RWANDA and BEYOND ADRA Canada's World Focus Weekend

March 5-7, 2009 ADRA Canada is hosting RWANDA and BEYOND with presentations focusing on the effect the 1994 Rwanda genocide continues to have on our view of human atrocities, international policy, poverty, racism, conflict resolution, and related issues.

Rwanda and Beyond will feature two very special speakers: Lt. Gen. (Ret) Roméo Dallaire, Commander of UN forces in Rwanda, and Carl Wilkens, former ADRA Rwanda Director.

RWANDA and BEYOND is an excellent opportunity for you to invite your neighbours and co-workers to learn more about the work of ADRA Canada while listening to motivating and inspiring speakers.

For more information, visit www.rwandaandbeyond.com

"If there is a Canadian identity, Dallaire may have much to teach us about it. If our ideals are about equitable use of power, about consensus, about compassion, about confronting racism and about just doing our somewhat insecure community-minded best, no matter what, then Dallaire may embody our nation more than any other Canadian today."- Charlottetown Guardian

"Your testimony was incredibly moving and also inspiring, which is important because so many in the large audience are working to build the world that you envision, one where all human beings are equal and their lives have equal value." - United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

"No matter how idealistic the aim sounds, this new century must become the Century of Humanity; when we as human beings rise above race, creed, colour, and national self interest and put the good of humanity above the good of our own tribe." - Roméo Dallaire

"Carl (Wilkens) has the heart of a true humanitarian. This single individual, acting on his own, made the decision to stay, without a gun, with no weapon with which to defend himself but his inner strength. This is true proof of his bravery. This needs to be strongly emphasized." -- Damas Mutenzitare Gisimba

"In a way I don't quite understand it myself. He said: 'I can't leave Rwanda. I'm staying with them. If they die, I die with them'. Carl had nothing to gain by what he did. Yet he offered us his life. He's a hero, a true hero. I wouldn't know what he deserves as a reward." -- Thomas Kayumba

"He did not act as he did in order to be seen later as a hero, but out of an extreme humanitarian love that made him forget about himself. Normally, as human beings, we tend to try and shield ourselves from danger. But to go as far as he did and to reach a point that you forget about yourself, that is not common. I'd say, as a Christian, that it might not even be human." - Emmanuel Niyindorera