TPRF Real Stories

Matt Altman is a volunteer who helps TPRF with strategic planning and development. This is his first-hand account of the events surrounding Prem Rawat’s recent visit to Ecuador.

I recently had the opportunity to travel to Ecuador to attend an event for the official launch of the Peace Education Program in South America, along with the public event in Peguche-Otavalo. The phrase “You Can Achieve Anything with Peace” provided a central theme for the two events.

A group of students in Otavalo, Ecuador shouted, “You can achieve anything with peace, you don’t need to be in a gang,” as they walked down the street to attend an event with Prem Rawat.

The official launch of the Peace Education Program in South America has generated tremendous excitement and enthusiasm in the Imbabura Province in Northern Ecuador for the work that Prem Rawat is doing to help make peace possible for every human being.  As one of the many things done to honor and commemorate the message of peace, the Kichwa tribe made a beautiful custom mural that reads, “Peace is already here and resides in the hearts of all human beings.”

There was much anticipation and respect for Prem Rawat and his message leading up to the public event in Peguche-Otavalo. In the surrounding towns, I saw flyers on the counters in the shops and posters in the windows.  I heard people talking about the event and observed them engaged to support the possibility of peace.

An outdoor stadium nestled up to mountains in Peguche overlooking the town of Otavalo provided an ideal setting for the event. As the event began, a gentle rain touched us all, but our attention remained on Prem Rawat’s address. I felt the audience was held captive by the stories Prem Rawat told, the wisdom he shared, and a deeper awareness of just being alive.

The time I spent in Ecuador was enriching, humbling, and an experience of a lifetime.  It was my first visit to the country and it moved me to see the effort of the people in honoring the planet along with advancing the understanding that peace is a fundamental human need. There is a real passion and hope for peace with the people.  I left with the feeling that the people of Ecuador are focused on lighting their candle and shining brightly to be an example for the world to see.

Alex Wiredu has undertaken the fascinating task of learning about the history and daily lives of the people served by the Food for People program that opened in Otinibi, Ghana on May 15, 2012, almost one year ago. Alex’s co-worker, Francis, is a photographer who has documented the development of FFP in Otinibi since the acquisition of the land it is built on. Soon a film crew will go to work to interview participants in FFP, or the Canteen as it is known locally. What follows is only the beginning of an ongoing story.

Francis and I went to the village again on May 7, to further look into which people to interview and to build their confidence to face the cameras. When we arrived at the facility, around 11:00 am, the cooks were preparing “banku,” a local food made from cooked fermented corn and cassava dough, served with the main meal.

We proceeded to the house of a 94-year-old man, Dorfur Tetteh, to find out how he was doing. As we came to his house, we saw him sitting under a huge baobab tree enjoying the mid-morning breeze. He offered us chairs, and soon we were deep in conversation. We didn’t know that he was the chief priest of the village until he told his story and, along with it, the story of how Otinibi came into existence.

Francis asked where the first people to live in Otinibi came from, and Dorfur began his story. “We have six clans forming the Ga tribe: Osu, La, Ga, Teshie, Nungua, and Tema. All these clans lived along the coast of the present day Accra, and their main occupation was fishing.

Being fed up and tired of always having fish as their main meal, compounded with petty squabbles that were going on, a group of three men and a woman decided to move inland. These were their names: Adjei Kweigyanmansa, Sowah Okumose, Nii Ayi Ampah, and their sister, Atwe. They were fishermen who needed a change.

They kept moving inland for months, roaming through the thickets. In time they discovered a natural pond, if not a small lake. Knowing water was key to their survival, they pitched their camp close to the lake on land that is called Otinibi today.

Because the lake never dried up even in the harmattan (dry wind) season, it was perceived to be a god. They worshiped it, as it became the source of their livelihood. Sowah and Kweigyanmansa shared the chieftaincy position. Nii Ayi Ampah became the first chief priest, and I am third of that lineage. That is why I had the authority to advise our immediate past chief, who has recently passed on, to offer the land for the facility.

And so we asked how they came by the name “Otinibi.” Dorfur explained, “When the four first arrived at the lake, there was an adjacent hill that was so bare that they called it eti a eni nwin, which means “a head without hair.” Over time the name has been corrupted to become Otinibi.”

