Hi everyone,
Here’s a link to an op-ed piece about DR Congo in the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/31/opinion/31kristof.html
A discouraging article, but it emphasizes the importance of the Ruzizi Project. Building a sustainable path to peace is vital, and desperately needed! Working Villages is creating the only oasis of hope in this devastated region, and the faster we can grow, the fewer people will suffer at the hands of the desperate and power-hungry. I hope Kristof’s series of articles can help bring attention to this humanitarian catastrophe, and the need for intervention and peace.
I read Kristof’s article and was concerned regarding any potential negative impact on the Ruzizi project…will the continued violence impact the village and the progress made? Is there anything that can be done to avert potential violence? and is Kristof aware of the Working Village concept?/ Thanks and best …DANA BENNETT
Comment by Dana Bennett — February 6, 2010 @ 10:43 am
The Ruzizi Project has been remarkably stable throughout the violence, because WVI is such a large employer and food producer that there is a negative incentive to cause us trouble. Many villagers in the surrounding areas have suffered due to the conflict, however. The best thing we can do is continue to grow and help people build stable and productive lives so they don’t have to turn to violence.
We’re not sure if Kristof knows about WVI, but the woman he talks about in this article will be visiting the Ruzizi Project in March with Alexander, so hopefully we will get some coverage. The more people learn about Working Villages, the faster we can address the terrible situation there!
Comment by admin — February 8, 2010 @ 12:04 pm