Heroes

Michael Jeser, Executive Director of JWW, is traveling with four other JWW delegates in Congo’s eastern provinces. They will work with survivors of the country’s decades-long conflict, which has claimed nearly six millions lives. They will meet with JWW’s partners on the ground, with whom JWW works to create innovative programs and projects that change lives and transform communities.

“>BVES, which operates transit centers for former child soldiers.  His name means “one who was born into war and comes to the rescue of others.”

JWW is funding an expansion of his project; he wanted to show his gratitude by joining us for conversation over dinner.  He shared some of his life story as an outspoken advocate for children's welfare in Congo.  In the late 1990s, he was arrested and sentenced to death after going on the radio calling on the army and militias to stop recruiting young boys and girls to serve as child soldiers. He knew that there were risks to speaking out, but recognized his calling to protect children and could not stand idly by while children were being forced into the army. In jail, Dr. Namegabe came face to face with his executioner. The man looked at him and asked, “Professor?”  He had recognized Dr. Namegabe as the ONLY teacher in his school who had stood up for him when he was being bullied as a child.  The executioner became Dr. Namegabe’s rescuer, convincing the other soldiers not to harm him.   He took Dr. Namegabe to his own home to keep him safe, saving his life.

Dr. Namegabe’s positive impact on others did not end after coming so close to death.  Today, as head of BVES, he works towards the demobilization and rehabilitation of former child soldiers and sex slaves. Dr. Namegabe has been involved with the release negotiations of as many as 50,000 former child soldiers in Congo, 15,000 of whom have participated in BVES programs.  He travels to the jungle and negotiates directly with commanders of the army and armed groups.

We were grateful to meet with some those rescued former child soldiers, both boys and girls, currently living in BVES transit centers. We met a young woman who was kidnapped, raped, and traumatized by an armed group before being rescued by Dr. Namegabe.  As she told us her story, she held her beautiful 2 year old baby (born of rape) in her arms and shared with us that because of BVES, she now has a future and a life.  She feels safe and protected.  She is grateful and has hope.

We then visited the land on which the new BVES facility, funded by JWW, will begin construction this fall.  As we looked out over the beautiful landscape in this stunning country, I felt great pride knowing that JWW is helping to make Dr. Namegabe’s dream – to one day open up a Center where the children will be safe and supported –  become a reality.

There are many heroes here;  the children who are overcoming horrific trauma, the older teens and young adults who share their strength with the younger ones by training them with skills to make an income, the workers who support and embrace the participants of our programs, and of course the visionary leaders who are changing Congo's future.

As we welcomed Shabbat together with one of my newest heroes, Dr. Namegabe asked us to make sure that we share our optimism with our community back home.  After bearing witness to the lives he has saved, and hearing about those he is building, how could we not?