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 Preshow #1 CongoReturn to index of stories... |
An emotional family re-union -- after 2 years of separation. |
| Hello/Intro Congo Return to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. If you like stories with happy endings -- this program is for you. It begins with a family separated by war. Hubert and Helene Simwerayi lived through a civil conflict in their native Congo, survived a Volcanic eruption that destroyed their home, even suffered violence at the hands of local militia. They eventually managed to escape to the U-S.and, wound up here in Manchester, New Hampshire. But, their 7 children were left behind. And, so began the long journey to reunite their family. |
| Congo Reunited Return to index of stories... |
This is one of 7 applications we've submitted. This is the result of hundreds of hours of effort.hundreds of signature petitions, hundreds of dollars, thousands of dollars connected by local non profits and generous donor who made this process all possible. TRT: A process that began… with a determined UNH professor and her students,who wore blue and gold armbands to represent the colors of the congo - a reminder of the thousands of families still separated by a country torn by war. as we celebrate the victory, we do need to think of all the other children. It shouldn't take a whole state of NH to unite a family. IT should be something that happens easily and organically. Getting their children to America has been a long struggle. When Hubert and Helene fled the Congo in the fall of 2002 - they left their 7 children with family thinking their separation would last a few weeks. They settled in Manchester and took factory jobs to make money for their airfare. Only later did they discover their children's visas had expired - dashing all hopes for a speedy reunion. More than 2 years later -- with community help - the family would at long last be reunited. we all stand here as a testament to what a community can do…community is not just people within a geographical boundary, its what those people in that boundry do for each other - we found out subsequently that the village they had lived in was attacked and many kids were killed. So our feeling is possibly that had we not intervened that they may not have lived to see this day. That made us feel good about getting involved when we did and were able to help out in some way. Not until 2 days ago did we know that all 7 of this families children would be allowed to come. The two who were not going to be allowed to come were not because they were adopted, something that even those children didn't know until very recently, a week or 2 ago…when it was thought they were going to have to stay behind. I'm trying to remember of which name goes with which face he looks like Hubert. do you worry the little ones might not recognize you.its been 2 years? we send sometimes pictures but you know many times children they forget very quickly that oh this is not my mom…but we know that when they are here they can recognize us. When word came that the flight from London had been "delayed" Hubert and Helene were undaunted - they had waited years for this moment, what's a few more hours. If you open my heart I don't know what you can find inside but I am on the top today…. Beth: What time did you get up this morning? Hubert & Helene: We didn't sleep this morning or last night. Beth: Aren't you tired? Hubert: Yes, we are not tired we are very very - we still wait maybe they can say oh they come with another airplane and it would be 3 am we can stay and wait. Beth: When was the last time You spoke with the kids? Hubert" Yesterday we spoke with them yesterday before they left and they didn't sleep too.they didn't eat too and they told us oh mom we are very glad we can't eat here we want to eat the food American food when we arrive.… welcome them with pizza… Something like welcome them in America. Hubert has yet to tell his children about the recent industrial accident that severed 2 of his fingers - There will be time enough for that. Beth: Are you still able to work? Hubert: Umm yes, I already start my work 3 days ago, But, I am working 4 hours a day. Beth: Last time we spoke…you said you were saving your vacation time…? Helene: Yes, I took my vacation today, yup I stay with my children the next 2 weeks I stay at home. Beth: Can you believe this day is finally here? Hubert & Helene: Very very fine. This day carroll.its like it was a dream…and the dream today is real - it was a dream. Hubert: Because sometime they send us a message and they say "Dad we can die in this country. Congo, and you are in America.do you think there is any way we can meet again. But, today the dream is finished now and in a few minutes you can celebrate and you can share our joy. the worst mistake a human being can make is to do nothing because they can't do enough.this is an example of doing what you can and seeing the fruition of it. This is Sandra, the first one she is 18, This is Steve, he is 16. This is Galor he is 15. This Delar he is 12. This is Evan, he is 11. This is Vanessa, she's 8. This is Shandrick , he is 7. I feel as though tonight is a miracle that we have been able to pull this off. But, I also feel it shouldn't require a miracle. We need to look at our immigration laws…we need to figure out how they can be changed to benefit families like this. They have to know about the team, all the people and friends who have been doing many things to help us. We can show them and try to tell them it is very, very good to help a friend. Like right here, our congressman, we say again, thanks. Congressman Jeb Bradley and his staff were among those who worked tirelessly to reunite the family. Bradley: We hope you love it here 11:02:30. Marty 11:10:58 Bradley does hi 5 with kids. Donated teddy bears and soccer balls greeted the Simwerayi children. Smiles and warm hugs welcomed them to their new home. But being together as a family - the long separation over - That was the biggest Gift of all -- and there are no words for that. |
| Intro Attorney Return to index of stories... |
Were it not for community support -- Hubert and Helene Simwerayi would still be "waiting" for their happy ending. From the very beginning, their plight touched the hearts of many including Tom Hildreth -- an Immigration attorney with the McLane Law Firm in Manchester, who gives us some background on the case. |
| Intro Family at Home Return to index of stories... |
Tom Hildreth took the case pro bono, no charge. He's spent countless hours helping the Simwerayi family and to this day continues to work on their behalf. Several Weeks after the emotional family reunion. we decided to check back with the Simwerayi family. to see how it was going. They are adjusting to a new country, a new home, and a new language. |
