Introductions and Adelphi Levermore Global Scholars Program Host Human Rights Dialogue with Rien Kuntari

Being that this is my first blog post, I would like to introduce myself to the freeDimensional network. My name is Electra Jarvis, I am full time student at Adelphi University and currently intern with freeDimensional. I heard about freeDimensional from Yana Kusayava through the Levermore Global Scholars (LGS) program at Adelphi University, which I am currently a third year member of. You have to admit that when you hear about the concept that freeDimensional was built on, you can't help but to want to understand more. So thats exactly what I did. I was lucky enough to start working with the freeDimensional team in late September and regret that it is the middle of December and this is my first post. Nonetheless, in this short time I have been exposed to a variety of directions to take myself in regards to my role with the organization. The following entry is a highlight of my experience so far and an update on what freeDimensional has been up to lately.

December 3 2009:
Approximately two weeks ago, as a mission with both freeDimensional and the LGS Program at Adelphi University, I assisted in a human rights dialogue with Rien Kuntari. The discussion was held in Campbell Hall Lounge at Adelphi University. We were lucky enough to also have DW, representing one of freeDimensional's partners from the Ledig House, help lead the discussion about the conflict between East Timor and Indonesia. While the event was conducted in a smaller personal setting, Rien's presence yielded an impressive turnout, many of whom are also in the LGS program. Needless to say the discussion was both informative and accommodating.

Rien Kuntari is a journalist from Indonesia who, until recently, was working with a local newspaper, covering the conflict surrounding the break of East Timor from Indonesia. She is currently staying in the United States to seek shelter and avoid possible prosecution back in her home country of Indonesia. After the anticipated publication of her book, she and her advisors felt it was not safe for her to keep a high profile as she was a target of the pro-autonomy military.

Yana told Rien of a Genocide seminar we would have the week after and given Rien's experience covering the genocide during her journalism career, she decided to also come to this event. I myself was unable to attend but a couple of pictures are uploaded bellow.

We look forward to possibly having Rien come to the University again, and share her experiences with us about the various international topics she has covered during her life. I see it as a good opportunity for Rien to get out and share her experience which seemed like a more difficult task for her to do in the past couple months in the U.S.

Signing off now. Happy holidays to all. Peace and Love, and never forget to keep it real.