ADRA International’s board of directors contains some of the most passionate and diverse individuals, many of whom come from the countries in which ADRA works to rebuild lives. Pardon Mwansa, originally from Zambia, talks about HIV and AIDS, famine, and why there is hope in the continent of Africa.
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Nicaragua has had to endure political instability for several decades and just as they were recovering Hurricane Mitch destroyed homes, took lives, and devastated the country's infrastructure. Rudy Monsalve talks about his recent visit to ADRA's large food security and health programs in Nicaragua.
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In northern Thailand, children from hillside communities are victims of more than poverty and want. They face something darker and more menacing—human trafficking. These children are exploited and forced to work in the sinister world of the sex industry. Recently Greg Young, country director for ADRA Thailand outlined the problem of “sexploitation” and shared what ADRA is doing to deal with the issue.
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Daily, our workers rely on the prayers of thousands of dedicated people as they provide relief to the hurting, food for the hungry and clean water to the thirsty. Learn how the power of prayer at work can change lives.
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Malaria, an often fatal disease, is causing havoc among Mozambique’s population. More than 5 million cases were recently reported in this southeastern African nation. Darcy de Leon, Country Director for ADRA Mozambique, speaks about how ADRA is helping families take steps to prevent this disease.
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Todd Reese, Country Director for ADRA Togo, discusses how ADRA is improving the livelihoods of women in rural areas, providing eye care and teaching disease prevention, and raising awareness about HIV and AIDS using creative methods in this tiny West African nation.
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ADRA Sweden is involved in many humanitarian projects around the world. Siri Karlsson spoke with ADRA’s World Radio about the work that is being done on behalf of internally displaced persons in Sudan and children in Kenya who have been orphaned by AIDS.
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Tajikistan is Central Asia’s poorest country. Since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 it has struggled to leave the past behind and move forward. Hearly Mayr and Emily Harding traveled there to see first hand what ADRA is doing to improve life in rural communities.
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Cambodia has undergone many changes since the Khmer Rouge left power. However, many communities are still struggling to survive. Find out what ADRA is doing to bring relief to those families living in rural areas.
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Recently heavy rains triggered a deadly mudslide in the Philippines that killed hundreds of people and left thousands homeless. Gören Hansen gives a first hand account of ADRA’s response.
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The city of Lima, Peru, is facing high numbers of tuberculosis cases among the poorest. Kara Watkins recently went there to see firsthand what the needs are and how ADRA is working to improve the health of many people.
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Changing times require new strategies to encourage people to give. In Russia and central Asia, where ADRA is working with children living with HIV, assisting infant homes, and assisting families develop economically, new ideas are giving opportunities and hope to many.
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What happens when war takes away everything? How do you jumpstart your life again? Bjorn Kroll discusses how ADRA is assisting war refugees in Burundi rebuild their homes and lives and teaching communities how to forgive each other.
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Frank Brenda discusses how ADRA Germany helps support relief efforts around the world and has changed the lives of many supporters in Germany—including his own.
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The dictionary defines the word “Intervene” as to interfere with the outcome or course, especially of a condition or process as in preventing harm or improving function. Nowhere has ADRA’s interfering been more effective than in Australia. There, ADRA is interfering with people’s lives in some very powerful and beautiful ways. The guest on this episode, David Jack, CEO of ADRA Australia tells us how.
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Rudy Monsalve has seen and discusses in this episode what it’s like when there is not enough food to feed hungry stomachs. He’s also witnessed the amazing changes that take place in a village or a home when food stops being a hidden treasure and becomes the tool for good health and continued life that it was meant to be.
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Recently ADRA’s World Radio traveled to St. Louis, Missouri for the 58th World Session of the General Conference of Seventh Day Adventists. There we had the honor of talking with two ADRA country directors face to face before an appreciative audience of ADRA supporters.
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Terror hides behind many faces, none so horrific as what took place in 2004 in a country tucked between the Black and Caspian Seas. What happened in the City of Beslan, Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, Russia is beyond comprehension. Our guest on this episode, Vitalie Zgherea, is Director of ADRA Russia. He knows full well what that face looks like and he shares with us the horror and the hope that ADRA is bringing to those affected by this terrible tragedy.
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Raafat Kamal, Executive Director of ADRA UK is our guide in this episode. You’ll learn about the great variety of work ADRA UK undertakes in various countries around the globe from projects assisting street children in Peru to water projects in north Sudan.
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In this episode of ADRA’s World Radio we head to the South Pacific, to a country north of Australia and due west of the Solomon Islands. Papua New Guinea offers mountainous terrain, over 750 separate languages, and a host of opportunities for ADRA workers to make a difference in thousands of lives. Our guest, Michelle Abel is Country Director for ADRA Papua New Guinea and heads up the work in that area.
