NPHC steps it up for international issues

By KEIGHTLEY WITTICH
Collegian Staff Writer

By stomping and chanting in a Feb. 22 step show at Juniata College, the National Pan-Hellenic Council raised money to help students in Rwanda and Burundi and to increase community awareness about international conflicts in those countries.

Four NPHC sororities and two NPHC fraternities participated in the step show, which earned $500 for the council to donate to charity. NPHC members decided to donate half of the money to the Rwanda/Burundi Education Fund (RBEF), which they presented to RBEF Chairwoman Judi Wakhungu yesterday. Habitat for Humanity received the other $250.

RBEF is a program, in conjunction with the Rwanda/Burundi Education Project, to produce public lectures on the conflicts in Rwanda and Burundi, support educational institutions and students, and examine effective ways in which the government and RBEF can help people in those countries.

While the fund gives direct support to students to provide for basic survival, the project is more administrative, aiming to sustain the University of Rwanda and the University of Burundi.

"The project is long term," Wakhungu said. "It's really quite complicated. The fund is really to help the people who have been displaced. We're highlighting the education aspect."

Wakhungu said NPHC members did not hesitate in their support of RBEF.

"The response was immediate," she said. "We were overwhelmed by the support."

Mia Jones (sophomore-science) from Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, 4 Bigler Hall, said members of her sorority were immediately sure they wanted to participate.

"It's definitely a good cause," she said. "The fund really needs the money. There was no doubt in any of our minds that our sorority would do it."

REBF has also approached other groups -- such as the Interfraternity Council and the Science, Technology and Society Interest House -- to gain support and financial assistance.

The NOMMO Performing Arts Company is also supporting RBEF by performing April 22 at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center and giving ticket money to the fund.

NPHC Co-President Alain LaFontant said he hopes the council can donate to RBEF again in the future.

"If we can get another charity step show, we will probably split the funds again and contribute," he said.

Questions and individual contributions should be directed to Wakhungu at 867-1553. Wakhungu stressed that no amount of money is too small.

"People should not feel like they can't give enough," she said. "Any amount is acceptable and will be highly appreciated. It will be put to good use."