Mizero children ‘Forgiveness Tour’ in North America a success so far

For the first time, on December 19, 2008, Mizero children of Rwanda ‘Forgiveness Tour’ set off for the U.S.A to perform. The tour according to the organisation’s founder and Chief Executive Officer, Jean Paul Samputu, is a success so far. Samputu told the Sunday Times that the group’s use of art combined with the message of forgiveness is to help young people heal from their past wounds and resentment that came as a result of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. “While many organisations are helping Rwanda to heal from the 1994 Genocide, few have addressed the issue of cultural brokenness,” Samputu observes, adding, “ My vision for Mizero is to build, bring and spread hope to Rwandan children through our traditional dance.” He further said that he is working toward a generation that is free from hatred, bitterness and the spirit of revenge. “It is my target and great desire to mould and help children discover the power of forgiveness,” Samputu said. He also revealed that children who partake in this ‘Forgiveness Tour’ are between the age of 11 and 18 years. “We strictly get children who are underprivileged, from child headed families and genocide survivors,” Samputu said. According to Samputu, the tour is not only about spreading the message of peace, love, unity, and forgiveness, children also have time to tour educative and entertaining places. “Children walk out from this tour with a smile and a story to tell,” he says with a smile. He also revealed that the troupe will return to Kigali on January, 25, 2009 and that another group of young cultural and peace ambassadors comprised of 14 children will early April 2009 also go to the USA and Canada to spread the gospel of peace, hope and forgiveness. Ends