An audience of Cristo Rey sophomores and staff and Project Redwood partners listen to Deo speak about his life experiences
On Friday May 1st, 100 neatly dressed students at Cristo Rey New York High School (CRNYHS) in Harlem gathered in their assembly hall for a special event bringing together two of Project Redwood’s current year grantee organizations. Earlier in the year the two co-sponsors of Cristo Rey, a first time grantee, had donated copies of Tracy Kidder’s book, The Strength in What Remains, to the school so the class could read about the inspiring life of Deogratias Niyizonkiza, profiled in the Kidder story and Founder/CEO of Village Health Works (VHW), a four year grantee of Project Redwood.
Project Redwood was represented by several partners – Ken Inadomi, Rich and Julie Jerdonek, Jim Lavin, Amy Minella, Susan Miller and Rick and Joan Agresta. In his introduction, Ken explained to the kids that Deo had arrived at JFK from Burundi with three strikes against him – no money, no friends and no English language facility. When Deo took the stage, he immediately made a connection with the students as he related the tale of his survival during the genocide in his home country, homelessness in the very same New York City neighborhood of the school, and eventual success at educating himself in order to return to Burundi to found Village Health Works. He intertwined his story with a call to action for the students to leverage their good fortune of having found their way to Cristo Rey New York High School with a responsibility to a lifetime of helping others in need. It was remarkable to hear someone who overcame so much suffering himself, challenge young men and women, who came from some of the poorest communities and families in New York City, to focus their energy not just on themselves but also on those they could help.
Deo was moved by the students, during the Question and Answer session that followed, to share his experience and hopes in an even deeper, more personal way. The school principal told us afterwards that this was a day that would stay in the minds and hearts of the students for the rest of their lives.
We were struck by the maturity of the students, the care and professional excellence of the Cristo Rey staff, and the impact of their model. Friday was the day the seniors had to decide on their college attendance – the lineup of top quality schools posted on the school bulletin board was impressive. We also met with one of the 11 students that benefited directly from our grant and were impressed, and touched, by her confident manner and ability to express herself, looking us directly in the eye while sharing with us her progress as a Cristo Rey freshman.
Thanks to all who attended and to all our Project Redwood partners for enabling these two organizations, very different in structure, yet similar in their mission to fight extreme poverty, to come together and enrich each other, and us, in the process.
Lunch prior to the event with Joseph Parkes S.J., President of Cristo Rey New York High School
Discussion prior to the event
Deo answering a question from the audience.
Deo listening to a student question posed by Sister Jude Biank, English Department Chair.
Class officers and Project Redwood attendees after the event.