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In Today's Hotline:
- LIBERIA: GANTA UM HOSPITAL PARTNERS WITH CURAMERICAS
- GHANA: EXPANDING FOOD SUPPLIES
- NICARAGUA: IMPROVED LIVES
- INDONESIA: SCHOOL EVENTS PROMOTE GOOD HYGIENE
- EVENT: CHANGE THE WORLD CONFERENCE
LIBERIA: GANTA UM HOSPITAL PARTNERS WITH CURAMERICAS
In a partnership initiated by Global Ministries' Health and Welfare Unit, Curamericas Global, Inc. will establish its Child Survival and Health Program at Ganta United Methodist Hospital in Liberia. The five-year program will begin in October, 2008 and is expected to serve more than 135,000 people including 54,000 women and children.
Global Ministries' Health and Welfare Unit assisted Curamericas, a non-governmental organization that establishes primary health care programs, in obtaining the $1.25 million grant awarded by USAID (United States Agency for International Development). The Child Survival and Health Program compliments the work already in place at Ganta Hospital and will help reduce neonatal, infant, child and maternal mortality rates within the six sub-districts of northern Nimba County.
This program will increase Ganta Hospital's health capabilities through the training and deployment of 130 community health workers, 130 traditional midwives, 1,300 volunteer care groups and four mobile primary health care teams throughout the district. Please support Ganta Hospital in its ongoing work to help mothers by giving to Mother/Child Survival, UMCOR Advance #982645.
GHANA: EXPANDING FOOD SUPPLIES
UMCOR is addressing the food crisis in Ghana and other parts of Africa through its Sustainable Agriculture and Development Program (SA&D).
UMCOR is training farmers to utilize and maximize natural and locally-available resources to minimize their dependence on high-quality pesticides or petroleum-based fertilizers for their farms. Farmers learn to make natural pesticides using the leaves of the Neem tree. While using fewer chemicals to prevent unwanted insects from damaging crops, this method produces healthier, more nutritious food at a better cost advantage for the farmer.
Beekeeping is an SA&D program with sweet, sustainable benefits for farmers. One beehive produces two to three gallons of honey. In addition to food, the honey they produce is used as a salve and for cough and asthma relief. Beeswax is used for batik textiles, and propolis, the glue that bees collect from certain tree buds, is used for furniture construction. Your gifts to Sustainable Agriculture and Development, UMCOR Advance #982188 help farmers expand their food supplies, helping them earn additional income to support and feed their families.
When Hurricane Beta struck Nicaragua in October, 2005, it further compromised the already deteriorating water sources. With UMCOR's support, El Porvenir continues to help poor communities in Nicaragua improve their health and preserve their watersheds through self-help community projects.
In the town of Ocotillo, a rapidly growing community of 445 peopleresidents previously traveled between one and two kilometers for water and had only two latrines for the entire community. With the help of UMCOR and other support, El Porvenir constructed 100 latrines reducing the walking distance for its people. In Salales Centro, where the latrines were in exceedingly poor condition, and made even worse by Hurricane Beta UMCOR helped build 55 new latrines.
El Porvenir is helping people throughout rural Nicaragua experience improved health, learn about important latrine and well maintenance, and get first hand knowledge about the many benefits of reforestation and the value of hygiene and health education. Help improve more lives in Nicaragua by sending your gifts to El Porvenir, UMCOR Advance #525000.
INDONESIA: SCHOOL EVENTS PROMOTE GOOD HYGIENE
UMCOR staff in Aceh, Indonesia organized and supported several health and hygiene events in recognition of 2008 being the International Year of Sanitation. Students participated in speech, drawing, and coloring competitions promoting positive health and good hygiene practices. The events were made possible through UMCOR's Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project in collaboration with UNICEF. The events included cleanest classroom competitions, first aid training, gardening and tree planting. Additionally, "Hygiene Heroes" were trainedafter learning about positive hygiene behavior, they would educate fellow students.
UMCOR's WASH project is improving the overall health of those attending 31 schools in Aceh Province as well as the occupants of the Bireuen District General Hospital. The program provides greater access to improved water and sanitation facilities and builds capacity for students, teachers and hospital staff through hygiene and waste disposal education. Support more events like these by sending your gifts to Indonesia Emergency, UMCOR Advance #217400.
EVENT: CHANGE THE WORLD CONFERENCE
UMCOR is a sponsor for the upcoming Change the World Conference at Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church, October 24-25, 2008 in Tipp City, Ohio.
The conference focuses on engaging the church in the world through mission and ministry. Adam Hamilton, pastor of Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan.; Brian McLauren, evangelist and preacher; Jim Wallis, author, speaker and international commentator on public life, faith and politics; and Mike Slaughter, pastor of Ginghamsbug United Methodist Church will be the keynote speakers at this two-day conference.
Nearly 30 "breakout sessions" or workshops are offered, including two led by UMCOR staff. A high school track and a Ministry by Strengths intensive are also available during the conference. Learn more and register at www.ginghamsburgglobal.org.
UMCOR provides emergency relief in many areas of the world. To find out more about UMCOR's ministries, please visit umcor.org. You can donate to any project by placing a contribution in the offering plate at a local United Methodist church; by sending a check to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068; or by calling 1-800-554-8583, where credit card donations are accepted. You can also give online at givetomission.org. UMCOR is exempt from tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States and qualifies for the maximum charitable contribution deduction by donors.
United Methodist Committee on Relief
General Board of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church
Room 330, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115
Voice Phone: 1-212-870-3816; FAX: 1-212-870-3624
Email: umcor@gbgm-umc.org
Web: http://www.umcor.org
UMCOR. Be There. Be Hope.
UMCOR's mission is to alleviate human suffering-whether caused by war, conflict, or natural disaster-with open minds and hearts to all people.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
