Rwandan orphans spread hope

By Rachel Dorrell

A troupe of 12 children orphaned by the Rwandan genocide came to pass their message of hope through singing, dancing and smiling.

The Mizero Troupe gave their performance, marking the 34th event of International Week, in Packer Chapel Thursday.

"We had the kids come to demonstrate that kids who have been through so much, like genocide, can still dance, sing and smile," said Dr. Bill Hunter, director of the Global Union. "There's still hope.

"Jackie Tice, a local singer-songwriter who arranged for the children to perform, said the effects of the genocide remain.

"Although the genocide is over there, the effects are still being felt by many, including these children, who are mostly orphans, relying on the kindness of others to reorder their lives to some substance of dignity," Tice said.