| Tag Family at Home Return to index of stories... |
The Swahili song before the meal is a family tradition. The words give thanks to God for all he has given them. Hubert says in his country -- "singing" the words.is like praying TWICE. |
| Web Pointer Return to index of stories... |
The Immigration Diversity Lottery is what brought Hubert and Helene to this country. The 2006 Lottery has been announced. For more information you can log on to our website at NHPTV.org for a link to the State Department. We invite you to join our on-line discussion and let us know what's on your mind. You can also find streaming video of all our broadcasts. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
That concludes our program. Thanks for watching. I'm Beth Carroll. We'll see you next time. |
| key: Family/ Marriage Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 12/23/04 HOST: Beth Carroll LENGTH: 09:00 Today the dream is here in a few hours you can celebrate with us and share our joy. An emotional family re-union after 2 years of separation. Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. If you like stories with happy endings this program is for you. It begins with a family separated by war. Hubert and Helene Simwerayi lived through a civil conflict in their native Congo, survived a Volcanic eruption that destroyed their home, even suffered violence at the hands of local militia. They eventually managed to escape to the U-S and, wound up here in Manchester, New Hampshire. But, their 7 children were left behind. And, so began the long journey to reunite their family. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAMES OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Hildreth\Immigration Attorney, Nina Glick-Schiller\UNH Anthropology Professor, Kelli Swazey\UNH Senior, Bill Cuff\"Danny's Team", Dudley Dudley\Community Fundraiser Co-ordinator, Hubert Simwerayi\Congolese Emigre, Helene Simwerayi\Congolese Emigre |
| key: Immigration/ refugees Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 12/23/04 HOST: Beth Carroll LENGTH: 09:00 Today the dream is here in a few hours you can celebrate with us and share our joy. An emotional family re-union after 2 years of separation. Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. If you like stories with happy endings this program is for you. It begins with a family separated by war. Hubert and Helene Simwerayi lived through a civil conflict in their native Congo, survived a Volcanic eruption that destroyed their home, even suffered violence at the hands of local militia. They eventually managed to escape to the U-S and, wound up here in Manchester, New Hampshire. But, their 7 children were left behind. And, so began the long journey to reunite their family. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAMES OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Hildreth\Immigration Attorney, Nina Glick-Schiller\UNH Anthropology Professor, Kelli Swazey\UNH Senior, Bill Cuff\"Danny's Team", Dudley Dudley\Community Fundraiser Co-ordinator, Hubert Simwerayi\Congolese Emigre, Helene Simwerayi\Congolese Emigre |
| key: Immigration/ Refugees Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 12/23/04 HOST: Beth Carroll LENGTH: 03:50 Today the dream is here in a few hours you can celebrate with us and share our joy. An emotional family re-union after 2 years of separation. Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. Were it not for community support Hubert and Helene Simwerayi would still be "waiting" for their happy ending. From the very beginning, their plight touched the hearts of many including Tom Hildreth an Immigration attorney with the McLane Law Firm in Manchester, who gives us some background on the case. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAMES OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Hildreth\Immigration Attorney |
| key: Crime/ Legal Issues/ Law Enforcement Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 12/23/04 HOST: Beth Carroll LENGTH: 03:50 Today the dream is here in a few hours you can celebrate with us and share our joy. An emotional family re-union after 2 years of separation. Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. Were it not for community support Hubert and Helene Simwerayi would still be "waiting" for their happy ending. From the very beginning, their plight touched the hearts of many including Tom Hildreth an Immigration attorney with the McLane Law Firm in Manchester, who gives us some background on the case. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAMES OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Hildreth\Immigration Attorney |
| key: Family/ Marriage Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 12/23/04 HOST: Beth Carroll LENGTH: 12:30 Today the dream is here in a few hours you can celebrate with us and share our joy. An emotional family re-union after 2 years of separation. Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. Tom Hildreth took the case pro bono, no charge. He's spent countless hours helping the Simwerayi family and to this day continues to work on their behalf. Several Weeks after the emotional family reunion we decided to check back with the Simwerayi family to see how it was going. They are adjusting to a new country, a new home, and a new language. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAMES OF PARTICIPANTS: Hubert Simwerayi\Congolese Emigre, Adelard Simwerayi\Congolese Emigre , Helene Simwerayi\Congolese Emigre, Nina Glick-Schiller\UNH Anthropology Professor |
| key: Immigration/ Refugees Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 12/23/04 HOST: Beth Carroll LENGTH: 12:30 Today the dream is here in a few hours you can celebrate with us and share our joy. An emotional family re-union after 2 years of separation. Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. Tom Hildreth took the case pro bono, no charge. He's spent countless hours helping the Simwerayi family and to this day continues to work on their behalf. Several Weeks after the emotional family reunion we decided to check back with the Simwerayi family to see how it was going. They are adjusting to a new country, a new home, and a new language. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAMES OF PARTICIPANTS: Hubert Simwerayi\Congolese Emigre, Adelard Simwerayi\Congolese Emigre , Helene Simwerayi\Congolese Emigre, Nina Glick-Schiller\UNH Anthropology Professor |
| Tonight 10:00 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook: Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| WEB PROMO Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. . Tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Public Television. |