UNE student takes message of peace to 'roof of Africa'

September 19, 2007

This Friday (the 21st of September) a University of New England student will be one of eight young people representing five continents who will take symbols of peace to the "roof of Africa", Mount Kilimanjaro.

Michelle Lim has taken a year off from her Science/Law studies at UNE to work in Tanzania as a volunteer with "Roots & Shoots" – the Jane Goodall Institute's international, youth-based humanitarian and environmental program.

"The 21st of September is celebrated worldwide as United Nations International Peace Day," Miss Lim said. "Every year on this day Roots & Shoots groups around the globe fly linen and wire sculptures of 'giant peace doves'. This year, Roots & Shoots representatives from Australia, Asia, Europe, America and Africa will bring the 'giant peace dove' symbol to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

"Our goal is to raise awareness of conflict in the African continent and to raise US$30,000 for the Roots &Shoots / United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) program in the Lugufu Refugee Camp in Tanzania."

"The Lugufu Refugee Camp is home to over 35,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)," Miss Lim explained. "These refugees have been forced to flee their homes as a result of conflict fuelled by the desire to control the DRC’s vast natural resources and the instability in neighbouring countries.

"The funds we raise will support the Roots & Shoots / UNHCR program in the refugee camp, which provides immediate benefits such as food and education. Also, since 2002, the program has involved 1,800 Roots & Shoots members from15 schools – both inside the camp and in nearby villages – in projects including environmental education, small income generating schemes, and services such as assistance for the disabled. The program has begun a scholarship fund for exceptional students who are unable to afford to continue their education.

"By supporting the program, companies and individuals will be helping to benefit children while joining a global effort to make a stand for peace."

To find out more about the project and how to donate, contact Michelle Lim at: michelle.lim11@gmail.com. More information on Roots & Shoots can be found at: www.rootsandshoots.org/campaigns/dove.

The United Nations International Peace Day Web site is: http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org

Posted by Jim Scanlan at September 19, 2007 01:04 PM