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 Jonathan Gullible Treks
Into Africa, The Middle East,
and Asia
by Ken Schoolland
Kiswahili Jonathan Gullible team (left to right): Ayub Mukhwana (translator), Ken Schoolland (author), Adams Namai (illustrator)
Free-market ideas are now streaming through schools, newspapers, electronic media, and literary circles of Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible: A Free Market Odyssey (JG) has just become available in a UK special Commentary Edition (for the 54 Commonwealth nations); in audio for the blind; in Kiswahili for Kenya, Tanzania, and
Uganda; in Urdu for Pakistan; in Somali for the Somali community in Canada; and in Pidgin for Nigeria. JG will soon be available in Afrikaans, Farsi, Bengali, Nepali, Chinese, and Swedish - with second editions in Macedonian and Norwegian in the works.
Cape Of Good Hope
In March, Christian Michel (of Libertarian International, London), Barun Mitra (of the Liberty
Institute, New Delhi), and I were fortunate to be hosted by Janette Eldridge (co-author of the UK Commentary edition of JG) and
her very supportive husband, Ray.
Did I say "co-author"? No, she was really the author of the commentaries, background, references –
and the architect of the whole project, right from her initial vision several years ago at the ISIL conference in France. All of
this was due to her genius, outstanding drive and personal magnetism.
Janette Eldridge, Ken Schoolland.
Arriving in Cape Town, we were first taken to the Cape of Good Hope to experience the ferocity
of local bandits. A determined baboon stole an ice cream bar right out of my hand! I was warned, "Don't resist or you could lose
a whole lot more!"
In the evening we convened at a Xhosa restaurant on Cape Town's waterfront to meet Ria Crafford,
translator of the Afrikaans edition of JG; Barry and Betty Kayton, publishers of the UK Commentary Edition; and Theresa and Neil
Emerick, a consultant with the Fraser Institute of Canada.
The next day Janette made arrangements for us to speak about globalization, free trade, and
economic development at two universities: Peninsula Technikon where we addressed 80 students, and at the Graduate School of
Business at the University of Cape Town for 20 students (hosted by Elspeth Donovan, the MBA Director).
Tape Aids For The Blind
We then traveled to Durban, where Janette introduced JG to the administrators of Tape Aids for
the Blind, http://www.tapeaids.co.za. We were informed during our visit that JG was already being recorded for distribution.
While other organizations around the world record books onto audio tapes for the blind, this is
the only organization that receives no government subsidy – except for free postage.
Although these tapes go primarily to people in regions of southern Africa, some are sent as far
away as New Zealand, Israel, Ireland, and the U.S. The tapes are intended for anyone with impaired vision, dyslexia, or for those
who, due to physical disabilities, are unable to hold or turn pages of a book. Those interested may contact librarian Alaine Cave
at: library@tapeaids.co.za.
"This is an untapped outlet for libertarian material," says Janette. "As there is a shortage of
readers, anyone wanting their material submitted might have a better chance to organize the reading themselves and then submit the
finished recording. The copyright of the tapes remains with Tape Aids for the Blind. Tapes are preferred since CD's are difficult
for the disabled to operate because of difficulty of stopping and starting at a precise location in a story."
On a side visit before departing Durban, Professor Bruce Page of the Biology Department at the
University of KwaZulu-Natal showed us how elephant herds were tracked (via attached transmitters). According to Hans Falkena, more
than 9,000 private game farms and ranches cover 13% of the nation's land area, compared with 5% for all national parks. These
private ventures can be both profitable - and successful in increasing and preserving wildlife stocks.
Johannesburg
On our first day in "Jo'burg," we visited CIDA University, a unique educational institution where
the students practice transcendental meditation and handle all the cleaning, food preparation, maintenance, and administration.
The cost of tuition, without government subsidy, is one twentieth that of WITS, a government university in the same city. Janette
introduced us to Taddy Blecher and Thembinkosi Mhlongo who are credited with starting CIDA.
Charl Heydenrych organized a visit to the Lindela Detention Centre at Krugersdorp where illegal
immigrants are gathered for deportation to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, etc. News reports have indicated that conditions in South
African prisons are quite gruesome, but Lindela completely surprised us. It is now contracted out to a private corrections firm
which operates a very humane and efficient service – albeit one that is involved in sending people back to a very harsh
environment.
That same evening, the new UK Commentary edition of JG was launched at the ranch of Trevor and
Linda Watkins. The edition more than doubles the size of the 2001 edition of JG with the addition of questions, commentary,
background, quotes, and references which accompany each of the 40 chapters of the book. It is superbly edited by Janette, and shows
the relevance of the free-market philosophy to contemporary society.
Jonthan Gullible Commentary Edition
Without pictures, the book is expected to appeal to a sophisticated and mature audience –
one that has not previously been introduced to the ideas of liberty. And it pioneers a technique of publication funding (with
advertorials provided by several sponsors – including ISIL). With commentary alongside the chapters, it reflects the
successful style of the Bulgarian edition that was serialized with similar parallel economic analyses in Sedem Weekly.
