“We have lived our lives by the assumption that what was good for us would be good for the world. We have been wrong. We must change our lives so that it will be possible to live by the contrary assumption, that what is good for the world will be good for us. And that requires that we make the effort to know the world and learn what is good for it.” ― Wendell Berry, The Long-Legged House
As I spoke with Amani this week to learn the latest that was happening in his corner of Congo, our discussion about the regenerative, sustainable cycle of every project he oversees led to him sharing how the Congo Peace School students are understanding their place in the greater web of humanity, and how their actions matter, and how we are all connected.
"The earth is everything," Nancy Baderha responded when asked what she has learned at the Congo Peace School about caring for the planet. "Everything we eat comes from there. There is so much erosion washing homes out in Bukavu, in Uvira, every time it rains because of plastic waste everywhere. We must get rid of plastic waste and plant trees, and that will bring the birds and bees back. If our earth is healthy, we will be healthy too, as well as the people around the world." –Nancy Baderha, 13 years old, 7th grade Peace Ambassador
"I am very happy to be learning that no matter where I am, I need to protect the planet's environment. I never knew that planting trees brings back the birds. Before coming to the Congo Peace School, I never knew how dangerous plastic waste is, I am determined not to litter my school and community with plastic waste." –Destin Bahati, 14 years old, 7th grade Peace Ambassador
"If nothing is done in Congo, people in Australia, people in India are going to be affected. And our children are understanding this. We are all in this, and it has to be a struggle, a global struggle." This minute-long video is a glimpse of the inspiration and education one receives when sharing time with Amani.
Amani also shared that ABFEC was selected to receive a grant from FHI 360, providing this recycle tricycle and other tools for a youth-led recycling program. Led by Action Kivu’s organic agronomist, Mukengere, this shows just one more way that the people and projects that you support through your gifts are the leaders of their community!
We are also excited to share that the rice harvest took place this month. You might recall that planting rice was the community’s answer to the problem of overly wet land at the farm. Part of the rice harvest will supplement the Congo Peace School meal plan, helping to make it more sustainable and local! Part of the harvest goes to reinvest in the agriculture as well as pay the workers.
Amani shared these photos and the report: “Nothing is lost: we grow rice to feed the students after husking it with a mill, the rice bran is used to feed the pigs and the grass to feed the cows. You can see a very high sense of community involvement.”
As we continue to explore and know the world and what is good for it, and thus for us, we recognize our deep connection to it and to each other. Without your commitment and support, we couldn't be connected in such a way to the people of Congo and students at the Congo Peace School, young Peace Ambassadors who are now educating their families and communities, creating a growing circle of people practicing peace, nonviolence, and equality.
We are grateful for our major gifts donors, our Congo Peace School partner the Dillon Henry Foundation, our pre school Nest partner PILA, and our monthly sustaining donors! None of this would be possible without you - you are making a lasting difference in the world.
If you’re inspired to join this movement and commit to a monthly gift, please consider $60 / month - this covers the cost of one student attending the Congo Peace School for one year, including school uniforms, daily meals, staff trained in a unique nonviolence curriculum and approach, and access to a school library and computer lab as well as agricultural training. If you can’t commit to $60 / month or a one-time $700 gift, start a Peace School Pod with other friends! Four people giving $15 / month or six people donating $10 / month and your pod has sent a student to this special school, and invested in a brighter future for us all! Sign up here.
Thank you for being a part of this journey for greater peace and equality through education with us!
Rebecca Snavely
Executive Director, Action Kivu