Shoes for the World Program - April 2007

     In a country plagued with poverty, few can afford new shoes. The lucky children may find old torn shoes they can wear after tying the shoes to their feet with rope. The unlucky do without. Both are forced to walk miles on rocky ground to gather food, find firewood and collect water. Unprotected feet are mangled with cuts, scrapes, insect bites, parasites and infection. Without antibiotics, small infections or parasites in the feet can travel through the blood and affect the children's entire bodies, leading to disabilities… and sometimes, even death.

      Although many might not consider shoes essential, we know they are. That's why WER is continuing our "Shoes for the World" program. April 2007, provided 5,000 children and adults in Angola with new, durable, comfortable athletic shoes. Those 5,000 people are now safer from infection, parasites and disabilites

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Burundi Photo Gallery

• Population - 8,691,005
• Life expectancy at birth - 51.71 years
• Infant mortality rate - 60.77 deaths per 1,000 live births
• Population living below poverty line - 68%
• Unemployment rate - Unknown
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 59.3%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

Community Support - 1994-Present

      Life is a desparate struggle for 68 percent of the people in Burundi, who live below the poverty line*. Millions of these men, women and children suffer every day from hunger, disease, poverty and despair. World Emergency Relief believes they deserve a “living chance”. WER and the WER global family’s African Emergency Relief outreach has been active in Burundi since 1994.

      WER’s global offices work together with local orphanages, churches, schools and HIV/AIDS clinics in Bujumbura, Bethany and the surrounding areas. These programs focus on the needs of the malnourished, the blind, orphans, street children, widows, the displaced, and those suffering from HIV/AIDS. World Emergency Relief provides our partner programs with food, clothing, medical supplies and educational materials, as well as construction and operational grants.

Shoes for the World Program - 2007-2008

      In a country plagued with poverty, few can afford new shoes. Many are forced to walk miles on rocky ground to gather food, find firewood and collect water. Unprotected feet are mangled with cuts, scrapes, insect bites and infection. Without antibiotics, small infections or parasites in the feet can travel through the blood and affect the children's entire bodies, leading to disabilities and even death.

      Although many might not consider shoes essential, we know they are. That's why WER is continuing our "Shoes for the World" program. March 2007, WER worked hard to provide 5,000 children and adults in Burundi with new, durable, comfortable shoes. In April 2008, WER provided another 5,000 people with new shoes.  All of the shoes went to the poor, focusing on orphans, widows, street children, AIDs victims, the sick, the blind, and refugees. Now there are 10,000 people who are safer from infection, parasites and disabilites.

Democratic Republic of Congo Photo Gallery

• Population -  66,514,504
• Life expectancy at birth - 53.98
• Infant mortality rate - 83.11 deaths per 1,000 live births
• Population living below poverty line - Unknown
• Unemployment rate - Unknown
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) – 67.2%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

Community Support - 1998-Present

      Since 1998, World Emergency Relief's global family has partnered with local organizations to provide food, clothing, medicine and other supplies to needy communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

• Population -  23,382,848
• Life expectancy at birth -  59.49 years
• Infant mortality rate - 52.31 deaths per 1,000 live births
• Population living below poverty line - 28.5 %
• Unemployment rate - 11%
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 57.9%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

Supporting Healthcare - June 2008

      World Emergency Relief (WER) embraced a region in Ghana, a country in Africa, where many rural areas have no accessible medical clinics. The medically qualified personnel in the areas have severely limited facilities and face many challenges, including insufficient medical supplies. Orphans, the disabled, widows and Liberian refugees are especially at-risk and have difficulties travelling the long distances to the closest medical centers - sometimes well over 100 miles away. When able, the medical staff travels to some of these remote communities to offer care.

      WER understands the vital impact quality healthcare has on a community. In support of their work, WER shipped these facilities over $3,000,000 worth of medicines via air freight in June. WER provided critical heart, blood pressure and diabetes medications, as well as pain relievers and anti-viral and anti-diarrheal medications. These medicines will be instrumental in helping the personnel save lives.

