GPER Celebrates Seventh World Refugee Day in Benin
by Souraya Ahamada
Refugee Children Without a Direction was the theme
chosen for the 7th celebration of World Refugee Day celebrated
on Saturday, June 23, 2007, in Cotonou, Benin.
The United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees (UNHCR) in Benin and its partners had organized
a cross-country race for the occasion as well as a dance and
music show, which the Group of Refugee Student Parents (GPER,
Groupement de Parents
d'Élèves Réfugiés) had
been invited to attend.
Refugee Day
Computers for Refugee Students in Sierra Leone
by Sarath Seneviratne
Sierra Leone, in West Africa, is a country recovering from the
effects of a long drawn out civil conflict that has left tens of
thousands dead, many maimed for life, and a society in disarray.
As often in such situations, the economy, the weak and the young
are the primary casualties. With an average life expectancy
around 40 years and a literacy rate around 35%, according to
the
CIA World Factbook, Sierra Leone arguably falls into the
category of the most deserving of all countries for aid and
non-governmental intervention.
RESPECT International, along with
its partner Peace Pals
Education Network, have been active in Sierra Leone in the
areas of youth and education. One of the biggest projects
envisaged by RESPECT in Sierra Leone is the establishment of a
computer center for the benefit of refugee students.
Refugee Students