When asked what kind of work the people did after settling, he replied, “Farming, of course. We cultivated maize, yam, cocoyam, plantain, and other vegetable crops. On market day we would exchange our crops for fish and other commodities.”

When asked how people work today, there was a certain sadness expressed. “It is a pity what modernity has done to us. In the old times you could eat at your neighbor’s hut without any problem, but today people are so greedy they do not even share with their neighbors. If they do, with the least provocation, they will use it to insult you. That is why I am very happy that this canteen is situated in my village. There you can eat in peace without thinking of any consequences.

“We are very happy to have this canteen in this village. The beauty it has brought to this village words cannot express.”

Photos by Francis Ahore

Path to the Lake

PEP Manager Sherry Weinstein shares an interesting story about the introduction of the Peace Education Program at San Quentin State Prison in California.

This is a story about not giving up and showing your humanity.

There is a nurse named Sue Patrick, who has worked at San Quentin State Prison for over 20 years.

Fifteen years ago, she began listening to Prem Rawat’s talks, and ever since then, she and her friend, Carole Diaz, have wanted to bring Prem Rawat’s message of peace to the inmates—and they have.

In 2007, the “Words of Peace” series was approved by the Director of Education at San Quentin for broadcast on SQTV, the closed-circuit TV station at the prison. When the new prison library opened, Sue donated copies of “Peace is Possible,” a biography of Prem Rawat, and ADI magazines, featuring excerpts of his international addresses. In 2011, Sue and Carole donated two new Hitachi external hard drives to SQTV, to upgrade the TV station’s equipment.

San Quentin is the oldest prison in California with 5,000 inmates, and most have a TV in their cells. 700 inmates are on Death Row, and the rest are “Lifers.”

Carole, who I know and appreciate so much, called me about a year ago, because she and Sue wanted to do a PEP program at the prison. They formed a team including Ted Wright and Rik Penn as facilitators.

Sue and Sherry

Meanwhile, the prison newspaper, San Quentin News, staffed entirely by inmates with an outside advisor or two, wanted to interview Sue. She is loved by all because she genuinely cares about everyone and treats each person with so much respect. Instead of the interview with Sue, the team formed a strategy and made an alternative proposal.

“I have someone better to interview—the Peace Education Program Manager,” Sue said. The idea was to have me do the newspaper interview, have the paper write about PEP and announce an introductory program in the large chapel/auditorium, where inmates could come and sign up.

It took about 6 months, but I finally got clearance to go. With very little notice, the prison gave us a date for the program—February 22, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. The team flew me up the night before. We had a great meeting about PEP, and they put me up in a nice hotel near San Quentin, which ironically is situated in a beautiful spot surrounded by water.

The next morning, we met Sue at the prison at 8:30 am. Carole waited outside, and Sue escorted me first past a guard, then through some buildings to the courtyard, through the middle of a court where a lot of guys were playing basketball (everyone stopped to say hi to Sue), and then down to a trailer where the newspaper people were gathered to do the interview. I expected about two or three guys sitting across from me. Instead, I encountered the entire Journalism Guild, about 25 men and one woman, who is an outside advisor to the newspaper.

A podium and microphone had been set up for me, and a crew filmed the interview for TV. I spoke about PEP—really spoke from my heart—about the program and the way Prem Rawat sees the beauty and value of each person, mentioning his visits to various prison facilities.

The journalists were writing everything down! When I mentioned the 10 themes, they asked me to say them slowly, so they could get all of them… Peace, appreciation, inner-strength. As I was speaking, the guys were smiling, nodding their heads, totally focused, soaking it up.

Then, at one point, the writers were told they could ask questions, and so many hands went up. The Assistant Editor stood up and started calling on people. They asked me how I initially got involved, how Prem Rawat started doing this, how it was different from a religion, how Prem Rawat’s message was different from Deepak Chopra, how it compared to Ifa—an ancient West African philosophy celebrating the energy of life that is within everyone.

At the end, after someone asked a question about religion, an older, respected man sitting on the side spoke up and said, “I have read articles by Prem Rawat, and I can tell you, this is not a religion. This man is very inspiring!”

