I strongly encourage you to read this short and powerful piece by Rebecca Davis who will hopefully be partnering with us in the near future, about her experience with a Rwandan orphan in Rwanda. It is both heart breaking and inspiring. Below is a video of some of the kids Rebecca works with dancing to hip-hop:

I just read an article in the NY Times that made me feel the following:

The United States of America is finally having an important debate where:

1- the strained debate on global warming, 2- the too often ignored debate on civilian protection, genocide, and poverty, AND 3- the often sensationalist debate around national security threats for the United States are suddenly interconnected:
Read the rest of this entry »

While acknowledging “innocent until proven guilty” I just wanted to report that the United States just indicted an 82 year old man in Kansas for being a leader of the killings in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Catching former perpetrators of genocide or genocidaires sounds like the work of a Department of Aurors.

At this moment it seems that the US, UK, and France in particular have manyf fugitives from the Rwandan genocide. Many of the killings that continue to this day in Congo are from genocidaire fugitives from Rwanda’s 1994 genocide. If the man they arrested is guilty of what the horrific acts that he has been charged with, it is a good thing that he is being brought to justice and that the United States is responding.

Fifteen years ago. April 9, 1994. The killing in Rwanda had started at a rapid pace. 1000 highly armed and trained European troops arrive into Rwanda. But not to protect any one but white European civilian personnel to escort them out of the country. No troops stayed to assist UN peace keepers. No troops stayed to protect men, women, and children who were crying, begging, and pleading: “they are going to kill us! Please help!”

The troops did not listen. But most of those people were quite right. Within hours, days, and weeks they were killed. Their loved ones who survive continue to work to move forward and live life while keeping their lost loved ones in their hearts. Many of these survivors need help with their health, having been during the genocide affected with HIV from being raped. Many need help economically.

At candlesforrwanda.org your donation will go towards them helping to rebuild their lives and sending them a message that we as a world are sorry for the actions of April 9, 1994 - and sorry for our leaders complicity with genocide for the 100 days that it went on until the rebel army (not the Western World) put a stop to it.

The HP Alliance Hearts the Vlog Brothers

Quick update: we’ve had over 120 videos sent to us! It’s amazing! Keep them coming!!!!!!! PLEASE! This means sooooo much!!!!!

This April 7th marks the fifteenth anniversary of the Rwandan genocide where about one million people were killed in 100 days.

And each of us has the honor of being part of the commemoration process. Here’s how:

Make a video of yourself – light a candle and then say into the camera - “Hi, my name is (and say you’re name though you don’t have to) and I’m lighting a candle of hope for Rwanda.” Then stand there holding that candle for about ten seconds. It’s really important that you remain quiet for just a few seconds, because we may end up using that part of the video.

Once your video is made, you can send it in using yousendit.com to videos@thehpalliance.org

Your video should be no longer than 30 seconds and the file size should be no bigger than 100megs. The videos you send will be posted on candlesforrwanda.org sponsored by our partners in the UK Aegis Trust – and this web site is being viewed by Rwandans across the world and the best ones will be played during the actual ceremony in Rwanda’s capital of Kigali on April 7. They will be played on a big screen right next to candle lighting ceremony where thousands and thousands of candles will be lit.

Keep in mind when you’re lighting the candle that this candle that you’re holding represents the memory of those killed. It symbolizes their light that remains with us. And in doing so, the candle not only represents remembering, but it represents looking forward with hope – casting a light for the future of Rwanda.

We have the honor of collaborating on this with the Vlog Brothers John and Hank Green and the Nerd Fighter community. Be on the look out for their video about the Rwandan Video Project at youtube.com/thehpalliance. You can post your video as a response to theirs but also definitely make sure to send the video via yousendit.com to videos@thehpalliance.org

While Accio Books!is growing strong, we’re making this part of a new bonus point project where you can earn 50 points for your House.

People have until midnight of March 22 to submit their videos. If you’ve submitted a video, let your House Prefect know by emailing them at Gryffindor@thehpalliance.org, hufflepuff, slytherin, or ravenclaw at thehpalliance.org – and your House will get an automatic 50 points.

Thank you so much, and keep that light alive for Rwanda!