Get Involved

For more information, contact:

John Torres, Assistant Director of Public Relations
301.680.6357 (office)
301.680.6370 (fax)
John.Torres@adra.org

To donate to ADRA go to:
Online: www.adra.org
Phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ADRAi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joinADRA

SILVER SPRING, Md. - The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is assisting families in Peru's southeastern region, who have been enduring harsh weather conditions during this year's first quarter. The region has been severely affected by heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds, leading to the overflow of rivers and landslides. Below-freezing temperatures have followed this rainy season, which has triggered the threat of frostbite to vulnerable residents, amongst them children and the elderly.

ADRA is delivering blankets to an estimated 700 families affected by the cold spell in the District of Velille. The blankets will serve as a protective barrier against the cold, with priority given to children, elderly, and families living in higher-altitude areas. In total, ADRA will be distributing approximately 1,400 blankets to its beneficiaries, equating to two blankets per family. ADRA's 12-day intervention will complement aid distributed by local government institutions that are also responding to the current situation.

Velille District is housed in the Chumbivilcas province of Peru, and is considered one of the poorest regions in the country. Velille is home to approximately 8,000 people, with approximately a quarter of the population under the age of five.

This response has been funded in part by ADRA International, and ADRA's South American Division office in the amount of $20,000.

To contribute to ADRA's humanitarian efforts, please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or give online at www.adra.org

Follow ADRA on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest information as it happens.

ADRA is a global non-governmental organization providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.

For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org

Author: Christina Zaiback, ADRA International

For more information, contact:

John Torres, Assistant Director of Public Relations
301.680.6357 (office)
301.680.6370 (fax)
John.Torres@adra.org

To donate to ADRA go to:
Online: www.adra.org
Phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ADRAi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joinADRA

SILVER SPRING, Md. - This coming Sunday, millions of men, women, and children around the world will be taking the time to honor their mothers who have sacrificed their time and energy, juggled various roles from nurturer to bedtime storyteller, and have given so much of themselves for the sake of others. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) recognizes the value mothers contribute not just to heir home, but their community, and because of that seeks to help mothers be the best they can be.

In several countries throughout the world, ADRA develops projects that offer mothers vocational training classes to help them better provide for themselves, and their families. These projects are typically offered to low-income, unemployed mothers, and widows who are under more pressure to make ends meet.

In Bangladesh's capital city of Dhaka, ADRA is helping low-income and unemployed women increase their household incomes by providing training in sewing, a vocational skill that can help a person find employment in the city's thriving garment industry. With increased income comes increased opportunity to send children to school, purchase text books and school uniforms, ensure food is on the table for hungry mouths, and enables families to pay for medical assistance when needed.

Motherhood takes on many facets, and often one of those facets is family doctor. ADRA works with mothers and teaches them how to identify and prevent common childhood diseases, so that they can more effectively look after the health of their children. In addition, ADRA offers food preparation training and educational classes on the importance of breastfeeding newborns. Through ADRA's programs, mothers are encouraged to keep their children's vaccinations up to date, and are even given instructions on how to make Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) to care for children suffering from illnesses that cause dehydration.

This year, and every year, ADRA strives to help mothers reach their God-given potential, and continues to support mothers in their efforts to raise healthy and happy children.

To contribute to ADRA's humanitarian efforts, please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or give online at www.adra.org

Follow ADRA on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest information as it happens.

ADRA is a global non-governmental organization providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.

For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org

Author: Christina Zaiback, ADRA International

For more information, contact:

John Torres, Assistant Director of Public Relations
301.680.6357 (office)
301.680.6370 (fax)
John.Torres@adra.org

To donate to ADRA go to:
Online: www.adra.org
Phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ADRAi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joinADRA

SILVER SPRING, Md. - Following the heated November 2011 presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the battle between government forces and armed militia has been ongoing, causing thousands of Congolese to flee to the neighboring country of Uganda. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is assisting hundreds of refugee families, now in the process of transitioning into a new life in a foreign country.

Through ADRA's local office in Uganda, the Agency will be conducting an intervention targeting 300 refugee families residing in Unganda's western Kisoro district at the Nyakabande refugee center. This response will give priority to minors, unaccompanied children, and nursing/expecting mothers, all of who are at risk of being marginalized during emergency situations. Essential non-food items (NFI's) consisting of blankets, water containers, cooking and eating utensils, and mosquito nets, that serve to protect against malaria, will be distributed during the response.

Uganda's Office of the Prime Minister requested assistance from ADRA to assist in improving the living conditions of Congolese refugees in the country. As part of the response, ADRA is collaborating with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Uganda's Red Cross, and staff of the Nyakabande refugee camp to compile a prioritized list of households for the distribution, and ensure the appropriate households receive the NFI kits.

ADRA has had a presence in Uganda since 1986, intervening and implementing a number of relief and emergency responses across the country.

To support ADRA's live-saving efforts, please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or give online at www.adra.org

Follow ADRA on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest information as it happens.

ADRA is a global non-governmental organization providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.

For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org

Author: Christina Zaiback, ADRA International

For more information, contact:

John Torres, Assistant Director of Public Relations
301.680.6357 (office)
301.680.6370 (fax)
John.Torres@adra.org

To donate to ADRA go to:
Online: www.adra.org
Phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ADRAi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joinADRA

SILVER SPRING, Md. - April 25 marks World Malaria Day, a day set aside to commemorate worldwide efforts to control this preventable yet deadly disease. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is continuing its work to reduce the numbers of people infected and killed by malaria every year worldwide.