Then it was over. Most of the people left and the advisor and the Assistant Editor both thanked me heartily for coming. They said they were very interested in having the Peace Education Program at San Quentin, that they were cutting down on seminars that all seemed alike, but wanted to launch a new project and wanted PEP to be part of it. They asked if I could come back later in March and talk with a group launching it. I mentioned Sue and the team, but they wanted me to come, and took my card.

As I was walking away with Sue, feeling totally transformed by these people, a young man who had been in the front row came up to me. He asked if we could get Prem Rawat to come for the May 11th Peace Day, an annual tradition at the prison, with speakers and a lot of promotion.

When I said his schedule was full already, but maybe next year, if there was a Peace Education Program and people appreciated his message, the young man responded, “I’m going to work on that, getting the program here and getting Prem Rawat to come and speak with us next year! I’m going to make it happen.”

Then I asked him if I could write down a question he had asked during the interview, and he repeated it:

“Would you say that it is an accurate summary of what you said about the difference between religion and what Prem Rawat offers is that religion prescribes a way of living and gives precepts, while with these teachings of Prem Rawat, you learn who you are, and from that wisdom, you can show yourself how to live?”

I couldn’t agree more.

Since then, word went around the prison about PEP, and now 120 inmates have signed up for the class, even before the article has come out in the newspaper (expected sometime in April).

San Quentin News Staff

TPRF volunteer Lisa Rossetti recently fulfilled a lifetime ambition of returning to her childhood home in Ghana. She shares her moving story with us in this week’s post.

I was a colonial child, brought up in the Gold Coast in the early 50’s. We lived in the British colonial quarter on the outskirts of Accra. (I have pieced this together from correspondence and memory, as there were no postal addresses in those days.) I remember painting the Flag of Independence at my school, proud and excited.  Innocently, I believed Ghana to be my home and my nation.

Lisa Age Seven

In March 1957, my father took me for a walk down Independence Avenue. The newly-built white arch and star gleamed in the early morning sun. Tall flagpoles topped with golden eagles lined the long road. The country was preparing for vast celebrations and tribal gatherings as Ghana reclaimed its independence from Great Britain. Just five months later, we were boarding the plane back to England. We were leaving for good.

My parents made new lives for themselves in England. My mother put a few mementos around the house; some Ashanti gold weights, a carved wooden stool, some woven place mats, and an African mask on the wall. We never went back.

Then in 2009, I discovered a story I’d once written about that mask. I unearthed a box containing letters as well as some black and white photographs of our house in Accra. Vivid images and memories of my childhood began to rise to the surface. I experienced a deep desire to return to Ghana. But the journey seemed impossible somehow. Ghana was too out of reach financially, too far away in time and place.

A couple of years later, I became a volunteer for The Prem Rawat Foundation. I followed avidly the development of the new Food for People facility near Accra. I offered to write an article about the centre if the opportunity arose.

Then the chance finally came. In November 2012, my husband had some work with Words of Peace Global in West Africa, and he offered to pay for me to travel with him. We planned to attend a conference with Prem Rawat in Accra and also to visit the TPRF Food for People centre in Otinibi. I was both overjoyed and scared. What if I found Accra changed beyond all recognition?  What if I had no connection whatsoever with the people?

Landing at Kotoka airport, walking down the steps from the plane, I am standing on Ghanaian soil for the first time in 55 years. The airport is much bigger than I remember!  But the sounds and smells, the pungent aroma of fruit and dust, are somehow so familiar.

On a hot and humid morning, we drive out of Accra to the Food for People center in Otinibi. Colorful stalls line the roadside. Street vendors are everywhere, hawking tea-towels, iced water, nuts, scouring sponges, CDs, magazines, slices of coconut.

Once we turn off onto the bumpy track to Otinibi, the memories come flooding back again. Over there is the same skinny chicken scratching in the dust, the tiny scrap of shade under a spindly tree, ramshackle buildings roofed with corrugated iron. Poverty is still here.

We arrive at the center. I am struck by its simplicity.  Inside all is order and cleanliness, with rows of tables and fans overhead. The Center Manager welcomes us. She takes me for a tour of the kitchens, the vast pots, huge mounds of yams, and the vegetable garden.  I tell her my tale: “I used to live here in Accra as a child.” She looks me in the eye and smiles. “Welcome home,” she says. I have tears in my eyes.

