Dictionary.com defines reconciliation as 1. “An act of reconciling or the state of being reconciled, and 2. “The process of making consistent or compatible.”
As stated in my previous post, this week Furman’s own organization, Africa Rising, has sponsored “Reconciliation Week.” Throughout the week Africa Rising has sponsored different activities such as showing the movie Hotel Rwanda, bringing in guest speakers, and setting up booths designed to show Furman students what reconciliation looks like in African countries, the United States and in their own lives. I interviewed a handful of students and asked them what reconciliation means to them, and how small philanthropy groups and organizations such as Africa Rising influence and impact larger organizations and help create a more connected and global world. Below are some of the most interesting responses:
“Reconciliation is very important to me and small groups such as Africa Rising can work together with other small groups who have similar passions with hope for rebuilding torn countries at a faster pace.” –Libby Wallin
“Reconciliation is essential because without compromise nothing in the world would get accomplished. We would not come to any conclusions, because everyone would be fighting for their own agendas. For the betterment of mankind we need reconciliation, and Africa Rising has done a great job here on campus showing the student body how differences can be reconciled throughout the world and in our own lives.” –Jake Ogle
Small groups and organizations such as Africa Rising do many great things in order to benefit the world at large. Reconciliation among countries is just one step in creating a more connected and global world in terms of poverty, diseases such as HIV/Aids, and starvation.