This year's theme for World Malaria Day, "Sustain Gains, Save Lives: Invest in Malaria," communicates the notion that investments towards malaria control efforts remain vital if malaria is to be successfully eradicated.

"Since 2004, Malaria deaths have declined by nearly a third," said United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. "Yet malaria remains a leading killer, and continues to suck the lifeblood of economies around the world. At this critical juncture we must intensify our efforts to defeat this disease," Ki-moon added.

In efforts towards eliminating malaria-related deaths, ADRA develops projects with a focus of mobilizing entire communities. These projects offer training courses for community leaders on methods and techniques to achieve a malaria-free environment. The leaders then share the life-saving techniques to others in their community, equipping them with the knowledge on how to protect themselves, and their children, from contracting the disease.

"ADRA remains dedicated in our efforts towards reducing malaria-related deaths, and because of our commitment to this cause, we believe this goal can be achieved," said Sonya Funna Evelyn, Senior Technical Advisor for Health at ADRA International.  "Through strategic partnerships, and a focus on providing capacity-building support, medication, and bed nets, ADRA is able to address the challenges of malaria, and ultimately work towards its eradication."  

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infected mosquitoes are known to predominantly bite between dusk and dawn.  ADRA distributes mosquito nets that have proven to be a simple, yet highly effective preventable measure easily employed by beneficiaries. The nets act as an effective barrier between mosquitoes carrying the disease and the human host reducing the level of exposure to possible infection.

According to the WHO, statistics state that since 2000 malaria mortality rates have fallen globally by more than 25 percent, and have fallen by 33 percent in the Africa. Although noteworthy progress has been made in eliminating malaria, it remains a dangerous killer, taking the lives of an estimated 650,000 people in 2010. In addition, most deaths occur among children living in Africa where the disease claims the life of one child every 60 seconds.

"The great advances of recent years show that this battle can be won. It is time to finish the job. Success is too close, and the cost of failure too great," said Ki-moon.  

April 25 was originally declared Africa Malaria Day in 2000, but in 2008, World Malaria Day was also launched on April 25 to commemorate the work done around the world to control the deadly disease.

To learn more about ADRA's life-changing work, please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or give online at www.adra.org

Follow ADRA on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest information as it happens.

ADRA is a global non-governmental organization providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.

For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org

Author:  Christina Zaiback, ADRA International

For more information, contact:

John Torres, Assistant Director of Public Relations
301.680.6357 (office)
301.680.6370 (fax)
John.Torres@adra.org

To donate to ADRA go to:
Online: www.adra.org
Phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ADRAi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joinADRA

SILVER SPRING, Md. - In Thailand, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is working to rescue girls from forced prostitution in the sex slave trade. The Agency has opened a shelter that houses at-risk girls from poor families, providing them with nutritious food, education, and most importantly a safe environment that shields them from harm.

"Pam" was born in the northern part of Thailand in a rural region near the Thai-Burma border. Her parents, Lahu and Akha, are from ethnic minority groups that traditionally live in the mountains throughout this part of Asia. Her family consists of poor farmers, who at times work as hired hands; daily laborers who live hand to mouth due to humble salaries. To help provide for the family, Pam often skipped school to work with her mother in the fields. Her future seemed hopeless until ADRA Thailand's Keep Girls Safe (KGS) project came to help.

KGS works to prevent young girls from being trafficked into the disturbing world of sexual exploitation. The project has opened a shelter for girls who are considered high-risk like Pam. Currently, there are 30 girls residing in this shelter with mentors from the full-time KGS staff teaching them to read and write.

Upon learning about Pam's living conditions, ADRA's KGS staff asked Pam's parents to allow the project to take care of her. "We realized that Pam's home environment represented a risk that was putting her in danger of human trafficking," said Kusalin, shelter coordinator. "Most parents in her village do not see the importance of education. That was the reason why we took Pam to the shelter; to study, to have a new life, and to protect her." In addition to lack of educational opportunities, Pam doesn't hold a Thai citizenship, a combination that makes it easy to lure a young girl into the destructive cycle of the sex trade.

Although Pam could speak the two tribal languages of her parents, she could not speak Thai. This made learning at the KGS shelter more of a challenge, however after morning and evening tutor sessions to learn Thai, Pam now confidently and fluently converses with everyone in the shelter.  

"I want to be a Thai teacher when I grow up," Pam now says in Thai. "I want to teach the children in my village to speak Thai." Pam adds, "I like staying here. I have many friends, I eat good food, and…I am happy."

Because of ADRA's Keep Girls Safe program, numerous girls once at-risk of being forced into the sex trade are now achieving their potential in a safe and nurturing environment.

To contribute to ADRA's life-changing efforts, please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or give online at www.adra.org

Follow ADRA on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest information as it happens.

ADRA is a global non-governmental organization providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.

For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org

Author: ADRA Thailand

For more information, contact:

John Torres, Assistant Director of Public Relations
301.680.6357 (office)
301.680.6370 (fax)
John.Torres@adra.org

To donate to ADRA go to:
Online: www.adra.org
Phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ADRAi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joinADRA

Article Reprint - Hannah Ndungu works as the Emergency Management Coordinator for the ADRA Africa Regional Office. In this article, Ndungu shares an experience of how ADRA's work restored hope to one Ethiopian village.