Then the day of the event arrives. I have a guest to invite—a young artist who is exhibiting his paintings in my hotel. The foyer is packed with a throng of people, many in their local dress, a swirl of bright colors and happy voices.

When Prem Rawat takes the stage, the hall explodes with delight. The entire audience rises to its feet, waving white pieces of cloth in a traditional welcome. There is laughter and rapt attention. He tells us that we are more related to the sun, moon and stars than to our father, uncles or aunts. I am so moved to be sitting here in Accra, listening to his words of peace and wisdom.  The circle feels complete.

After the event, as I leave the conference center, a young Rastafarian clasps my hands and says, “You are our sister; you are Ghanaian now.”

What did I learn? We are all truly connected at the heart of us. Nothing is as impossible as it may seem. We only have to stretch out and make a little effort.  What we want and need is closer to us than we think.

Will I return?  I truly hope so.  There are many more stories to gather …

Photos Courtesy of Lisa Rossetti and Francis Ahore

Dignitaries in the Audience

Sherry Weinstein has been TPRF’s Manager of the Peace Education Program for the past two years. In last week’s post, we explored the dynamic expansion of the PEP program in 2012. In part two of this update, Sherry provides a detailed look at new programs developing around the world plus TPRF’s priorities for continued growth in 2013.

EXPANSION

Currently, there are 9 new areas where PEP workshops are being offered in addition to the original prison programs around the world: colleges/adult education, community-based programs, hospice staff programs, nursing homes, retirement communities, parolees, and youth programs. PEP programs for veterans and for end-of-life patients are also in development.

New PEP workshops are starting in 12 countries in the first quarter of 2013: Australia, Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Trinidad, and the United States.

The following 2013 new programs have started or been expanded:

• Near Seattle, the Evergreen Hospice workshop averages 15 staff members each week.

• In Sun City, AZ, a retirement community program averages 30 to 40 people each week.

• Denmark’s largest adult education provider (AOF) has welcomed the PEP as a pilot program.

• Yunlin Prison in Taiwan averages 68 attendees per week.

• In South America there are 14 programs offered: Argentina (4), Bolivia (1), Brazil (3), Colombia (1), Peru (4), and Uruguay (1).

• Spain now has 13 prison programs, and volunteer teams are forming to introduce PEP in nursing homes and universities.

There are also opportunities for PEP to be presented at various conventions worldwide.

 TRANSLATION

Besides expanding PEP to other institutions or community-based services, translation is a big priority for 2013. Currently, translation is almost complete in seven languages: French, German, Italian, Portuguese for Portugal and Brazil, Serbian, and Swedish. Eight more languages are well on their way to completion, including Spanish for Europe and South America.

“I can see the PEP in programs around the world, from colleges to retirement communities,” Sherry says. “This program can enrich a person’s life, no matter where they are. These innate resources are already within each person and can help bring even more appreciation for life.”

To find out more about PEP, go to the PEP homepage.

Oxnard California Parolee Program

Sherry Weinstein has been TPRF’s Manager of the Peace Education Program for the past two years. In this two-part report, Sherry brings us up to date on the dramatic expansion of the program during 2012 and the TPRF plan for continued growth in 2013.

What do some inmates in Zonderwater, South Africa; a small community in Subotica, Serbia; and senior citizens in Sun City, Arizona all have in common? They all are students of the Peace Education Program (PEP), a 10-week multimedia workshop based on discovering inner resources such as joy, peace, and hope.

As the PEP Manager, I have witnessed the inception and evolution of PEP from its beginning as a prison-based program to one that is being received enthusiastically in all kinds of organizations across the globe.

The Peace Education Program (PEP) has expanded rapidly over the past year.

At the end of 2011, more than 55 PEP workshops were offered in 10 prisons to 1,200 participants with the help of 100 volunteers. By the end of 2012, there were more than 125 workshops with 8,549 inmates attending in 33 prisons in 12 countries, with hundreds of volunteers involved in setting up the workshops.

PEP is gaining recognition from various organizations that are seeing the impact in the participants’ lives. For example, in the Dominquez State Jail in San Antonio, Texas, the former head of Correctional Officers said, “This program has been so effective. There have been no incidents of violence among the participants and very few returning to this prison.”

