In preparing for my trip to Congo, I felt it was imperative to learn as much about the culture as humanly possible. The key to these workshops succeeding is to be well informed and immensely respectful of other cultures. I also didn't want to take anything that might possibly put the kids in any imminent danger – hence, the idea of scrapbooks.
Students from LA’s Inner-City Arts constructed a scrapbook, including a self-portrait on the first page. When we arrived in the DRC, we took pictures of the refugee children and placed it into their scrapbooks, leaving blank pages for them to write or draw in later, and attaching a string with a pencil – something kids here take for granted but a precious tool to a Congolese child. Not only were the children provided with a keepsake, but also they had their own special journal to catalog their thoughts, drawings, etc. When we passed out the scrapbooks, the children's expressions could have lit up the White House Christmas tree. Pure joy... Pure happiness…
Sharing the joy and the sorrows of the children in Congo was the impetus for the gala event that was held upon our return. Our fundraiser, where we formally announced the launch of Children Mending Hearts, was held at the House of Blues, Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. The event benefited the International Medical Corps who had been one of our sponsors in Congo.
Honorees were Dr. Denis Mukwege of Panzi Hospital, Congo and CNN’s Anderson Cooper. Speakers included actor and activist Ben Affleck, Enough Project founder and co-Chair John Prendergast, genocide survivor Rose Mapendo, co-founder of Mapendo International, and the Congolese Ambassador to the U.S., Dr. Faida Mitifu. Musical guests included Sheryl Crow. The event generated national and international press and raised awareness of the horrific conditions under which these children are living in DR Congo.
