Perkasie woman aims to focus attention on human rights abuses.
By Pervaiz Shallwani
To educate her neighbors about human rights abuses around the world, a Perkasie woman is looking to shed light on the plight of the Tibetan people — especially children.
Cassandra Binns is hosting a second annual Human Rights Benefit with speakers, entertainment and meditation sessions Friday through Sunday at Pennridge Central Middle School in Hilltown Township. The goal this year is to raise $5,000 toward the cost of a school for girls in the Tibet autonomous region.
”The thing that I am finding is that most people have no idea that Tibet is occupied,” Binns said.
Tibet, regarded as the ”roof of the world” for its high elevation, was conquered by China in 1951. The region has been the focus of activists who have fought to help the country regain its sovereignty and protect human rights.
Binns, who owns Vidyaa Yoga studio on Seventh Street in Perkasie, is focusing her fundraising effort on impoverished, uneducated girls in Tibet. The money will go toward a school in Tibet that is only partially built, she said.
According to NetAid, a nonprofit group that fights global poverty, there are only five primary schools for every 10,000 Tibetans and most families live on less than a dollar a day. ”There’s so many human rights violations in the world, whether it’s imposed by nature or by other countries,” Binns said. ”My God, we could name so many countries.”
Binns held a similar benefit last year to raise awareness and funds for battered women in Bucks County.
Speaking at the event will be Robert Thurman, a professor, author and the father of actress Uma Thurman. Dharma Mittra will host a three-hour yoga workshop. Donna DeLory, a backup singer for Madonna, will hold a concert and Jim Donovan, a drummer for the band Rusted Root, will hold a drumming workshop.
For information visit http://www.vidyaapoweryoga.com or call 267-784-8429.
pervaiz.shallwani@mcall.com