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Shoes for the World Program
May 2008

      World Emergency Relief understands the vital importance of shoes. Although shoes are often over looked, they protect feet from cuts, insect bites, parasites and infection. Without antibiotics, small infections or parasites in the feet can travel through the blood and affect the children's entire bodies, leading to disabilities, and sometimes death.

      May 2008, WER provided 4,000 new, durable, comfortable athletic shoes to Liberian refugees in a refugee camp in Ghana, as well as street children, orphans and the needy in local towns of Breman Essiam, and Senya Krobonshie.

      The Liberian refugees especially were grateful. Some of them have been in Ghana for more than twenty years and still can’t afford to buy shoes of any kind. Most have developed gangrene or other foot diseases due to that, and some have to walk barefoot. Even something as simple as shoes touched their lives, and many of the villlagers and refugees cried when they received the shoes. It was a dream come true for them.

Liberian Refugee Women's Program - 2007

      When the civil crisis in Liberia started in 1990, a refugee camp was established in Ghana. By the fall of 2007, the camp had over 27,000 people - mostly women and children in exile. Many are political refugees as well as victims of vicious torture, physical and sexual abuse. With few jobs available, most of them are subjected to begging and sexual exploitation as the only way to feed their children.

      WER is dedicated to helping the survivors and victims of war-torn countries such as Liberia. The goal of WER's Liberian Women's Program is to help these women achieve self sustainability, to empower them and reduce the risk of sexual exploitation.

      WER is working with a local organization to assist these vulnerable women. After a careful and thorough screening process, women are chosen to participate in our Liberian Women's Program. These women will receive small loans for micro-enterprise, as well as training on how to run their own business.

      One woman explained her situation to us: "I fled to Ghana from the result of numerous tortures and threats made over my life and the lives of my family . . . I finally enter Ghana with the total of six family members, including my husband who later abandoned me alone with the children since 2004. . . My children and I became beggars to survive. I later got engaged in farming, which products I sell and than buy food to feed the children and I. This is very unbearable to go through. . . It is my hope and aspiration that my request is given yourly timely consideration in these regard, the fact that I need to prepare my children and myself for better future."

      World Emergency Relief's micro-enterprise grants helped her stabalized her farming and vegetable selling business, allowing her to provide for her four children. Other micro-enterprise endevors include selling food, water, meals, and offering laundry services. WER is proud to give them a new chance a life.

• Population - 37,953,840
• Life expectancy at birth - 56.64 years
• Infant mortality rate - 56.01 deaths per 1,000 live births
• Population living below poverty line - 50%
• Unemployment rate - 40%
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 85.1%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

Hope Community Centre - 2002 - Present

      Since 2002, World Emergency Relief (WER) and WER’s global family has embraced a child care facility in central Kenya, a country in Africa. Hope community Centre currently cares for over almost 240 children, ranging from several months to eighteen years old. Many of the children lost their parents to HIV/AIDS and were rescued from living on the streets. The facility has also recently taken 40 children who were orphaned during the political disturbance.

      The facility provides the children with a safe, loving environment, nutritional meals, clothes and a primary education. Vocational classes such as tailoring are also available on site, to enable them to support themselves when they are older. Many of the children have successfully completed their primary education and study at a local high school. The facility includes a chicken farm and a fish pond that supplement the children’s diet and help provide income for the orphanage.

• Population -  3,334,587
• Life expectancy at birth - 41.13 years
• Infant mortality rate - 143.89 deaths per 1,000 live births
• Population living below poverty line - 80%
• Unemployment rate - 85%
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 57.5%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

Community Support - 1998-Present

      WER’s African Relief outreach programs combat hunger, poverty and abuse, and promote healthcare, education and child safety across Africa. WER observed the desperate need in many communities in Liberia. Tragically, 80% of people in Liberia live below the poverty line, and the average life expectancy is only 41 years*. World Emergency Relief was inspired to make a difference.

     Since 1998, WER’s global offices have worked together with local medical clinics, orphanages, and ministires in Liberia. Our programs focus on assisting orphans, the elderly, needy village farmers, poor children, and the malnourished, and help give them a “living chance”.

