OCTOBER 29
Commander Rui Herdadinha and Head of Mission Luis de Matos board the flight in Lisbon. It’s 4h40m flight to Bissau, capital city of Guiné. Vice-National Commander Jorge Amador was forced to postpone his trip for a couple of days because of serious health problem with close family.
Guiné-Bissau is a country in West Africa that covers 36,125 square kilometres (13,948 sq mi) with an estimated population of 2,026,778. It borders Senegal to its north and Guinea to its southeast. It was once part of the Portuguese Empire and Portuguese is the official language. It’s a Unitary semi-presidential republic.
Upon arrival, the Delegation was greeted at the Airport by the Secretary of State Nelson Pereira and Liaison Officer Afonso Mendes. In the picture you can see, Commander Herdadinha, Secretary of State Pereira and Head of Mission Matos.
On the way from the airport the Delegation took a first look at Bissau. The temperature was quite hot, at 32ºC (around 90ºF), very humid, feeling as if a heavy load had fallen on our heads! The city is very busy, with thousands of people walking around, small markets on every corner (called “tabankas”) and streets lined with young man and woman selling tropical fruits, cashew nuts, vegetables and fresh water to the passers by. A host of very old blue Mercedes taxi-cars pack the sideways, pulling, dropping passengers and picking new ones . For the most part they are beaten down. But they work and speed away between the many motorbikes that come to you from the left and the right. Everyone seems to have a 6th sense, as no accidents seem to happen (or at least not as often as we would expect!).
After checking in at the Hotel, the Delegation met for a welcome meeting and review of the Mission’s schedule for the ten days, making the necessary adjustments for the initiatives where Vice-Commander Amador is required. The meeting was followed by a light lunch in a nearby restaurant where the members of the Delegation exchanged information and got to know each other.
The rest of the day was spent resting in the hotel and setting up communications (internet, apps and phone lines). The schedule for tomorrow is quite heavy and it starts at 7am.
OCTOBER 30
We started the day early. Herdadinha and I met for breakfast and an early chat about the upcoming tasks. Coffee was very tasty, and a bowl of fresh fruit was greatly appreciated. Rui repeated the Avocado. There were other Portuguese officials and a few tourists staying at our Hotel which resulted in quite a friendly conversation. Rui has been a Bissau visitor for quite a long time, so he was able to help those coming for the first time with advice on where to eat and what to visit. There was a couple that had just come from Mali, ready ti travel on Friday to the Bijagos islands.
At about 9am the car from the Secretary of State we ready to pick us up.
The city woke up very early and the streets were busy.
There is a long day ahead. We were taken to the Secretary for a kick-off meeting.
[Liaison Afonso Mendes, Head of Mission Luis de Matos, Secretary of State Nelson Pereira, Commander Rui Herdadinha, Managing Director Gaio Gomes]
The Secretary of State of Communities, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, is headed by Nelson Pereira. He has a long background on humanitarian work, having been the local Officer for the Aldeias SOS (S.O.S. Villages) NGO. He spotted the Templar Corps International after the first efforts the Corps made to understand the local reality in a country close to the heart of Commander Herdadinha.
In fact, in 2021 he had visited the Bambaran Orphanage making a small token donation of school study basic supplies, such as notebooks, pens and pencils, erasers, coloured markers and art tools. Later in 2023 Vice-National Commander Jorge Amador prepared a set of initiatives in order to facilitate the transfer of knowledge in his areas of expertise, that include Civil Protection, Defence and Emergency Health Support. Some of the documents related to the Templar Corps International were circulated in high circles and ended up in the hands of the Secretary of State.
With the help of his Managing Director for the Communities, Gaio Gomes and consultant Afonso Mendes, a thorough research and Due Diligence was undertaken, that resulted in the invitation for a Delegation to visit Guiné-Bissau and sign a Cooperation Protocol.
The first meeting in the morning focused on the proper procedure. The Secretary of State of Communities is under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. So, the first step would be to meet with the Minister, Carlos Pinto Pereira, make a full presentation of the Templar Corps and address our plans. Once the Minister gives his agreement, the Secretary of State can then engage the necessary Departments, including the DGCANG (Direção Geral da Coordenação da Ajuda Não Governamental), that certifies the activity of all NGO’s operating in the country. It’s not possible to work in Guiné-Bissau without this formality.
Among the initiatives that have been discussed in preliminary contacts, is the opportunity to train young Guiné students in technical professional specializations that have an immediate application in the country, in areas such as carpentry, building and construction, water management, electricity and sustainable agriculture. The close relationship with Portugal will facilitate an apprenticeship period of a practical nature in projects undertaken in Portugal and Guiné, resulting in trained professionals that have a skilled trade for life. For that reason, Cooperation efforts must be presented to the Minister of Education and follow the proper channels so that training undertaken by the Templar Corps International in Guiné-Bissau or given to Guiné-Bissau nationals is recognized and may be a positive force for the transformation of the country, in line with national policies and strategic options.
During preliminary contacts, Head of Mission Luis de Matos also mentioned the desire to visit local schools, especially in projects with a social impact in areas around the capital. With that in mind the schedule of the day was closed. Audiences with two Minsters and a General Department and later to a Project School supported by a local Charity. Secretary of State Nelson Pereira was our sponsor and advocate along the long day of official meetings. His stamina and commitment to humanitarian work is parallel to none. His vision and aspirations for Guiné are worthy to be heard and analysed.