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Llewellyn Juby gives an update on how ADRA responded to recent food shortages in Mongolia and taught the people how to change their diet to live healthier and longer lives. He also tells some captivating stories of challenges and successes he has encountered recently.
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Everyday ADRA strives to reach out to a world in need in the most effective and efficient manner possible. Dawit Habetemariam discusses how the agency does this and shares first hand accounts of ADRA's life-changing work.
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The work of ADRA Norway has grown tremendously from the days when it ran with only one staff member. Pia Reierson discusses why she became a humanitarian worker and how today she leads a dedicated group of ADRA workers.
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The frontlines of ADRA's humanitarian work is not always in the poverty-stricken areas that are often referred to as the developing world. Marilyn Mackay discusses her work with ADRA providing for the needs of the people in her own backyard: Australia.
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The horn of Africa is a part of the world that is a virtual powder keg. Civil unrest, lack of water, and famine are all too common. Rudy Monsalve recently visited the Ethiopia and Somalia border region and provides a riveting report.
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Many parts of Africa have suffered from poverty and hunger for many decades. We don't always hear about the plight of the people in that region, but they continue to suffer day in and day out. Birgit Philipsen discusses the great needs she has witnessed first hand on the African continent.
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Rachel lived and worked for ADRA in Nicaragua for more than three years. She discusses the many joys and challenges she experienced and how ADRA's ministry of compassion not only impacted the people she served but changed her own life.
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Water is a very precious commodity in many parts of Africa including Namibia. ADRA is helping the San people of the Kalahari dig wells and also protect them from the many elephants that live in that region. Julio Munoz recently visited Namibia and discusses how ADRA is making a difference.
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ADRA's Original Really Useful Gift Catalog allows people to purchase live saving items for people who have nothing. Tereza Byrne gives a behind-the-scenes look, and tells the stories the people in ADRA's World that whose lives are changed through the wonderful projects in the catalog.
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After twenty years of civil war Sudan is slowly moving to a new peaceful era. At the same time the Darfur region remains a challenge. Anne Woodworth recently visited Sudan and reports that some positive changes are taking place.
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We see the faces of those living with HIV and AIDS on the cover of magazines, newspapers, and TV screens. Most of them live in Africa and Mike Negerie reports that ADRA is working to ease their suffering and trying to put an end to the spread of the HIV epidemic.
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Life is difficult for many Laotians who struggle day in and day out to find good, clean water supplies. ADRA works hard to improve the lives of the people of Laos and Denison Grellmann discusses the changes that are taking place every day.
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Working in a country with no central government such as Somalia can be challenging. Robyn Kerr discusses her recent experience working with ADRA in that East African country, helping the people overcome the challenges of poverty, disease, and education.
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Recent volcanic irruptions in the Andean nation of Ecuador have caused great disruption to the lives of its people. Hearly Mayr discusses his recent visit to the affected areas as well as ADRA's response to that tragedy and its programs that are helping give many Ecuadorians a better life.
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Paraguay has undergone many changes in the last 100 years. Unfortunately not many have benefited the country. Marie-Jo discusses a recent visit and how ADRA is changing the lives of street children struggling to survive from day to day.
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It is well known that safety and security is a serious issue for aid workers in various “hotspots” around the world. Ken Flemmer recently visited and trained ADRA workers in Latin America who are now increasingly working in gang-infested areas.
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Malawi's population has been greatly affected by HIV and AIDS. Dr. Tayo Odeyemi, discusses the interrelation of AIDS and food security as well as ADRA response.
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ADRA responded immediately to the typhoons that recently devastated parts of the Philippines. Tereza Byrne recently visited ADRA’s ongoing recovery and long-term development efforts in the Philippines.
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Years of political and social upheaval along with climate change and famine have left Ethiopia struggling to regain its footing. Tina Hudgins recently returned to Ethiopia after a 21 years and shares here impression on the many changes the East African country has experienced.
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Indonesia has been in the news quite a bit lately as the result of a series of devastating disasters—including the tsunami in 2004. Dr. Reuben Supit, shares how ADRA has been busy rebuilding the lives of those who found themselves in harms way.
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ADRA's World Radio caught up with Charles Sandefur, president of ADRA International, to discuss his recent trip to Africa, a continent with great needs which has a special place in the heart of ADRA.
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The country of Albania faces many challenges as if rebuilds after decades of totalitarian communist rule. ADRA has been in Albania since the fall of communism and is there today to help ease the struggle on some very important fronts. Elidon Bardhi discusses the history and life changing work of ADRA Albania.
