December 31, 2008
New Year's in Rwanda
Most of you who have listened to some of the HPA’s podcasts on Darfur are familiar with Sifa Nsengimana, who speaks about human rights in such a way that I’ve never really heard someone so inspiring on the subject. Sifa is Rwandan and in 1994 her entire extended family was killed in the Rwandan Tutsi genocide which claimed nearly 1 million lives in 100 days. Sifa longs for peace and justice and now is the Executive Director of the Agahozo Shalom Youth Village (ASYV). Seriously, check out ASYV right here.
ASYV recently opened it’s doors to young men and women aged 14 to 18 who will be living there for the next four years. Most of these young people have endured the killing of one or both of their parents back in 1994. ASYV is not what you would call a typical “orphanage.” Based off a village that was built in Israel after the Holocaust, ASYV takes a very innovative and effective approach toward working on restoring hope, love, and nurturing in the hearts of Rwandan young people. It’s really, really incredible.
One of the volunteers at ASYV is Sarah Newberry. While most of you may not have heard Sarah’s name before, Sarah sits on the HPA’s Board of Directors and has been one of the most influential people in helping to found and advise the direction of the HPA. A music therapist who loves Harry Potter, Sarah just moved to Rwanda in the last month to work at ASYV for the next year. I just called her on her cell phone (thank you Skype) to wish Sarah a Happy New Year and it was so exciting. The kids were putting on a talent show in celebration of New Year’s (it was almost midnight there) and I could hear what felt like hundreds of people including Sarah, laughing hysterically. It was pretty awesome.
I’m not sure if the HPA will have a partnership with ASYV or not. But a couple of ideas to put out there:
1- Starting a pen pal program between the kids at ASYV and our membership
2- Starting a book drive to send copies of Harry Potter to these kids, many of whom are quickly learning to read English
What do you think? Does this sound like something you all would want to be part of?
Saul
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I think both ideas are fantastic.
Krystal
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As do I.
Crystal
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I’d participate in both. I have like, three extra copies of the HP series laying around the house that I definitely don’t need.
Jill
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The Village is beautiful in so many ways. As someone who worked to get it built, a bit of advice re shipping books. If they get boxed up and sent, you may set off customs issues which will cause extra on the ground charges to be incurred. Better to send them in bits to Sarah. Hope this helps. Good global work from you, Potter team!
Vanessa
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I love the idea of a pen pal!! Is there already a program for it? Or are you looking to instate one?
I also love the idea of sending the kids Harry Potter books!
How old are most of the children? If the genocide happened in 1994 they would be about 15? Or a little bit younger?
I would definitely be interested in this program!
Happy 2009!
Lauren
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I would definately be willing to participate! It seems like it would be an exciting opportunity to not only spread the message of love and tolerance of the HP series, but to learn about a different culture and the lives of some pretty amazing young adults.
Sash1113
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I think both are fantastic ideas!
Allison Cardona
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I would LOVE to have a pen pal, also I know I could probably get some of the charity books more likely… would that be alright?
Shannon
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This sounds really awesome, and I would love to be a part of it!