We would like to make you aware that Scientific Animations Without Borders (SAWBO) creates educational animations and then places them into a diversity of languages by working with volunteers from around the world.  Once created all animations are then made freely available to anyone wanting to use them for educational purposes only.

Today, we would like to let you know SAWBO has released its first animation on Ebola; the animation is currently available in English, French, as well as in Themne and Krio for Sierra Leone.  SAWBO appreciates all the support from collaborators who have helped get this done.

The English version of the video can be found on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLQo8KdTBdc .  The website where the videos can be downloaded can be found at http://sawbo-illinois4.org/ebolaprevention and we would be glad to send people the files directly if they have any problems with the downloads.

SAWBO animations can be played and shared between cell phones (3gp version) or shared by e-mail (3gp version) or placed onto TVs, DVDs, USB cards, projection systems, etc…

We would like your help where possible.  

First, if you know of any groups that can use these animations in their educational programs, in countries currently being impacted by Ebola, please let them know about this resource and that they can use and distribute these animations in educational programs in keeping with their local, regional or national government systems.  The SAWBO team has some resources to also send some groups DVDs or USB cards with the animations on them.  SAWBO’s goal is to get the educational information to groups that can use them directly and in keeping with local, regional or national educational programs on Ebola.

Second, we are looking for more volunteers to help us translate and record our animations into more languages in the countries currently being impacted by Ebola.  Volunteers would need to be able to speak the language, have access to a voice-recording device like a cell phone or a computer, record their voice and save it as an electronic file.  Access to the Internet would be required for us to correspond with them and exchange files.  

We are currently looking for volunteers for the following languages – Mende, Susu, Mano, Kpelle, Liberian Kreyol, Bassa, Kono, Fula and Maninka.  If you, or anyone you know, might be able to help with these voice-overs please let us know.  

Individuals or groups can contact us at animations@illinois.edu.

Thanks.

Regards,

Barry Pittendrigh, Julia Bello-Bravo and the rest of the SAWBO team