4:00 pm | Suggested donation $10-$20

Sponsored by the Rondout Valley High School Human Rights Club, the Mid-Hudson Valley UNA-USA and Mid-Hudson Valley Amnesty International USA.

Join us for the Mid-Hudson Valley United Nations Association (UNA-USA) Adopt-A-Future benefit for refugees. This campaign provides money for an education for refugee children at the Central School in Kenya, which serves 2,164 students ages 6-13 who have been forced to flee their homes in the midst of devastating conflict.

As part of our fundraising efforts, we are screening a preview of the human rights documentary, Through the Eyes, produced by Rondout Valley High School senior, Katie Brantmeyer, created as part of her Wise Individualized Senior Experience (WISE) project. “Through the Eyes is a collection of stories and interviews from people who either have been directly affected, or are in supportive roles of those impacted by human rights violations. This documentary is my way of entering the world of protesting and empowering others.” ~ Katie Brantmeyer.

After the film, a panel will focus on the experiences of immigrants and refugees and what allies can do. There will also be a silent auction and a box for donations of clothing and toys, which will be mailed to a town in El Salvador.

“We have all seen the heartbreaking images of refugee children who have been forced to leave their homes to escape violence and war,” said Arjeta Prenaj of the Mid-Hudson Valley chapter of the United Nations Association. “Hudson Valley residents will make a difference in the lives of students who have already been through so much by supporting the Adopt-A-Future campaign, which seeks to prevent a lost generation of millions of refugee children.”

Donations can also be made at http://unausa.org/programs/adopt-a-future (Select Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter to donate to Central School). Funds raised will help build classrooms and purchase school supplies for the Central School children in the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya through the nationwide Adopt-A-Future campaign in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Come and show your solidarity and compassion on a local and global level.