Catherine Gavigan taught a pilot PEP class at an international business college in Brisbane, Australia. One of her students wrote, “I never knew we had inner resources.”

One of the parolees in the Oxnard, California PEP program asked, “Can I continue to come after I have finished all the sessions? I want to share with other parolees what I have enjoyed discovering and experiencing.”

In a recent PEP for staff at the Evergreen Hospice in Washington, one of the participants commented, “It gave me a lot of hope hearing Prem Rawat’s words that peace is possible.”

TPRF Founder, Prem Rawat, visited three prisons last year: Dominguez State Jail in San Antonio, Texas; Ezeiza Women’s Prison, unit 31, in Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Zonderwater prison in South Africa.

Comments from inmates at Zonderwater prison about PEP:

“I wish that Peace Education could reach the ends of the world.”

“I would like to thank each and every person who made it possible for me to know about peace. It really changes my life a lot, and I wish that it can change other people’s lives, too.”

Texas PEP Panel Members

On Friday, November 16, 2012, Prem Rawat addressed the inmates at Zonderwater Maximum Security Correctional Facility in South Africa. The event had a powerful effect on the inmates, who were keen to express their appreciation.

Please Note: Photos from Zonderwater Prison are not available at this time.

When I heard that Prem Rawat was coming to Zonderwater, the expectation was indescribable, that this great man was giving of his time to speak to us. It lived up to every expectation that I had and more. We still talk on a daily basis about what he said here and are still pinching ourselves to make sure that we are awake and it was not a dream.

Zingisile

I was so blessed to have an opportunity to see and listen to Mr. Prem Rawat. He has inspired me a great deal, knowing today that peace is not something we can buy over the counter. It lives within us every day.

Sizwe

To be a guest at Mr. Prem Rawat’s speech on Friday was really a great honor to me and the experience of a lifetime. It made me feel very humble.

Dumisane

It was a big day to me to see someone like Mr. Rawat come to our prison. It really touched me. Even tears were coming in my eyes. I wish for a second chance to see him again. I was very touched by his phrases and especially by the story of the man on the donkey who carried the load on his own shoulders.

King

Friday was a very good day for me, the moment I’ve been waiting for—to meet Prem Rawat and see him with my own eyes. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a chance to ask him a question, but it was very nice to hear him talking and telling us stories, which I enjoyed very much. I think that from now on I will change my behavior and do the right things in life, because of what I’ve learned about peace from Prem Rawat and the whole team as well.

Jeremy

It was overwhelming to see the man himself. His eyes were so deep.

Vusi

I was very excited. I have been longing and wishing to see him in person. I thought that maybe when I get out of prison one day I might hear that he is nearby and would go to see him somewhere in Africa. But he came here to us.

It was overwhelming. I had tears in my eyes and I felt like crying. I was skeptical that he would come. But to finally meet him was an honor. Also, we are fortunate to be part of the first group having the PEP in South Africa.

Themba

I am thankful for his effort in coming to South Africa. It shows me how concerned he is about us here in Zonderwater. It changed my mind when I started to listen to him. It made me feel that I’m still a human being. When I lie in bed before I go to sleep, I try to remember all his words. It helps me a lot. And I want to be that lion he talks about [who knows who he really is.]

Simphiwe

I am thankful for the privilege of this PEP course. I’ve learned a lot. For me, being in prison has been a blessing in disguise. I’ve understood what peace means. For me, being in prison means we are here to learn. I know what I’m capable of without having fear. And for that, I thank Mr. Prem Rawat for taking the time to come and teach people like us.

Fuzile

Meeting Prem Rawat was wonderful. Even before he spoke, just him being there, I was restored as a human being. When he speaks, he says life is simple, and we make it complicated. I wished his talk wouldn’t end and would go on and on. I listen to his talks every day, even repeats, and every time I get something new.

Pepsi

I enjoyed myself listening to Prem Rawat. It was the first time I ever enjoyed myself in prison.

Amos

It was a wonderful, wonderful day. I enjoyed the story of the donkey. It made me realize that if I want peace, I have to leave my old ways. I can’t have peace with so many things in my mind.

