International Awareness and the Perpetuation of Hope
Catherine Collins
Issue date: 12/8/08 Section: Editorials
The recent election of the United States' first African-American president has sent a surge of inspired hope throughout the country. This hope allows people to believe that change and reform are not empty promises, but attainable realities of the future.
Following the election, the nation was thriving with the energy of new hope. Along with many celebrations of the historical landmark, the country also saw a number of global messages. In today's interlaced world, the significance of one event is never limited to the country in which it occurs.
Since February 2003, the Darfur region in Sudan has been devastated by war and genocide, with African tribes being systematically destroyed by Arab militias supported by the Sudanese government. More than 400,000 lives have been claimed, and over two million people have been displaced.
During the weekend of Nov. 7, Tents of Hope, a community-based project that works to end the genocide in Darfur, held "The Gathering of the Tents" on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The event was the culmination of a year-long project in which groups, congregations and schools all over the world painted and decorated canvas refugee tents with messages of hope and peace for Darfur. The goal of Tents of Hope is to draw awareness to the genocide and to encourage support for the two and a half million displaced refugees in the region.
The dozens of tents gracing the National Mall were striking in their vibrant colors and the evident amount of hard work invested in creating them. The messages of love and hope painted on them were heartfelt pleas for peace. Written in languages from all over the world, phrases like "Give Hope," "Never Again" and "God is Still Speaking" adorned the tents in bright hues. There was a personal, familial sentiment to some, such as one that read, "We're thinking of you."
On the outskirts of the Mall, several areas were set up to offer information on the cause and provide opportunities to donate. Featured was the Darfur Peace and Development Organization, a non-governmental, non-profit organization that sponsors 14 elementary schools in Darfur, supports a women's center and works to provide direct humanitarian aid.
Following the election, the nation was thriving with the energy of new hope. Along with many celebrations of the historical landmark, the country also saw a number of global messages. In today's interlaced world, the significance of one event is never limited to the country in which it occurs.
Since February 2003, the Darfur region in Sudan has been devastated by war and genocide, with African tribes being systematically destroyed by Arab militias supported by the Sudanese government. More than 400,000 lives have been claimed, and over two million people have been displaced.
During the weekend of Nov. 7, Tents of Hope, a community-based project that works to end the genocide in Darfur, held "The Gathering of the Tents" on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The event was the culmination of a year-long project in which groups, congregations and schools all over the world painted and decorated canvas refugee tents with messages of hope and peace for Darfur. The goal of Tents of Hope is to draw awareness to the genocide and to encourage support for the two and a half million displaced refugees in the region.
The dozens of tents gracing the National Mall were striking in their vibrant colors and the evident amount of hard work invested in creating them. The messages of love and hope painted on them were heartfelt pleas for peace. Written in languages from all over the world, phrases like "Give Hope," "Never Again" and "God is Still Speaking" adorned the tents in bright hues. There was a personal, familial sentiment to some, such as one that read, "We're thinking of you."
On the outskirts of the Mall, several areas were set up to offer information on the cause and provide opportunities to donate. Featured was the Darfur Peace and Development Organization, a non-governmental, non-profit organization that sponsors 14 elementary schools in Darfur, supports a women's center and works to provide direct humanitarian aid.
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