ADRA Canada Announces Intern Program

"ADRA Canada has exciting news for anyone wanting to get involved in international development work," report Ryan and Christine Wallace, Internship Program Coordinators for ADRA Canada. "This year, we have created an international internship program. This program is designed to help young Canadians gain experience in the development field. If you have always wanted to work with ADRA but didn't know how, we now have an excellent place to start. Our internship program sends Canadians to other countries to experience, first-hand, the challenges and rewards of serving the poor."

ADRA Canada recognizes that international ADRA offices need personnel, and conversely, aspiring development workers need experience. An internship program helps meet both of these needs.

Qualifying for internship positions with ADRA Canada does not require an extensive academic or career background. Students rarely get a chance to have hands-on experience, and an internship provides just that. International ADRA offices have positions for people with various skills and backgrounds. Ambitious, responsible, and mature candidates are people that could fill these positions. Internships can last anywhere from six months to one year, and are available in a number of countries around the world.

"We need your help in recruiting young people who are interested in development work," urges Christine. "Please spread the word that we are looking for intern applicants, and give possible candidates our contact information. If you require additional information from us, please refer to our website or contact us directly. Our website is being updated regularly, and can be viewed at www.adra.ca/intern."

MOZAMBIQUE - Cyclone Favio

The coastal region of Mozambique was struck by Cyclone Favio on February 22, 2007. Favio, a class 4 cyclone, was estimated to have winds up to 200 kph at the time of impact. Early reports indicate that the rural hospital located in Vilankulos completely lost its roof, leaving patients open to the elements. In addition, a large percentage of homes were destroyed. Assessments have estimated 100,670 people were affected by the cyclone.

The affected area is approximately 700 km north of the capital city of Maputo where ADRA Mozambique's Country Office is located. During this stage of intervention, ADRA Mozambique is responding to 294 affected households with a roofing reconstruction kit composed of iron sheets, roofing timbers and nails.

ADRA Canada's contribution of US$10,000 is part of a US$50,000 ADRA network response. We need your help! Make a donation today at www.adra.ca.

ADRA Australia Responds to Solomon Islands Tsunami

ADRA staff are assessing needs and damage following the tsunami that hit Western Solomon Islands on April 2. Triggered by a magnitude 8.0 earthquake, the tsunami killed at least 20 people and left thousands homeless. The death toll is expected to rise. A state of emergency was declared the following day after an underwater earthquake measuring 8.1 on the Richter scale triggered the 33-foot tsunami. An estimated 5,500 people are currently displaced. While meeting the immediate needs of the survivors, ADRA is also assessing the long-term needs of the community to determine the scope necessary for a rehabilitation project that can address the water and sanitation requirements of the targeted communities.

ADRA São Tome and Principe Marks Completion of Anti-Malaria Campaign

In February, ADRA São Tomé celebrated the successful completion of an anti-malaria social marketing project promoted the use of ITNs (Insecticide-Treated bed-Nets) to fight the spread of the dangerous disease. The official closing ceremony was held February 23 in the capital city of São Tomé. The meeting highlighted the critical role mosquito nets play in the fight against malaria. During the ceremony ADRA staff provided a review of project activities, as well as project results and future plans. The country's Minister of Health, Arlindo Carvalho, presided over the event, which received national television and radio network coverage.

Malaria is the main cause of mortality and morbidity in children under five years old in Africa, and is the major cause of public health problems, especially among pregnant women and children with low birth weight.

"In the fight against malaria, ITNs have been clearly shown to reduce the rate of mortality and morbidity caused by the spread of malaria within a region," said Emanuel Costa, country director for the São Tomé and Principe office. "ADRA São Tomé and Principe will continue to raise awareness and secure partners to help distribute these nets so essential in fighting the epidemic."

With your help, ADRA Canada continues to support poverty reduction programs in São Tomé.

Find additional information about ADRA Canada at www.adra.ca. ADRA Canada is part of the ADRA network, which is present in more than 100 countries providing community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age or ethnicity.

Thank you for your support!

Media Contact: James Astleford

With thanks to ADRA International and ADRA Australia

ADRA Canada, 1148 King St E, Oshawa, ON, L1H 1H8, Canada.

jrla@adra.ca ~ www.adra.ca ~ Tel: +1.905.433.8004 ~ Fax: +1.905.723.1903