The Film and Social Club were pleased to welcome Heather Thomas, a member of Peak Methodist Church, Bakewell, who came to talk about her work with The Goboka Rwanda Trust. Heather has recently returned from a trip to Rwanda.
Back in 2007, whilst visiting friends in the West Midlands, a God-incidence led Heather to meet with Rev'd John Howard, who was looking for someone with youth group connections to visit Rwanda. Heather was, at that time, a youth leader back in Bakewell. The conversations that took place during that meeting took Heather on a journey that has led her to setting up The Goboka Rwanda Trust. The Trust works with people in Rwanda to help provide sustainable solutions to enable communities to free themselves from poverty whilst addressing the continued trauma of the 1994 genocide that killed over 800,00 people.
An hour soon past as we heard Heather give account of truly moving stories. Some held trauma as we learnt about the genocide. Others, through the work of the Trust, told of moving accounts where the people had had their lives changed. The provision of livestock, of education, of learning new skills, have all led to community shared growth in healthier, more secure living, as well as a grown cohesion which, as Heather says, has taken away tribal divisions.
Heather brought with her some of the items produced by one of the sewing schools that the Trust has set up. The goods, which were for sale, can be seen in this photograph.
In the space of an hour, Heather's talk deepened compassion in all our hearts for those less fortunate than ourselves and made us think how we too might be able to help others. On this occasion we are pleased to report that we were able to raise £145.00 for the charity.
Heather is always willing to travel to share the story of The Goboka Rwanda Trust. If you would like to know more simply go to the website or contact Heather directly.
Contact: Heather Thomas
Tel: 01629 813824
Mobile: 07974 133091
Email: hetherthmas1@hotmail.co.uk
Website: www.thegobokarwandatrust.co.uk