LEAF Team in Rwanda Works Towards “Empowerment of Orphaned Youth through Music, Instruments & Mentors”
A LEAF team of 4 joined Rwandan performer Jean Paul to work towards empowering and helping to create healthy futures for two group of teen orphans: Mizero Crew and Nyanza Cultural Troupe. These youth, ages 14-18, lost their families during the 1994 Genocide. In the beautiful small country of Rwanda there are 1 million orphans. Orphans will play a vital role in determining the future of the country. As the MIZERO Crew sings in a song they wrote with Jean Paul, “We are the future of humanity, we are the world in our community”.
The LEAF Rwanda project, had a dynamic agenda to quickly make an impact on these youths lives. Drums, guitars, costumes, and MENTORING MUSIC TEACHERS are not part of these INPSIRING and IMPRESSIVE KIDS lives! Within 2 months, they have already performed for tourists groups and their “exceptional presentations” are creating possibilities. Music is such a powerful tool for self-esteem and emotional healing.
from LEAF Photographer Reggie Tidwell:
Last Fall, I had the pleasure of photographing these magical children at LEAF. This was the first time they had ever left their country- the experience for everyone- the Rwandans and the LEAFers was powerful and for many life changing. These children were from Nyanza in the mountains of Rwanda. They watched their families die horrible deaths in 1994 during the genocide, however you wouldn't know that if you met them. There is no finer example of perseverance. They are beautiful, joyful, humble and very talented. Watching them dance and sing was a real joy. When they performed there was not a dry eye at the festival.
These amazing and talented orphans were an excellent fine art inspiration. I produced a series of black&white images printed on 13x19" archival matte paper. The prints are limited. The price per print is $100. LEAF International will receive $50 per print to further their efforts in helping underprivileged children. As a parent, I know how much it takes to raise a healthy child, so my heart has been opened to do my part in helping children who don't have necessary resources. Please join me in this worthy cause.
To purchase a print go here.
To make a direct donation to LEAF go here.
To learn more about how LEAF helps children all over the world go here
Thank you!
Reggie Tidwell – Principal
Rwanda Mentorship Program
RELECTIONS from the LEAF Rwanda Crew
The Kids.
These kids have more to be proud of than most adults I know. The resilience they showed in the face of such true horror is humbling. Hearing the stories of these children and how they stuck together and raised each other over the last 12 years, is so humbling. The smiles, the wonder at merely being acknowledged, the young man who reached out and held my hand and told me about his life as we walked down the road; these are friends I will not forget and who I feel my life is tied to from now on.
Beauty.
Rwanda is stunningly beautiful.
Hope and change.
EVERYONE can make a change, one person at a time. It means so much and is easier than one might think.
Music!
Music is the main love of all of us at LEAF. We witnessed the healing power and the ability to communicate across borders that the language of music provides. Hearing the kids drum and sing for the first time was so powerful. Listening, surrounded by orphans as they sang "we are the future of humanity" moved us all to tears. I knew then we were doing something good and they were right; they truly are the future.
~ Aaron
~ Sincerely, Carol Hetrick
The MIZERO CREW of Kigali
Our “work” with The Mizero Crew
- Matching the kids with guitars and many Rwandan Drums & Sticks.
- Drum & Song Teacher, Leonard, has been hired to mentor twice a week.
- Secured a safe place at local community center for instruments to live and for their workshops and performances.
- National Health Cards purchased for ALL the Mizero Crew for 1 year.
- Presentations & speeches by kids. Their talent was outstanding and surprising.
The Country of Rwanda
After the genocide in 1994 many children were left
without families. Struggling to rebuild the country and support the many
orphaned children Jean Paul Samputu, whose family was also murdered has
taken on the challenge to educate and bring a greater awareness to the world
about the atrocities that took place. LEAF International has joined with
Jean Paul Samputu in order to raise instruments and funds for one of the
many orphanages in Kigali, Rwanda where Jean Paul Samputu himself supports
20 children.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP
TAKE ACTION!
WAYS YOU CAN HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE
DONATE!
VOLUNTEER!
TRAVEL TO RWANDA!
Keep TAKING ACTION!
Future Hopes for Mizero:
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Raise funds to continue the MUSIC MENTORING program that within a month has had huge success and impact.
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To secure housing and education for the Mizero Crew.
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To help arrange regular performances for the Mizero Crew at local restaurants and hotels which would provide regular sources of food, tips, and future jobs.
- Encouragement & Support
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Find and fund a guitar teacher. Future Action for Nyanza:
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Bring the Nyanza Cultural Troupe on a tour in America that would serve as a Rwanda Cultural Ambassador and as a fundraiser for all the Rwandan orphans.
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Francoise has requested funding for English tutoring lessons.
Help Create a positive future for these Rwandan Youth.
Send donations to:
LEAF att: Rwanda
377 Lake Eden Rd
Black Mtn, NC 28711
All donations are tax-deductible and will make such a 100% significant difference now! Interested in Starting a project anywhere to connect kids with instruments & mentors?
Contact us at info@theLEAF.com or 828/68-MUSIC.
The Nyanza Cultural Troupe
The Nyanza Cultural Troupe, a group of TALENTED orphans, invited up to the rural highlands for a cultural dance and drum presentation. These orphans have ³home family² matches, live in a supportive rural community, and have one teacher/mentor who works with them several times a week. Upon arrival to the dilapidated genocide appeal court, we were all a bit skeptical. To our surprise, 20-30 youth led by Francoise Uwimbabazi, put on a ³world class presentation². The troupe is the perfect ³Cultural Ambassador² for Rwanda and The Rwandese Orphans. Francoise later revealed that they had rented all the costumes and drums to create this day for us, and her biggest challenge is her solo effort and lack of supplies and funds. LEAF worked with Nyanza in these ways:
- Matching the troupe with Rwandan Drums & Sticks.
- Donating fund to purchase costumes.
- With instruments and costumes they will be able to do local weddings and > more performances.
More Information
Full Rwanda Report (pdf format)
PRESS:
Black Mountain News and also printed in Asheville Citizen Times LEAF brings musical healing efforts to Rwanda
by Andy Grabel, Staff writer published January 17, 2007
Sylva Herald article
Recommended Books & Films if you want to learn more:
- We Wish To Inform You Your Families will be Killed Tomorrow
- We Survived
- Sundays By the Pool in Kigali
- Lonely Planet East Africa
- Hotel Rwanda
Travel tips to Rwanda
Rwanda does not have an abundance of tourist infrastructure; however, your travels to Rwanda and your money spent in this country makes a positive difference.
Budget Hotel in Kigali: Hotel Okapi
Nice Hotel in Kigali & Great Restaurant: Hotel Milles-Collines (featured as the Hotel Rwanda)
5 Start Hotel in Kigali: Hotel Intercontinental
Sponsors & Donors
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