On the Line - West Africa

The project engaged all those who participated on the journey along the Greenwich meridian line and aimed to give them a vision of life beyond their own borders. It encouraged charities, schools, business people and individuals (including street children) to see beyond their daily lives and to establish real contacts with people who live life at the same time across the world. In Burkina Faso, Mali, Ghana and Togo, eighty street children and community workers met to share ideas and identify common problems. The street children posted their messages and photos of themselves on the website. Thirty communities in West Africa met to share experiences and learn from one another, including gardeners, restaurant owners and weavers. Nearly 200 West African schools participated in On the Line. The lead singer of the British band, Blur, visited Mali and made music with local musicians. In the UK and Ghana, a theatre project was produced by homeless people. The On the Line website features aspects of the project, street kids' stories from Mali, including an on-line slideshow about the project, video voices from Ghana, a virtual poetry book, and virtual journeys through the countries in the project.

The organisers believed: "The sun may rise and set at the same time along the meridian line, yet there is a kaleidoscope of culture, colours, food, religions, music and dance to be discovered. And so from North to South On the Line inspired thousands of people of all ages to share ideas, skills and experiences."

The central aim of On the Line was education, inspiring the younger generation to learn about each other. For this reason, 5000 schools took part in various projects including school linking. Through the project, 500 schools connected with their counterparts via letters, photos, videos and emails. The project addressed education by focusing on issues such as global citizenship and sustainable development.

The project aimed to inspire people to think and act globally to sustain the planet. Art and culture were also a central theme of the project. New music was created from traditional forms to excite and entertain audiences along the line. A poetry competition in West Africa saw 1000 children take part.

Children, Education, Environment

The project aimed to celebrate arts and culture, making the link to environment and development, without talking about crises or desperate need.