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Local Non-profit Helps Refugees

June 19, 2009
In light of World Refugee Day, June 20, The Boston Globe published "The Rescuers," an article sharing the story of Sasha Chanoff and Rose Mapendo. The two joined forces after Sasha and his team from the International Organization for Migration rescued 154 refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in late 1999. Mapendo and her family were among those rescued and brought the United States.

Since settling in Phoenix, Mapendo helps raise awareness and money for Chanoff's successful non-profit, Mapendo International, based in Cambridge. Mapendo International has "recently helped resettle more than 100 survivors of a massacre in Congo," and fills "'an important niche'...by identifying refugees who are in danger" and who are not protected by the UNHCR.

View UNHCR live webcast


Discussion Questions: 
  • Why do you think that in times of crisis, some people stand by while others get involved and try to make a positive difference?
  • What do you think motivated Charnoff to get involved? What does it take for a human rights story to grab your attention?
  • What is the responsibility of people who don't work with refugee agencies? What are some ways the rest of us can help?
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ADL Pays Tribute to ‘Mexican Schindler’ for helping save 40,000
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Related Facing History Resources: 
Choosing to Participate Study Guide