OUR VOICES, OUR PLANET

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<<type 50ms>>\ Hey there! It's so good of you to contact me! \<</type>> <<timed 2s>> <<type 50ms>>\ What's your name? <<textbox "$name" "">> \<</type>> <</timed>> <<timed 5s>> <<type 60ms>>\ Once you've entered your name, click [[send|Hey there]] to submit your message to me. \<</type>> <</timed>>

<<type 50ms>>\ Hey $name! This progam might seem a bit complicated, but you'll get used to it, I promise. It's much more secure than those regular messaging apps. You'll see why that's important... But first I'll have to ask: are you willing to help me? [[Yes|Help yes]] [[No|Help no]] \<</type>>

<<type 40ms>>\ $name, you are amazing! And right on time, too. I could really use your help! <<timed 3s>> It's complicated to explain the whole situation... <</timed>> <<timed 5s>> So let's try this: Whenever there's more to tell you, I'm going to highlight some words. Just click on those words and I'll provide more details on it. Like, when I say: Do you want to know, [[what the hell is actually happening|situation]]??? <</timed>> \<</type>>

<<type 60ms>>\ Oh ok. \<</type>> <<type 50ms>>\ Are you 100% sure that you want to quit this conversation? [[Yes|Help no 2]] [[No|Help yes]] \<</type>>

<<type 40ms>>\ Okay. This sounds completely ridiculous. Maybe I'm overreacting. But judge for yourself. <<timed 3s>> I am hiding in an empty classroom at my university right now. I was just about to leave the building after class, when I found [[two strangers]] talking to the doorman. One of these guys said: "We are looking for [[Selma Nagombe]]. We know she's a [[student]] here". <</timed>> \<</type>>

Hier ein kurzes Video mit den folgenden Inhalten: "Hey there! My name is Selma Nagombe. I am from Northern Malawi, where I grew up in a small village close to the city of Karonga. The reason I am making this video is... I want to bring to your attention what is happening here. I don't know if anyone is ever going to actually watch this, but I don't know what else to do anymore to get some justice. You see, Northern Malawi is rich in natural resources, like coal, accessible through open pit mining. That sounds like good news, doesn't it? And this is exactly what we thought as well, when we saw the first trucks of the Elvo Mining company arriving. Well, we did wonder a bit why we weren't informed beforehand, that they will start mining right next to where we plant our crops. But still, we figured it would bring jobs and better infrastructure like schools, hospitals and such to our community, loads of potential benefits. However, we soon realized - those benefits were only for other people. If you are interested to learn more about what happened to our village or if you just want to get in touch with me, just click "contact me" below. [[contact me|first contact]]

<<type 50ms>>\ They looked real scary. I can't be sure, but I think, those men belong to [[Elvo|Whats elvo]]!

<<type 50ms>>\ I'm a law student on a scholarship, granted for exceptional achievements. My family couldn't usually afford it. But let's talk about these [[two strangers]], ok? They are creeping me out. \<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\ How rude, not to introduce myself. I'm Selma! But let's talk about these [[two strangers]], ok? They are creeping me out. \<</type>>

<<type 60ms>>\ Well, that's a shame. But alright... Bye! [[Undo your choice|Help yes]] \<</type>>

[img[images/floor plan.jpg]] The two men are waiting at the main entrance. I'm in classroom A right now. All windows have iron grids in front of them. Where should I go, $name? To the [[office]], to [[classroom B]] or should I try to leave throught the [[back entrance]]?

<<type 50ms>>\ I'm in the office. Here's a [[first aid kit]], a [[telefone]] and a [[fire alarm]]. I could also go to [[classroom B]] or the [[back entrance]]. \<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\ There's nothing here that could help me. I can [[look out of the barred window]], but I definetely can't escape through it. I have to get away from here! But I definetly can't use the front door. Where should I go? <<timed 3s>> Wait! <</timed>> <<timed 2s>> There's a [[floor plan]] here, I'll send you. <</timed>>

<<type 50ms>>\ If you're sure, ok. Let's hope I can cross the hallway without those men seeing me... <<timed 7s>><<goto "back entrance hunt">><</timed>> \<</type>>

YOU FAIL! [[Undo choice|floor plan]]

<<type 50ms>>\ I'm not injured. Not yet... The [[telefone]] or the [[fire alarm]] could be of better use. \<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\ What are you suggesting? Should I [[call the police]] or [[call my family]]? Or of course, I could just [[not call anyone|office]]. \<</type>>

If you say so... I'm going to [[press it|alarm pressed]] now.

<<type 50ms>>\ <<if $plate is true>> Yes! At least I can report, that the men's car is parked incorrectly. That should distract them long enough for me to sneak past them. What's the phone number of the Karonga Police Station? Could you check that for me? <<textbox "$police" "">> [[>|confirm call]] <<else>> ... and tell them what? "There are two men who knew my name?" Yeah, I guess they'll find that hilarious. First, I need more information on them! What else could I do [[here|office]]? <</if>> \<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\ I was being sarcastic. There's no reception on our farm. I can't even warn them! Should I instead [[call the police]] or just [[no one|office]]? \<</type>>

<<if $police is "0887389288">> <<type 200ms>>\ ... \<</type>> <<type 50ms>>\ Excellent! The police will be here in a sec. That should distract them! Wish me luck, $name! I'm going to sneak [[out of the back door|outside uni]]. \<</type>> <<else>> <<type 50ms>>\ Oops, wrong number! Could you try again please? What's the number of the Karonga Police Station? <<textbox "$police" "">> [[>|phone call]] \<</type>> <</if>>

Oh damn, the two strangers came running into the building. Don't know if they are actual heros or if they saw through my ruse. They are searching the rooms one after another now. I'm trapped. [[Goodbye, I guess!|fire alarm end]]

YOU FAIL! [[Undo choice|floor plan]]

<video width="640" height="360" src="videos/outsideuni1.mp4" autoplay></video> <<timed 30s>> I'll send you pictures from my way home, so you get a feeling of [[where I'm going|way home 1]] <</timed>>

Leaving Karonga city... [img[images/karonga.jpg]] I wonder: Did I overreact? I mean, what could they actually do if they got hold of me? [[Put me in jail]] [[Burn my house]] [[Kill me]] What do you think?

Everyone is so eager to please this company. It wouldn't surprise me if the police took their word over mine. [img[images/way home 1.jpg]] [[next|way home 2]]

Stories like these do exist. I don't want to find out, if they are actually true. [img[images/way home 1.jpg]] [[way home 2]]

I'm not sure if I should be proud or scared, that this international company takes such interest in me. ...Probably both. [img[images/way home 2.jpg]] Not long now, until I reach [[my village]].

[img[images/village.jpg]] Isn't it beautiful? I just hope my family is [[at home]].

... I didn't even make if to our farm. My [[entire family]] plus some [[neighbours]] are already gathered on the central square. ... They have been waiting for me. ... Apparently, there were some Elvo people here as well ...aksing for me.

That's my grandma, my mum, my dad and my siblings: Jacob, who is 18 an usually full of mischief but serious now, Sarah who won't leave my side and my baby brother William. Apparently my mum kicked those Elvo guys right out of our house, the noise alarming the [[neighbours]]. But they will be back.

The entire neighbourhood knows about this already. Of course! [[Erika]] and [[Stanley]] came over straight away.

She tells me to take this serious. "I [[know|Erikas past]] what those companies are capable of."

Stanley says I should also consider, what good Elvo Mining brings to our region. "Don't forget, Selma: That very road you just took to get here only exists since companies like Elvo started taking an interest. There's so much more to come. I heard they are going to construct a hospital soon." Then [[Erika interrupted him]].

Damn. You might be right... But first I want to hear, what [[Stanley]] has to say.

I'm glad you say that! At least I should hear, what [[Stanley]] has to say, before making such a drastic decision.

"This is what they want us to believe, but they’ve been making promises for years now and nothing ever happens. There’s still no health care facility. Instead, they cut us off from the water supply when their machines damaged a pipe", Erika replied. Whoa... I'll do my best to keep you posted, but this is turning into a [[full-blown argument|argument 1]] now.

S: "You don’t know that for a fact." E: "Right, because this information wasn’t made transparent." S: "They did build a well instead." E: "That well is an hour by foot!" [[>|argument 2]]

S: "If you despise it so much to live here, why don’t you move away? If you’re lucky Elvo might even pay you off for your land." E: "Like they did with Susan and George in October 2020?" S: "Exactly." [[>|argument 3]]

E: "Oh, they did pay them, alright: 50,000 Kwachas" Do you know how much this roughly was in Dollars, when they paid them in October 2020? <<textbox "$d1" "">> [[send|Kwachas to dollar]]

<<if $d1 is "60" or $d1 is "57" or $d1 is "58" or $d1 is "59" or $d1 is "61" or $d1 is "62" or $d1 is "63" or $d1 is "60,00" or $d1 is "57,00" or $d1 is "58,00" or $d1 is "59,00" or $d1 is "61,00" or $d1 is "62,00"or $d1 is "63,00" or $d1 is "60.00" or $d1 is "57.00" or $d1 is "58.00"or $d1 is "59.00" or $d1 is "61.00" or $d1 is "62.00" or $d1 is "63.00">> That's about right. And guess what you can buy with this money in Malawi? [[A smartphone]] [[A suit for ladies or gentlemen]] [[A motorcycle]], which people are using to transport passengers at a small fee. <<else>> That sounds wrong to me. Better check a currency converter online. [[back|argument 3]] <</if>>

<<if $l is "not at all" or $l is "not" or $l is "impossible" or $l is "not possible" or $l is "no" or $l is "Not at all" or $l is "Not" or $l is "Impossible" or $l is "Not possible" or $l is "No">> I completely agree with you. <<else>> Wow, you're really optimistic. This family would need a ton of luck, to even make it a month, for sure! <</if>> Anyway, Stanley and Erika are still arguing. Stanley just said... [[>|argument 4]]

"I agree. It’s not enough. But it’s still something. And those past few years, our farm hardly yieled enough to feed my family. So, would I take the money and leave? Probably yes." [[>|argument 5]]

E: "But can’t you see? Your land has been feeding your family for generations. The yield is going down BECAUSE of the mining. Elvo is contaminating the land with their wastewaters and the coal lying around that’s washed onto our fields when it rains." [[>|argument 6]]

S: "But what’s the point in picking a fight with an international company? This is a fight we can only loose. It’s in our best interest to cooperate with them. When they realize that this region is forthcoming and brings good revenue, they will be more willing to invest." E: "So, what do you suggest?" [[>|argument 7]]

Stanley turned to me then and said: "Selma, you’re a clever girl. Do what’s best for you and your family. Formally apologize to the Elvo company. You did already catch their attention, that is good. You can talk to them on our behalf and make sure they take our needs and perspectives into consideration." But [[Erika disagreed|argument 8]].

