It’s Crucial that the World Understood We are a Winner and Thankful Nation: Arman Jilavyan, CEO of 100 Lives and “Aurora” Initiative
“We, Armenians, are a winning nation. It’s rather crucial that the world understood this, we ourselves, and all those with whom we speak. One of important manifestations of a winning nation, according to the philosophy of our initiated program, is being thankful, and it’s a type of active thankfulness,” Arman Jilavyan, CEO of 100 Lives/ Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, said during the meeting with reporters at Impact Hub club.
“We are a winner nation, we are a thankful nation, and we are thankful not only for all people, who stretched their hands during the hellish years of Genocide, also to the type of humanity, that even today save human lives, as, unfortunately, until now likewise crimes and disasters are recorded as well,” this is the purpose of 100 Lives and “Aurora” prize according to Arman Jilavyan, which will bring together the first four candidates to Armenia in April.
Armine Afeyan, director of communications of 100 Lives and “Aurora” Prize for Awakening Humanity, in a meeting with reporters introduced names of the 4 nominees, giving brief information about every of them: Margaret Barankitseh (Burundi), Dr. Tom Kathina (Sudan), Saida Ghulam Fatima (Pakistan) and Father Bernard Kinvi (Central African Republic).
“This spring, as a sign of gratitude, “Aurora” prizes are awarded by name of those revived Genocide. In the period of the last few months, and, in fact, most part of the year, the selecting commission scrutinized all proposals for possible nominees. However, people, who demonstrated courage and devotedness, leading to influential changes by their activities, represented by miscellaneous cataclysms, man-caused and natural disasters, have been selected. As a result, names of four nominees have been decided, about which we are proud to announce,” Armine Afeyan told reporters.
One of the nominees of “Aurora” prize is Margaret Barankitseh who works at “Maison Shalom” and “REMA” hospital in Burundi and. M. Barankitseh during civil war in Burundi saved thousands of lives, taking care of orphans and migrants. Tutsi by origin, Barankitseh, tried to hide 72 Hulu neighbors to save from persecution, however, they were found and killed in that very place, making Barankitseh a witness to that. After this brutal incident Margaret devoted her life caring for migrants and children. She totally saved 30.000 children and established a hospital in 2008, where up to day 80.000 people received medical aid.
American specialist Dr. Tom Kathina is the only doctor, always present at “Mother of mercy” hospital in Nuba mountains near South Sudan. Accordingly, he is the only responsible for medical assistance for 500.000 population. Despite numerous bombings by the government of Sudan, Dr. Kathina, to be reachable at every moment for the population, lived in the territory of the hospital. His devotedness has been elucidated by number of mass media and organizations providing humanitarian aid. In 2015 TIME magazine recognized him one of the most influential individuals.
Saida Ghulam Fatima devoted her life to save those, who underwent physical abuse for debt, trying to eliminate one of the forms of nowadays slavery. Fatima is the secretary general of Bonded labor Liberation Front (BLLF). Due to efforts of the organization thousands of people, forcedly working at brick roasting plants for debt, from which—21.000 children. Interests of the debts are so high that people, basically have to work whole their lives under extreme poverty and, frequently, harsh conditions. There were lots of attempts to deprive Fatima of life. She underwent numerous physical violence throughout her activity.
Father Bernard Kinvi became a priest when he was 19, when, as a result of lasting violence and illness he lost his father and four sisters. Leaving his Togo Lomé City, Father Kinvi moved to Central African Republic. In a small frontier Bossemtele city he headed local Catholic mission—school, church and hospital after Pope John Paul II. However, civil war excited between rebels of Muslim Séléka rebel coalition and Anti-balaka. In the period of violence Father Kinvi’s mission provided shelter and medical assistance to sufferers of both parties, saving people from persecution and death.
Applications for nominees of “Aurora” prize have been accepted in the period of July-October 2015, through “Aurora” prize website.
During a two-day event the nominees will be recognized, by participating in discussions on fundamental issues of philanthropy, to which international companies like: International Center for Journalists, Not On Our Watch, International Rescue Committee will take part as well.
Laureates will obtain a USD 100.000 reward, and the possibility to continue the chain of donations, submitting for USD 1.000.000 grant humanitarian organizations that inspired them.
The first Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity will be launched on April 24, in Yerevan. George Clooney, world-famous actor and co-chair of selective commission, will grant the first prize to the laureate. During those days George and Amal Clooney will visit Armenia, Genocide memorial, Dilijan International School and other places.
By Nvard Manvelyan
