Luisella Moreschi’s account of the association’s beginnings
A meeting arranged by our friend Emile Seyler between Luisella and Father Pierre in November 2004 led to a close friendship and a shared outlook, from which this association was born.
I had always been involved in defending human rights, particularly women’s rights, and opposed to all forms of violence and genocide. Hearing Father Pierre’s account, and later those of other survivors, moved me deeply.
Travelling to Rwanda to see the situation for myself and decide what kind of help was needed seemed the natural next step.
Yet Africa frightened me: the mosquitoes, the insects and, I must admit, what I imagined to be a lack of the comfort and hygiene we were used to in Europe.
The wish to help was stronger. On 22 February 2006, I flew to Rwanda with Father Pierre and Jean-Marie. It was a deeply moving and extraordinary experience. I was struck by the beauty of the country, the kindness of its people and the dignity of the survivors. There was no anger or hatred, but incomprehension and an immense determination to rebuild their lives. I saw hope in children’s smiles and people who believed in the future. I met people who showed deep respect for us as Westerners.
I felt safe there. It was not the Africa I had always heard described. The experience was difficult to put into words, but it made me want to continue. I understood how fortunate we were to have been born where we were, and our duty to help those less fortunate.
On our return, I set about establishing the organisation. I contacted people we could count on, and the founding team came together:
- Father Pierre: President
- Luisella Moreschi: Vice-President / Secretary
- Jean-Marie Verlaine: Member
- Aniela Bettel: Member
- Fabrice Jourquin: Member