News and Events : News 04-05

Press Release

NMH Amnesty To Hold Peace Vigil on Behalf of Durfar

September 20, 2004

NORTHFIELD, Mass.—On Tuesday, September 21, NMH students will hold a candlelight vigil on behalf of peace in Darfur, Sudan. The vigil, arranged by the NMH chapter of Amnesty International, will take place at 6:45 p.m. at Inman Shelter on the Northfield campus.
The vigil marks the opening of a ten-week, schoolwide campaign of education and action concerning the Durfar conflict. Seniors Heather Day and Amanda Santos, cochairs of NMH Amnesty, are coordinating the school’s campaign. Assistant to the chaplain Patty Johnson serves as faculty advisor.
According to Amnesty International, more than 50,000 people are believed to have lost their lives since conflict erupted in the Darfur region in February 2003. There have been systematic human rights abuses, included killing, torture, rape, and looting, and the conflict has displaced over one million civilians.
NMH students have a long-standing tradition of social and environmental activism. Their projects within the last year include sponsoring a homeless shelter benefit, helping to build Habitat for Humanity houses, volunteering at a local battered women’s shelter, holding a homeless candlelight vigil, working for United Way, and cleaning the banks of the Connecticut River.
 

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