October, 2005 - Nr. 10
Youth Speaks Out With Barbara Coloroso for Children in Rwanda
TORONTO- Twenty-two year old University of Toronto student, Kirk Mason, will introduce internationally renowned author educator, Barbara Coloroso, on the stage of Roy Thomson Hall at 8pm on Thursday, October 6th in a benefit to support children in Rwanda organized by Hope for Rwanda’s Children Fund (HRCF). Mason and Coloroso participated in a journey to Rwanda during the summer that brought them together with Rwandan youth whose lives had been shattered by the genocide in 1994. As a member of the HRCF Canadian team, Mason helped to collaboratively write and produce a play with Rwandan children to tell about their lives. Coloroso’s talk on October 6th, will include the poignant realities of Rwandan youth and children.
The journey to Rwanda resonated with both Coloroso’s and Mason’s thinking. Coloroso’s upcoming book, "Just Because It Isn’t Wrong Doesn’t Make It Right: From Toddlers to Teenagers, Teaching Kids to Think and Act Ethically" focuses on how to teach children to act with integrity, civility, and compassion - qualities tragically forgotten as Rwanda was consumed by the flames of the genocide in 1994. When only 13, Mason joined the First Walk for Hope in Toronto in aid of Rwandan orphans organized by HRCF whose members include teachers committed to broadening the horizons of Canadian students. Profoundly affected by what he learned at 13, Mason kept in touch with his teachers and HRCF, joining the journey to Rwanda to complete a vital part of his education. Traveling together, Mason and Coloroso had much to share. "Barbara is an amazing person," said Mason. "Her concern for children extends beyond our everyday world. Her beliefs on educating children have relevance for strengthening civil society and improving international relations."
According to Coloroso, "The phrase ‘Just because it isn’t wrong doesn’t make it right’ has relevance no matter where we live - in Canada, the United States or Africa. We have to teach kids to think and act ethically. By teaching children to care deeply, share generously and help willingly we can address indifference and impunity so that tragedies like the genocide in Rwanda not be repeated." Her talk on October 6th will provide parents with advice on how to deal with peer pressure, media influence, and ethical decision-making at home and in the community while drawing parallels to the realities and history of Rwanda.
Tickets cost $19.99 and are now on sale through the Roy Thomson Hall box office (416-872-HALL) or through all Ticketmaster outlets (416-870-8000). Tickets can also be purchased directly from Hope for Rwanda’s Children Fund (416-609-9375).
Hope for Rwanda’s Children Fund (HRCF), a registered not-for profit organization based in Toronto, raises money to sponsor the education of children and youth, and provide support to help meet the many challenges of their daily lives in the aftermath of the genocide. For more information, please contact:
Shyrna Gilbert
416-609-9375
www.hopefund.on.ca