„Selma, don’t be foolish. You can’t just sit around here and wait for those men to catch you. When I was a young woman, I was active in a civil resistance group. Some of my friends just mysteriously disappeared after they had caught „attention“, as Stanley put it. Never to be seen again...“ But what is she [[suggesting I should do?|Erikas plan]]

Okay, this is what Erika said. Brace yourself: „Disappear, before they make you disappear. I have an old friend from my days as an activist. He will shelter you. He lives in [[Ecuador|Ecuador???]].“

Ecuador????? What?? I am officially lost now. You've got to help me! Okay, [[here|Stanleys option]]'s what Stanley suggested I should do, and [[here|Erikas option]] is Erika's plan.

Stanley says I should apologize to Elvo Mining and try talking to them. That means I could stay with my family and potentially even help them and our neighbourhood. But would I be save? Who should I trust more? [[Stanley|decision Stanley]] or [[Erika|decision Erika]]? Or should I listen first to what [[Erika's plan|Erikas option]] was again?

Erika is seriously worried. I would have to leave Malawi, but I guess that means I would be save. And maybe this friend of hers, being an activist, could even help me to resist Elvo? But [[what about my family?]] Would they come with me?

Alright. I guess it's best to try and talk to them first. Stanley offered to drive me to the Elvo administration office, overlooking the mining grounds a few miles away. Wer're gonna [[go there|Stanleys car]] just now. [[zurück|Ecuador???]]

Alright. I'll do it. I'm going to Ecuador! That means, I have to say [[goodbye to my family]] now.

<video width="640" height="360" src="videos/selmaairport.mp4" autoplay></video> <<timed 60s>> [[>Next|journey to Amsterdam]] <</timed>>

<<type 35ms>>\ They saw me! They're coming after me! I won't make it out here. \<</type>> <<timed 3s>><<goto "back entrance end">><</timed>>

I'm going to call them now. <<type 150ms>>\ ... \<</type>> <<timed 3s>><<goto "phone call">><</timed>>

Hey! I'm a Schiphol airport in Amsterdam now. Quite some detour, but a direct flight from Malawi to Ecuador just doesn't exist... I used those hours on the plane to think. I'm still so humbled by all those people helping me. That made me think of the concept of Ubuntu. Do you know it? Here's a [[video|Ubuntu]] for you to watch while I'm on my way to Quito.

<<type 50ms>>\Hey! Are you still there? I finally arrived in Quito. This city is huge! How on earth will I find Erika's friend? Luckily, she [[just texted me|Julios message]]. \<</type>>

Stanley's car is shiny and smells new. I didn't even know he had that much money... [[>|Elvo carpark]]

I can see Stanley through a window in a ground floor office. He's talking to someone. And there's something he's holding in his hand. Should I knock? [[Yes|Yes knock]] [[No|Dont knock]]

We arrived at Elvo company, but I'm just waiting in the car for now. Stanley thought it best, that he should talk to them first. But why is he taking so long? Actually, I'm gonna [[go out myself|Elvo office]].

Stanley turns around to me. The thing he's holding in his hand...It's a huge bundle of [[bank notes]].

Okay, I'll just sneak a little close to catch a better look. Oh damn. The thing he's holding in his hand...It's a huge bundle of [[bank notes]].

What should I...? There's nothing I can... Of course! [[The car!|flight car]]

Thank God! The keys are still there and the engine roars up. Oh have I mentioned, I don't have a license? I better focus [[on the road]]!

Stanley was bribed by Elvo company! They paid him, so he would catch me for them! Damn! [[>|what now?]]

... I made it back to my village - by no small piece of luck. My [[family|family 2]] and [[Erika|Erika after Stanley]] are still sitting there.

They couldn't believe what happened. Stanley knew me since I was a baby. He practically helped me grow up. Even [[Erika|Erika after Stanley]] agreed: He must be really desperate to do such a thing.

So yeah, that makes Erika my only option. Seems like I'm going to Ecuador after all. But [[what about my family?|what about my family2]] Would they come with me?

<<type 50ms>>\Erika forwarded a message from her friend:\<</type>> <<timed 4s>>//Please let Selma know, I'll meet her roughly 14 kilometers west of the Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre. There is a longish park, easy to spot on the map, that boasts to have existed for 200 years. From this park's southernmost exit on the east side of the park, she just follows the street to the East. After she crosses an even bigger street going straight, she will find a supermarket, which is called after the "auntie of the light". (If she passes the pharmacy, she walked too far!). If she tells the taxi driver the name of the supermarket, he should be able to find it. (Please excuse my cryptic explanation - people try to disturb our work on an almost daily basis and messages have been intercepted before...). Best regards, Julio//<</timed>> <<timed 25s>><<type 50ms>>\What on earth should I tell the taxi driver? I hope you have a map of Quito at hand and a Spanish dictionary... because I don't! <<textbox "$tia" "">> [[>|name supermarket]] \<</type>><</timed>>

<<type 50ms>>\<<if $tia is "TÍA LA LUZ" or $tia is "Tia la luz" or $tia is "Tia la Luz" or $tia is "Tia La Luz" or $tia is "Tía la luz" or $tia is "Tía la Luz" or $tia is "Tía La Luz" or $tia is "tia la luz" or $tia is "TIA LA LUZ" or $tia is "tía la luz" or $tia is "Tia la Luz">> The taxi driver nodded. That's a good sign, right? Now let's see [[where he actually takes me|taxi ride1]]... <<else>> The taxi driver doesn't seem to know that place. Have you been using a dictionary and an online map? Could you please check again? <<textbox "$tia" "">> [[>|name supermarket]]<</if>>\<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\Damn. We're stuck in traffic.<</type>> <<timed 2s>>[img[images/quito.jpg]]<</timed>> <<timed 6s>><<type 50ms>>\But there's still [[work to be done|letter task]].\<</type>><</timed>>

<<type 50ms>>\I want to write an [[email|Why letter]] to Mr. Edwin Gama. He's [[our district's commissioner]] in the Malawi National Assembly, so his main task is to represent our concerns in politics. But what should I put as subject? [[Mining in Karonga district]] [[Mining in Karonga district is threatening local communities]] [[Elvo company potentially dangerous]]\<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\There's a man leaning against his car on the store's parking lot. Is that Julio? Only one way to find out... [[>|Hello Julio]]\<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\It would be better to send an actual letter but I can't wait for the letter to reach him. What should I put as subject? [[Mining in Karonga district]] [[Mining in Karonga district is threatening local communities]] [[Elvo company potentially dangerous]]\<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\I've heard that he worked as a so called "independent adviser", helping companies such as Elvo to gain their mining license, before he moved into politics. Let's hope he is in fact independent and impartial on that matter. Anyway, it can't hurt to write to him. But what should I put as subject? [[Mining in Karonga district]] [[Mining in Karonga district is threatening local communities]] [[Elvo company potentially dangerous]]\<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\I see, you want me to be really nice and gentle. Here we go:\<</type>> <<timed 4s>>//Mining in Karonga district Dear Mr. Gama, As a resident of the Karonga region, I am worried about the negative effects of mining on the environment and hence on the local communities whose livelihood depend on the farmland. Might I bring to your attention the severe situation that rural communities, such as the one I grew up in, are dealing with. The families in my hometown are victims of environment challenges such as: water shortage, diseases, hunger caused by contamination of soil and water by the mining activities, just to mention a few. I would like to ask you [[a few questions]].//<</timed>> <<set $gentleintroduction to true>>

<<type 50ms>>\Alright, let's do that!\<</type>> <<timed 3s>>//Mining in Karonga district is threatening local communities Dear Mr. Gama, As a resident of the Karonga region, I am worried about the negative effects of mining on the environment and hence on the local communities whose livelihood depend on the farmland. The families in my hometown are victims of environment challenges such as: water shortage, diseases, hunger caused by contamination of soil and water by the mining activities, just to mention a few. As our district commissioner, it is your duty to solve these challenges for us. In fact I would like to ask you [[a few questions]] concerning your plans to solve these issues.//<</timed>> <<set $mediumintroduction to true>>

<<type 50ms>>\Okay, he'll better brace himself for this story.\<</type>> <<timed 4s>>//Elvo company potentially dangerous Dear Mr. Gama, As a resident of the Karonga region, I am worried about the negative effects of mining on the environment and hence on the local communities whose livelihood depend on the farmland. The families in my hometown are victims of environment challenges such as: water shortage, diseases, hunger caused by contamination of soil and water by the mining activities, just to mention a few. In order to bring wider attention to these issues I posted a video online. You will be shocked to learn, that two armed Elvo employees were then looking for me - to what end exactly I cannot say, luckily I managed to flee the country before they could get to me. Still, I am more eager than ever to address the threats that mining is posing. As our district commissioner, it is your duty to solve these challenges for us. In fact I would like to ask you [[a few questions]] concerning your plans to solve these issues.//<</timed>> <<set $hardintroduction to true>>

<<type 50ms>>\There are so many questions I want to ask. But I shouldn't pick more than 3. Which 3 are most important, you think?\<</type>> <<timed 9s>>[[How are you planning to inform local communities about the plans of Mining companies?|q1 info]] [[Are there government funds to compensate families who had to leave their farmland for mining purposes?|q1 funds]] [[How did Elvo gain a mining license in the first place?|q1 license]] [[How are the effects that mining has on the environment measured?|q1 measurement]]<</timed>>

<<type 50ms>>\<<set $Qinfo to true>>What else?\<</type>> <<timed 3s>><<if $Qinfo is true>><<else>>[[How are you planning to inform local communities about the plans of Mining companies?|q2 info]]<</if>> <<if $Qfunds is true>><<else>>[[Are there government funds to compensate families who had to leave their farmland for mining purposes?|q2 funds]]<</if>><<if $Qlicense is true>> <<else>> [[How did Elvo gain a mining license in the first place?|q2 license]] <</if>><<if $Qmeasurement is true>><<else>>[[How are the effects that mining has on the environment measured?|q2 measurement]]<</if>> <</timed>>

<<type 50ms>>\<<set $Qfunds to true>>What else?\<</type>> <<timed 3s>><<if $Qinfo is true>><<else>>[[How are you planning to inform local communities about the plans of Mining companies?|q2 info]]<</if>><<if $Qfunds is true>><<else>>[[Are there government funds to compensate families who had to leave their farmland for mining purposes?|q2 funds]<</if>> <<if $Qlicense is true>><<else>>[[How did Elvo gain a mining license in the first place?|q2 license]]<</if>> <<if $Qmeasurement is true>><<else>>[[How are the effects that mining has on the environment measured?|q2 measurement]]<</if>> <</timed>>

<<type 50ms>>\<<set $Qlicense to true>> What else?\<</type>> <<timed 3s>><<if $Qinfo is true>><<else>>[[How are you planning to inform local communities about the plans of Mining companies?|q2 info]]<</if>> <<if $Qfunds is true>><<else>>[[Are there government funds to compensate families who had to leave their farmland for mining purposes?|q2 funds]]<</if>> <<if $Qlicense is true>><<else>>[[How did Elvo gain a mining license in the first place?|q2 license]]<</if>><<if $Qmeasurement is true>><<else>>[[How are the effects that mining has on the environment measured?|q2 measurement]] <</if>><</timed>>