SILVER SPRING, Md. - In Kelafo Woreda-Somali Region of Ethiopia, lies a small village called Hargududo. The village of about 200 households whose inhabitants largely consist of agro-pastoralists are full of praise and sheer unbridled joy for what with very little words termed 'a lifeless village alive again.' I together with my colleagues from ADRA International drove more than 120 miles (200km) to reach this village where the ADRA Network supported the local community with emergency interventions on water, veterinary services, and supplementary livestock feeding.

Zooming along a stretch of land full of sand, our eyes could only see bare terrain in all directions, until bumping into a small village called, Hargududo. There wasn't much happening in the village, elders were seated playing the traditional game of chess while children were walking nonchalantly. As we stopped our car along the road, we immediately saw the elders walking briskly to receive us while the children - full of renewed life and energy - ran towards the car keenly peering to see what was inside.

Just across the road, there was a small open thatched house. The village elder led us there with welcoming greetings from three other elders. Within minutes, the youth, men, and a few women joined us in the small yet very welcoming abode. As is the common norm in these parts, the floor was prepared and everyone sat longing to hear what ADRA's mission in that area would be. Within a minute, a glass with hot Somali shaa (sweetened tea) was served to each of us. After the round of introductions, the explanation from the ADRA team as to the reason for our visit was graciously applauded.

The elders' sentiments were full of appreciation towards what ADRA is doing for the village - giving life to a village that was going through dark moments. Because of drought, the community lost a large proportion of its economic mainstay - livestock, particularly goats. "Our women and children were weak, which forced them to move to displaced person camps in order to receive relief food. This was a very painful decision we had to make, but it was better than watching them suffer here due to lack of food and water," adds one elder, with a sad and forlorn look on his face.

At that time, the search for water and pasture was complicated because the neighboring villages had not recovered from the previous drought. Families started their journey in search of land that was unaffected by the drought. However, the moment word went around that ADRA had come to their village, those same families returned back home. ADRA provided villagers with water for domestic and livestock use, in addition to livestock feed and treatment for livestock. 

The elder affirmed his words with a Somali proverb, "the man who can jump the length of a walking stick can jump a situation. Thank you ADRA for your kind assistance, and may your good deeds continue touching others." He concluded, and took a final swig of his shaa.

To contribute to ADRA's humanitarian efforts, please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or give online at www.adra.org

Follow ADRA on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest information as it happens.

ADRA is a global non-governmental organization providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.

For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org

Author: Hannah Ndungu

For more information, contact:

John Torres, Assistant Director of Public Relations
301.680.6357 (office)
301.680.6370 (fax)
John.Torres@adra.org

To donate to ADRA go to:
Online: www.adra.org
Phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ADRAi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joinADRA

SILVER SPRING, Md. - April 22 will mark Earth Day 2012, a day set aside each year to remind us of our responsibility to protect the rich resources available on our planet that sustain the lives of the world's estimated 7 billion inhabitants. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency ( ADRA) remains committed to take care of earth's natural resources, educating and training people to work with it in creative and beneficial ways.

"ADRA recognizes the importance of taking care of the environment and strives to implement environmentally-friendly practices in all of its activities," said Jozimo Santos Rocha, Senior Technical Advisor for Agriculture and Economic Development for ADRA International.

ADRA understands that earth's resources are essential in supporting people's livelihoods, fostering that approach through agriculturally friendly projects. In Western Nepal, ADRA is using sustainable agro-based activities to fight against the effects of poverty, increasing food security, and promoting income diversification. ADRA is doing this by increasing income-generating capacities of women through agriculture-related entrepreneurial and vocational classes.

In response to chronic food insecurity and poverty in Ghana's rural communities, ADRA implemented an integrated food security project using fruit trees that not only provide supplemental food, but in addition provide thick shade that protects the soil from desertification. Citrus, mango, and cashew trees were planted, intercropped with short-term annual staple crops, to provide immediate household food needs, and to enable long-term income generation over 30 years enabling credit repayment. ADRA's approach to agroforestry, supported by capacity building and market linkages, offered numerous opportunities for sustainable rural livelihood enhancement and poverty reduction.

"Vulnerable farmers are more prone to harm the environment due to destructive agricultural practices. This is due to various reasons, amongst the most common are the imminent need to feed their hungry families, and a lack of knowledge about the environment," explained Rocha. "Through training and project activities, ADRA not only teaches farmers how to improve their production, but to do so in an environmentally-friendly approach."

This Earth Day, ADRA encourages everyone to get involved in preserving the natural resources in their own communities and look for ways to be better stewards of these finite resources.

To learn more about ADRA's humanitarian efforts, please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or give online at www.adra.org

Follow ADRA on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest information as it happens.

ADRA is a global non-governmental organization providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.

For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org

Author: Christina Zaiback, ADRA International

For more information, contact:

John Torres, Assistant Director of Public Relations
301.680.6357 (office)
301.680.6370 (fax)
John.Torres@adra.org

To donate to ADRA go to:
Online: www.adra.org
Phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ADRAi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joinADRA

SILVER SPRING, Md. - In Mongolia the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is helping society transform the way they view children with disabilities, and give them access to education and health services. This is being achieved through a project called, Ensuring Access to Education and Health for Children with Cognitive Disabilities (EACH).