Community Support - September 2008

      WER embraced several villages near Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, where we observed great need. In September, WER shipped $426,000 worth of food, medical supplies, educational materials, and orphanage supplies to our partner ministry in Liberia. These supplies will be distributed amount orphans, the elderly, needy village farmers and poor children, to help give them a “living chance”.

Shoes for the World Program - December 2007

      In a plagued with poverty, few can afford new shoes. The lucky children may find old torcountryn shoes they can wear after tying the shoes to their feet with rope. The unlucky do without. Both are forced to walk miles on rocky ground to gather food, find firewood and collect water. Unprotected feet are mangled with cuts, scrapes, insect bites, parasites and infection. Without antibiotics, small infections or parasites in the feet can travel through the blood and affect the children's entire bodies, leading to disabilities… and sometimes, even death.

        Although many might not consider shoes essential, we know they are. That's why WER is continuing our "Shoes for the World" program. December 2007, WER provided 5,000 children and adults in Liberia with a wonderful Christmas present - new, durable, comfortable shoes. Many of recipients are orphans, widows, war victims, disabled or refugees who live in isolated villages, urban slums, and refugee camps. Those 5,000 people are now safer from infection, parasites and disabilities.

• Population -  13,931,831
• Life expectancy at birth - 43.45 years
• Infant mortality rate - 90.55 deaths per 1,000 live births
• Population living below poverty line - 53 %
• Unemployment rate - Unknown
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 62.7%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

A Miracle- March/April 2008

      WER understands the vital importance of proper healthcare. Over 45,000 people living in a struggling community in Malawi did not have access to medical care before WER's intervention. In March, WER worked closely with a local organization and outfitted a building with the medical equipment, supplies and medicines needed to create a small hospital.

    On April 2nd, a 16 year-old girl from a nearby village went into labor. If her baby had been even one month early, she would have been forced to have her baby on her hut's dirt floor, with only a neighbor to help deliver her baby. Because of WER's supplies, she was able to safely deliver her baby in a clean, sterile facility with trained nurses and the proper equipment. The mother was so grateful that she named her beautiful baby girl Diane, after the hospital. Her newborn life is a testament to WER's good works.

Nurses at Bottom Hospital

Healthcare Support - November 2007

      Sadly, the First Lady of Malawi passed away from cancer this spring. Before she died, her last request of WER was that we help her renovate the maternity section of Bottom Hospital, one of the busiest maternity hospitals in southern Africa. Fulfilling our promise to the First Lady, WER sent a 20,000 lb. shipment of medical supplies and equipment to the hospital.

      But we know that one shipment is not enough to supply their patients with continual quality care. In her memory, WER has “embraced” the entire Bottom Hospital, which serves some of the poorest people - especially orphans, invalids, refugees, the elderly and those suffering from HIV/AIDS.

    In November, WER sent a 40-foot humanitarian shipment of vital medicines to Bottoms Hospital in Malawi. The shipment contained desperately needed antibiotics, oral rehydration salts and de-worming medications. The medications will be distributed to hundreds of under-privileged people in Malawi. It is our belief that the renovation and our continuing contributions will help keep her memory alive.

Shoes for the World Program - April 2006

      In a country plagued with poverty, few can afford shoes. The lucky children may find old torn shoes they can wear after tying the shoes to their feet with rope. The unlucky do without. Both are forced to walk miles on rocky ground to gather food, find firewood and collect water. Unprotected feet are mangled with cuts, scrapes, insect bites, parasites and infection. Without antibiotics, small infections and parasites from the feet can travel through the blood and affect the children's entire bodies, leading to disabilities… and sometimes, even death.

        Although many might not consider shoes essential, we know they are. That's why WER developed our "Shoes for the World" program. April 2006, WER worked hard to provide 5,000 children and adults in Malawi with new, durable, comfortable athletic shoes. The shoes went to some of the poorest people, including many orphans, invalids, refugees, the elderly and those suffering from HIV/AIDs. Now there are 5,000 people who are safer from infection, parasites and frostbite.