<<type 50ms>>\<<set $Qmeasurement to true>>What else?\<</type>> <<timed 3s>><<if $Qinfo is true>><<else>>[[How are you planning to inform local communities about the plans of Mining companies?|q2 info]]<</if>> <<if $Qfunds is true>><<else>>[[Are there government funds to compensate families who had to leave their farmland for mining purposes?|q2 funds]]<</if>> <<if $Qlicense is true>><<else>>[[How did Elvo gain a mining license in the first place?|q2 license]]<</if>> <<if $Qmeasurement is true>><<else>>[[How are the effects that mining has on the environment measured?|q2 measurement]] <</if>><</timed>>

<<type 50ms>>\<<set $Qfunds to true>>One question left.\<</type>><<timed 2s>><<if $Qinfo is true>><<else>>[[How are you planning to inform local communities about the plans of Mining companies?|q3 info]]<</if>> <<if $Qfunds is true>><<else>>[[Are there government funds to compensate families who had to leave their farmland for mining purposes?|q3 funds]]<</if>> <<if $Qlicense is true>><<else>>[[How did Elvo gain a mining license in the first place?|q3 license]]<</if>> <<if $Qmeasurement is true>><<else>>[[How are the effects that mining has on the environment measured?|q3 measurement]]<</if>><</timed>>

<<type 50ms>>\<<set $Qlicense to true>>One question left.\<</type>><<timed 2s>> <<if $Qinfo is true>><<else>>[[How are you planning to inform local communities about the plans of Mining companies?|q3 info]]<</if>> <<if $Qfunds is true>><<else>>[[Are there government funds to compensate families who had to leave their farmland for mining purposes?|q3 funds]]<</if>> <<if $Qlicense is true>><<else>>[[How did Elvo gain a mining license in the first place?|q3 license]]<</if>><<if $Qmeasurement is true>><<else>>[[How are the effects that mining has on the environment measured?|q3 measurement]] <</if>><</timed>>

<<type 50ms>>\<<set $Qmeasurement to true>>One question left.\<</type>><<timed 2s>><<if $Qinfo is true>><<else>>[[How are you planning to inform local communities about the plans of Mining companies?|q3 info]]<</if>> <<if $Qfunds is true>><<else>>[[Are there government funds to compensate families who had to leave their farmland for mining purposes?|q3 funds]]<</if>> <<if $Qlicense is true>><<else>>[[How did Elvo gain a mining license in the first place?|q3 license]]<</if>> <<if $Qmeasurement is true>><<else>>[[How are the effects that mining has on the environment measured?|q3 measurement]]<</if>><</timed>>

<<type 50ms>>\<<set $Qinfo to true>>One question left.\<</type>> <<timed 2s>><<if $Qinfo is true>><<else>>[[How are you planning to inform local communities about the plans of Mining companies?|q3 info]]<</if>> <<if $Qfunds is true>><<else>>[[Are there government funds to compensate families who had to leave their farmland for mining purposes?|q3 funds]]<</if>> <<if $Qlicense is true>><<else>>[[How did Elvo gain a mining license in the first place?|q3 license]]<</if>><<if $Qmeasurement is true>><<else>> [[How are the effects that mining has on the environment measured?|q3 measurement]]<</if>><</timed>>

<<type 50ms>>\<<set $Qfunds to true>>Now just an ending...\<</type>> <<timed 2s>>//I am looking forward to your urgent reply to my concerns and questions asked in this letter. Best regards Selma Nagombe//<</timed>> <<timed 6s>><<type 50ms>>\I'm going to [[send this now|email sent]].\<</type>><</timed>>

<<type 50ms>>\<<set $Qlicense to true>>Now just an ending...\<</type>> <<timed 2s>>//I am looking forward to your urgent reply to my concerns and questions asked in this letter. Best regards Selma Nagombe//<</timed>> <<timed 6s>><<type 50ms>>\I'm going to [[send this now|email sent]].\<</type>><</timed>>

<<type 50ms>>\<<set $Qmeasurement to true>>Now just an ending...\<</type>> <<timed 2s>>//I am looking forward to your urgent reply to my concerns and questions asked in this letter. Best regards Selma Nagombe//<</timed>> <<timed 6s>><<type 50ms>>\I'm going to [[send this now|email sent]].\<</type>><</timed>>

<<type 50ms>>\<<set $Qinfo to true>>Now just an ending...\<</type>> <<timed 2s>>//I am looking forward to your urgent reply to my concerns and questions asked in this letter. Best regards Selma Nagombe//<</timed>> <<timed 6s>><<type 50ms>>\I'm going to [[send this now|email sent]].\<</type>><</timed>>

Here's what I wrote: <<if $gentleintroduction is true>> //Mining in Karonga disrict// //Dear Mr. Gama, As a resident of the Karonga region, I am worried about the negative effects of mining on the environment and hence on the local communities living off that land. Might I bring to your attention the severe situation that rural communities, such as the one I grew up in, are dealing with. I would like to ask you a few questions:// <</if>> <<if $mediumintroduction is true>> //Mining in Karonga district is threatening local communities// //Dear Mr. Gama, As a resident of the Karonga region, I am worried about the negative effects of mining on the environment and hence on the local communities living off that land. The families in my hometown are suffering from water shortage, diseases and hunger caused by contamination of soil to name but a few. As our commissioner, I would like to ask you [[a few questions]] concerning your plans to solve these issues.// <</if>> <<if $hardintroduction is true>> //Elvo company potentially dangerous// //Dear Mr. Gama, As a resident of the Karonga region, I am worried about the negative effects of mining such as conducted by the Elvo company on the environment and hence on the local communities living off that land. In order to bring wider attention to these issues I posted a video online. You will be shocked to learn, that two armed Elvo employees were then looking for me - to what end exactly I cannot say, luckily I managed to flee the country before they could get to me. Still, I am more eager than ever to address the threats that mining is posing and would like to ask you a few questions, concering what you are going to do about it.// <</if>> <<if $Qinfo is true>> //How are you planning to inform local communities about the plans of Mining companies?// <</if>> <<if $Qfunds is true>> //Are there government funds to compensate families who had to leave their farmland for mining purposes?// <</if>> <<if $Qlicense is true>> //How did Elvo gain a mining license in the first place?// <</if>> <<if $Qmeasurement is true>> //How are the effects that mining has on the environment measured?// <</if>> //I'm looking forward to your reply. Best regards Selma Nagombe//

<<type 50ms>>\The taxi just dropped me off in front of the supermarket. [[>|Julio 1]]\<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\Yes! He saw me approaching and immediately asked "Are you Selma?" So happy I found him! But wait...\<</type>> <<timed 8s>><<goto "Enter Julio 2">><</timed>>

<<type 50ms>>\Something strange just happened. Another man came running onto the parking lot and was like: "No. Don't get into his car! That's not Julio. I'm Julio!" Excuse me, [[what]]?\<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\Tell me: Who is the real Julio? The [[first man|trust Julio 1]], who was already here when I arrived? Or the [[second man|trust Julio 2]] that came running shortly after?\<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\I agree, he seems to be trustworthy. I'll get [[in his car]]. ...\<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\I turn to the first man and say: "Nice try, but you'll have to be smarter than this to fool me." The real Julio - still out of breath - is smiling now. "I'm glad you could see through him. Oh, and before I forget... Welcome to Ecuador!"\<</type>> <<timed 17s>><<goto "End chapter 3">><</timed>>

... Julio turns out to be a very charming former teacher in his late 60s, who was in fact delighted when I gave him the pressed leave from Erika. He might not have a car for environmental reasons. But he DOES have a little boat and he's taking me on a river tour... [[Deep into the Amazonian rainforest|Los Cedros]], where no one will be able to find me.

<<type 50ms>>\No idea [[where we are going]]...\<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\I asked Julio if he could tell me, but he is just not responding... [[>|not responding]]\<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\This is getting really creepy. He's just not talking to me... and the doors of the car are locked. ... This might be the last you hear from me. [[>|Fail wrong Julio]]\<</type>>

YOU FAIL! [[Undo your choice|Julio choice]]

Apparently, a multi-national firm has been trying to extract rare earth minerals in this remote part of the rainforest. But the indigenous community sucessfully prevented them from doing so - defending not only their civil rights but preserving the precious eco-system. We're here to learn how exactly they managed to do that. I hope I can use those same, proven measures to defeat Elvo. I'm so excited to [[get there!|time passes]]

Julio recommended this film to give you an impression of where we're going. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/111281783?h=7b12463440" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <<timed 5s>> Isn’t it stunning? But of course, we’re not here to watch birds. You can of course [[skip the video||isnt it stunning]] if you want to, or enjo it a little longer. <</timed>>

We just arrived in the village. When our boat turned around the last curve, we were already greeted by a colourful enseble of women, men and children, waving from the riverbank. Hands were offered to help me out of the shaking boat and Julio was welcomed as an old friend. They led us to what seems to be the village's [[central meeting hall]].

There are six people plus Julio and me gathered now. If I understood it correctly, each one is resposible for a different democratic measure. They are no politicians and weren’t ever trained in this. But the imminent threat forced them to learn fast and turned them into real experts. My first impression is, that they are extremely well organized. They are even wearing name tags! There is [[Inez]], whose arms, showing out from underneath a fashionable T-Shirt, are painted with a intricate, graphic pattern, [[Micaela]], who is around my age, [[Ramiro]], wearing both an impressive necklace with what seems to be teeth and a sporty base cap, [[Carmen]], accomapanied by a toddler, and [[Adriano]], not older than 16.

Micaela can't be any older than me. She is responsible for petitions. She write letters with demands to politicians and institutions. Similar to our failed attempt to contact Mr. Gama. Should I show her the e-mail we sent? [[Yes|e-mail]] [[No|Don't show mail]] <<set $Micaela to true>>

I find it fitting, that the fierce looking Inez is head of civil disobedience, which sums up differet kinds of boycotts, strikes or blockades. When the company was trying to enter the forest with bulldozers, Inez and her crew of fellow activists tied themselves to the trees. Of course, even the company was not allowed to just run over human beings, so the bulldozers had to stop. This can be very effective but also quite dangerous, especially as it happens without legal foundation. But I could totally see myself sitting on some field, preventing Elvo from digging there. <<set $Inez to true>> <<if $Micaela is true and $Inez is true and $Carmen is true and $Ramiro is true and $Adriano is true >> Oh my [[phone|phonecall]] rings. Hold on for a sec. <<else>> Who should I talk to [[next|seven people revisited]]? <</if>>

Carmen says: "It doesn't always have to be extreme and dangerous, as long as there's a more or less working democracy, there are easy ways to influence politics." Do you know what she means? <<set $Carmen to true>> <<textbox "$poll" "">> [[>|elections]]

Ramiro, as it turns out, studied law. Just like myself! "Theoretically, there is the option to bring an injustice to court. Worst case is that you loose and have to pay for the legal costs. And as a law student, I don't have to tell you: jurisdiction isn't interested in what we perceive as morally right or wrong, there has to be a law to back it up. That's why it's such a big deal that Buen Vivir is granted constitutionally. And it's all about evidence. So this is where to start." He is absolutely right and it makes me realize: I probably didn't gather enough evidence against Elvo before I left. I will put this on my to do list for sure! <<set $Ramiro to true>> <<if $Micaela is true and $Inez is true and $Carmen is true and $Ramiro is true and $Adriano is true >> Oh my [[phone|phonecall]] rings. Hold on for a sec. <<else>> Who should I talk to [[next|seven people revisited]]? <</if>>

Adriano is surprisingly self-confident, considering he looks barely 16. "Actually, my work is the most important. It's all about publicity, isn't it? Getting people involved and the press interested. All different areas feed into publicity and it feeds back into everything else. For example: a demonstration can have a huge impact on the visibility of your concern. And you need supporters to write effective petitions. [[A lot is happening online]]. Social Media is your friend here."