The birth of a disabled child can be stressful for most parents. In Mongolia social welfare provided by the government assists parents of disabled children by giving them a home care allowance among other types of support.

Unfortunately this vital care was not available to parents of children with cognitive disabilities. This was due to limited knowledge and understanding of the condition, and the professional assumption that children with cognitive disabilities do not need permanent and special care, and do not carry a burden in terms of that care.

"When parents who have a child with cognitive disabilities apply for the disabled children's care allowance, social welfare department officers reject them by saying that their children are normal and they are not eligible for that kind of allowance. But in fact they do require special care," says Yadmaa, a mother of a child with cognitive disabilities. She adds that, "people generally do not recognize cognitive disabilities unless they have obvious physical limitations, for instance the child is deaf and dumb."

These issues were discussed during a parents' meeting group organized by the EACH project staff in partnership with the Association of Parents with Disabled Children (APDC) and the Ministry of Social Welfare and Labor. The project, with its partners, has been conducting a series of policy forums, discussions and lobbying meetings with decision-makers and key stakeholders to resolve these issues.

As a result of these collaborative efforts parents' now have assistance. A provision has been added in Article 3.1.6 of the Law on Social Welfare to make the home care allowance payable to parents of children with cognitive disabilities. The Article specifies that, "the person or child who needs permanent care", which means people who are unable to deal with daily needs by his/herself, include an adult or child with a cognitive disability or mental illness. Now parents of children with cognitive disabilities or those children with cognitive disabilities in permanent care will start getting a home care allowance from the government every month according to the new provision of the law.

The EACH project is co-funded by the European Commission and ADRA-UK and implemented by ADRA Mongolia.

To contribute to ADRA's humanitarian efforts, please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or give online at www.adra.org

Follow ADRA on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest information as it happens.

ADRA is a global non-governmental organization providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.

For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org

Author: ADRA Mongolia

For more information, contact:

John Torres, Assistant Director of Public Relations
301.680.6357 (office)
301.680.6370 (fax)
John.Torres@adra.org

To donate to ADRA go to:
Online: www.adra.org
Phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ADRAi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joinADRA

SILVER SPRING, Md. - The Horn of Africa is no stranger to drought, which was most recently demonstrated in 2011 as the region grappled through a deadly famine, and according to the World Food Program affected 13 million people to date. Somalia in particular experienced devastating levels of malnutrition, leaving millions of people and their livestock in dire need of aid. Following an influx of humanitarian assistance, and an improvement in the critical rainy season, Somalia began to regain momentum towards recovery. However, a coalition of aid agencies working in the region say Somalia is not out of harms way yet, and that prioritized attention is still needed to ensure Somalia's full recovery.

ADRA Somalia is one of 19 agencies that collectively called on the international community for continued attention and financial support for relief programs to assist Somalia. This call for sustained help is in part related to the unfavorable forecast of insufficient rains that the region greatly depends on, which will result in an increased number of people in need of humanitarian assistance.

A statement made by the coalition of aid agencies states that, "According to FEWSNET (the Famine Early Warning Systems Network), the rains in the Eastern Horn of Africa are expected to begin late, to be poorly distributed over space and time, and to total only 60‐85 percent of average. This is a significant deterioration compared to earlier forecasts, and would have significant impacts on crop production, pasture regeneration, and the replenishment of water resources. In the worst‐case scenario of 60 percent of average rainfall, this would result in a major failure of the Eastern Horn's main growing season, similar to seasonal performance last year. That season's failure contributed to the 2011 food crisis."

Many communities in Somalia affected by last year's drought have yet to fully recover and remain in a fragile state. With the threatening future of inadequate rains, advances made towards recovery will be reversed, thrusting Somalia back into the fatal cycle of famine.

The coalition outlined the following to address the pending emergency, "The agencies ask all donors to change their funding strategies to adapt to the Somalia context and help Somali communities build their resilience to future shocks. To do so, flexible multi-annual funding for livelihood support, disaster risk reduction and basic services are required, that can adapt to fluid access conditions and rapidly changing needs. Donors must support a forward-looking, fully funded donor strategy by building the capacity of both Somali communities and civil society to prevent, mitigate, prepare and respond to the kinds of crises to which Somalia is prone." Click here to read the full version of the coalition's call for continued support.

ADRA remains committed to the full recovery of Somalia and is calling on the international community to take heed of these early warning signs. Action is essential in order to prevent the unnecessary suffering and loss of human and livestock life.

To send your contribution to ADRA's Emergency Response Fund, please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or give online at www.adra.org

Follow ADRA on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest information as it happens.

ADRA is a global non-governmental organization providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.

For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org

Author: Christina Zaiback, ADRA International

For more information, contact:

John Torres, Assistant Director of Public Relations
301.680.6357 (office)
301.680.6370 (fax)
John.Torres@adra.org

To donate to ADRA go to:
Online: www.adra.org
Phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ADRAi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joinADRA

SILVER SPRING, Md. – The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has made the school day far less challenging for Janjagiro Primary School in the Rwamagana District of Rwanda, through providing the school with significantly needed latrines. In total, 14 latrines were constructed, two of which were built to meet the needs of two students living with physical handicaps.

