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I wish to warmly thank you, on behalf of Christine, for the sincere, open and loving welcome you gave her during the congress in Granada. She told me she  felt accepted and understood in our family. She also appreciated our level of professionalism and ability to listen and genuine interest and concern for others. And of course the generous contribution you made to Children’s Voice will be appreciated by all the children there.  When we returned to Paris,  we bought the projector and a new laptop for Children’s Voice. Christine will send us a photo of it in use in the centers. In the last 3 days here in Paris she has presented her work and analysis of the plight of the children of the DR Congo through conferences (small ones) I organized for NGOs here in Paris. Yesterday we  did our last intervention together which appropriately was a session for primary school children (a multi cultural group 6-8 year olds) on the theme of children’s rights.

Christine flies back today to yet again a very uncertain future. You will be probably aware that in the last days the rebel forces, led by the general Laurent Nkunda, have advanced into her much troubled city of Goma. The UN peace keeping forces are having great  difficulty controlling the situation and the international community is as usual slow to react. The 600 children of Children’s Voice have been evacuated to relative safety, some will not survive. Christine was able to talk to her husband who like many other Goma citizens has fled with their children across the border to Rwanda. For the moment they are safe with  friends; her children are very frightened. The situation is very worrying and unsure.

Our concern for the  tragic situations such as this transcends any differences among us and allows us to demonstrate solidarity to our new friend. Christine will appreciate your continuing concern for her situation and I know you will join me in thought and maybe prayer for the safety of Christine, her family, the children and all of the people of this much troubled region.

Every attempt will be made to keep everyone informed of the ongoing situation.

Warm regards,
Jonathan Levy
President
SIETAR Europa

Friends and Colleagues:

Jonathan asked if I would add a note to the one above and I am happy to do that. It is my hope that we can, as a global community, continue to support and provide a caring presence for Christine and her family as well as the children of Children's Voice. We were privileged to hear her story and begin to contribute to the vital work that she is doing for children who have no other way of surviving in very difficult conditions. Christine has given us a very personal glimpse into tragic circumstances, one of many around the world, and has provided one place where we can make a commitment together as SIETARians. Please join Jonathan and me in keeping her in your thoughts, in remaining aware of the situation in The Congo, and in identifying ways to be helpful.

Peggy Pusch
Executive Director
SIETAR USA