[Staff] JEAN BOSCO UPDATE

[rebecca at tassc.org]

Hello Staff!

Here's an update (via Steve France) about everyone's favorite Burundian.
It's a fun update, not that anyone is surprised as to what he's up to...
I'm going to try to extricate a letter from him to be read at the Vigil.
Wish me luck!

Becky



>From Redeemer bulletin this week: John-Bosco Is Making It Happen (with
God’s help)

Good news from our friend and fellow in Burundi, Jean-Bosco Hakizimana,
and his
Hope for Burundi project.

Listening in on recent emails to and from John’s colleagues at Trees for the
Future in Silver Spring, we get glimpses of great progress in his
reforestation
work, both on the ground and under the ground (e.g., leveling earth to
make way
for 150,000 plants; a big cow manure mixing program for June; building of
“live
fencing,” etc.) and among the local people. He has used the financial
support of
Redeemer and other friends to hire seven temporary employees and one
full-time
watchman.

Using his own extraordinary energy, burning faith and sparkling
personality he
is lining up crucial support. He will lead an upcoming training for 20
hand-picked trainees, with the help of three facilitators and the Ruyigi Red
Cross (for transportation). The local district will assist with security.
He has
lined up the governors of Ruyigi Province and Cankuzo Province, along with
other
dignitaries, and six local NGOs for the closing ceremony.

It would be wonderful to be there for the part of the program where “John
Bosco
Hakizimana will close by thanking all the participants and officials for
their
courage in taking this first important step in a long challenging journey
for a
better future for Burundi and  Great Lakes region [of central Africa].”

John will be submitting more detailed information to the outreach
committee and
the vestry this summer in preparation for a planned new fundraising
campaign in
September.