This recent addition to the school has made the daily routine of the students much easier. "Before we used to come to school without eating breakfast to avoid going to the bathroom, now ADRA Rwanda and the donors have thought about us. Now without any worry, we have breakfast at home before coming to school," one student shared.

The school's headmaster, teachers, students, and parents gathered together for a ceremony, expressing their gladness for ADRA's significant donation. Also in attendance were ADRA Poland Country Director Piotr Nowacki, ADRA Rwanda Education Program Manager Esther Nandudu, and Executive Secretary Gahizi Vivens.

For the past few years, ADRA Rwanda has provided training for teachers to equip them with a greater understanding of how to teach children with disabilities. In addition, the parents and Parents Committee have also received training. Changes in addressing the needs of all student types are now evident through newly constructed ramps to accommodate students in wheelchairs, and custom-made latrines for children with disabilities.

This project was implemented by ADRA Rwanda and sponsored by ADRA Poland and the Christian Charity Service.

To learn more about ADRA's life-changing work, please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or give online at www.adra.org

Follow ADRA on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest information as it happens.

ADRA is a global non-governmental organization providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.

For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org

Author:  ADRA Rwanda

For more information, contact:

John Torres, Assistant Director of Public Relations
301.680.6357 (office)
301.680.6370 (fax)
John.Torres@adra.org

To donate to ADRA go to:
Online: www.adra.org
Phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ADRAi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joinADRA

SILVER SPRING, Md. – The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is fighting against the effects of poverty in the Kapilvastu, Palpa, and Rupandehi districts of Western Nepal. The local ADRA Nepal office developed this three and a half year project entitled, Develop Local Economy to Eradicate Poverty (DEEP), with the primary focus to empower women's groups through sustainable agro-based livelihood activities, which will ensure food security and income diversification.

ADRA Nepal is increasing income-generating capacities of women through entrepreneurial and vocational classes, as well as integrating newly formed savings groups into strengthened cooperatives. This project will also seek to strengthen the organizational capacity, leadership, and management of members of the cooperatives through the use of the Result Orientated Leadership and Development Program (ROLDP). This project will reach out to 2,100 women in their respective communities, and is estimated to reach a further 40,838 secondary beneficiaries in the wider community.

Working with local partner Indreni Rural Development Centre (IRDC), ADRA Nepal wishes to liaise with local Districts and VDCs (village development centers) in order to establish positive relations with local representatives, and to achieve the goals set by this project.

ADRA's DEEP project was launched on January 1, 2012 and is scheduled to be completed by June 30, 2015. This project is funded and supported by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Australia.

ADRA Nepal has steadily grown over the last 24 years and has now integrated multiple programs in 34 of Nepal's districts.

To contribute to ADRA's humanitarian efforts, please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or give online at www.adra.org

Follow ADRA on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest information as it happens.

ADRA is a global non-governmental organization providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.

For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org

Author:  ADRA Nepal

For more information, contact:

John Torres, Assistant Director of Public Relations
301.680.6357 (office)
301.680.6370 (fax)
John.Torres@adra.org

To donate to ADRA go to:
Online: www.adra.org
Phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ADRAi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joinADRA

Photo Credit: Reuters

SILVER SPRING, Md. – Unrelenting snowstorms have overwhelmed the Southeastern European nation of Montenegro, paralyzing traffic and leaving travelers stranded on roadways. Many homes have endured significant snow-related damages, causing thousands to have no access to basic necessities. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is responding to the emergency through distributing food and basic non-food items (NFIs) to desperate families.

ADRA Montenegro is procuring supplies for their distribution that will go to 175 families (approximately 800 people) affected by the severe snowstorms in the towns of Berane and Kolasin. These towns are home to refugee settlements, a large population of elderly, and Roma families. Each family will receive a hygiene parcel containing wash powder, feminine supplies, soaps, toothpaste, and brushes. In addition each family will receive a 14-day ration of food supplies comprised of rice, dried pasta, flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, and firewood.

The intense snowstorms began in early February lasting an entire week before compelling local authorities to declare a state of emergency. Countryside towns are reported to be cutoff from main roads leaving an estimated 45,000 people isolated, unable to travel, and in some cases unreachable to receive relief aid due to large snow banks.

ADRA is working with the local Red Cross to coordinate the distribution of the food and hygiene parcels, along with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and local authorities in order to prevent duplication to beneficiaries. A central distribution point will be established for beneficiaries to collect relief aid, however, in the event beneficiaries are unable to travel due to weather conditions, home deliveries will be coordinated to ensure aid assistance is received.

ADRA Montenegro, the Regional ADRA office, and ADRA International have jointly funded this emergency response in the amount of $20,000.

To contribute to ADRA's humanitarian efforts, please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or give online at www.adra.org

Follow ADRA on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest information as it happens.

ADRA is a global non-governmental organization providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.

For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org

Author:  Christina Zaiback, ADRA International

For more information, contact:

John Torres, Assistant Director of Public Relations
301.680.6357 (office)
301.680.6370 (fax)
John.Torres@adra.org

To donate to ADRA go to:
Online: www.adra.org
Phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ADRAi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joinADRA

SILVER SPRING, Md. - As a result of drought, Somalia is experiencing a wave of change in the diversity of menus that families are having on their tables. What most Somalis would have easily dismissed as fodder for their livestock is now finding its way comfortably to the dinner table. Some may think that those doing this are at a loss on their rich pastoralist menu that has been decimated by drought, but this is not the case. Families in the Awdal region discovered what it means to diversify their diets with produce from greenhouses established by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency's (ADRA) Emergency Water and Livelihood Support Program (EWLSP).