<video width="640" height="360" src="videos/jungle.mp4" autoplay></video> <<timed 80s>> It looks like the meeting is about to [[start|seven people]]. <</timed>>

Julio just explained this to me. It's really fascinating but a bit complex. I better send you a [[video message|voice message Buen Vivir]].

<<type 50ms>>\Wow! I received an [[answer|answer mail]] straight away!\<</type>>

//Dear Ms. Nagombe, Thank you for getting in touch. More than 100 emails reach Mr. Gama's office each day. Please understand, that he cannot reply personally. I will do my best to answer your questions on his behalf. //<<if $Qinfo is true>>//You asked about our practice of informing local communities. I can assure you that measures to inform local communities were taken whenever called for. All plans are laid out and open to access on the website of your district's government.//<</if>> <<if $Qfunds is true>>//As to your question regarding government funds: The transaction is taking place between the former landowners (the families) and the company, who is buying the land. Hence, no public funds are necessary to compensate families.//<</if>> <<timed 20s>><<type 50ms>>\That's not really an answer at all! Just some empty words to make me shut up. Hopefully she at least answered my [[other questions|answer mail 2]]...\<</type>><</timed>>

<<type 50ms>>\He didn't even read my mail! And all these supposed answers didn't answer anything at all! Maybe we did something wrong? Oh and I also just received a [[mail from Erika]].\<</type>>

Micaela says we did a [[good job]] with the mail!

How is that possible? Mr. Gama [[didn't even reply himself|better letter]]. It didn't seem [[important|petition]] enough.

According to Micaela, it's better to write an actual letter than just an email. In some countries, there's a law that letters have to be opened and replied to, but there is no such rule regarding emails. <<set $betterletter to true>> <<if $petition is true>> "But most importantly", she said: "You DID write. Even if you didn't like the reply, at least you brought the subject up. It's a start!" That makes me feel a lot better, don't you agree? Who should I talk to [[next|seven people revisited]]? <<else>> And there's [[another advice|petition]] she has. <</if>> <<if $Micaela is true and $Inez is true and $Carmen is true and $Ramiro is true and $Adriano is true >> Oh my [[phone|phonecall]] rings. Hold on for a sec. <</if>>

Micaela says, in order to prove that this subjects concerns a lot of people (and potential voters!) it's best to start a petition. That means you try to get your letter signed by as many supporters as possible. She recommends the platform change.org to reach out to like-minded people and collect signatures. <<set $petition to true>> <<if $betterletter is true>> "But most importantly", she said: "You DID write. Even if you didn't like the reply, at least you brought the subject up. It's a start!" That makes me feel a lot better, don't you agree? <<else>> And there's [[another advice|better letter]] she has. <</if>> <<if $Micaela is true and $Inez is true and $Carmen is true and $Ramiro is true and $Adriano is true >> Oh my [[phone|phonecall]] rings. Hold on for a sec. <<else>> Who should I talk to [[next|seven people revisited]]? <</if>>

[[Inez]] [[Micaela]] [[Ramiro]] [[Carmen]] [[Adriano]]

<<if $poll is "election" or $poll is "elections" or $poll is "votig" or $poll is "vote" or $poll is "to vote" or $poll is "votes" or $poll is "poll" or $poll is "polls" or $poll is "polling">> Exactly! That's why it's so important to go to the polls. Apart from that, there are [[other ways to participate]] directly in politics. <<else>> If you live in a democratic country, it might be too obvious for you. But it can't be taken for granted everywhere. Do you know now? <<textbox "$poll" "">> [[>|elections]] <</if>>

Depending on the political system you live in, there are institutions like a citizen's council, municipal council or even a student council, where you can participate. Of course it's also possible to join a party and help shaping the party's agenda from within. <<if $Micaela is true and $Inez is true and $Carmen is true and $Ramiro is true and $Adriano is true >> Oh my [[phone|phonecall]] rings. Hold on for a sec. <<else>> Who should I talk to [[next|seven people revisited]]? <</if>>

I won't bother her. <<if $Micaela is true and $Inez is true and $Carmen is true and $Ramiro is true and $Adriano is true >> Oh my [[phone|phonecall]] rings. Hold on for a sec. <<else>> Who should I talk to [[next|seven people revisited]]? <</if>>

That was my dad, from a payphone in Karonga. They arrested [[my younger brother!|Jacob arrested]]!

Jacob! He's only 18! Two policemen took him this morning. They accused him of [[trespassing on the Elvo company's land]]. He's in [[prison]] now.

That's no surprise! Elvo is buying new land pretty much every day. No one knows where the boarders are exactly. But no one has ever been accused of trespassing. Yet. [[>|helpless]]

He's awaiting trial. My brother is not a criminal! Elvo is buying new land pretty much every day. No one knows where the boarders are exactly. But no one has ever been accused of trespassing. Yet. [[>|helpless]]

I feel so [[helpless|consolation]]! All these measures they've been telling me about sounded great. But they all need time to show effects. And my brother is in prison NOW! What's worse: It's all [[my fault|consolation]].

Micaela must have sensed how I felt. She came over and hugged me and what she said, really helped. Because she is right: That feeling of hopelessness and guilt is exactly what Elvo is trying to achieve to make me stop. I mustn't give in to it! But [[what to do|Salvador again]] instead?

Ramiro takes the word again. "There is one [[last option]], that might have an immediate impact."

"You could speak at a [[shareholder meeting|what meeting]] at Elvo's [[headquaters]]."

Like most international companies, Elvo Mining is a stock corporation, meaning that normal people can buy little pieces of the company. Those pieces are called stock or shares. This is how Elvo is funded. And the people who own those pieces - the so-called shareholders - benefit when Elvo is striving. Because if you hold 1% of a company that is worth 100 Dollars, your piece is worth 1 Dollar. But if that company has a good run and is suddenly worth 200 Dollars in total... that 1% piece you've got is worth... How many Dollars? <<textbox "$share" "">> [[>|share 2]]

It's in [[Frankfurt, Germany]]!

<<if $share is "2" or $share is "two" or $share is "Two">> You've got it! But let's assume that company screws up, "the stocks fall", as they say, and it's only worth 50 Dollars instead of 100 Dollar. What does that leave you with, if you own 1%? <<textbox "$share2" "">> [[>|how stocks work]] <<else>> Think about it. If you hold 1% of a company that is worth 100 Dollars, your piece is worth 1 Dollar. But if that company has a good run and is suddenly worth 200 Dollars in total... that 1% piece you've got is worth... How many Dollars? <<textbox "$share" "">> [[>|share 2]] <</if>>

<<if $share2 is "0,5" or $share2 is "half" or $share2 is "half a Dollar" or $share2 is "half a dollar" or $share2 is "0,5 Dollars" or $share2 is "0,5 dollars">> Yes! And that's stocks in a nutshell. <<else>> It's actually just half a dollar left. So investing in stocks can be very risky. <</if>> Anyways... Should I actually do it? Go to the shareholders meeting? [[Where|headquaters]] is it even?

I have some money left of what Erika collected for me. And Frankfurt is actually not that far from Amsterdam, where I would have to transit if I wanted to go back to Malawi. But if I get off there, I won't have enough money left to buy a second flight back home. But since Malawi still isn't safe for me, I guess I'll leave that problem until later. But there's another, more pressing problem: This meeting takes place only [[once every year|date meeting]].

Adriano has his smartphone in hand and suddenly starts laughing. "Want to know [[when the meeting takes place?|Want to know when the meeting takes place?]]" He asks.

"Tomorrow!" Julio looks at me with raised eyebrows. "Well, if that isn't a sign! You could get there on time, if you [[leave now|flight to Amsterdam]]."

I made it to [[Frankfurt|frankfurt foto1]]!

I can't just walk in there, or climb in through a window - it's a freaking sky skraper! Plus there is a [[check point]] at the doors. I have to find a better [[way|plan]].

I'll give you a [[description|description street]] of where I am exactly. Maybe that will spark some idea.

It's a small park in an otherwise busy downtown area. Underneath the impressive [[Elvo building|Elvo outside]] there is a café, populated mainly by [[people in suits]]. I can hear some kind of [[commotion]] on the other side of the Elvo building.

They are drinking their [[coffee]] and taking bites off their sandwiches, before they head to their next [[meetings]]. I would love to grab a sandwich, but I have literally no money left.

Well possible that this coffee was harvested in Malawi or one of the neighbouring states. So far away! There must have been hundreds or thousands of people who handled those beans before they arrived here, starting with the pickers on the plantation. Such effort and sweat and blood all feeding into this cup of coffee. Do you think these people gulping it down even spare a thought on the [[ecological|coffee ecological footprint]] and [[social|coffee social footprint]] implications?

I can also hear people shouting. Should I have a look? [[Yes|to demonstration]] [[No|stay in café]]

I completey forgot: She might be 60 now, but she used to be active in a [[civil resistance group]].

"You don’t want to get me started on the kind of harassment and threats we had to suffer from", she says. "You have to disappear immediately." But I don't want to abandon my family! Do you think, I can trust her judgement? Is it really necessary to leave? [[Yes|Yes leave]] [[No|Don't leave]]

A glass and steel monstrosity. The closer I get, the bigger it seems. From here, I can see some kind of [[check point]] at the doors.

Everyone who walks in there has to present some kind of document. Pretty sure I can't just sneak my way in. I need a [[plan]]! <<set $checkpoint to true>>

Will they attend Elvo's shareholder meeting, I wonder? There'a a man and a woman at the far corner of the outside seating area. They are talking in English. Should I [[eavesdrop]]? Or do you think I should better [[go back outside]]?

<<audio "aktionaere" play>> <<timed 110s>>I've [[heard enough|actual shareholders]].<</timed>>

hier ggf. Recherche einbauen. But I'm digressing. I'll [[describe|description street]] the café again, maybe that will spark some idea?

