Tangible connections

In a big, cold world, it is difficult to remember the connections that bind us to one another. Today I treasured two reminders that the phrase "human family" is more than just a metaphor.

In an online search, I found this article and this other article about one of our main collaborators in Zimbabwe, Dr. Solomon Guramatunhu. The articles made me proud to know someone who has given selflessly of his phenomenal abilities in order to restore sight to so many. Cultures in Harmony is privileged to have presented a benefit concert for Dr. Guramatunhu's non-profit, Eyes for Africa. Proceeds from that concert restored sight to 145 people.

Also today, I enjoyed a lengthy phone call with our chief contact in Papua New Guinea, a man with whom I am planning our project there. He has done an incredible amount of work to arrange our workshops, which will promote the causes of conservation, AIDS awareness, and cultural preservation through the medium of music. The workshops will also bolster America's image in a country only recently entering the global community, and any look at the news will remind you that we need all the friends we can get!

American multinational corporations have exploited Papua New Guinea's vast mineral resources, a fact that has understandably created a lot of resentment, demonstrated most recently when the Papua delegate in Bali boldly challenged the American team on environmental leadership. Given the U.S. record in their country, it would be understandable if Papuans concluded that Americans do not care about the environment in Papua New Guinea.

We are going to Papua New Guinea to show that we do care. As individual musicians, we cannot undo the actions of giant mining companies, but we will speak up to assure Papuans that Americans stand with the exploited against the exploiters.

To support our work in Papua New Guinea, click here. The people of Papua New Guinea and Zimbabwe are not as far away as you might think.