The EWLSP project was implemented by ADRA with funding from USAID/OFDA in the Awdal and Gebiley regions of Somaliland. This greenhouse initiative has witnessed hundreds of women from various women empowerment and farmer-groups embark on a journey that has not only unified them, but also equipped them with the skills and knowledge to provide and sustain the livelihoods of their families. The greenhouses, established by ADRA, are now managed and tended by the women-farmer groups, who have ownership of the produce yielded in the greenhouses. Should you visit one of the greenhouses, you will notice that the women are very enthusiastic to tend to the variety of plants in their gardens, especially with the immense support from the skilled staff at ADRA.

Plants harvested range from spinach, kale, okra, cowpeas, green grams, brinjals (eggplant), pepper, capsicum, tomatoes, onions, pawpaw (soursop), lime and many more. The women devote their time to what they have so passionately embraced, that other women groups are now following their example and establishing similar ventures on their own. Women participating in these groups have received training on how to prepare meals from the vegetables in their kitchen gardens, in addition to sell the surplus items for extra income.

These are only a few examples of the several women groups in the Awdal region that have benefited from ADRA's EWLSP's initiative. Because of this program, several hundreds of women are now improving their livelihoods with a more diverse diet and steady income from the ADRA-established greenhouses.

To learn more about ADRA's Food and Water projects , please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or visit us online at www.adra.org

Follow ADRA on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest information as it happens.

ADRA is a global non-governmental organization providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.

For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org

Author:  ADRA Somalia

For more information, contact:

John Torres, Assistant Director of Public Relations
301.680.6357 (office)
301.680.6370 (fax)
John.Torres@adra.org

To donate to ADRA go to:
Online: www.adra.org
Phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ADRAi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joinADRA

SILVER SPRING, Md. - In Romania, below freezing temperatures paired with heavy snowfalls have jeopardized the lives of thousands of stranded travellers as well as the country's homeless population. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency's (ADRA ) Romania office intervened through providing urgently needed food packs in some of the worst affected areas.  

"Given the emergency situation in the areas of Buzau, Vrancea and Braila, we [ADRA Romania] immediately began a food distribution and handed out more than 400 packs of food on the first day of our response. In addition to these packages, we provided firewood to households," said ADRA Romania Country Director, Sorin Goleanu.

Several towns remained isolated for extended periods of time, and news reports stated a numbers of families were stuck in their homes, many of whom lost heat as a result of trees, weighed down by heavy snow and strong winds, collapsing onto electrical lines. Several roadways became inaccessible due to icy patches and snowdrifts, making travel near impossible. Residents trapped in their homes, with little to no food or firewood, questioned if they were going to survive.

"We were really impressed when one beneficiary from Glodesti - Silistea expressed to us, 'I expected death to come soon because I am old. Then you [ADRA Romania] came to me over these snow drifts,'" Goleanu shared.

Individuals and companies have donated money and food to ADRA Romania to support the Agency in their relief efforts. "From Bucharest we left laden with food donated by those who learned about our project. Additionally, one company generously donated 2,000 loaves of bread for us to distribute to those affected," Goleanu said.

ADRA Romania has rounded up 300 volunteers to shovel away snow for people living with an illness or who live alone, and has so far helped more than 60 families across 25 villages.

To contribute to ADRA's humanitarian efforts, please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or give online at www.adra.org

Follow ADRA on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest information as it happens.

ADRA is a global non-governmental organization providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.

For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org

Author: ADRA Romania/Christina Zaiback, ADRA International

For more information, contact:

John Torres, Assistant Director of Public Relations
301.680.6357 (office)
301.680.6370 (fax)
John.Torres@adra.org

To donate to ADRA go to:
Online: www.adra.org
Phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ADRAi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joinADRA

SILVER SPRING, Md. - Civil war persists in the West African nation of Cote d'Ivoire, causing thousands of families to flee their homes due to dangerous circumstances, or worse, destroyed homes. Many of them have sought refuge deep in the protection of the forest or have escaped to neighboring countries, Ghana and Liberia. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), has implemented a reconstruction and rehabilitation project in a remote western region of the country, making the wish to move back home a reality.

ADRA's six-month project is addressing the social, and physical needs of victims of civil war in the region of Guiglo and Moyen Cavally. Through ADRA's project, 5,000 households now have access to psychosocial counseling services, conducted by trained volunteers. Thirty-six professional volunteers offer these counseling services throughout targeted communities, and are equipped to provide psychosocial counseling to members of their villages.

Additionally, with the participation of village members, ADRA is constructing 420 permanent shelters for people who have lost their homes from shelling due to civil unrest. ADRA has placed a construction supervisor in each village who provides practical training to village reconstruction teams. The teams then construct a model shelter to learn how to someday build their own home, and are also taught proper brick making techniques to ensure quality mud bricks are used in the construction process. Villagers are now occupied with making bricks, constructing foundations, walls, and roofs for their new homes.

Kahou Aime Narcisse, a villager from Guibobly took a moment from working on building his house and shared his story.

