Voices Against Indifference Initiative

From Rwanda to Darfur:

A Week of Hope & Reconciliation

September 2007-August 2008

From Rwanda to Darfur:

A Week of Hope & Reconciliation

Calendar of Events 

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Student Dialogue with Bishop John Rucyahana, noon - 2 p.m., Charlotte Latin School: Approximately 700 students and teachers from 22 regional public and private schools will have the opportunity to present their questions about genocide and reconciliation to the Bishop of Rwanda, John Rucyahana. A news conference with Bishop Rucyahana will be held immediately following the dialogue.

 

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Public Lecture and Book Signing by Bishop Rucyahana, 7:00 p.m., Queens University of Charlotte, Sykes Auditorium: Bishop Rucyahana will discuss the renewal taking place in Rwanda today and the role the international community plays in the conditions that lead to genocide. A reception will follow, and books for the signing may be purchased on site for $25 by cash or check. Co-sponsored by The Center for Ethics and Religion at Queens University of Charlotte, this event is free and open to the public, seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Student Ambassadors' Breakfast with Bishop Rucyahana, 9:00 a.m., location TBA: Bishop Rucyahana will discuss humanitarian issues with Student Ambassadors of The Echo Foundation's Global Initiative.

 

Sunday, March 9, 2008

PLCMC Documentary Film & Discussion, 2:00 p.m., Main Library Auditorium: The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County will host a showing of the HBO documentary Sand and Sorrow, a first-hand view inside Darfur of the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding there. Bruce Bowers, a veteran investigative reporter who has toured Darfur documenting the internally displaced persons camps for an international NGO, will host a discussion after the film. Free and open to the public. For more information, click here.

 

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Discussing Darfur with John Prendergast, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., North Mecklenburg High School: Approximately 700 students and teachers from area schools will meet with John Prendergast to discuss the current crisis in Darfur. 

Patrons' Reception, 6:00 p.m., The Westin Charlotte: Leaders in the Charlotte community and special guests gather to congratulate Alan and Stuart Dickson, recipients of The Echo Foundation's 2008 Award Against Indifference, and to meet John Prendergast.

Eleventh Annual Award Dinner Dinner, Wed., March 12, 7:00 p.m., The Westin Charlotte:  John Prendergast will be the keynote speaker for this dinner honoring Alan and Stuart Dickson. For more information, click here.

 

Summer 2008

ECHO ABROAD: Footsteps in Rwanda

High school students from the Charlotte Region will have the unique opportunity to travel to Rwanda to learn about the country, its people, its devastating past and its current commitment to human dignity, reconciliation and development. In partnership with Mountains Beyond Mountains’ Paul Farmer, his non-profit, Partners in Health and the Rwinkwavu Health Center, students will gain firsthand experience in serving others. They will recognize their own potential to make a difference, and they will be empowered to pursue their efforts to benefit humanity.