Mokuh is coming home

k‘AID’ GETS PERSONAL: The now-late Gerri Graber and her adopted son Bartholomew Mokuh Njizokokeh walk through his hometown of Manda, Chad.

Nineteen years ago, local folks gave their support to establish a school and help with economic development in rural Chad.

Gerri Graber inspired many to give – the Rotary, various schools, children doing bake sales, seniors collecting and sorting clothing and many others pitched in to help.

Jan Padgett and Moira Simpson travelled with Gerri to Chad to film the process of delivering aid. All did not go as planned, but a story grew, and became the film From Under the Bushy Trees, which premiered at the Powell River Film Festival and was shown again in 2011 as the fundraiser ‘Into Africa’ for the Sunshine GOGOs, who are affiliated with the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

When in Chad, young Bartholomew Mokuh Njizokokeh (Mokuh) became our trusted guide, translator and invaluable source of proper protocol, said Jan. Adopted as Gerri’s heart son, he completed university as a teacher. He is also featured in the film.

Mokuh, now a teacher, studies by lantern light. Meet him and his family August 13 at The Pat.

In the 15 years that have passed, much has happened in the village of Manda, and much has changed in Mokuh’s life and circumstances. He now lives and works in the US, is married and has three children.

This summer, Mokuh and his family are all coming ‘home’ to Powell River, to visit with Auntie Gina Devlin, (Gerri’s sister), and to meet the community that has meant so much to them.

And so, while here, they will join us at a special event ‘Return to Africa.’ This event is being organized by the Baha’i Community and the Sunshine GOGOs. It will be by donation, and the proceeds collected by the GOGOS will be sent to the Stephen Lewis Foundation. To date, the GOGOs have forwarded $108,000 to this worthy organization, which has done so much to help the grandmothers and orphans of Africa.

RETURN TO AFRICA

What: The film From Under the Bushy Trees will be shown

When: 1:30 pm, August 13, Patricia Theatre

Mokuh and his family, the filmmakers Jan Padgett and Moira Simpson, as well as Gina Devlin will be in attendance. A discussion with Mokuh will follow the screening, and he will update us on the developments both in his own life as well as the village of Manda, Chad.