The article opens with the brief story of Adam, a seventeen year old runaway. He is from Darfur, Sudan and left because his village was attacked. He had been running for four years already when he was arrested in Israel for crossing the border. He was brought to the attention of Dr. Chaim Peri, the director of Yemin Orde Youth Village. Dr. Peri says he believes ‘all children who reach the shores of Israel’ is his business. For 54 years Yemin Orde has provided homes and futures to abandoned and at-risk children from around the world. There are currently 500 residents from about 20 countries in the village with similar stories. Yemin Orde is a 77 acre village describe as ‘an oasis of tranquility, a vital ingredient in the healing of children scarred by years of conflict and abuse.’ Children as young as the age of five through the age of 19, some beyond are provided a safe place to live, education and a chance to develop life skills. Dr. Peri says kids are not forced to leave the village because they are like family. It is seen a community in which former residents are always welcome. Some come back and get married, some come by to visit and some stay and mentor. ‘It’s as international a community as there can be.’ says Dr. Peri. He states that the only expectation for the children is to give back. When speaking of tensions concerning the northern border Dr. Peri says the village tries to give a sense of security but reality is constant. A similar village is being build in Rwanda where genocide is rampant.
While reading this article I was touched because of the obvious genorosity someone could think to give to someone else. I feel that is it very important to give an outlet or safehaven for youth because without them, life would cease. Most young people that are not given a chance could be very brilliant and no one will ever find out because that chance was taken away from them. I think villages and opportunities should be put into all over the world because it is a positive movement.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7016176.stm
No comments:
Post a Comment