"In February last year we heard rumors of a war and fighting, and that it was going to be bad. Then we heard gunshots and men were running through the village firing into the air. I ran with my wife and seven children into the forest; we were very frightened and took only the clothes we wore. For a while we hid in the forest, sleeping on the ground and eating the wild fruits, all the time hearing gunshots. I was very worried about my children as old people and young children were getting sick and dying in the forest.

One day I was told about a camp in Liberia that would look after my wife and children. They are still there. For about five months I lived in the forest, but when I heard that an organization was providing houses for people in my village, I returned. I am now working hard to build my house so I can bring my wife and children back safely. I want to thank ADRA for providing this opportunity for me," Narcisse shared.

Upon completion of building their houses, ADRA is offering training sessions to family members in the area of market garden cultivation. An ADRA agronomist will conduct the training with a focus on agricultural and horticultural techniques, in addition to prepare a model garden throughout the targeted villages. Households participating in the training will receive a garden kit that contains a mix of vegetable seeds, a water can, and two hoes. Through this initiative, ADRA seeks to increase food security and the source of income for families returning home from displacement. 

This project is jointly funded by the New Zealand government Aid Programme, ADRA New Zealand, ADRA Australia and ADRA International.

To send your contribution to ADRA's Emergency Response Fund, please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or give online at www.adra.org

Follow ADRA on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest information as it happens.

ADRA is a global non-governmental organization providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.

For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org

Author:  Christina Zaiback, ADRA International

For more information, contact:

John Torres, Assistant Director of Public Relations
301.680.6357 (office)
301.680.6370 (fax)
John.Torres@adra.org

To donate to ADRA go to:
Online: www.adra.org
Phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ADRAi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joinADRA

SILVER SPRING, Md. - On the 22nd of March, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) joins the world in commemorating World Water Day, and continues to implement projects that make clean water available throughout disadvantaged communities around the world. ADRA recognizes the life-saving role of clean drinkable water, and its necessity towards maintaining and restoring healthy communities.

ADRA's water and sanitation projects are designed to provide families with improved access to clean, drinkable water. By installing and rehabilitating new and existing water supplies, ADRA works to raise awareness and improve sanitation and irrigation systems, teaching beneficiaries to protect their water sources from contamination. In addition, ADRA works to make water readily available in emergency situations when clean water is scarce.

In Cambodia, after deadly fighting broke-out over a disputed temple in the Preah Vihear province in northern Cambodia, families fearing for their lives began to flee their homes to internally displaced person (IDP) camps. Need-assessments indicated a high demand for water sources within the camps. ADRA responded to urgent need of water by drilling wells to give water access to an estimated 2,500 families. The first completed well drilled by ADRA provided up to 2,110 gallons (approximately 8,000 liters) of water per hour.

In Zimbabwe, ADRA has been drilling boreholes in schools and communities, bringing life-changing water to thousands.

"The drilling is very relevant because it means people do not have to walk long distances to access safe water. Before, while at school, children would worry about fetching water for their families. Now that it is available at their school, they no longer leave classes," shared ADRA Zimbabwe Country Director Zivai Nengomasha.

ADRA has found that drilling boreholes has propelled additional initiatives by community members and schools within the benefitted areas. Some schools have started offering new classes such as agriculture because of the new supply of water. Small-scale gardens are being cultivated and are successfully sustained, an example of one of the added advantages water brings.

In Waterfalls, a southern suburb of Zimbabwe's capital Harare, the Newstart children's home was without a reliable source of water, and almost entirely depended on water from unreliable boreholes. This orphanage is home to nearly 70 children, some of whom are HIV positive. Prior to ADRA's arrival to their neighborhood, the orphanage fetched water from a poor yielding borehole. Upon completing drilling, ADRA was able to provide Newstart children's home with a consistently high-yielding borehole, giving 20 liters of water every two minutes.

"When drilling for boreholes, you really just have to pray and hope that you get water," explained Nengomasha. "Now they have plenty of water for washing and cooking, and they can finally use their land to grow vegetables to eat. It is a miracle for that orphanage."

The United Nations General Assembly designated March 22 as World Water Day, and was first commenced on March 22, 1993. Each year, World Water Day highlights a particular aspect of freshwater, and advocates for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. The theme for this year's World Water Day is "Water and Food Security."

To learn more about ADRA's projects to provide clean water in developing countries, visit www.adra.org.

Follow ADRA on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest information as it happens.

ADRA is a global non-governmental organization providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.

For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org

Author:  Christina Zaiback, ADRA International

For more information, contact:

John Torres, Assistant Director of Public Relations
301.680.6357 (office)
301.680.6370 (fax)
John.Torres@adra.org

To donate to ADRA go to:
Online: www.adra.org
Phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ADRAi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joinADRA

SILVER SPRING, Md. - Heavy rains over the South Pacific island of Fiji triggered extensive flooding during late January, taking the lives of six victims and prompting the government to declare a state of emergency for the Western Divisions of the island. An estimated 3,400 people abandoned their homes to evacuation centers as floodwaters steadily rose. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) began an immediate response, distributing emergency food rations to an estimated 2,000 households.

The rations consist of food items that can be easily prepared with minimal cooking supplies, and will feed a family of five for a two-week period. Each pack is stocked with rice, split peas, sugar, breakfast crackers, and canned tuna. Priority will be given to low-income families, elderly living alone, and families with persons with disabilities.

