Students lend funds to others

Passion is a funny thing. Once discovered, it has a habit of rearranging all the little things in life mistaken for priorities and goals. It gives ordinary actions a deeper meaning. Once discovered, passion transforms ordinary individuals into extraordinary leaders. For some, passions are educating, listening and protecting. For Paul Mbutu, his passion is peace.  

Mbutu is a senior lecturer on leave from Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya. A Fullbright Scholarship recipient, Mbutu is attending Texas A&M University to pursue his doctorate in organizational communication. He is also the board chairman of the Peace Building, Healing and Reconciliation Programme, PHARP.

"What PHARP does is build through the local capacity of the people," Mbutu said. "We deal with the marginalized. These people can't afford to pay for lunch; they can't afford to pay fees. They can't even afford to pay for the training materials. And PHARP helps us with funds to train these people and give them knowledge and skills in peace building, conflict resolution and discipleship, so they can go out and transform the communities where they come from".

PHARP began as a small student led organization in 1994 in response to the Rwanda genocide. Since, it has developed into an International Christian Organization with operations in areas such as Rwanda, Kenya and Sudan.

" I heard about the genocide effects," Mbutu said. "I wanted to participate in giving my time to teach communications and help PHARP address conflicts in society."

Shelly Blair, communication graduate student joined him in the efforts for PHARP.

"This is a rare opportunity for Aggies to take action in a meaningful way," Blair said. "Paul is going out into the real world and putting the education and resources he has received into practice."

Blair organized a benefit concert for PHARP Sept. 25  at the Revolution Café in downtown Bryan. The benefit featured performers from various genres of music, each sharing the same desire for peace that is evident in Mbutu.

One of the openers for the evening was R&B artist Helen Hailu, a sophomore nursing major at Texas A&M.

"Singing is a gift but this is an honor," Hailu said. "My dream is to save Africa and change peoples lives."

Along with Hailu came a selection of spoken word poets and Dan DeLeon, a singer-songwriter from Bryan. The venue moved outdoors and Raspa, an eclectic jam rock group took the stage. Next, fellow graduate students Sameria Perez Stanford on guitar and Jeremy Rogerson on mandolin performed folk-like renditions of 1980s hits. Stanford also performed an original composition inspired by her father's acceptance of her Puerto Rican background.

Stanford and Rogerson then teamed with Boots McCannen and another graduate student to create The Puss in Boots Project, performing songs ranging from a cover of the infamous "Baby Got Back" by Sir Mix-A-lot to a historically accurate composition on Medusa, the Greek Goddess.

"We all love Paul and this cause is important; we're here to spread awareness and have a great time," McCannen said.

Café owner Rola Cerone also came out to show her support for PHARP.

"Revolution Café is open for the students to be active and support any cause," Cerone said.

The evening ended with D.R.U.M., 14-time winners of the Houston Press Music Award for Best World Music, Best Ethnic/Traditional and Best Reggae. With songs such as "Roots Mix" D.R.U.M showcased the raw talent of Frank Zwee on electric guitar and Anura Neysadurai on the hammond organ.

 "An old African Proverb states, ‘Vita Vya Panzi Neema Ya Kunguru,'" said Baba Ifalade, lead singer and D.R.U.M founder. "It means ‘war among the grasshoppers delights the crow.' But if we stand together and share the love, no one can destroy us."

Mtubu's passion matched with his educational experiences have served PHARP by giving people a voice.

"These people have their own stories to tell: how my family was killed, how my house was burned, how my life was shaken," Mbutu said. "Everyone has a voice. Through PHARP, that voice will be amplified throughout the world."