are reportedly felt in the town centre. This has led to human rights issues which have been noted by the United Nations.
The area's diamonds fuelled ten years of unspeakable violence. During this time the District was almost completely demolished as it remained a battleground for 'blood diamonds'. Kono was subsequently featured in the film 'Blood Diamond'.
People and Language
The Kono People, tribe, ethnic group and language are related to the following West African groups; Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Vai-Kono. The tribe was split during partitioning of Africa by European colonists and part of the tribe still exists in neighbouring Guinea, though years of separation have led to the language diverging into separate dialects.
Because of the destruction of Kono between 1991 and 2000, the majority of Konos became refugees in Freetown, Guinea and other West African countries. Many refugees also fled to the UK and US. Since 2001 thousands have returned to rebuild their homes and communities, though many remain refugees elsewhere.
Traditionally the Kono people are farmers who grow staple foods and cash crops and are blessed with fertile land that is productive without artificial inputs. For 40 years the diamond industry has seduced many young men away from farming but failed to provide them, their families and their communities with a sustainable living. Poverty, health, child mortality, adult illiteracy, food security, exploitation and environmental damage are major issues in the district and in Sierra Leone as a whole. Many in the community are dissillusioned with the diamond industry and some are returning to farming as a more secure, environmentally friendly and sustainable livelihood. Despite this, families are often unable to grow enough to eat all year round, sell enough of their crops, or get fair prices for their crops, to afford health care or other essentials.

About Us


The Kono Community is concerned with;
Delivery of practical, sustainable community development services and projects to Kono communities in Sierra Leone and the European Union
Developing effective partnerships with organisations and projects in Sierra Leone, the EU, US and internationally
Promoting community development and cooperation
Preserving and promoting our communities’ language, culture, traditions and rights
Encouraging community cohesion, inclusion and good relations with other communities.
Combating racism, intolerance and exploitation of vulnerable groups
Improving our communities standing and reputation internationally

Contact

Connect with the Kono community internationally

Email Kono Community e-group at: kono-community@googlegroups.com
Visit Kono Community e-group at: http://groups.google.com/group/kono-community
Discuss sustainable development and Kono at our blog: http://konocommunity.blogspot.com

Posted on the Nov 2009 by Admin