Info about MRSA infection

03-02-08
Mt. Vernon group acts as lifeline for people of Rwanda
    Rwanda is still recovering from the 1994 systematic murder of members of Rwanda's Tutsi minority and the moderates of its Hutu majority. Foreign aid has been pouring into the country in an effort to help rebuild the country from the horrors of 1994. Much progress has been made and signs of progress can be seen everywhere.
     Besides having to overcome many obstacles, HIV/AIDS is a serious problem in Rwanda, as it is throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Out of a population of approximately 9.1 million people, approximately 900,000 are estimated to be HIV positive.
     There are many non-profit groups all across the world seeking to educate and help the populace of Rwanda in the prevention of aids, and helping in many other areas of need.  One such group is located in Mount Vernon, known as Mission of Hope, Inc. for Rwanda, Africa, led by Rev. Cleveland A. Irons, CEO and founder of the group, and a member of Grace Baptist Church.
     Mission of Hope, Inc. for Rwanda was founded in 2000, initially focusing on HIV/AIDS prevention. Since then, Rev. Irons has traveled to Rwanda several times, and has helped to establish Mission of Hope Rwanda, with it's offices in Remera, Kigali City in the Republic of Rwanda. 
     The group continues to work on HIV/AIDS prevention, but has also been providing help in many other areas as well. "Through the years we have put together seminars and workshops. We have also been providing food, clothes and money, as well as being sponsors for children seeking to attend school," said Rev. Irons.
     According to Rev. Irons, the Mount Vernon group holds two yearly fundraisers, which helps generate funds to accomplish the many goals they have set to help the people of Rwanda.
     In 2007, some members of the Mount Vernon based Mission of Hope, Inc. for Rwanda, Africa traveled to Rwanda, led by Mount Vernon City Councilman, Yuhanna Edwards and his wife. Accompanying the group was a professional photographer named Domenica Comfort.      
     While in Rwanda, Comfort took hundreds of pictures depicting the every day life of the Rwanda people and the hope seen in their eyes. She named the collection of photographs, Faces of Hope, Rwanda, a photo-documentary of the people of Kigali and its provinces, which Mission of Hope, Inc. for Rwanda, Africa serves. 
     Many of the photographs were enlarged and framed by Comfort, and put on display as an art exhibit at Grace Baptist church for several days. The many who attended the exhibit had the option of purchasing the artwork. The exhibit ended on Sunday, March 2, and proceeds from the sale of the artwork will benefit the people of Rwanda.
     "The exhibit was made possible thanks to Rev. Dr. Richardson, who has supported our organization since its formation," said Rev. Irons.
     If you wish to make a tax deductible contribution and help Rev. Irons help the people of Rwanda, please send your donation to:

Mission of Hope, Inc.
for Rwanda, Africa
6 Gramatan Avenue
Mount Vernon, NY 10550