With the imminent second printing of her book, Seeds of Hope, Monica Westin continues her labor of love as an advocate for children everywhere. The book, a compilation of poems and drawings by children who shared their feelings about the bombings of September 11, 2001, was originally published in June 2002. It was self-published, with donations raised primarily from the Swedish community. (Westin was born in Sweden and came here about 25 years ago when she married.) "The Swedish people love New York," she said.

Seeds of Hope grew out of Westin's desire to do something for the children who were deeply affected by the traumatic events of September 11. She conceived the idea of having the children record their feelings in words and pictures and sent an e-mail to schools in the Long Island and New York City area inviting children to participate. Westin made sure to include in children of all backgrounds, from Port Washington and Manhasset to the South Bronx. In sorting through the overwhelming response to her request for submissions, Westin said, "I discovered that they all want the same thing - to live in a peaceful world." The words of the opening poem by Daniel Adler, then in 6th grade, capture the moving spirit of the compilation. It begins, "In my heart I have a song, a song for peace," and ends, "I wish the world would put aside its differences, I wish this could be possible." In reading the young people's submissions, one is struck by the simplicity of the language and the art, as well as by the profundity of the messages. Thomas Von Essen, past New York City Fire Department Commissioner, wrote in the book's preface, "Our ability to go forward dealing with pain and look to the future with love and respect for others in something we all can learn from these kids. I salute them and marvel at the intelligence, sensitivity and wisdom they display at such a young age." Westin said of Von Essen, often beleaguered during his tenure as Commissioner, "He is an honorary board member. He has been very helpful."

Westin, editor-in-chief and producer, was assisted in putting the book together by co-producer Barbro Ehnbom, a Swedish-born economist; cover designer Kristina Backlund, an advertising senior art director; photographer Jessica Lundgren, a freelance photographer from Sweden; and designer Michael Dudley, a freelance graphic designer. All gave their services pro bono. Copies of the book have been sent to Africa (a copy is in the library at the University of Akkra) and Sweden. Westin said that the book has made a difference, because often people "only know what the politicians say."

Publisher Phoenix Colors will implement the second printing of 5,000 copies. Port's Dolphin Bookstore has agreed to carry the book. All of the proceeds go to support children's programs, including the Fresh Air fund. Some of the schools, in particular Guggenheim, have suggested to Westin that she do a follow-up project, but she said that at this point she is not sure what it would be.

Westin said that the book was inspired in part by an anthology of poems entitled Poems for the Future: Voices of African Youngsters, produced in Ghana in 2001. She has a close connection with Africa, and in particular Ghana. Westin said that she has had a fascination with Africa since she was a little girl; she's not sure why. A nurse by training, she began her work in Africa in 1991 upon the premature death of her physician husband. She said of that period, "I thought I had all the cares in the world, but when I saw how they live ... they don't have an easy life. I am glad that I have had opportunities to help." She started with a clinic and preschool in a small village called Odumese. In 1998, she joined with the founders of the Montessori school in Kumasi, established a first-aid clinic for the school; about two years ago, the clinic was renamed "Monica's clinic."

Her work in Ghana has been formalized into a nonprofit organization called World of Hope International, recognized by the United Nations. Two recent additions to the project are a day care center and a library. World of Hope International is also very involved in child advocacy. They have a strong HIV/AIDS prevention program, as well as educational initiatives regarding child abuse and child labor, which Westin says is common there. She commented that she has seen evidence that attitudes are gradually changing.

Having lived in Africa for a number of years, Westin now makes her home in Port Washington with her daughter Elizabeth who, along with Westin's other daughter, Caroline, and her son, Henrik, have been active supporters of her projects. Westin's home reflects her spirit: beautiful, unpretentious, and welcoming.

To get more information or to offer support to the program, write to World of Hope International, 130 Shore Road, Suite 277, Port Washington, or e-mail monica@wohi.org. They will have a web site soon at www.wohi.org.