The headlines of Santa Barbara’s various papers have shed light on a variety of troubling issues in the past year. From school violence on State Street to genocide in Darfur, conflict has been both close to and far from home. As a kid in our town, it has become very easy to become disheartened by these news clippings. One has a feeling of helplessness, as if there is nothing that he or she can do to make a difference.

Yesterday at Goleta Beach, nearly 80 Santa Barbara Middle School students (joined by 50 community members) proved that kids can have an impact…even on the lives of those half a world away. These inspired youngsters hopped on their bikes for the 2nd Annual Ride 4 Rwanda, raising money for Project Rwanda, a non-profit dedicated to implementing the bicycle as a development tool and symbol of hope in one of Africa’s most troubled (yet hopeful) countries. The Project has designed, built, and distributed over 1,800 special “coffee bikes” to Rwanda’s independent coffee farmers through a micro-loan system. These bikes have allowed the farmers to carry heavier loads of coffee beans faster, translating into direct increases in their incomes.

Joined by Project Director and mountain bike legend Tom Ritchey, the young pedal pushers succeeded in raising $5,000, which will allow the Project to construct bike shops and distribute the tools necessary to help Rwanda’s farmers maintain their new coffee bikes.

Later that night, Ride participants and Santa Barbara Middle School Teen Press reporters Harrison Gillman and Eliana Shiffer got a chance to interview Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt on the red carpet at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Before giving each of the stars a Project Rwanda jersey, Harrison and Eliana asked Ms. Jolie what students in America can do to become better global citizens. Angelina replied:

Angelina would have been proud Saturday morning at the site of the community of global citizens — young and old — joyously riding for Rwanda.