Alright... <<timed 4s>><<goto "demonstration Frankfurt">><</timed>>

Then what to do instead? Should I focus on these [[people in suits]] or on the [[Elvo building|Elvo outside]]?

So they are actually Elvo shareholders! The one defending Elvo's policy seems annoyed. She gets up and goes inside, to pay for her coffee at the counter. Should I [[follow her]]? Or should I [[talk to]] the one who thinks that Elvo should meet higher environmental and social standards? Or I could also check out this [[demonstration|to demonstration]] they were talking about.

I'm sure this is the document required to be granted access to the meeting! What should I do??? Should I [[return the card]] or [[keep it|keep card]]?

[img[images/quito1.jpg]] <<timed 4s>><<goto "taxi ride2">><</timed>>

[img[images/quito2.JPG]] <<timed 4s>><<goto "taxi ride3">><</timed>>

[img[images/quito3.JPG]] <<timed 4s>><<goto "taxi ride4">><</timed>>

[img[images/quito4.JPG]] <<timed 4s>><<goto "taxi ride">><</timed>>

Around the corner, there's some kind of demonstration. It's [[no coincidence|banners]] this is happening today and right at Elvo headquaters, as I can tell from the [[banners]], which people are holding.

Some of the banners read [["coal kills"|No future with coal]], others [[No future with coal]]. Doesn't it fit perfectly?

The person holding this banner is a freckled guy in a yellow sweater. He has a friendly face. I'm going to just [[talk to him|talk to yellow sweater]].

What should I say? [[What does your banner mean?]] [[What are you doing here?]] [[Can you help me?]]

He's telling me he's part of an activist group called "Schlussstrich" (which apparently means something like "clen break" as he said). They fight against climate change, mainly by trying to stop the use of fossil fuels. Should I ask, whether he [[can you help me?|Can you help me?]] Or rather [[what his banner means?|What does your banner mean?]]

I straight out told him, I need to get into that shareholders' meeting. He seemed a bit baffled at first, but after we introduced each other (his name is Christoph) and I sketched out my story for him, he asked me to [[follow him|go to kritische aktionaere]]. <<set $christoph to true>>

Apparently he's part of an activist group called "Ende Gelände", who fight against climate change, mainly by trying to stop the use of fossil fuels. And as he explains: "The connection between climate change and inquality or even racism is often overlooked. Although it is still that those who created climate change through colonialism and industrialization live in the Global North are not the ones most harmed today – that are still the people in the Global South“. I think he could really help me. I'm just gonna [[ask him|Can you help me?]].

Her name is Sarina. She's part of [[yet another activist group]].

"But I don't own any shares!" I say. "Don't worry. I have another idea. [[But...|one other way in]]."

"But I didn't do that!" I said. "Don't worry. I have another idea. [[But...|one other way in]]."

"But?", I urge her to continue. "There might be one [[other option|proxy idea]]", she is smiling now.

"So can you get me in?", I ask? Sarina thinks for a moment, she seems unsure. "I would be happy to help you. But it's quite a hassle to get into a shareholders' meeting. The easiest way in is obviously to actually [[own shares]]. Even then, if you want to speak at the meeting, you have to formally [[put your name on a list]] some weeks beforehand. [[But...|one other way in]]."

He leads me to another demonstrator. She wears a white blouse and a blazer, but also a pink base cap, sporting flamingos on rollerblades. I'm told that "If anyone can help you, it's [[her|the right person]]!"

She seems a bit shaken, probably due to the conversation she just had. When she sorts through her purse to take out the money, she drops a [[card]] to the floor without noticing.

I could explain my situation, appeal to her empathy and hope she sneaks me in. Should I actually do it? [[Yes|Talk to shareholder]] [[No|Dont talk to shareholder]]

It's like an [[ID card]], only this one identifies her as a stakeholder of Elvo!

"Excuse me!", I say. "You dropped your card." She smiles at me very kindly and say, "My gosh, you saved me a lot of trouble! Could I do anything for you? Buy you a coffe, maybe?" [[Yes|Coffee please]] [[No|No coffee but...]]

I put the card in my pocket and make my way to the [[Elvo building|checkpoint with stolen card]].

"A coffee would be wonderful, thanks!", I said. ... Now I sit here, sipping my coffee while the shareholder meeting starts. I didn't make it. <<timed 4s>><<goto "Ende coffee">><</timed>>

"No thanks. But..." Should I actually ask her to help me get into the shareholder meeting? [[Yes|Ask for help]] [[No|Don't ask for help]]

YOU FAIL! [[Undo choice|description street]] (back to café).

"Actually, I was wondering whether you could help me get into the shareholder meeting", I said. She smiles at me for a few seconds. Then says: "Did you just try to incite me to commit a crime? The best I can do for you is to not report you to the police". With that, she walks away. Well, that didn't work. What now? Should I [[talk to]] the other shareholder? Or check out this [[demonstration|to demonstration]] they were talking about?

"But...?" she probed me, after I remained silent. Slight impatience creeping into her voice. "Nothing", I said and walked away. Now what? Should I [[talk to]] the other shareholder? Or check out this [[demonstration|to demonstration]] they were talking about?

At the doors, they ask me to identify myself. "I'm Regina Konze", I state, while presenting the card. The doorman looks a bit suspicious, but lets me pass. [[>|past the doors]]

I'm just crossing the threshold, as I hear a woman's voice shouting. At first, I can't make out the [[words]].

"Stop her! She stole my card!!!" <<timed 3s>><<goto "stopp past doors">><</timed>>

Suddenly, there's security personnel everywhere. <<timed 3s>><<goto "stopp past doors 2">><</timed>>

Nowhere to escape to. I'm screwed. <<timed 3s>><<goto "Ende stolen card">><</timed>>

YOU FAIL! [[Undo choice|description street]] (back to café).

Alright! ... <<timed 3s>><<goto "Talk to shareholder 2">><</timed>>

Yeah, you're right. That's probably stupid. Should I [[follow the other shareholder|follow her]], who's still queing at the counter? Or should I [[leave the café|to demonstration]]?

I approached him and said hi. But he looked at me so dismissively, I just couldn't go through with it! I'm sorry! I ran out of the café to disappear. There are loud voices from around the corner. I wonder [[what's going on...|demonstration Frankfurt]]

I make my way through the crowd and walk up to the checkpoint at the entrance to the building. When the security personnel is checking the proxy form, I break out in sweat. But they don't say a word and let me pass. ... <<timed 15s>><<goto "Elvo toilet">><</timed>>

Videomessage from Selma, in a cublicle at the Elvo headquaters: But I've been so focused on getting into this building, I completely forgot to prepare what it is, I actually want to say. So I locked myself up in this toilet to have a moment to think. I'm super nervous to talk in front of these shareholders and the Elvo representatives. Basically, a crowd full of people, who are richer and more powerful than me and probably won't like me at all. So at least I have to have some notes on what I want to say. As Sarina told me, I will probably just have a few minutes to get my prspective across. So I have to choose carefully, which points to cover. Pleeeease, can you help me? <<timed 40s>><<goto "speech prep1">><</timed>>

I doubt I have time to make more than 3 points. What do you think? Which ones are most important? [[unfulfilled promises|unfulfilled promises p1]] to local communities [[water shortage|water shortage p1]] due to mining [[contamination|contamination p1]] of soil other [[health hazards|health hazards p1]] for local communities families being [[pressured to move|pressured to move p1]] [[environmental effects of fossil fuels in general|fossil fuels in general p1]] [[environmental effects of mining in Malawi in particular|particular p1]] my [[brother|brother p1]] being put to jail [[Elvo personnel coming after me|Elvo threat p1]]

I'm going to tell them about the hospital and the school that was supposed to be built. Maybe some shareholders actually believe, that Elvo helps local communities. Well, they are in for a surprise. What else? [[water shortage|water shortage p2]] due to mining [[contamination|contamination p2]] of soil other [[health hazards|health hazards p2]] for local communities families being [[pressured to move|pressured to move p2]] [[environmental effects of fossil fuels in general|fossil fuels in general p2]] [[environmental effects of mining in Malawi in particular|particular p2]] my [[brother|brother p2]] being put to jail [[Elvo personnel coming after me|Elvo threat p2]]

Yes! I start with the story how Elvo damaged the water pipe and failed to fix it. What else? [[unfulfilled promises|unfulfilled promises p2]] to local communities [[water shortage|water shortage p2]] due to mining [[contamination|contamination p2]] of soil other [[health hazards|health hazards p2]] for local communities families being [[pressured to move|pressured to move p2]] [[environmental effects of fossil fuels in general|fossil fuels in general p2]] [[environmental effects of mining in Malawi in particular|particular p2]] my [[brother|brother p2]] being put to jail [[Elvo personnel coming after me|Elvo threat p2]]

I'll explain to them that the coal lying around is washed onto our fields whenever it rains. Harvest decreases, which is dramatic for people who live off their own farm-grown. What else? [[unfulfilled promises|unfulfilled promises p2]] to local communities [[water shortage|water shortage p2]] due to mining [[contamination|contamination p2]] of soil other [[health hazards|health hazards p2]] for local communities families being [[pressured to move|pressured to move p2]] [[environmental effects of fossil fuels in general|fossil fuels in general p2]] [[environmental effects of mining in Malawi in particular|particular p2]] my [[brother|brother p2]] being put to jail [[Elvo personnel coming after me|Elvo threat p2]]

I could give the example of how mosquitos breed in those artificial lakes that appear in the pits left over from open pit mining. Causing a significant increase in Malaria and other diseases spread by mosquitos. What else? [[unfulfilled promises|unfulfilled promises p2]] to local communities [[water shortage|water shortage p2]] due to mining [[contamination|contamination p2]] of soil other [[health hazards|health hazards p2]] for local communities families being [[pressured to move|pressured to move p2]] [[environmental effects of fossil fuels in general|fossil fuels in general p2]] [[environmental effects of mining in Malawi in particular|particular p2]] my [[brother|brother p2]] being put to jail [[Elvo personnel coming after me|Elvo threat p2]]

The shareholders might actually believe that Elvo pays fairly, but I'll make them understand that this has more to do with coercion than free will. What else? [[unfulfilled promises|unfulfilled promises p2]] to local communities [[water shortage|water shortage p2]] due to mining [[contamination|contamination p2]] of soil other [[health hazards|health hazards p2]] for local communities families being [[pressured to move|pressured to move p2]] [[environmental effects of fossil fuels in general|fossil fuels in general p2]] [[environmental effects of mining in Malawi in particular|particular p2]] my [[brother|brother p2]] being put to jail [[Elvo personnel coming after me|Elvo threat p2]]

