Ten thousand reasons to support Caritas programs in Africa
Document Type
Media Release
Publication Date
Winter 22-8-2011
Publisher Name
The University of Notre Dame, Fremantle Campus
Publication Place
Fremantle
Abstract
A journalism and social justice student from The University of Notre Dame Australia’s (UNDA) Fremantle Campus is aiming to raise $10,000 for rehabilitation programs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) which support survivors of sexual violence.
From June this year, 29-year-old student Isabelle Jose has been working tirelessly, with support from Caritas Australia and UNDA, to raise awareness about the systematic kidnapping, raping and mutilating of women and girls by local and foreign militias in the DRC.
The 2008 multi-award winning documentary, The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo, directed by former gang rape victim Lisa F. Jackson, will be screened at the Tannock Hall of Education in Fremantle on Saturday, 3 September 2011.
Throughout the movie, Ms Jackson speaks with victims of sexual violence to hear their remarkable stories of survival, as well as some of the perpetrators of these crimes.
Prior to the film’s screening there will be a special video recording from Caritas Australia Africa Program Officer, Lulu Mitshabu, about the organisation’s work in the DRC.
Ms Jose, who is hoping to complete a photo journalism project in the DRC next year, says the funds raised will help to mitigate cases of HIV and AIDS in the large African community, and assist with trauma counselling and medical aid for rape victims.
Funds raised will also be used to cover the reintegration of child soldiers into a non-violent lifestyle.
“I feel that the movie screening will generate more awareness about the atrocities going on in central Africa,” Ms Jose said.
“The biggest realisation I’ve had through the fundraising process is that you cannot save the world, but you can help the people who are experiencing this hurt right now.
“I’m really hoping to raise the full $10,000 and if anyone would like to contribute funds to the cause, it would be really appreciated.”
Event Details Date: Saturday, 3 September 2011 Location: Tannock Hall of Education – Cnr Croke and Cliff Streets, Fremantle. Time: Doors open at 6.30pm Cost: $10 per ticket payable to online donation site: http://my.caritasfundraising.org.au/Congo More information: Call Isabelle on 0404 667 896 for ticket and payment confirmations.
MEDIA CONTACT: Leigh Dawson, Tel (08) 9433 0569, Mob 0405 441 093
Recommended Citation
Dawson, Leigh, "Ten thousand reasons to support Caritas programs in Africa" (2011). Media Release Archive. 292.
https://researchonline.nd.edu.au/media_release/292