Wednesday, October 15 2008

In my seven years of covering conflict around the world, I've learned that sometimes it's not enough to just observe and report--you have to act.

For all the nobility I believe there is in telling other people's stories--there are moments when you have to be a human being first and surrender to compassion.

That's why I support the efforts of my friend and former interpreter in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Amani Mataboro and his efforts to assist the victims of sexual-based violence in his country.

When I first worked with Amani on a story about victims of rape in the Congo, I was struck by his deference and compassion toward the women we interviewed. He was not just interpreting their words, but being emotionally faithful to them--his sense of understanding and empathy also helped the women to maintain their dignity through the retelling of their darkest moments.

I've organized a small group of volunteers, including the remarkable Aaron Matthews of LANFusion who created and designed this site, to help Amani do the work he has so selflessly dedicated himself to. I hope you will bookmark Kiva.org and visit often to learn about the lives of those involved in the Kivu Sewing Workshop and how, like me, you can also stop being an observer and act. Thank you.