 The torrential rains began on January 23 and lasted for two days before the waters began to recede. The Northern, Central, and Eastern Divisions of the island endured landslides, which swept away portions of roads, leading to numerous road closures and limiting mobility. Fiji's government estimated approximately $8.6million worth of damages to the agricultural sector, $13.3 million worth of damages to roads, and $900 thousand worth of damages to educational institutions.

The Western Division of the island, however, took the brunt of the floodwater's damages, severely affecting houses and household items, in addition to agriculture, roads, and livestock. Of the six deaths reported, two of the victims were swept away with the strong floodwaters, while a family of four was buried with their home in a landslide.

ADRA's intervention will extend throughout the month of February, providing emergency rations of food to approximately 10,000 flood-affected victims.

To contribute to ADRA's humanitarian efforts, please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or give online at www.adra.org

Follow ADRA on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest information as it happens.

ADRA is a global non-governmental organization providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.

For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org

Author: Christina Zaiback, ADRA International

For more information, contact:

John Torres, Assistant Director of Public Relations
301.680.6357 (office)
301.680.6370 (fax)
John.Torres@adra.org

To donate to ADRA go to:
Online: www.adra.org
Phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ADRAi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joinADRA

SILVER SPRING, Md. - The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is distributing emergency rations of food to families in the Philippines rocked by a deadly 6.9 magnitude earthquake. The quake struck moments before noon on February 6, and triggered devastating landslides, causing the deaths of 52 individuals.  

The seven-day intervention assisted 720 families with approximately 26 lbs. of rice and 18 lbs. of various food items, per family, in four different towns of Negros Oriental; Tayasan, Ayungon, Jimalalud, and La Libertad. ADRA is closely collaborating with local government officials and continues to provide trucks to transport goods.

"Access to the affected areas was a huge challenge because the bridges were impassable", shared one officer from ADRA Philippines in the affected area. "ADRA workers and volunteers were able to reach the affected areas and distributed the goods until the middle of the night. It was so dark because electrical posts were down and ADRA's emergency response officers had to use flashlights. Some even shared a candle with one bereaved family, along with their dead in one distribution site. 

Severe damage was inflicted upon roadways, leaving some highways and bridges impassible due to sizable cracks. Negros Oriental's Mayor stated a violent landslide in the city of Guihulngan took the lives of 10 people after sweeping them away by its brutal force. According to the Associated Press, rescuers dug through dirt and rubble in search for survivors, many of whom were buried beneath their collapsed homes.

The quake struck three miles northwest of Tayasan town in the Negros Oriental province and had a depth of approximately six miles. Experts expect aftershocks to be felt for the next few weeks throughout areas near the epicenter of the quake. 

To send your contribution to ADRA's Emergency Response Fund, please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or give online at www.adra.org

Follow ADRA on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest information as it happens.

ADRA is a global non-governmental organization providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.

For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org

Author: Christina Zaiback, ADRA International

For more information, contact:

John Torres, Assistant Director of Public Relations
301.680.6357 (office)
301.680.6370 (fax)
John.Torres@adra.org

To donate to ADRA go to:
Online: www.adra.org
Phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ADRAi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joinADRA

SILVER SPRING, Md. - As the official humanitarian aid agency of the Seventh-da Adventist Church, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) continues to achieve measurable progress in responding to the worlds underserved, displaced, and often forgotten people, providing them with life-saving interventions helping them to reach their full potential.

In 2011, the ADRA Network made an impact in the lives of an estimated 20 million people around the world. Through creative development projects that strengthened self-sufficiency amongst poverty-stricken communities, to the distribution of food and water purification tablets in the aftermath of disaster, ADRA's work has been making positive changes in peoples lives around the world.

ADRA International has financially contributed over USD$4.8 million to more than 100 emergency response initiatives worldwide, from January 2011 to date. These responses have assisted millions of people whose lives were threatened by mega disasters such as the tsunami that struck Japan in March of 2011 to the prolonged drought that gripped the Horn of Africa.

As part of ADRA International's long-term commitment to the rebuilding process of Haiti, the ADRA International in partnership with Maranatha Volunteers is constructing 100 one-room school buildings on the island. This USD$1 million project was initiated in response to a call made by Haiti's President, Michel Martelly, for improved access of education.

In November of 2011, ADRA International hosted an emergency management summit to evaluate and improve the Agency's emergency management coordination process. The summit identified ways to implement practices that will strengthen and expand its response to disasters. To mention a few, the Agency has decided to enhance its surge capacity with use of experienced disaster-response volunteers, ensuring that ADRA increases its capability to respond to emergencies while adhering to international standards in equality and accountability.

In an effort to remain relevant in our response to humanitarian needs around the world, ADRA International is establishing the framework to build-up a presence in Middle Eastern countries. Opportunities to help the people of this challenging part of the world are plentiful, especially during this critical political and economic time. Through this initiative, ADRA is reinforcing its commitment to have an active presence in this part of the world.

ADRA International remains dedicated to express its mission of compassion to millions of people suffering from poverty, hunger, disease, social injustices and disaster.

To learn more about ADRA's humanitarian efforts, please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or give online at www.adra.org

Follow ADRA on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest information as it happens.

ADRA is a global non-governmental organization providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.

For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org

Author: ADRA International