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In February 2009, we will launch a Garden of Forgiveness in Rwanda in partnership with Jean Paul Samputu (of the amazing group Mizero Children: http://www.mizerochildren.org/). The launch of the garden will occur during a "Gathering of Forgiveness" - please join us!!

Jean Paul Samputu (http://www.samputu.com/) tells his own amazing personal journey of forgiveness. He was also a featured speaker for the 2008 Pangea Day: http://share.ovi.com/media/PangeaDay.Broadcast/PangeaDay.13440

http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=c594f443-4606-4926-aa28-8cbf0247ed3f

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lynn Beaudin

Tel: (438) 275-5147

mizerofoundation@gmail.com

www.mizerochildren.org

www.samputu.com

Photo and Interview opportunities available

MIZERO Children of Rwanda Choir to perform at the UN as part of their 'Forgiveness Tour' in the U.S.A.

The message of Forgiveness coming from the mouth of babes! These young orphans and vulnerable children from the beautiful country of Rwanda in Africa between the ages of 11 to 18 years of age will delight and inspire their audiences in song, drumming and dancing!

December 2008, USA – In December, a group of Rwandan children will arrive in the U.S. as young cultural and peace ambassadors to take audiences on a journey into the lives of the Rwandan people through music, dance, costumes and drumming. They are known as the MIZERO Children of Rwanda which in Kinyarwanda, the language of their home land, means "HOPE."

While many organizations are helping Rwanda recover from the 1994 genocide, few have addressed the issue of cultural brokenness. "My vision for MIZERO is to build, bring and to spread hope to Rwandan children through our vibrant music and dance traditions. It is my goal to mentor them to help them discover the power of forgiveness as I have, to help these young ones grow up free from hatred, bitterness and the spirit of revenge. This use of the arts combined with the message of forgiveness can help these children heal their wounds from the past and put a stop to violence and any future genocide through this next generation of young leaders" says MIZERO founder and CEO, Jean Paul Samputu

The UN has declared the year 2009 as the Year of Reconciliation. Samputu and MIZERO have embarked on an impassioned 2009 schedule filled with activities that focus on 'Forgiveness as a Step to Reconciliation'. This includes the 'Forgiveness Tour', various conferences and concerts, and global conferences called 'Gathering of Forgiveness: A Step to Reconciliation' to be held in Rwanda in February and July which will also commemorate the 15th year of the Rwandan genocide.

This inspirational tour's highlight will be the children's performance at the UN at the Global South-South Development Expo, in conjunction with the Fifth United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation on Dec. 19th http://ssc.undp.org. They have been invited to perform at the conference: Advancing Cooperation between the United Nations and World's Religion. which will take place in New York on December 16th 2008 at UNICEF Labouisse Hall. In addition, the MIZERO children are looking forward to exchanging with children from various schools in the Greenwich, Connecticut area. They will be 'jamming' with the Djole Drum and Dance Company from South Carolina who will be making a special trip to New York City to meet with the MIZERO children. The MIZERO children will experience Christmas with the gracious hosts from Foxhill Bruderhof Community in Walden, NY.

The MIZERO foundation welcomes donation of Christmas gifts .If your group, organization or church would like information about having the children perform at your venue, anytime from December 27th through to January 23rd, please contact us at (438) 275-5147 or (828)507 1848 or email us at mizerofoundation@gmail.com.

MIZERO Children of Rwanda believes that through music and arts, youth receive self-confidence, life skills and creative expression to help them heal and go forward. These children are sharing their gift of music and performance while raising awareness about the 1 million other orphans of Rwanda.

http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=dRoAzxOAjI4

Here is a recent article about the Rwandan genocide, which has someone saying, "There is only one way, and that is forgiveness"... May forgiveness help restore peace and unity to Rwanda:

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jkSJ3hkp8UUdlGUVxG4YFJgbh-kg

Dear friends and supporters,

The founder of MIZERO Children of Rwanda has had many chances to speak this important truth. This past March, World Vision Rwanda invited him to share this message of forgiveness with widows, orphans, churches and students in high schools. MIZERO's vision is to build, bring and spread hope to Rwandan children (Mizero means 'hope' in Kinyarwanda). Last year we embarked on a US/CANADA tour that ended with a concert at the UNITED NATIONS in New York.

In February 2009, we would like you to join MIZERO in proclaiming this message of Forgiveness. This time, help us proclaim this important message of Peace on the many hilltops of Rwanda itself!

In commemoration of the 15th year of the Rwandan genocide

Gathering of Forgiveness, A Step to Reconciliation

February 10 through 18, 2009

In addition to conferences and field trips, together we will launch a Garden of Forgiveness

In a period of 100 days in 1994, nearly ONE MILLION innocent women, men and children died. Leaving many widowed and children orphaned and traumatized. It is our hope to continue bringing healing to this nation by creating a 'Culture of Forgiveness' and encouraging and empowering leaders.

You will be given the opportunity to hear testimonies from survivors and perpetrators of the genocide, men, women and children who have learned the meaning of forgiveness and repentance.

Find out how you can encourage, support and empower Rwandans … from the youngest vulnerable child to our most influential Rwandan leaders.

For further information on joining us on this Gathering of Forgiveness, see enclosed attachments on Itinerary, costs and registration form.

Thank you kindly,

Bruce Cripe Lynn Beaudin

MIZERO USA MIZERO CANADA

909-816-1997 514-618-8931

http://www.samputu.com/gatheringofforgiveness.html

www.mizerochildren.org

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