Ephraim

On Friday I woke up sick, so I could not go. I was so disappointed. But I caught a glimpse of Mr. Prem Rawat walking into the prison, and it was like candy to a child. I was so inspired that he took the time from the outside world to come and see us. Some of those who leave go back to their old habits or commit suicide. But I want to go out and do well. I’d like to thank Prem Rawat.

November 23, 2012

We arrived at Otinibi, about one hour’s drive from Accra, on a mixture of paved and dirt roads, crowded with cars trying to navigate around the people selling everything from fruit to clothing to automobile parts.

We could hear the rhythmic beating of the drums as the car pulled up and we waited for the large gates to swing open and let us enter. We parked around the backside of the FFP facility. The four drummers were really going at it, and everyone was in a festive mood.

The large white canopy tents had been magically installed in the graveled courtyard since the day before and looked clean, cool, and majestic, with rows and rows of simple plastic molded chairs set out in neat sections for all the 400 plus students, teachers and distinguished guests.

The canopies appeared to offer a welcome relief from the direct sun, which at 9 a.m. was already a sizzling ninety degrees, with humidity to match. Soon it became obvious that although the canopies were helpful, they provided a false sense of security. Everyone had beads of perspiration, damp heads and clothing, and we all tried our best to ignore the stifling heat.

There was excitement in the air—the founder, Prem Rawat, was coming soon!

The children started filing in, wearing clean and freshly starched uniforms. They were amazingly quiet for such a large group of youngsters. I suspect they were in awe of the fair-skinned people who looked different from them in some ways, and of course, all the cameras being set up.

While we were arranging the seating, we heard that the Chief of Otinibi and his entourage were attending unexpectedly. Although he was generous in offering the land to build the Otinibi facility free of charge, I learned that he seldom attends even the most important events. The Ashanti King was sending his most senior advisors to attend the event as well. So we spent some additional time deciding how to seat these honored guests according to protocol.

What a handsome and impressive group. The Otinibi Chief was elegantly dressed in his traditional clothing and carried an impressive staff. He and his group also had an air of elegance and authority. The King’s entourage wore colorful traditional wraps and lots of gold! I saw gold crowns, armbands, wrist bracelets, rings, staffs, and gold woven into cloth. Between the sun and the precious metal, the whole place was glittering.

Shortly after the audience began to settle, the drummers picked up the pace to welcome Prem Rawat. Dressed simply in slacks and a light blue shirt, Mr. Rawat greeted everyone and took the seat of honor in the middle of the front row. Emmanuel Adjei walked to the microphone to welcome everyone.

The headmistress, Grace Ninsaw, spoke first about how important this facility was for the community, how the school enrollment had increased by almost 300 since construction began, and how well the children were doing. She said that many charities had promised to build a facility to help feed the children, but then never followed through on their promise. It wasn’t until construction of the FFP facility was well underway that people dared to hope, and then to believe, that there would be such a wonderful place in their community.

The Otinibi Chief spoke about the difference between the school before and after the FFP facility was built and graciously offered more land to grow vegetables for the program.

The Ashanti King’s representative spoke next. He mentioned having attended Prem Rawat’s public event the night before and remarked how pleasantly surprised he was by how much he enjoyed it. He assured everyone that he would report to the King about Prem Rawat, his message of peace, and the wonderful work that is being done through TPRF, and he offered that perhaps we could work together to build another facility.

Then I spoke a little about TPRF, trying not to be self-conscious that I might possibly look as I felt—soaked, head to toe, from the intense humidity.

There was some unexpected traditional dancing, which most everyone seemed to enjoy—giggling children and wide-eyed adults alike.

A school skit by the young children thanked Prem Rawat, TPRF, and the Foundation’spartner, PremBaf Ghana (PBG).

Prem Rawat addressed the children throughout his talk. “You are the future of Ghana….You are important. You are giving this facility its importance, not the other way around.”

The Chief and the King’s representatives were duly impressed with Prem Rawat’s talk, mumbling their agreement throughout. They wanted their photos taken with Mr. Rawat, which he readily agreed to. Afterwards, they were individually introduced to Mr. Rawat and were beaming with pleasure as they shook hands.