• Population - 10,186,063
• Life expectancy at birth - 49.76 years
• Infant mortality rate -  83.42 deaths per 1,000 live births
• Population living below poverty line - 60%
• Unemployment rate - Unknown
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 70.4%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

Shoes for the World Program - Mary 2007

      In a country plagued with poverty, few can afford shoes. The lucky children may find old torn shoes they can wear after tying the shoes to their feet with rope. The unlucky do without. Both are forced to walk miles on rocky ground to gather food, find firewood and collect water. Unprotected feet are mangled with cuts, scrapes, insect bites,

parasites and infection. Without antibiotics, small infections and parasites in the feet can travel through the blood and affect the children's entire bodies, leading to disabilities… and sometimes, even death.

      Although many might not consider shoes essential, we know they are. That's why WER's "Shoes for the World" program is so important. March 2007, WER provided 5,000 children and adults in Rwanda with new, durable, comfortable athletic shoes. Those 5,000 people are now safer from infection, parasites and disabilities.

• Population -  6,294,774
• Life expectancy at birth - 40.93 years
• Infant mortality rate - 156.48 deaths per 1,000 live births
• Population living below poverty line - 70.2%
• Unemployment rate - Unknown
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 35.1%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

Shoes for the World Program - April 2007

      In a country plagued with poverty, few can afford shoes. The lucky children may find old torn shoes they can wear after tying the shoes to their feet with rope. The unlucky do without. Both are forced to walk miles on rocky ground to gather food, find firewood and collect water. Unprotected feet are mangled with cuts, scrapes, insect bites, parasites and infection. Without antibiotics, small infections and parasites in the feet can travel through the blood and affect the children's entire bodies, leading to disabilities… and sometimes, even death.

      Although many might not consider shoes essential, we know they are. That's why WER is continuing our "Shoes for the World" program. April 2007, WER provided 5,000 children and adults in Sierra Leon with new, durable, comfortable athletic shoes. Those 5,000 people are now safer from infection, parasites and disabilities.

• Population - 48,782,756
• Life expectancy at birth - 48.89 years
• Infant mortality rate - 45.11 deaths per 1,000 live births
• Population living below poverty line - 50%
• Unemployment rate - 24.3%
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 86.4%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

 Hunger Relief - March 2008

      Mabli (13 yrs.) and Khehla (5 yrs.) are orphans in South Africa who collect scrap metal to earn money for food. The global food crisis made what little food they could afford incredibly expensive - causing them to skip even more meals. Mbali does not go to school because she cannont afford the fees. Sadly, many children in South Africa face the same dilemma every day - they can either eat or go to school, but not both.

    In March, World Emergency Relief provided 43,700 lbs. of nutritious soup mix to Mabli and Khehla's poverty-stricken community. Not only will the food fight malnutrition, but combined with other WER food shipments, it will allow Mbali and other children to sve money to attend school.

Muntab

Hunger Relief - December 2007

      Muntu, a woman in South Africa, had her right leg amputated and now crawls to cook, do chores and care for her husband. It is impossible for her to find a job. Her husband is illiterate and unskilled, and can only occasionally get work cleaning a local garage. He struggles to earn enough to even feed themselves. Sadly, stories like Muntu's are not uncommon - even many children are missing limbs.

      In December, World Emergency Relief sent a 40,000 lb. relief shipment to Apostolic Faith Mission in South Africa, to help people like Muntu and her husband.

      The shipment contained desperately needed cornmeal. The food will be distributed to thousands of hungry, under-privileged people in rural regions of South Africa and Mozambique, mostly to orphans, handicapped children, widows, families in extreme poverty and those suffering from AIDS.

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Hunger Relief - August 2007 

      South Africa is plagued with poverty.  Already difficult conditions combined with the global food shortage makes life a deadly trial for the millions of poor people in southern Africa.

      Our Christian partner ministers to one of these communities in Durban, South Africa.  World Emergency Relief adopted this community as part of WER's "Embraceable Communities" strategy to help needy children worldwide.

 South African children

      In August, WER sent a 30,000 lb. humanitarian relief shipment to our Christian partner in South Africa, to help under-privilegedpeople in South Africa and Mozambique. The shipment contained dehydrated fruits and vegetables that will provide desperately needed vitamins and nutrients for the hungry. The food will be distributed to thousands of orphans, handicapped children, widows, families in extreme poverty and those suffering from AIDS.

