This project originated with the letters of Leslie Michael, a Peace Corps volunteer in Namibia to Jerry Breger in Columbia. Leslie is a retired school teacher who joined the Peace Corps last autumn and was assigned to Namibia in December. Jerry is an emeritus professor of economics at USC. Leslie's letters described this barren and impoverished country called Namibia and the immense challenge the Peace Corps faces to educate its children and to spur development there. Namibia is a new country in West Africa, founded in 1990 and struggling with the basics of development: economic, social, political, medical, and educational. Leslie reports that education is a bright spot in the development picture. Students and teachers are willing to work hard for long hours with few resources, and progress is good.
Recreational opportunities in Namibia, like all else, are scarce. There is no TV. Peace Corps volunteers rely mainly on DVDs, always in short supply. An exchange of E-mails determined that the volunteers would welcome DVDs from Columbia, and they would not only be used for recreational purposes, but to enrich the school curriculum where suitable and to reward students for special achievement. Jerry drafted a project proposal for Beth Shalom Synagogue to provide DVDs for the Peace Corps volunteers either by contributions or purchase. The proposal was approved and the project is now underway.
In accordance with the Talmudic concept of Tikkkun Olom, repairing the world, this is a most worthy endeavor. Beth Shalom is happy to commit to it and welcomes the cooperation of any other organization or individual who wishes to participate in this cause.
Please put the DVDs (new or used) you wish to contribute in the box in the foyer by the office.
The highest order of charity –
The greatest mitzvah –
Is to give to those in need we do not know.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
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