The last scheduled event was the unveiling of the plaque, followed by the students beginning their meal. Mr. Rawat walked from table to table, saying hello to the children and asking how they liked the food, which they were obviously enjoying. Then he walked through the facility, looked at the kitchen, the prep rooms, and storage areas. The facility was extremely clean. Mr. Rawat was pleased, noticeably impressed, and stayed an extra twenty-five minutes.

It was a wonderful occasion, enjoyed by all who attended. What a glorious day!

Linda Pascotto reports on Prem Rawat’s recent visit to Food for People, Otinibi.

Some Background:

“You’re going where for Thanksgiving?” “Ghana?” “You mean Africa?” “Can’t you leave after Thanksgiving?” “Can’t you go just a few days later?”

The American tradition of gathering family and friends together during the 4th Thursday in November, i.e., the Thanksgiving holiday, is so strongly embedded in the American culture that I feared it would be awkward to intentionally miss the occasion—but that is exactly what I did this year.

It was early in September when I had confirmation of the event. I immediately started planning (scheming really) how I could gracefully remove myself from the Thanksgiving family dinner table. Luckily, my husband was the easiest to convince, as he is my strongest advocate, gracefully accepting my extended travel schedules and weekend work habits.

For several days, I thought about all the excuses I could offer my mother, my siblings, and loved ones for missing this most significant holiday, for the first time in my life. None of the excuses seemed nearly as compelling as the real reason I longed to attend, and so in the end, whenever someone brought up the subject of Thanksgiving, I enthusiastically blurted that I had already made my plans for Thanksgiving. I was going to Ghana!

After a few expected protests, sweet resignation followed, and then curiosity and interest in my latest adventure involving TPRF. I offered some poignant reminders about the other Food for People facilities that are well established in India and Nepal, the profound impact these programs have had on the children and local communities, and my unbridled enthusiasm to see this newest FFP first hand. Calm was restored, and I sensed that everyone appreciated and respected my viewpoint to attend this important event.

The flight to Accra from Los Angeles was very long, somewhat delayed, but mostly uneventful. Finally, settled in my hotel room in Accra, I felt excited about my morning’s visit to the Otinibi FFP facility, and began thinking about the important event scheduled to take place with Prem Rawat in two days.

We left after the morning rush hour and although much of the hour-long drive was along paved roads, construction interrupted many segments, and potholes were an ongoing safety concern.

When we finally came into Otinibi Village, it was really a thrill to see the Food for People sign hung on the crisp white wall of the facility. When we arrived, the children were just heading into the dining hall. They were dressed neatly in their school uniforms, walking and chatting and seemed very happy. They even thought it was fun that I wanted to take their photographs and posed a little before running off, giggling.

Ms Grace Ninsaw

It was the first time I met the headmistress, Ms. Grace Ninsaw, an absolutely delightful person, thrilled with the prospect of tomorrow’s event. With her eyes shining and a smile so broad and beautiful, I couldn’t help offering a wide smile in return. We had hardly said two words to each other, but somehow I felt very connected to the woman who has been so helpful in managing as liaison between the school and TPRF.

Ms. Ninsaw was on cloud nine as she showed me around the school. I visited the very modest classrooms and noticed there did not seem to be enough of anything for the 400 plus students. They managed remarkably well with the assortment of desks, tables, chairs, and benches. What they really longed for, she said in a shy response to my question of what they needed most, were computers. If the children were going to compete for jobs, they needed to have computer skills. Even she, the headmistress, did not have anything more than an old typewriter. I thought surely that we could manage to purchase a couple dozen computers locally to help the students begin learning these important skills.

Accra Street Vendors–Photo by David Andeweg

I left that afternoon for a much longer and interesting ride back to Accra. I was happy that I had a chance to see the facility grounds, to discuss the plans for the next day’s event, and to go through the proposed rundown of what we expected to happen during the ceremony. The traffic was much more congested than in the morning because it was now rush hour. There was a continuous bumper crop of street vendors walking and sometimes running after a customer when the traffic moved ahead. They zigzagged deftly between the rows of cars looking for customers. The items they sold were as varied as any you’d find in grocery stores, fast food shops, clothing shops, automotive shops, or toys and school supply stores. It seemed like a very convenient way to shop while waiting in traffic. The vendors even offered men’s suits and shoes!

