Whenever I talk to random Americans about Foundation of Hope and I say we are working in Rwanda, the response is generally the same - the face scrunches up and something like, "Oh, that's a dangerous place," is the next thing I hear!
I then proceed to explain that Rwanda is more stable than most of its neighbors, the economy is improving, etc. But, given the surrounding warring nations, and a history of violence due to "tribal" division, I do wonder could events that occurred in 1994 be possible again?
One of the values of FOH is to become a grassroots organization in Rwanda that promotes unity amongst all Rwandans; to no longer worry if you are Tutsi or Hutu, or whatever.
Just as Martin Luther King, Jr worked for equality here in a divided America, we want to teach the next generation to put down their weapons and love their neighbor. We should celebrate our unique differences, not fight about it. As each generation passes, this message blurs the lines that divide us and allow people to come together, either as Americans, or Rwandans.
In just 50 years, our nation has seen a huge shift from segregation to a more integrated society (don't get me wrong, there is still division and more work to be done, but it is way better than it used to be). My daughter will learn of the history of slavery, segregation, and the civil rights movement. She may even think that the civil rights movement happened in the dark ages! It will seem like so long ago to her! The reality is that it was just a few decades ago, her grandparents were living and restricted by segregation laws in the South. Now, opportunities abound for her because a dedicated, anointed group of people followed their calling to fight for equality.
Now, it is Foundation of Hope's turn to continue to build the bridges of peace, here and in the far reaches of the world. "All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence." -Martin Luther King, Jr.
I then proceed to explain that Rwanda is more stable than most of its neighbors, the economy is improving, etc. But, given the surrounding warring nations, and a history of violence due to "tribal" division, I do wonder could events that occurred in 1994 be possible again?
One of the values of FOH is to become a grassroots organization in Rwanda that promotes unity amongst all Rwandans; to no longer worry if you are Tutsi or Hutu, or whatever.
Just as Martin Luther King, Jr worked for equality here in a divided America, we want to teach the next generation to put down their weapons and love their neighbor. We should celebrate our unique differences, not fight about it. As each generation passes, this message blurs the lines that divide us and allow people to come together, either as Americans, or Rwandans.
In just 50 years, our nation has seen a huge shift from segregation to a more integrated society (don't get me wrong, there is still division and more work to be done, but it is way better than it used to be). My daughter will learn of the history of slavery, segregation, and the civil rights movement. She may even think that the civil rights movement happened in the dark ages! It will seem like so long ago to her! The reality is that it was just a few decades ago, her grandparents were living and restricted by segregation laws in the South. Now, opportunities abound for her because a dedicated, anointed group of people followed their calling to fight for equality.
Now, it is Foundation of Hope's turn to continue to build the bridges of peace, here and in the far reaches of the world. "All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence." -Martin Luther King, Jr.
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