It's no secret, that CO-emissions have to be drastically reduced to limit climate change to a level that will still allow human existence on this planet for future generations. And as coal has higher emissions that even all other fossil fuels, it should be a no brainer. But apparently, they need to hear it AGAIN. What else? [[unfulfilled promises|unfulfilled promises p2]] to local communities [[water shortage|water shortage p2]] due to mining [[contamination|contamination p2]] of soil other [[health hazards|health hazards p2]] for local communities families being [[pressured to move|pressured to move p2]] [[environmental effects of fossil fuels in general|fossil fuels in general p2]] [[environmental effects of mining in Malawi in particular|particular p2]] my [[brother|brother p2]] being put to jail [[Elvo personnel coming after me|Elvo threat p2]]

Yes! I will start with my brother being held in prison. That ought to engage their empathy. What else? [[unfulfilled promises|unfulfilled promises p2]] to local communities [[water shortage|water shortage p2]] due to mining [[contamination|contamination p2]] of soil other [[health hazards|health hazards p2]] for local communities families being [[pressured to move|pressured to move p2]] [[environmental effects of fossil fuels in general|fossil fuels in general p2]] [[environmental effects of mining in Malawi in particular|particular p2]] my [[brother|brother p2]] being put to jail [[Elvo personnel coming after me|Elvo threat p2]]

It's always best to tell an engaging story! An account of my last few days should get them to listen. What else? [[unfulfilled promises|unfulfilled promises p2]] to local communities [[water shortage|water shortage p2]] due to mining [[contamination|contamination p2]] of soil other [[health hazards|health hazards p2]] for local communities families being [[pressured to move|pressured to move p2]] [[environmental effects of fossil fuels in general|fossil fuels in general p2]] [[environmental effects of mining in Malawi in particular|particular p2]] my [[brother|brother p2]] being put to jail [[Elvo personnel coming after me|Elvo threat p2]]

Yes! I will tell the story how Elvo damaged the water pipe and failed to fix it. What else? [[unfulfilled promises|unfulfilled promises p3]] to local communities [[water shortage|water shortage p3]] due to mining [[contamination|contamination p3]] of soil other [[health hazards|health hazards p3]] for local communities families being [[pressured to move|pressured to move p3]] [[environmental effects of fossil fuels in general|fossil fuels in general p3]] [[environmental effects of mining in Malawi in particular|particular p3]] my [[brother|brother p3]] being put to jail [[Elvo personnel coming after me|Elvo threat p3]]

I'll explain to them that coal lying around is washed onto our fields whenever it rains. Harvest decreases, which is dramatic for people who live off their own farm-grown. What else? [[unfulfilled promises|unfulfilled promises p3]] to local communities [[water shortage|water shortage p3]] due to mining [[contamination|contamination p3]] of soil other [[health hazards|health hazards p3]] for local communities families being [[pressured to move|pressured to move p3]] [[environmental effects of fossil fuels in general|fossil fuels in general p3]] [[environmental effects of mining in Malawi in particular|particular p3]] my [[brother|brother p3]] being put to jail [[Elvo personnel coming after me|Elvo threat p3]]

I could give the example of how mosquitos breed in those artificial lakes that appear in the pits left over from open pit mining. Causing a significant increase in Malaria and other diseases spread by mosquitos. What else? [[unfulfilled promises|unfulfilled promises p3]] to local communities [[water shortage|water shortage p3]] due to mining [[contamination|contamination p3]] of soil other [[health hazards|health hazards p3]] for local communities families being [[pressured to move|pressured to move p3]] [[environmental effects of fossil fuels in general|fossil fuels in general p3]] [[environmental effects of mining in Malawi in particular|particular p3]] my [[brother|brother p3]] being put to jail [[Elvo personnel coming after me|Elvo threat p3]]

The shareholders might actually believe that Elvo pays fairly, but I'll make them understand that this has more to do with coercion than free will. What else? [[unfulfilled promises|unfulfilled promises p3]] to local communities [[water shortage|water shortage p3]] due to mining [[contamination|contamination p3]] of soil other [[health hazards|health hazards p3]] for local communities families being [[pressured to move|pressured to move p3]] [[environmental effects of fossil fuels in general|fossil fuels in general p3]] [[environmental effects of mining in Malawi in particular|particular p3]] my [[brother|brother p3]] being put to jail [[Elvo personnel coming after me|Elvo threat p3]]

It's no secret, that CO-emissions have to be drastically reduced to limit climate change to a level that will still allow human existence on this planet for future generations. And as coal has higher emissions that even all other fossil fuels, it should be a no brainer. But apparently, they need to hear it AGAIN. What else? [[unfulfilled promises|unfulfilled promises p3]] to local communities [[water shortage|water shortage p3]] due to mining [[contamination|contamination p3]] of soil other [[health hazards|health hazards p3]] for local communities families being [[pressured to move|pressured to move p3]] [[environmental effects of fossil fuels in general|fossil fuels in general p3]] [[environmental effects of mining in Malawi in particular|particular p3]] my [[brother|brother p3]] being put to jail [[Elvo personnel coming after me|Elvo threat p3]]

Agreed! They should know that companies like Elvo tend to just lead their wastewater into rivers, sometimes even containing chemicals used in mining to extract for example rare earth minerals. There are entire areas where all plants have died and animals, who drink from streams, get sick. What else? [[unfulfilled promises|unfulfilled promises p2]] to local communities [[water shortage|water shortage p2]] due to mining [[contamination|contamination p2]] of soil other [[health hazards|health hazards p2]] for local communities families being [[pressured to move|pressured to move p2]] [[environmental effects of fossil fuels in general|fossil fuels in general p2]] [[environmental effects of mining in Malawi in particular|particular p2]] my [[brother|brother p2]] being put to jail [[Elvo personnel coming after me|Elvo threat p2]]

Agreed! They should know that companies like Elvo tend to just lead their wastewater into rivers, sometimes even containing chemicals used in mining to extract for example rare earth minerals. There are entire areas where all plants have died and animals, who drink from streams, get sick. What else? [[unfulfilled promises|unfulfilled promises p3]] to local communities [[water shortage|water shortage p3]] due to mining [[contamination|contamination p3]] of soil other [[health hazards|health hazards p3]] for local communities families being [[pressured to move|pressured to move p3]] [[environmental effects of fossil fuels in general|fossil fuels in general p3]] [[environmental effects of mining in Malawi in particular|particular p3]] my [[brother|brother p3]] being put to jail [[Elvo personnel coming after me|Elvo threat p3]]

Yes! I will tell them that my brother is being held in prison. That ought to engage their empathy. What else? [[unfulfilled promises|unfulfilled promises p3]] to local communities [[water shortage|water shortage p3]] due to mining [[contamination|contamination p3]] of soil other [[health hazards|health hazards p3]] for local communities families being [[pressured to move|pressured to move p3]] [[environmental effects of fossil fuels in general|fossil fuels in general p3]] [[environmental effects of mining in Malawi in particular|particular p3]] my [[brother|brother p3]] being put to jail [[Elvo personnel coming after me|Elvo threat p3]]

It's always best to tell an engaging story! An account of my last few days should get them to listen. What else? [[unfulfilled promises|unfulfilled promises p3]] to local communities [[water shortage|water shortage p3]] due to mining [[contamination|contamination p3]] of soil other [[health hazards|health hazards p3]] for local communities families being [[pressured to move|pressured to move p3]] [[environmental effects of fossil fuels in general|fossil fuels in general p3]] [[environmental effects of mining in Malawi in particular|particular p3]] my [[brother|brother p3]] being put to jail [[Elvo personnel coming after me|Elvo threat p3]]

I'm going to tell them about the hospital and the school that was supposed to be built. Maybe some shareholders actually believe, that Elvo helps local communities. Well, they are in for a surprise. What else? [[unfulfilled promises|unfulfilled promises p3]] to local communities [[water shortage|water shortage p3]] due to mining [[contamination|contamination p3]] of soil other [[health hazards|health hazards p3]] for local communities families being [[pressured to move|pressured to move p3]] [[environmental effects of fossil fuels in general|fossil fuels in general p3]] [[environmental effects of mining in Malawi in particular|particular p3]] my [[brother|brother p3]] being put to jail [[Elvo personnel coming after me|Elvo threat p3]]

Yes! I will tell the story how Elvo damaged the water pipe and failed to fix it. I won't be able to squeeze more into 10 minutes anyway. I better [[go to the meeting|shareholder meeting]] now.

I'll explain to them that coal lying around is washed onto our fields whenever it rains. Harvest decreases, which is dramatic for people who live off their own farm-grown. I won't be able to squeeze more into 10 minutes anyway. I better [[go to the meeting|shareholder meeting]] now.

The shareholders might actually believe that Elvo pays fairly, but I'll make them understand that this has more to do with coercion than free will. I won't be able to squeeze more into 10 minutes anyway. I better [[go to the meeting|shareholder meeting]] now.

Yes! I will tell them that my brother is being held in prison. That ought to engage their empathy. I won't be able to squeeze more into 10 minutes anyway. I better [[go to the meeting|shareholder meeting]] now.

It's always best to tell an engaging story! An account of my last few days should get them to listen. I won't be able to squeeze more into 10 minutes anyway. I better [[go to the meeting|shareholder meeting]] now.

The big assembly room is filling up with people. <<timed 4s>><<goto "shareholder meeting2">><</timed>>

The first speaker is getting on stage. I'm really nervous! <<timed 4s>><<goto "shareholder meeting3">><</timed>>

It's my turn now! Wish me luck! <<timed 4s>><<goto "while shareholder meeting">><</timed>>

Hey, are you still there? <<textbox "$da" "">> [[send|still there]]

... <<timed 6s>><<goto "after shareholder meeting">><</timed>>

<<if $da is "Yes" or $da is "yes" or $da is "Hi" or $da is "Hey" or $da is "Hello" or $da is "I'm here">> I'm glad you're still there! I need to talk to someone. I have no idea, [[what just happened|what happened at meeting]]. <<else>> I admit, that was a stupid qustion. Anyway, I need to talk to someone. I have no idea, [[what just happened|what happened at meeting]]. <</if>>

Videomessage from Selma "I walked up on stage, my knees actually shaking - I'm not kidding. But once I was up there, I felt really calm. When I started talking my voice was loud and clear. I saw Christoph giving me thumbs up and there was a short haired lady with a Gucci handbag, smiling at me from the second row. Everyone else seemed... Well, I can't even tell. It was difficult to read their faces. I managed to deliver my points, as you advised me. At least the first two, but then there was some commotion at the doors. Some security officer speaking in their walkie talkies. Apparently, they found out after all, that I wasn't Sarina. They pulled me off the stage. Some shareholders got up from their seats as well, suddenly everyone was talking loudly, the whole situation got really heated. But I couldn't see what was actually happening because Security shoved me out through a back door. So I don't know. I don't know if this speech helped my cause at all or if it just made everything worse. Those shareholders seemed really angry. Of course, I guess no one likes to be told that they have assisted in atrocities even if they knew about this from the very beginning. Still, who likes to be held responsible? I'm afraid this was all just...how did I think I could change anything? I'm just one person, no one cares about my opinion. This sucks." <<timed 90s>><<goto "low point">><</timed>>

And what's more. I'm kind of stranded now. To top it all off, it started raining and I'm sitting at a bus stop for shelter, although I don't even have money for a freaking ticket. How on earth did I get myself into this situation? Honestly, it can't get any worse than this. <<timed 5s>><<goto "taxi splash">><</timed>>

No wait, it just DID get worse. A taxi drove past me, through a puddle. Now I'm soaked in dirt water. ... At least the taxi is slowing down now. <<timed 8s>><<goto "taxi halts">><</timed>>

The taxi comes to a halt close by. The back door opens. <<timed 10s>><<goto "start recording">><</timed>>

It's the [[short haired lady with the Gucci handbag]] who climbs out of the car. She [[approaches me]].