This, combined with women carrying massive quantities of foodstuffs on their heads, was stunning to watch. Several woman had piles of peanuts stacked on a tray, which they carried on their heads—I was amazed to watch as they walked, never dropping their load. It seemed a convenient way to manage, leaving both hands free for other activities.

(Continued next week in Part II)

Students Gather Before the Daily Meal

Texas prison officials recently invited a unique group of volunteers to offer a presentation of the Peace Education Program (PEP) at the annual meeting of the Texas Community Service Association (TCSA) in San Antonio, Texas. This association is comprised of probation and parole officers and other Criminal Justice professionals from around the State. The conference, designed to be a forum for the discussion of correctional solutions for juveniles and adults, featured appearances from Mayor Julian Castro, TCSA members, and some university professors, such as Dr. Michael Tapia and Dr. Michael Gilbert.

The invitation to participate in the conference came from Pete Gonzales, president of the TCSA.  Pete is the supervisor for the Community Service Restitution Program of the Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department.  He heard Prem Rawat’s address at the University of Texas in San Antonio earlier this year and later requested a Peace Education Pilot Program for the local Juvenile Probation Department.

The Peace Education Presenters

The Peace Education Program was the final presentation of the three-day conference. As the last day served mostly as a wrap-up session, many people were wondering what this last session would be all about. The panel presentation began with a screening of the video Peace on the Inside, Part I.  Afterwards, when the lights came back on, many audience members were surprised to see some of the same people who had just appeared in the video seated before them.

The panel members included former Dominguez Peace Education students David Sigee, Chase Cowen, Lisandro Martinez, and Trinidad Silva. Roberto and Chantal Piriz, the class founders, and Hope Cavillo, serving as moderator, rounded out the panel.

Many people will remember these former Dominguez students from the Peace on the Inside videos, and most recently, Trinidad Silva, who gave the memorable quote, “If everyone in prison were to find peace, it would shock the world.”

Trinidad Silva

After the video, the presenters simply asked the audience if they had any questions for the panelists.  Many of the initial questions came from people wanting to know how the program could be implemented in their areas or how it could be applied to juvenile facilities.  One by one, the panelists took turns answering questions, sharing their experiences of the program and describing how it has benefited and transformed their lives.

Several of the panelists said that they regularly listened to Words of Peace videos and mentioned how they helped them to stay in tune with their inner peace.

One member of the audience asked what the students would do if, for some reason, they couldn’t watch the videos. Without missing a beat, Trinidad said that it is not only about watching the videos, but it is about a peace that is already inside of everyone. It is something that he can use in every situation.

It seemed to me the audience was completely unprepared for the level of sincerity, confidence, and passion coming from these students.  Several of the panelists had traveled long distances just to be there, and the audience appeared to appreciate their dedication and efforts.

Chase Cowen

The former offenders seemed to shatter any anti-social stereotypes with the open and articulate sharing of their own life lessons.

One woman in the audience said she could understand the purpose of the program because she too was working on finding peace, and could relate to a program aimed at helping people get in touch with their hearts.

Two other participants from different parts of Texas asked if the panel would be willing to travel and give similar presentations in their districts, and the panelists expressed an interest in this suggestion.

Mrs. Calvillo, who has been working in the corrections field for 25 years, kept the presentation moving by tying questions and answers together with relevant examples from the program. Roberto and Chantal Piriz each offered insights that helped to clarify the history, goals, and purpose of the class.  The hour-long presentation seemed to fly by, and everyone agreed it could have continued for much longer.

After the presentation, the audience gave the panel a rousing round of applause.  One parole officer said he was completely astounded, calling it a real showstopper.  The Vice-President of the TCSA said she had been in corrections for 20 years and that this was the most fantastic presentation she had ever experienced.  She added that she was retiring in a couple of years and would be interested in promoting this program in her own area.

David Sigee

Many participants took home literature and publications and seemed genuinely interested in the possibility of learning more.  In the end, there was an overwhelming consensus that the Peace Education Program was an exciting new possibility that merited further attention.

I am looking forward to viewing the video of this event when it is finally released.

John Snyder

Lisandro Martinez