Stories of Hope and Rebuilding...Guest Speakers Available

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) West is welcoming two guest speakers to the West Coast during Winter 2006; Thomas Awiapo and Mawarni Halijah A.Md "Anik". If your school, parish or any group of individuals, children or adults are interested in inviting Thomas or Anik for a presentation, please contact Elsa Arratia at EArratia@crs.org. Please consider inviting them - you will be enriched and inspired!

Thomas Awiapo:
Thomas is from Ghana and has a truly inspiring story of survival and success. Orphaned before the age of ten, he was left with two brothers, who would later die of malnutrition, to endure the hardships of poverty and hunger. Hear Thomas' story of how he became the first in his family to attend school and later to finish college. He is an integral part of the CRS work taking place today in Ghana. Thomas will be available February 1st - April 6th.

Anik:
Anik is a CRS staff member in Banda Aceh, one of the many Indonesians whose life and home were devastated by the 2004 Tsunami. Anik came to CRS while living in a camp for displaced survivors with her family, in search of a job and a way to aid in the tremendous relief efforts that would be needed. As a Muslim woman in a leading role in a Catholic organization, Anik is continually impressed with CRS's unconditional support for the needy worldwide regardless of religion. Anik will be available January 18th - February 8th.


Note: Thomas and Anik's visits are sponsored by CRS as a service to groups who wish to inform their members about global relief. In kind or cash contributions to defray their local travel and housing expenses are greatly appreciated.