TORONTO, ONTARIO - The JUST US Project is an ITCanada and CIDA funded interactive film-event that aims to educate Canadians about the UN Millennium Development Goals showcasing Rwanda as the successful case study. It invites Canadians to get involved and care.
JUST US (a play on the word justice) is the brain-child of newlyweds Alex and Meghan Nicholls. With a B.A. in TV and Film Design and a desire to make a difference in the world, the Nicholls discovered that every year CIDA makes available a public engagement fund.
This fund supports projects that 1) seek to increase the awareness of Canadians in international development issues; 2) increase support for Canada's efforts to reduce global poverty; and 3) create opportunities for meaningful participation in international development activities.
The couple applied for the grant in October 2007 and received $110,000 in February. ITCanada and the Nicholls are responsible to raise 25%.
Rwanda was chosen as the focus of the film because it is one of the most successful countries in Africa in achieving the UN Millennium Goals. JUST US highlights Rwanda's success and illustrates how the Rwandan people are helping themselves.
"We wanted to show the real Rwanda - the challenges and the beauty of the place and their success stories not just the desperate need," Meghan said.
The Nicholls spent 3 and a half weeks filming in Rwanda in May 2008 then six months editing the film. JUST US will tour high schools across the country in November, January and February. Students will view the film, look at a case study, take time for personal reflection, and are then invited to respond creatively either by getting involved in a development initiative, sponsoring a child, volunteering, or donating.
The Nicholls are motivated and inspired by people like Mama Nadine (38), a Rwandan widow they met who is HIV+. She lives on less than $1/day. The Vivante Church in Kigale pays for her antiretroviral medication. She has 3 children under 14. Mama Nadine assumed the care of two other young children who had lived next door with their often inebriated and violent father. When the father moved the family away, the children walked back a distance that would have taken 2½ hours to drive. Mama Nadine adopted them. Even with 5 children under her roof she also feeds neighbourhood children. When asked why she helps these kids she said, "You know, if I had more [floor] space in my house, I'd care for more children. You can't not serve," she said.
"Achieving the Millennium Goals is Jesus' call to us," Meghan said. "We wouldn't accept the kind of poverty we saw in Rwanda in our own families. But we accept it in Rwanda. Why is it 'us' and 'them'? It should be 'Just Us'." BLM
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TORONTO, ONTARIO - The JUST US Project is an ITCanada and CIDA funded interactive film-event that aims to educate Canadians about the UN Millennium Development Goals showcasing Rwanda as the successful case study. It invites Canadians to get involved and care.
The couple applied for the grant in October 2007 and received $110,000 in February. ITCanada and the Nicholls are responsible to raise 25%.
The Nicholls spent 3 and a half weeks filming in Rwanda in May 2008 then six months editing the film. JUST US will tour high schools across the country in November, January and February. Students will view the film, look at a case study, take time for personal reflection, and are then invited to respond creatively either by getting involved in a development initiative, sponsoring a child, volunteering, or donating.