ISSN 1710-6931 June 27, 2008 Issue 128
FEATURE ARTICLES

Joining Hands For The Benefit Of Refugee Students

by Anindita Dey

Letter exchanges can bridge the gap between divergent groups and have the potential to bring empathy among the participating groups.

One group putting this to the test is the Manitoba Theatre for Young People (MTYP), which is seeking a liaison with RESPECT International.

As some members of the troop prepare to put on a clown production of Romeo and Juliet this summer, from July 7 to 25, MTYP would like their students to imagine what happens if "the warring families in the play are part of a civil war like ones some of the RESPECT students have experienced firsthand." Joining Hands

Picture Portrays Unity

by Denise Poirier

I was a student of Stevenson Britannia Adult Learning Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Stevenson Britannia, a member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), encourages its students to take an active role in the needs of others everywhere.

During one of our UNESCO meetings we were given the opportunity to participate in the upcoming national conference held at the University of Winnipeg. An idea was put forward to create a quilt that would involve all the UNESCO schools. We were asked to create something to represent our own School.

Through education anything is possible. My picture was not only intended to portray my school but all forms of education.

Globe with hands united

This picture entitled United in All Ways portrays an achievable vision for all people. It is intended to provoke thought. — by Denise Poirier

AFFILIATES

Long Road To Sierra Leone

by Marco Zoppi

It becomes nearer. Luc Aalmans, 45, is ready to leave: destination Sierra Leone. Luc is a World Computer Exchange (WCE) officer, and he will be taking several laptops donated by this organization with him. We had the opportunity to interview him before the beginning of his trip.

Luc learned about WCE through a friend in Boston, and he also has several friends who work or have worked in Sierra Leone, including his daughter. So, linking the two things, he thought that it could be possible to ship computers to this country.

Doing this kind of job is not easy, and it is necessary to face political issues, corruption and commitment, but it's worth trying, because, as Luc said: "It takes the will and desire of people, in some cases, even just one or two, to start something great. Even with little effort, one can make a significant difference in people's lives."

After a long trip by plane, Luc will be staying in Sierra Leone for eight days; eight days in which he wants to give his help with computers (thanks to his knowledge ), hoping to have some kind of standard software package installed for the children before he leaves, as well as some basic websites, and instructions on how to set up email.

Moreover, it will be a great experience on the human side. As Luc said: "I want to embrace the culture, nature, but also want to stand silent for a while and think about the horrible war that has plagued the country. I want to meet with many people who have worked or will work with WCE, but I also want to travel and see parts of the country." Long Road

As in any newsletter or magazine, RESPECT e-zine is committed to striving for interesting articles and announcements concerning refugee issues all around the world.

If you have any suggestions or would like to contribute an article, contact the e-Zine editor, Angela Carter, at editor@respectrefugees.org.

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