Individual Freedom Conference
The highlight of the tour was the First South African Individual Freedom Conference, which was
held at the new offices of the Free Market Foundation of South Africa (FMF) in Sandton. This excellent conference was instigated
by Janette and organized by Trevor. Talks included:
- The triumph of government - at keeping citizens poor and elites rich (Leon Louw);
- Should criminals be punished? (Christian Michel);
- How wrong ideas survive and breed (Dr. Kelvin Kemm);
- The war in Iraq (a debate between Barun Mitra and myself);
- Why I am not a democrat - I prefer freedom (Christian Michel);
- Changing South Africa (Maja Mokoena of the Economic Freedom Movement);
- The regulation explosion: How laws are ruining our lives (Dougie Shaw);
- Freedom evolves (Dr Jim Harris);
- Why can't we sell individual freedom? (a discussion led by Trevor Watkins);
- Individual rights and immigration wrongs (me); and
- The Liberty English Camp of India (Barun Mitra).
In the end, we had a terrific brainstorming session with Terry Markman of the FMF on ways to
promote JG throughout the Commonwealth.
Assistance of all kinds for JG projects is still eagerly invited from the membership of ISIL.
IREN - Kenya
After a fascinating journey through the Lion and Rhino Game Reserve, in which we snatched pictures
from the mouths of lions and hippos, Barun and I departed for Nairobi where we were greeted by the renowned James Shikwati.
Renowned? Indeed! James is not only the Director of the Inter-Region Economic Network (IREN Kenya), but is truly a legend in the
making.
Over the past few years, James (ISIL's rep for Kenya), has introduced a flood of free-market ideas in his country. He launched the All Africa Resource Bank (hosted on Free-Market.Net's server) for the sharing of intellectual resources of free-market institutes throughout Africa.
He has hosted numerous speakers from around the world, and has written prodigiously in national and international publications about market solutions to the economic and political problems facing East Africa. And he has
initiated numerous educational and media projects.
Included among his educational projects was the translation and publication of JG in Kiswahili.
I was greatly impressed with James, finding him to be a sincere and dedicated leader – a
man of great integrity and outstanding charisma, who has devoured all of the books in his massive personal library.
Our first appointment upon arriving in Nairobi was with Mr. Sinjiri Mukuba, Editor of Longhorn
Publishing Co. A textbook publisher, Mukubawho made a proposal to publish and distribute a future run of the book, possibly as an
official text to be designated for national student examinations.
James also arranged for numerous interviews with journalists from all the major newspapers and
radio.
SIFE - Kenya
Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) team at US International University - Africa. Ken Schoolland (left-rear). Barun Mitra
and James Shikwati (far right - front).
Subsequent appointments over three days covered visits with SIFE (Students In Free Enterprise)
students of six university campuses in Kenya: the University of Nairobi-Kabete Campus, the United States International
University-Africa; St. Paul's Theological University, Daystar University, Africa Nazarene University, and Strathmore University.
At each of these institutions, Barun and I spoke on the subjects of globalization, economic freedom, political corruption, and
economic development. It also presented an opportunity for me to promote the use of JG in the classroom, and for the students to
inform me of a multitude of free-enterprise projects they have been preparing for a national competition. The winning team, I was
told, is to go on to an international SIFE competition in Barcelona, Spain later this year.
These teams have been engaged in hands-on, practical applications of the market in action. They
have started canteens on campus (funded by the sale and exchange of stock ownership). They have assisted local businesses with
transportation and protection services. The SIFE teams are helping housewives and local school kids to learn basic entrepreneurial
skills.
It is truly impressive to see these students actively engaged in market activities that would
leave most American students in the dust.
Despite the extraordinary corruption, poverty, and crime that are pervasive throughout Kenya,
these students showed energy and optimism that is truly awesome. And James has provided the inspiration for it all.
JG - Kenya
On our last day in Nairobi, the conference room at the Pan Afric Hotel was packed for the formal
release of the Kiswahili edition of JG by IREN.
Journalists, academics, students, business people, and government officials were in attendance
for the final series of lectures.
The first was a speech by Ayub Mukhwana, in which he explained why it is important to have such
free-market books in Kiswahili. He explained that this is a language that has ancient roots throughout East Africa – going
back to the commerce of early Arab merchants.
Today, Kiswahili is second only to Arabic in terms of the numbers of speakers of native African
languages. Kiswahili is Tanzania's national and official language. It is Kenya's national language and one of Uganda's national
languages.
"Therefore," reports Ayub, "in East Africa it is Kiswahili that unites all as a native language
– It is likely that Kiswahili will be maintained in East Africa as the first lingua franca in business."
Barun and I made presentations about economic freedom, and we were then treated to a ceremony for
the formal release of the Kiswahili JG to the public and the media. We also met the illustrator of the new edition, Adams Namai,
who is also interested in collaborating with us on the comic-book edition of JG that we are currently working on with Kevin Tuma
in the U.S.