[Head of Mission Luis de Matos; Commander Herdadinha; Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Pinto Pereira, Secretary of State of International Cooperation Nancy Cardoso, Secretary of State of Communities Nelson Pereira]
And off we went. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Carlos Pinto Pereira with the Secretary of State of International Cooperation, Nancy Cardoso and his staff was kind enough to receive our whole team in his Office in the Government Palace. The Delegation had the opportunity to present the Templar Corps, our international scope, our ideals and projects for Guiné-Bissau. His Excellency the Minister was very interested in the Templar aspect of the Corps, that we were pleased to explain in detail.
Looking at a coffee-table book in the cabinet about South African Bishop Desmon Tutu, Head of Mission Luis de Matos said: “I teach a Training Course for Humanitarian and Social Entrepreneurs, where we quote Bishop Tutu. He used to say: There is a moment when we have to stop pulling out people drowning in the river; we have to go upstream and find out why are they falling in, in the first place!”
[The Mission with two Secretaries of State]
Agreeing with the parable of Bishop Tutu, His Excellency the Minister was very welcoming to the Templar Corps and Templar Chivalry work. He instructed Secretary of State Nelson Pereira to officially assist the Corps in any work to be undertaken, encouraging the Delegation to immediately complete formalities with the Secretary of State of International Cooperation, of Secretary Nancy Cardoso, present at the meeting.
[The Mission with the Secretary of State and DGCANG Director Badile Domingos]
The Delegation proceeded to walk to the Secretary of State of International Cooperation, where Badile Domingos, Director of the DGCANG welcomed the Templar Corps to the country and gave a brief outlook of the registration and recognition procedure that will start without delay.
It was then time to have a refreshing meal. Commander Herdadinha was adamant that Head of Mission Luis de Matos should try the Cafriela Chiken. So, I did. It was delicious. And spicy!
The Delegation took the opportunity to further discuss Guiné’s needs in all areas.
The afternoon started with a short trip to the Ministry of Education.
His Excellency the Minister Herry Mané was very kind to reserve time to hear about the Templar Corps and the Projects for Guiné-Bissau. The transformative effect of education in the outlook of a country was addressed by the Delegation, exposing the personal experience of its members. Commander Herdadinha explained how, 40 years ago, he taught arts and crafts to young pupils in his village and how his passion for learning lead him to transition to administration and later to join the Banking sector. “It was my drive to learn that took me on my journey”, he said.
Head of Mission Luis de Matos explained that the Templar Corps International, because of its Templar ethics, is not the kind of NGO that acts like a helicopter: bringing relief, dropping aid and going back home without ever setting a foot on the ground. “To bear fruits”, he said, “you must take roots, be prepared to plant and water, take good care of your plant and then you can reap the fruits.”
[The Delegation with His Excellency the Minister of Education Herry Mané]
His Excellency the Minister was pleased to show full support for the initiatives highlighted during the meeting and encouraged the Delegation to start procedures to homologate all training and Courses near the Ministry.
It was then time to travel to the outskirts of Bissau, to one of its poorest regions, near the Channel. The Mission wanted to visit a school. Just off the heart of the capital, roads are made of paved dirt, many still showing the effects of rain season, with many puddles of tepid dark dirty water. There is no regular surface. Large holes and ridges that couldn’t be navigated by a regular car make driving slow and painful. On both sides of the road, sheep, goats and pigs roam free among improvised houses. The dirt darkens the air. The road is taken by motorbikes and large trucks alike.
After a few kilometres, far from the centre, the road comes to an end. We still have to walk 100 meters to a shed where several classes take place.
The teacher was proud to show his students. A few had prepared for the occasion. Poetry was recited and there was a boy or girl per class in charge to welcome the Delegation. And what a wonderful work they made!
Commander Herdadinha wanted to know what was the classes favourite subject. He told everyone how he had been a teacher long time ago and how studying is very important to advance in life and fulfil one’s potential.
Luis de Matos said that he was not surprised that one of the your girls said her favourite subject was sciences of nature. “Where there is a dream, there is potential to be realized”, he said “You have your own passions and you should study to make them your way of life. All of you are different and all of you have different talents and different treasures to bring to the world. Today you may feel your school is small and hot under the steel ceiling, but in this room there may be great scientists, great singers, great lawyers or great astronauts! Nothing would make me more proud than to meet you in a few years and you come to me and say «Remember that day in Bissau? I was there, I was a young pupil, now I am an astronaut!»” he said under applause.
The Delegation returned to the Secretary of State to summarize the day and formalize a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and the Templar Corps International. Head of Mission Luis de Matos thanked the Secretary of State Nelson Pereira and his team for the support and the high level of meetings carried out in just one day.
The Head of the Templar Corps Luis de Matos and Secretary of State Nelson Pereira sign the Memorandum that lays down the framework for a more extensive Protocol. This is the first document signed with the Government of Guiné Bissau in an occasion that will be remembered in the history of the Corps. It was a fitting end for a very long day of work.