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Imagine not being able to attend school because you can’t read, write, or understand what the teacher says. Tens of thousands of Roma (gypsy) children living in Albania are unable to attend school because they don’t know Albanian. ADRA is reaching out to these children and preparing them for an education and a bright future. Hearly Mayr talks about his recent visit with the Roma Children of Albania.
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Indonesia is no stranger to disasters and at present the people on the island of Java are trying to cope with the aftermath of an earthquake that left thousands dead and many more injured and homeless. Robert Patton updates ADRA relief efforts underway and explains why ADRA is positive about the future.
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Frank Brenda gives us a behind-the-scenes look into some of the hotspots where ADRA workers are making a difference in the lives of many, many people.
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Todd Bruce shares amazing stories of sadness and hope from amidst the rubble of communities in Thailand affected by last year’s tsunami. Todd talks about ADRA’s ongoing efforts to bring relief to the people whose lives were changed by this disaster.
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Lowell Cooper helps guide the work of ADRA around the world, heading ADRA International’s board of director, and shares some insights about ADRA’s mission and history.
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ADRA International has carved a niche for itself in Ghana. For more than two decades it has been there to bring humanitarian and development activities and in the process has become the largest Non-governmental organization, or NGO, in agriculture in that country. The guest for this episode, Samuel Asante-Mensah, country director, shares exciting stories and the success of ADRA’s work in Ghana.
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For almost three years violence, bloodshed, and genocide have ravaged Darfur, Sudan. Dan Wortman recently visited Sudan and discusses ADRA’s lifesaving work with some of the more than two million refugees and internally displaced people.
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Part of a special series on ADRA’s Africa Famine Watch, Paul Smart, tells us how the people of Ethiopia are facing a food emergency of epic proportions.
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In the first of a series of special broadcasts, ADRA’s Africa Famine Watch, Frank Teeuwen gives an overview of the crisis in Africa, where tens of millions of people are starving to death.
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"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
--Margaret Mead
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A story is told of a general who was preparing his troops for one more battle. Although the soldiers were weary and hungry, the general asked them to give him just “one more battle and the victory is yours.” Predictably, the troops rallied around the general and they won the battle. Would you, then, consider the general a leader? Yes, of course.
In a different account, ADRA workers were struggling to convince men to visit their health clinic. Husbands accompanied their wives, but they would stop short of entering the clinic. Instead, the men gathered outside to wait. One day, clinic worker approached them and told them how to stay healthy. If you consider this action, would you say it was an act of leadership? Absolutely.
Leadership at all levels is an interesting concept, because within our circles of influence, which generally include home, church, and our every day social interactions, we are often looked to for guidance in such mundane things like our negotiation skills; but people also want to see how we stand up for what is right. Then, why not try being a leader at work?
In November 2005, the management and leadership world mourned the loss of Peter F. Drucker. When he began teaching in 1937, he quickly became a controversial figure, considered a fanatic by some and ahead of his time by others. However, as I read the words of tribute to him—“What a powerful soul!” and “…his leadership and his guidance have been among my life’s greatest blessings”—I realize what a wonderful leader and gentleman he must have been. And when I consider my own life, I wonder: What words of tribute will others have for me? Did I ever bother to observe what changes needed to happen around me? Did I speak out for the underserved? Did I denounce an injustice? Did I guide and inspire others? However, there is still time to do so.
I hope this issue inspires you into action. Look around and take a small initial step; leadership takes time and commitment. But more importantly, leadership takes willingness. Your leadership journey begins today.
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We had waited five months for the precious cargo to arrive. But this week a valuable box containing 52 pairs of spectacles or eyeglasses arrived at ADRA Mongolia by mail from Australia.
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A group of Australian optometrists had volunteered their time and come to Mongolia in July 2005. They visited 22 schools in a two-week period, examining the eyes of over 4,000 children and adults. Although they brought suitcases full of glasses, it was not possible to have the correct eyeglasses for all.
Today I visited a school to give sixteen students their glasses. The excitement was evident on the happy faces. They all seemed to echo the sentiments of someone who said, “We were sure that the Australians living so far away would not remember their promise. We are so happy.”
They could hardly contain their immense joy at being able to see properly once again. I went home filled with that wonderful feeling that comes with helping someone. Today these students also helped me see properly once again.
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Malawi: Orphans resulting from parent's death to AIDS
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Nepal: Eradication of leprosy & rehabilitation of the leper colony residents (school, work program, personal hygiene, new home construction)
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Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) at the weekend presented four bales of used clothes and blankets valued at 10 million cedis to 32 blind farmers and their aides at Karni in the Jirapa/Lambussie District.
