Well Wishes and Blessings: Kids in America to Iraq
The Well Wishes Project is a timeless collection of words, songs and raps was made possible by the generosity of children and teens living throughout the U.S. Ruth Mendelson and her team spent a good deal of 2006 traveling across America, going state to state, town to town, interviewing kids (ages 3-19) regarding their well wishes for the people of Iraq, as well as their thoughts about peace and life in general. The CD has gone on to establish unprecedented lines of communication and distribution of resources amongst the world’s youth.
AUDIO SAMPLES:
PROJECT INFO:
Responses to the project:
“This project is not only timely but necessary. It speaks to the oneness of our humanity and strengthens the bonds connecting us all. 'Well Wishes and Blessings' deserves our highest honor. Listen to the children!” - Richard Ragland, Recovery Program Coordinator, Indonesia Delegation, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
“A large 'Thank you' from Baghdad to the students who are on the Well Wishes and Blessings CD. One of the most devastating effects of living in a war zone is the pervasive sense of isolation that works to break the spirit. ‘Well Wishes and Blessings’ has broken through this wall and brought smiles and hope to people who badly need both.” - Bruce Wallace, Founder, 121Contact Project., Connecting students and teachers in Iraq and the U.S. by email. www.121Contact.typepad.com
"Well Wishes and Blessings' is a fantastic program that is building bridges between our world's youth. By developing dialogues between young people, Ruth and her team have given us an important tool for developing understanding and therefore lasting peace. It is critical that we act now to support programs like Well Wishes and Blessings - not only to touch individual lives, but to make this a safer world for all." - Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder, the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace
"When I listened to the Well Wishes and Blessings CD I thought these are the words that everyone in the two countries and in the world should know, say and spread for their heart-to-heart innocence. It is essential that such words as selflessness, tolerance and empathy be in our mind before we say or do anything. Many thanks to you for having the friendly words from the friendly souls said and heard." - Dr. Ahmad Al-Hadidi, Fulbright Scholar and Research Assistant, School of Medicine, Mosul University, Iraq
“I've spent the past three years traveling from place to place around the world and America — meeting people and showing them the face of the Iraqi civilian. I’ve recently begun playing the 'Well Wishes' CD as part of my presentations in the US. The voices of the children are having a great impact on audiences. For now, Iraqis know only the voices of arms, and faces of troops. To bridge the gaps between nations, we need to find ways to to see faces and hear voices, words of love, sharing, and cooperation. I am certain that the children's' words on the 'Well Wishes' CD will have an even greater impact as they reach the ears of Iraqis.” - Ms. Naba Hamid, Professor, University of Baghdad, Parisitology and Invertebrate Biology, Founder, New Horizons for Women
"' Well Wishes and Blessings' is the perfect vehicle for spreading the message of peace and reconciliation. Ruth's project couldn't be more timely or more needed by this war-torn world. We're so glad to be able to share it." - David Potorti, Director of the 9/11 families group for Peaceful Tomorrows
“As a teacher for 35 years I see the power and inspiration in using this CD in all classrooms. ‘Well Wishes and Blessings’ sparkles with the wisdom and love of children for all other children in the world, especially for those in Iraq at this time. The beauty and intention in their voices and words carry their yearnings for a world of deep compassion, respect for diversity, extended friendship and true peace. Teachers of any grade level can use this CD to stimulate discussions and projects about peace, community, and what children can do to make a positive difference in the world.” - Dr. Patricia Connolly, New England Coalition of Educational Leaders
“I just listened to the CD. It is wonderful. This CD will make America proud of its youth, to hear their selflessness, nobility, concern — this is no small thing.” - Carl Ploss, Middle School Teacher
“When the 'Well Wishes' CD arrived, I put it on and just wept at the beauty of those children and their clear perceptions of how to make peace, their heartfelt love, their music, their creative expressions. As a mom and grandmother, I give them highest accolades — they are our best and highest good, progenitors of what is to come (lasting peace). Thank you so much for what you are doing. Thank you for teaching this teacher that hope is kindled in all of our children and it is up to us to fan those flames of love, goodness and caring always and without despair in these dark times.” - Ellen Louise Kahne, grandmother, mother, teacher
(Cover art by Kamini Avril)