The one who smiled at me at the shareholders meeting. [[What does she want|approaches me]]?

<<audio "audiolady" play>> ... <<timed 160s>><<goto "german accent">><</timed>>

"Excellent choice", she says. "And I'm sure there's still [[enough money]] left for all kinds of activist practice". <<set $demonstrations to true>>

"Excellent choice", she says. "And I'm sure there's still [[enough money]] left for all kinds of activist practice". <<set $petition to true>>

"Excellent choice", she says. "And I'm sure there's still [[enough money]] left for all kinds of activist practice". <<set $socialmedia to true>>

"Excellent choice", she says. "And I'm sure there's still [[enough money]] left for all kinds of activist practice". <<set $lawsuit to true>>

<<if $christoph is true>> Sarina, Christoph and some other people are coming down the street. <<else>> Sarina, Marvin and some other people are coming down the street. <</if>> They start weaving frantically, as they notice me. Sarina [[shouts something|congrats]], I can hardly understand.

As she gets closer, I make out her words: "Your speech is on Youtube already, it's going viral! Even Elvo can't ignore this without damaging the company's reputation. You were [[amazing!|So happy]]"

I'm so relieved that I did something right. All these people congratulating me... And to be frank: Yes, I am proud of myself! But really, I couldn't have done it without YOUR help! However, this was [[just the beginning|what's your next step?]].

"So what's your [[next step]]?", Sarina asks me.

"Oh, you want to go [[back to Malawi]]?" Sarina asks. "We were hoping you would [[join us]]."

<<if $demonstrations is true>> "I plan some demonstrations and boycotts [[back home|want to go back]]", I explain. <</if>> <<if $petition is true>> "I'll start a petition [[back home|want to go back]]", I explain. <</if>> <<if $socialmedia is true>> "[[Back home|want to go back]], I'll start a social media campaign against mining", I explain. <</if>> <<if $lawsuit is true>> "I'll do my very best to make sure that Elvo is held legally responsible. [[Back home|want to go back]] I'll start with collecting evidence for their injustice to present in court", I explain. <</if>>

"I want to get back to my family. My brother is still in prison", I explain and suddenly I feel hopeless again. Will I be able to free him? They must have noticed my change of mood "We understand. But we should defintelely stay in touch and [[work together]]".

"I want to get back to my family. My brother is still in prison." <<if $christoph is true>> "Even so", Christoph chimes in, "we should stay in touch and [[work together]]". <<else>> "Even so", Marvin chimes in, "we should stay in touch and [[work together]]". <</if>>

"I would love that", I reply. <<if $demonstrations is true>> I'm sure I could benefit from their experience when it comes to organizing those demonstrations.<</if>> <<if $petition is true>> I'm sure I could benefit from their experience when it comes to starting those petitions.<</if>> <<if $socialmedia is true>> I'm sure I could benefit from their experience when it comes to starting this social media campaign.<</if>> <<if $lawsuit is true>> I might study law, but I'm sure I could still benefit from their experience when it comes to filing a law suit. <</if>> First of all though, I have to return to Malawi. [[Back home|departing home]].

What's going on? I better take out my phone and press recording. <<timed 5s>><<goto "whos in the taxi">><</timed>>

<<cacheaudio "audiolady" "audios/ladymono.wav">> <<cacheaudio "aktionaere" "audios/aktionaere.mp3">>

Then she took out her smartphone and asked for my email address. I wasn’t sure I understood her correctly, with her heavy German accent. But I think I did. At least she is typing something into her phone now. Oh, I just received [[a message]]!

That’s easy. 1. A bus ticket 2. A flight back home! But after that? I never ever even considered the possibility of having serious money to spend. Where would that money be best invested to help my cause? [[organize demonstrations and boycotts]] [[start a petition]] [[social media campaign]] [[pay for a law suit]]

Eve more confused now, I finally managed to open my paypal account. ... It takes me a moment to process the sum. I can only make out an incomprehensibly large number of zeros. <<timed 8s>><<goto "lady left">><</timed>>

I hear the tires of the taxi. When I look up from my phone, she’s already gone. And me? I can finally make my way back home. [[But not quite...]].

They all accompanied me to the airport and waved goodbye as I walked through the check in. Now I sit here and wait to board my last plane. So much has happened since I left home. I feel like I return as a different person. Oh that's my flight. Talk to you soon! <<timed 15s>><<goto "flight back home">><</timed>>

Hey my friend, remember me? <<textbox "$remember" "">> [[>|sorry didnt text]]

(Maybe here could be a video-message instead) I'm sorry I didn't text you for a while now, after all you did for me! I've been just soooo busy putting all that I've learned on my journey into action. I founded an activist group, together with Erika of course and my brother Jacob, who was [[released from prison]], because Elvo dropped their charges.

Yes! He was released! Mysteriously just a few minutes after my speech hit the 10.000 viewers mark on Youtube... So he was there when our activist group really started off. <<if $demonstrations is true>>As you advised me, our very first step was a big demonstration, including barricades on the road to the mines, so that Elvo had to shut down their business for two days.<</if>> <<if $petition is true>>As you advised me, our very first step was launching a petition against Elvo mining practices. As of today, 1275 people signed!<</if>> <<if $socialmedia is true>>As you advised me, our very first step was a social media campaign that quickly conveyed our concerns to the public and drew a lot of attention.<</if>> <<if $lawsuit is true>>As you advised me, our very first step was to document the injustices and collect evidence. I'm sure we'll be ready to file a lawsuit soon - either in Malawi, or Germany, or both!<</if>> But I'll send you some fotos to give you a better idea of what we all have been up to. Thanks again for helping me, $name! Of course, there are still so many unresolved problems and so much that needs to be done. But at least now I know, that it's possible to make a difference and initiate change. <<timed 15s>><<goto "foto1">><</timed>>

This is NOT the right photo, just a placeholder to give an impression of how it would feel to have fotos here! [img[images/foto1.jpg]] <<timed 5s>><<goto "foto2">><</timed>>

This is NOT the right photo, just a placeholder to give an impression of how it would feel to have fotos here! [img[images/foto2.jpg]] <<timed 5s>><<goto "foto3">><</timed>>

This is NOT the right photo, just a placeholder to give an impression of how it would feel to have fotos here! [img[images/foto3.jpg]] <<timed 5s>><<goto "the end">><</timed>>

- THE END - Thanks for playing "Our planet, our voices". If you would like to learn more about this project or on the aspects of democracy and sustainability, which were mentioned here, check out our website...

Double-click this passage to edit it.

Alright! I'll record it on my phone for you. [[>|eavesdropping]]

Fair enough. Should I look around the corner, where this [[commotion|to demonstration]] is coming from? From here, I can also hear people shouting. Or rather check out the [[Elvo building|Elvo outside]] from outside?

When I started off back home in Malawi, I was mainly focused on what Mining is doing to my home region. But in fact, coal mining is a much broader problem, as the burning of coal drives climate change - and that affects us all! It gives me hope to see that [[people around the world]] are fighting against it together.

This person here, holding this banner couldn't be more different from me, if you judge by first glance. He is a tall and heavy guy with soft blond hair and a long beard. But still, when it comes to climate change, we're in it together. Maybe I should just [[talk to him]].

What should I say? [[What are you doing here?|What are you doing here2]] [[Can you help me?|Can you help me2]]

He's telling me he's part of an activist group called called "Schlussstrich" (which apparently means something like "clean break" as he said). They fight against climate change, mainly by trying to stop the use of fossil fuels. I'm sure he can [[help me|Can you help me2]].

I straight out told him, I need to get into that shareholders' meeting. He seemed a bit baffled at first, but after we introdced each other (his name is Marvin, by the way) and I sketched out my story for him, he asked me to [[follow him|go to kritische aktionaere]]. <<set $marvin to true>>

They are called "Corporate Instigators". Yes, that's right: Not corporate investors but corporate troublemakers! Their deal is, they actually buy shares, but only to gain [[access to the stakeholder meetings]] and adress their issues there - regarding climate change, social injustice, arms trade and many more.

"Today is your lucky day!", she announces. And although I sincerely doubt that, considering that my brother is still in prison and I'm on the run in a strange country, her optimism gives me hope. "I can formally name you as my proxy to represent me at the meeting. This is actually not so unusual - although normally, it would have to happen some days in advance. But you just tell them I got sick and you had to jump in last minute, alright?" I nod. She opens her backpack, rumages through some papers and finally says: "Ah, here [[it|proxy form]] is."

It's a kind of form that she apparently received together with her invitation as a shareholder. She fills in my details and hands me the paper. "You show this at the checkpoint." This was [[easy]]!

"But that's just the beginning", Sarina disagrees. "As it happens, I was supposed to hold a speech at today's meeting. So my name is on the speaker's list. But as my proxy, you wouldn't actually be allowed to take my place as a speaker as well. Let's just hope, that the people at the checkpoint aren't the same that are responsible for the speakers' list. Here's what you do: When you hear the name Sarina Zwickler, you just pretend to be me, walk up on stage and deliver your speech. However, be prepared that they will notice at some point. I can't tell what will happen then. But at least you will have a few minutes on stage. Are you willing to [[take that risk]]?"

"I've come so far, I won't turn back now", I reply and the demonstrators who have been overhearing our conversation nod approvingly. "That's what I hoped!", Sarina says. "And now, [[off you go]]!"

Apart from this being the perfect hiding place, there’s also [[another reason]] why Julio is taking me.

We’re headed to a village, situated in a Nature Reserve and only accessible by boat. It's home to an indigenous group, who - to quote Julio – "Know exactly the situation I’m in and will be of great ispiration". Of course I asked him [[why|inspiration]].

... <<timed 6s>><<goto "arrival in rainforest">><</timed>>

The [[meeting hall]] is a [[wooden construction]] with a high roof on columns but no walls. On one side of it, there are some [[houses on stilts]] and a few small [[patches were vegetables grow]]. On the other side the lush underbrush of the rainforest reaches right up to the stone floor of the meeting hall. [[Everything|underbrush of the rainforest]] seems to be in harmony.

The building style of the [[meeting hall]] looks very traditional, but don’t get the wrong idea. There is a note pinned to one of the pilars, with the villages wifi password on it, and an electric fan blowing cold air in my direction. This is the perfect spot to wait while everyone is gathering and meanwhile to take in the surrounding village, with its [[houses|houses on stilts]] and the vegetable [[garden|patches were vegetables grow]]. [[All of this|underbrush of the rainforest]] seems to be in harmony.

