Congo Benefit Project

We are currently seniors in the Integrated Global Studies School program at New Trier High School and as part of our end of the year project; we will be hosting an event on May 8, 2012 at 7:00 pm to raise awareness about the issue of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. All proceeds will go to the non-profit organization, COPERMA, which is based in the Congo and directly benefits the victims.

From the COPERMA website:

"Out of the city of Butembo in North Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, COPERMA (an organization of farmer-businessmen organized for the betterment of society), has established several support centers to help young victims of the on-going war.  Most of the victims are young girls who have suffered the horror of rape;  many, as young as twelve, and have had a baby as a result. They are frequently rejected by their families and society, or are orphaned as a result of the violence, and are left to fend for themselves.  The children are refused access to basic education and are exposed to further exploitation by society and poverty."

 For this event, guest blogger for the New York Times, rape crisis counselor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, speaker and activist, Amy Ernst, will join us at New Trier High School to give a presentation on the current crisis in the Congo. After her presentation, there will be time for a Q&A session with Ms. Ernst.

In addition to Ms. Ernst’s presentation, we will also hold a screening of the documentary, The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo, which examines the debilitating situation in the country.

Along with our guest speaker and screening of the film, we will be providing beverages and hors d’oeuvres and there will be additional merchandise for purchase.

We recommend a $10 donation to benefit women and girls in the Congo.

Again, this event is taking place at New Trier High School (East Campus) in the EPI Center at 7:00 pm.

To read more about the issue, visit Amy Ernst’s blog, thekingeffect.blogspot.com/ or http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/author/amy-ernst/

Don't miss this unique opportunity.

Thank you,

Ellen Naughton & Nora Grubb

Seniors, Integrated Global Studies School

For more information or questions, email us at congobenefitproject@gmail.com