James is accomplishing miracles in a region that is very much in need of miracles. I strongly
urge members of the ISIL community to provide as much support as possible for his endeavors.
JG – Urdu, Somali, Nigerian Pidgin, Farsi
Upon my return to the U.S., I was greeted with the news that the Urdu edition of JG had been
published.
From the Free Pakistan Newsletter: "The Alternate Solutions Institute, of Lahore, Pakistan, has
published its first book, a translation of The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible: A Free Market Odyssey, in Urdu." Urdu is
understood not only in Pakistan but also throughout South Asia.
This modern fable has so far been published in 29 languages of the world, Urdu being the 30th.
This book explains the principles of market economies in a simple manner and helps promote the concepts of open markets and property
rights.
The book has been translated by Khalil Ahmad. and is being distributed in Lahore, Islamabad, and
Karachi.
Faisal Hassan has been serializing the Somali edition in a newspaper for the Somali community in
Canada. Says Faisal, "Somali Voice readers enjoy JG. They are free-market economy folks. And they are a hungry for JG for Somali
speaking populations around the world. The Editor loves it, too. He agrees to serialize the entire book." Faisal is currently
preparing the final edits so that it can appear on line – and eventually in book form.
ISIL Rep Agwu Amogu has translated JG into Nigerian Pidgin. It is currently available on the JG
web site: http://jonathangullible.com/ Agwu is now preparing for publication of the book.
Says Agwu, "I have a firm quote for editing, printing and distribution. At the moment we plan to
distribute the book, five copies each, to all the Universities in Nigeria. If we are to meet this target the cost will be $3,000.
So I was thinking of doing a gradual distribution instead of doing nothing at all."
And Shahram Sadeghi has had his Farsi translation approved by the mullahs and ready for publication
in Iran. This project has been supported by Heny and Roya Weyerhaeiser and Reza Montzem. Says Shahram, the publisher "considers this
as a very useful tool in assisting the younger generation to digest economic concepts and ideologies."
European JG
Bent Mosfjell wrote from Oslo, Norway, "I am happy to tell you that I am working hard on the
Norwegian translation of Jonathan Gullible. The good news is that I now have concrete plans for publishing it. I have two
alternatives. I am going to publish my own magazine. The first issue will be published this autumn. I plan to publish 4-5 chapters
in each issue. And when all chapters are published I plan to publish it as a complete book. That was my first alternative, but
the second is much better.
"A new free-market think-tank, Civita has just been started in Norway. I know them personally and
they might be interested in publishing a Norwegian translation. At the moment I am trying to convince them to do this, and if they
decide that it is a good project, the book will be published in a professional manner. I think there is a 50% chance that Civita
will publish it. So, you can look forward to a Norwegian translation published in the near future, either as a book or as a sequence
in a magazine."
And Pavlina Petrova wrote from Skopje, Macedonia, "I am waiting for an answer about the financing
of the translation of your great book. Anyway, our chances are very good and I hope next month we will start with the translation."
Jerome Ma in China: "Dean has finished his translation of The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible into
Chinese and sent it to me. Now I am busy in the business of editing this book. It seems to be published in June or July."
Raja. M.B. Senanayake in Sri Lanka: "Thank you very much for sending me your book. I wish not only
to translate it into Sinahala but also intend to write a version in simple English which will be read by the university students."
Afrikaans, Namibia
A DVD of "The Philosophy of Liberty" in four languages has finally been produced as a tribute to
Kerry Pearson (aka Lux Lucre), the creator of this animated production. Kerry passed away in January and is greatly missed
(see obituary in this issue).
As an indication of the far-reaching impact that Kerry's work is already having, the animation was
seen on the net by Dr. Earle Taylor, Professor at the University of Namibia. Dr. Earle wrote: "My Dear Friend, I enjoyed very much
your musical presentation and the very practical and contemporary message that it conveys. I would like to know if it is for me to
buy or get a copy of disk to show in my various classes. I am the Executive Director of the Centre for Public Service Training run
by the University of Namibia for all levels of civil-service employees of the Namibian Government. The message is very relevant to
the new culture that we are trying to promote for civil liberty and a independent civil service."
I have informed Dr. Taylor of JG, the book from which this animation was derived, and that it is
soon to be available in Afrikaans, the primary native language of Namibia. He has indicated that he may introduce this to the
Ministry of Education as a school reader.
Economics As A Treat?
The ultimate praise for JG came from Hawaii State Representative David Pendleton. David told me
that JG was on his father/son reading list and soon thereafter his son was discovered reading ahead at school. David wrote to say,
"Guess whose book he was discreetly reading back there in the last row? You guessed it. I've told him that when his homework is
done he can read economics. I am still reading some of the chapters with him at night. He considers it a treat. So I'm delighted.
Who ever heard of letting your kids read economics as a treat after their homework is finished?!"
Ken Schoolland, a professor of economics at Hawaii Pacific University, is a member of the ISIL Board of Directors.
schoollak001@hawaii.rr.com
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