28 March, 2008

Sierra Express, Freetown

Exclusive interview with Calendar

Daniel Johnson Hapawa, popularly known as Mr. Calendar

Daniel Johnson Hapawa, popularly known as Mr. Calendar, has for the past 19 years been showing the date to the people of Freetown in his own style.  Hapawa is a laborer at the King Jimmy area in central Freetown.  He believes people always forget the date and he must help in reminding them.

He has chosen to be putting on football jerseys which indicate the date of the day.  Residents of Freetown have started recognizing the good job this young man is doing for the general public.  Sierra Leoneans living abroad that come for a holiday are the most attracted people to Hapawa's work.  Sierra Express CEO; himself a "Diasporan" caught up with him and Hapawa spoke exclusively in this revealing interview on why he decided to be wearing a day's job.

Why did you decide to be wearing 'T' shirts bearing the day's date?

I want to move people from the darkness to light.  By wearing the day's date, I am reminding the people of Freetown of their activities. I am also making them know that the days are fastly going so they should be serious of what they are doing.  There is nothing more than knowing that one has to be timely in hustling for one's life.  This date on my back will open the eyes of people, especially the young ones.

What are the remarks you are getting from the people of Freetown?

Well, I thank God the people have started appreciating what I am doing and in fact encourage me to continue doing this as this will help them to know the date of every day.

Do you dress in other type of clothing?

No, not for the past 19 years.  That is because I feel guilty of letting the people down. Let me tell you this, I have taken this habit to be my own input in the development of Sierra Leone which means I promise to do it for the rest of my life.

How do you feel when you wear other clothes?

I do not feel good as I have already said and also people frown at me and ask me for the date. It is for that reason I do not want to disappoint them. One has to be consistent.

"Mr. Calendar, has for the past 19 years been showing the date to the people of Freetown in his own style."

How do you get funds for these clothes?

I am a laborer and I use my little resources to serve my people.  I love doing it and I am passionate about it.  I don't mind eating just one time a day but I will have to serve my people. The money I get from my labor is very meager but I must be committed to my undertakings. The President, H.E. Ernest Bai Koroma promised to bring light to his people and he has done so, that is what a human should be seen doing.  When you make promises you fulfill them.  I have promised the people to serve them by reminding them of the date of the day, which I will continue to do, no matter what it will cost me.  It is difficult but I will do it.

What are some of the challenges you are faced with?

Well, providing the 'T' shirts is the most challenging thing.  There are other challenges, like how to maintain them so they do not wear out quickly; and soap for cleaning them.  Truly, I need the good will of people to support me.  At the moment I am wearing football 'T' shirts, which is not my intention.  My intention is to get 'T' shirts that are having the months written on them and the date.  That is much more appropriate.  Some people have advised me to talk to these telephone companies but I am an illiterate man, I don't know how to go about.  I am sure you guys will help me through your media to bring their attention to me. The may use me for their advert also.  It may earn them some money.

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