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Apart from that, ADRA had since 2002 also granted the blind farmers small scheme loans up to the tune of 27.6 million cedis to expand their agricultural activities.
Mr. Anthony Manooh, Technical Co-ordinator of Agriculture and Natural Resource Management of ADRA who presented the items expressed satisfaction at the performance of the farmers in soya bean cultivation, cashew planting and dry season gardening.
He challenged other physically challenged persons in society to take a leaf from the activities of the Karni blind farmers to engage themselves in productive ventures that would render them independent in society.
Mr. Manooh promised to offer them all the assistance they needed to harness their potentials to live comfortable and respectable lives in society.
Mr. Sampson Bediako Fordjour, Field Project Officer at Wa promised to supply them with grafted mango seedlings to add to other farming activities they were engaged in.
He called for regular meetings among them so as to come out with suggestions that could be useful for their development. ADRA also organised a three-day capacity building workshop for the farmers to equip them with technical skills and enhance modern ways of agriculture to improve on production.
The ADRA officials also educated them on the need to use improved seeds and prepare the land in line with modern trends that would increase field.
The participants were also taken through savings, record-keeping and the use of organic manure to improve yield and reduce cost of production.
© 2005 Copyright Ghana News Agency (GNA)
This article does not necessarily reflect the views of ADRA International
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We bumped along the road driving through pot holes as big as the land cruiser. The day was hot (90F) and the air conditioner didn't work. As we drove along cows, goats and chickens crossed the road without an apparent care in the world.
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Green hills surrounded us and seemed to swallow up the road ahead. On each side, woman worked the fields either by hand with a small pick, or a plough pulled behind oxen. Little circular mud huts with thatched roofs dotted the landscape. We were on a 13-hour journey from Guinea Conakry to the far province of Siguiri.
It takes a little over 13 hours to arrive in the dusty village of Bambala. As we entered the village, population 686, children, women, and men surrounded us all talking the local dialect or French. The village was typical. Circular mud huts with thatched roofs were crowded up against each other with no apparent rhyme or reason for the way they are located in the village. The day is hot, and the sun showers its hot rays down mercilessly on us. Many of the women are dressed in colorful robes. We are led to the town square, which is a place where there are a couple large shade-providing mango trees. There we find the chief of the village, ministry of health service providers, ADRA health volunteers, ADRA health promoters, and the village men, woman, and lots of children.
For the next hour the community health volunteers proudly shows all they have learned during the past five years with ADRA. Their knowledge of primary health and nutrition is impressive. They show us with pride their “doctor’s emergency kit.” It is limited to basic supplies such as gloves, plastic towels, and sterilization solution. These few items, however, save lives. They showed us a book that had a pictorial report of the health status of the village. We could see by the pictures how many babies died each month and also how many babies were improving. All too soon the ceremony was over. As we left the village, the chiefwho had been very silentwalked over to ADRA’s country director for Guinea, Sharon Pittman. He said, “mama we are very sad, very sad.” He continued, “We are sad because ADRA is leaving us.”
ADRA’s health program in Guinea terminates on September 30, 2005. The chief said, “Before ADRA came to our village so many of our babies and children died. Now that ADRA has come we are healthier, happier, and our children are surviving.” I look into the eyes of the chief and could see such sincerity and love. I look around again at the children and know that many were alive and well because of the knowledge ADRA had given to this village in the heart of Guinea. Pittman said, “Even though ADRA is leaving, the knowledge you have gained will stay with you. Let’s pray also that the new project is approved.” The Chief smiled and said, “We will pray for ADRA every day.”
Later in solemn ceremony with the Governor of the State (Prefecture) it was so impressive to hear the outstanding confirmation of this political leader. He said, “You have come and made a difference in our area. The results of OUR program are outstanding. We look forward to working and cooperating with you on a new five year project. Please send our thanks to Washington as well.”
By Anthony Stahl, bureau chief for program management, ADRA International
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Frank Teeuwen recently visited the Kashmir region of Pakistan and in this episode gives a firsthand account of the progress being made and the challenge that lays ahead.
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ADRA began relief efforts immediately to assist tens of thousands of people in Kashmir region of Pakistan that lost homes and loved ones in the terrible earthquake that struck the region last October. David Syme gives an update of ADRA’s ongoing relief efforts in the region.
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Depending on when you were born, the name Vietnam can mean many things. Country director Stephen Cooper shares how to those who work for ADRA, Vietnam means opportunity to make a difference.
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One year after the horrible Indian Ocean tsunami the final death toll is still not known. But what is known is that ADRA is committed to rebuilding broken lives, no matter how long it takes. Frank Teeuwen updates on ADRA’s work in the tsunami-devastated areas.
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