For more than five years, iACT has had the privilege of working with Raquel Lesser, a rockstar iACT Community Ambassador who supports iACT’s work by creating a personal connection between her community and the Darfuri refugees in camps Djabal and Goz Amer in eastern Chad. Meet Raquel!
Can you share a little bit about yourself with the readers of our blog?
My name is Raquel Lesser. I am a rising senior at Manhattanville College. In high school, I worked with STAND, the student anti-genocide coalition, and in college I wrote a blog post for United to End Genocide. I am an iACT Ambassador.
When did you first become involved with iACT and why?
I became interested in iACT freshman year of college because someone recommended me to work with them.
What kind of projects have you started for iACT and which programs do you support?
I’m the founder of Dare for Genocide Awareness And Hope (DFGAAH). It was a class project inspired by my good friend. DFGAAH is now an advocacy organization that works with iACT. This advocacy organization creates books for refugees, filled with art, writing and refugee interviews. We fill our books with writing and artwork and send it to the refugees to give them hope. DFGAAH has successfully sent out four books to Chad. Our next care package will be filled with blankets and crayons for our refugee friends. DFGAAH also raises money for International Rescue Committee and iACT for refugees. In 2016, we raised $1,865 that supported the Little Ripples daily meal program, enough for several months of meals at one Little Ripples Pond, an in-home center.
Which iACT program motivates you to continue to advocate for peace for refugees?
Little Ripples motivates me because I believe everyone deserves an education.
What motivates you to continue in your work?
I’ve always dreamed of traveling to Chad to meet these refugees. Knowing that the refugees deserve better keeps me motivated.
What message would you like to send to other people reading the blog?
There is never too much love to spread around. I hope one day to run a nonprofit that focuses on helping refugees!
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