Some children are peeking out from within to catch a glimpse of me. I wave to them and they giggle. But Julio told me to stay here, while everyone is gathering. Close to the [[meeting hall]], in the shade of its [[wooden roof|wooden construction]]. From here, I can also see the vegetable [[garden|patches were vegetables grow]] and the rainforest. [[All of this|underbrush of the rainforest]] seems to be in harmony.

I can make out pumpkins, melons, beans and some other fruits I don’t recognise. Some chicken-like birds wander around between the plants. But Julio told me to stay here, while everyone is gathering. Close to the [[meeting hall]], in the shade of its [[wooden roof|wooden construction]]. From here, I can also see the [[houses on stilts]]. [[All of this|underbrush of the rainforest]] seems to be in harmony.

I like it how the birds, the plants and the humans all coexist in this place and how the humans don’t occupy more space then they absolutely need. When I mention that to Julio, he agrees and says „Funny that you noticed this immediately. It’s typical for the concept of [[Buen Vivir]], that the people here live by.“

It instantly makes sense to me, that this village – no matter how small or remote – did such a great job in defeating the company that was threatening the rainforest. Even the fact that this meeting hall exists tells me that they are a tight-knit community. I guess, that is essential for orchestrating this elaborate form of activism. Also, this is the perfect spot to wait while everyone is gathering. I can admire the [[elaborate woodwork of the roof|wooden construction]] and see both the houses on stilts and the vegetable garden. [[All of this|underbrush of the rainforest]] seems to be in harmony.

He goes on: "I was told that you must have majorly annoyed Elvo by posting this video online. This shows me: You must have done something right!" I'm glad he thinks so... although to me it just seems like I got myself deep into trouble. <<set $Adriano to true>> <<if $Micaela is true and $Inez is true and $Carmen is true and $Ramiro is true and $Adriano is true >> Oh my [[phone|phonecall]] rings. Hold on for a sec. <<else>> Who should I talk to [[next|seven people revisited]]? <</if>>

Double-click this passage to edit it.

[img[images/frankfurt1.jpg]] [[next|frankfurt foto2]]

[img[images/frankfurt2.jpg]] [[next|frankfurt foto3]]

[img[images/frankfurt3.jpg]] I can see [[Elvo headquaters|how to get in]] from here. But I have no idea how to get in... of course I don't own any Elvo shares, so I have to come up with some [[plan]]. And I have to hurry. I keep thinking of my poor brother. He must be so scared in prison!

Not even that. 50,000 Kwachas would be merely enough to by a basic mobile phone, without internet connection. And now let me ask you: How could a family live off that? <<textbox "$l" "">> [[send|livelihood]]

Unfortunately not. That's way too expensive. And now let me ask you: How could a family live off 50,000 Kwachas ? <<textbox "$l" "">> [[send|livelihood]]

Erika is shaking her head apologetically. „As soon as I found out Elvo was looking for you, I started collecting money in the neighbourhood. Everyone chipped in whatever they could afford. They are really worried about you! It's just enough to buy you a return-ticket to Ecuador for one person." "And even so", my mum chimes in. "We're not leaving our farm for them to take it." I agree. Or else, it would be Elvo again who profits. But should I really do it? Who should I trust more? [[Erika|decision Erika]] or [[Stanley|decision Stanley]]? Or should I listen first to what [[Stanley suggested|Stanleys option]] again?

... <<timed 10sec>> Oh my, that was awful! I had to promise them that I'll send messages to Erika to tell how I'm doing. She has a smartphone and will report to my family. But now, I have to [[go]].

Erika borrowed her brother's truck and [[drives me to the airport in Lilongwe|journey to Lilongwe]].

Erika is shaking her head apologetically. „As soon as I found out Elvo was looking for you, I started collecting money in the neighbourhood. Everyone chipped in whatever they could afford. They are really worried about you! It's just enough to buy you a return-ticket to Ecuador for one person." "And even so", my mum chimes in. "We're not leaving our farm for them to take it." I agree. Or else, it would be Elvo again who profits. I have to say [[goodbye to my family|goodbye to family2]] now.

... <<timed 10sec>> Oh my, that was awful! I had to promise them that I'll send messages to Erika to tell how I'm doing. She has a smartphone and will report to my family. But now, I have to [[go]].

It's not unheard-of. [img[images/way home 1.jpg]] [[next|way home 2]]

The mining company I was accused in this video! I have to get away from here. But I definetly can't use the front door. Where should I go? <<timed 3s>> Wait! <</timed>> <<timed 2s>> There's a [[floor plan]] here, I'll send you. <</timed>>

I can see the men's car out there. So, they must be still here, waiting for me. And I was right! <<timed 9s>> [img[images/Auto.jpg]] <<timed 4s>> Can you see the logo on [[the car]]? They were in fact sent by Elvo. <<set $plate to true>> <</timed>>

Actually, I don't think they are allowed to park there. I guess they consider themselves above the law... Maybe I could use this information against them? Where to now? To the [[office]] or to the [[back entrance]]?

<<type 50ms>>\She just asked if I arrived safely and reminded me, that I should give her presents to Julio. It's a pair of earings for his wife and a pressed leave of a plant that apparently grows in Northern Malawi exclusively. I never heard of it, but according to Erika, Julio is very passionate about botany and would really appreciate it. Could you please remind me of this later? The taxi is slowing down now. I think [[we're here!|Tia la Luz]]\<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\Come to think of it: Julio's message, that Erika forwarded to me, did mention that the conversation could be intercepted. Maybe an impostor, who pretends to be Julio, is trying to get to me - either to stop me or harass the real Julio. [[But how should I know?]]\<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\If I bear in mind [[what Erika has told me about Julio]] so far, I might be able to [[distinguish the impostor from the real Julio]].\<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\Julio is an activist friend of Erika's. They used to be in touch when they were both much younger and while Erika had to give up most of her work when she grew older, Julio continued. She asked me to bring presents to him and his wife and mentioned, that Julio has a keen interest in botany. That should help me [[distinguish the impostor from the real Julio]].\<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\Well manicured and clean. I can make out a line around his wrists: His arms are a few shades lighter than his tanned hands. Julio 1 wears a [[T-shirt|shirt Julio1]] with writing and short cargo pants. Julio 2 is still [[out of breath|out of breath Julio 2]]. He holds a bottle of water in his [[hands|hands Julio 2]]. He wears a short-sleeved shirt but [[long cargo pants|pants Julio2]]. Do you [[know who to trust|Julio choice]] yet? Or would you like to reconsider, [[what Erika has told me about Julio]] so far?\<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\It has some writing on it and reads: "Salva el bosque" Now that I look at it more closely, I notice the price tag is still attached. Julio 1 is moving the keys from one [[hand|hand Julio1]] to the other. Julio 2 is still [[out of breath|out of breath Julio 2]]. He holds a bottle of water in his [[hands|hands Julio 2]]. He wears a short-sleeved shirt but [[long cargo pants|pants Julio2]]. Do you [[know who to trust|Julio choice]] yet? Or would you like to reconsider, [[what Erika has told me about Julio]] so far?\<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\I just asked him what happened and he said: "There's an awful traffic jam in the Eastern part of the town and my bus got stuck. So I had to get off and run to be on time." It doesn't surprise me, he is well past middle aged and must have been running for quite a bit. Julio 2 holds a bottle of water in his [[hands|hands Julio 2]]. He wears a short-sleeved shirt but [[long cargo pants|pants Julio2]]. Julio 1 is moving the keys from one [[hand|hand Julio1]] to the other. He wears a [[T-shirt|shirt Julio1]] with writing and short cargo pants. Do you [[know who to trust|Julio choice]] yet? Or would you like to reconsider, [[what Erika has told me about Julio]] so far?\<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\His hands are tanned and wrinkled. Hands of an old man who has spent a good deal of his life outdoors. He wears a ring on his left hand. Julio 2 is still [[out of breath|out of breath Julio 2]]. He wears a short-sleeved shirt but [[long cargo pants|pants Julio2]]. Julio 1 is moving the keys from one [[hand|hand Julio1]] to the other. He wears a [[T-shirt||shirt Julio1]] and short cargo pants. Do you [[know who to trust|Julio choice]] yet? Or would you like to reconsider, [[what Erika has told me about Julio]] so far?\<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\Small leaves and twigs are stuck to the fabric, that would have otherwise scratched his skin if he wore short legs. Julio 2 is still [[out of breath|out of breath Julio 2]]. He holds a bottle of water in his [[hands|hands Julio 2]]. Julio 1 is moving the keys from one [[hand|hand Julio1]] to the other. He wears a [[T-shirt|shirt Julio1]] and short cargo pants. Do you [[know who to trust|Julio choice]] yet? Or would you like to reconsider, [[what Erika has told me about Julio]] so far?\<</type>>

<<type 50ms>>\Alright, let’s see. There’s the man, who was here first. I’ll call him Julio 1 for now. He is fumbling with the keys to his car, moving the keys from one [[hand|hand Julio1]] to the other. He wears a [[T-shirt|shirt Julio1]] and short cargo pants. And there’s Julio 2. He’s still [[out of breath|out of breath Julio 2]]. He holds a bottle of water in his [[hands|hands Julio 2]] and takes a sip every now and then. He wears a short-sleeved shirt but [[long cargo pants|pants Julio2]].\<</type>>

It was an alert from my paypal account. But before I can even open it, [[she says...]].

Oh my, it’s difficult for me to understand her German accent. But I think she actually said: „This sum should roughly equal my gain after I will have sold all of my Elvo shares. It’s only fair you should get it. But I am interested in one thing, if you don’t mind me asking? [[What's the first thing you will use this money for?]]“

Congratulations! You sucessfully finished chapter 1 of "Our planet, our voices". If you want to join Selma in Ecuador and help her on her journey, please [[click here.|http://www.eskapistin.itch.io/opov-2]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

Congratulations! You successfully finished chapter 3 of "OUR VOICES, OUR PLANET - SELMA'S JOURNEY". If you want to find out what other adventures await Selma, please [[click here|https://eskapistin.itch.io/ovop-4]] to continue playing. Or, if you prefer to resume playing later, you can find the next chapter here: https://eskapistin.itch.io/ovop-4

<<if $Qlicense is true>> //You wondered how Elvo gained its mining license. Of course the company formally applied. A team of independent advisors evaluated the request and recommended the issuing of the license. Of course, both the Elvo company, government officials and administration followed standard procedure closely.//<</if>> <<if $Qmeasurement is true>> //You inquired how the effects of mining on the environment are measured. The Elvo company issues a report on the effects of mining each year and presents this report to the district government.// <</if>> //Best regards, Margaret Phiri (secretary to Mr. Edwin Gama) // <<timed 20s>><<type 50ms>>\Wow. This is really disappointing... [[>|reaction to letter]]\<</type>><</timed>>