• Population -  31,367,972
• Life expectancy at birth -   52.34 years
• Infant mortality rate - 65.99 deaths per 1,000 live births
• Population living below poverty line - 35%
• Unemployment rate - Unknown
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 66.8%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

Safe Water Program - February 2008

      Due to the recent flooding in Uganda, a lot of water has been contaminated, increasing the danger of typhoid, malaria and other water-born diseases. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable.

      In Abwoloit, a village in northern Uganda, many children would come late or miss school because they had to travel far to fetch water for their families.  This increased drop-out rates, especially among girls.

 

    WER funded the drilling of a new deep well, which will provide over 1,000 people in Abwoloit with safe, clean water.  This water will help protect them from disease and will help them grow crops for both food and income. In addition, the children are now able to attend a full school day, because the water is close and it is easy for them to collect it in the evenings.  This will help save many children from dropping out of school, and increases their chances for jobs in the future.

      With further funding, WER intends to drill additional wells for needy African communities in the future. 

Shoes for the World Program - April 2008

      In a country still plagued with poverty, new shoes are a blessing. Those without shoes or broken shoes face cuts, scrapes, insect bites, parasites and infection. Small infections from the feet can travel through the blood and affect the children's entire bodies, leading to disabilities… and sometimes, even death.

      Although many might not consider shoes essential, we know they are. That's why WER's "Shoes for the World" program is so important. In April 2008, WER provided over 5,000 children and adults in Uganda with new, durable, comfortable athletic shoes.

• Population - 153,546,896
• Life expectancy at birth - 63.21 years
• Infant mortality rate - 57.45 deaths per 1,000 live births
• Population living below poverty line - 45%
• Unemployment rate - 2.5%
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 43.1%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

Cyclone Sidr survivor holding her baby.

Photo courtesy of www.alertnet.org

REUTERS/Rafiqur Rahman

Cyclone Sidr Relief - November 2007

      Cyclone Sidr devastated Bangladesh, killing over 3,500 people and displacing millions.  Over half of the schools were destroyed, as well as almost all of their mud huts. Our heart went out to the thousands of struggling children and families.  WER shipped a 40-foot container of blankets, children's clothing, medical supplies and education supplies to help relief cyclone victims in the coming months.

• Population -  14,241,640

• Life expectancy at birth - 61.69 years

• Infant mortality rate - 56.59 deaths per 1,000 live births
• Population living below poverty line - 35%
• Unemployment rate - 2.5%
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 73.6%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

  DOORSTEPS

      WER joined with VIVA International to create and implement the innovative DOORSTEPS program to combat sexual abuse and exploitation, starting in Cambodia.  DOORSTEPS addresses the rehabilitation and reintegration of victims, advocacy, prevention, intervention and prosecution of sex customers and sex traffickers. Local involvement is a fundamental element; DOORSTEPS' main goal is to provide local resources, including educational materials,
in-depth training, program design, financial support and capacity building for local programs, fighting CSEC (commercial sexual exploitation of children) in ways both culturally and operationally appropriate, while also developing best practices between our network and other involved NGOs.

more...

Cambodian School Program 2004-2007

      Because of the desperate poverty level in Cambodia, many children have to work the street during the day to earn enough to eat, and are therefore unable to go to school. This leaves the children at-risk for sexual exploitation and continues the cycle of poverty.

      WER's global family has been partners with United Cambodian Charity since 2004. Working together, we offer five elementary schools to poor villages, giving over 1,200 children an education. Children who attend receive a rice bonus, which helps alleviate their need to beg or sell themselves. The education gives the children a chance to learn other skills and an opportunity to create a new life.

• Population -  1,330,044,544

• Life expectancy at birth - 73.18 years

• Infant mortality rate - 21.16 deaths per 1,000 live births

• Population living below poverty line - 8%  **21.5 million in rural areas live below China's official "absolute poverty" line (approx. $90 per year), and an additional 35.5 million in rural areas live above that but below the official "low income" line (approx. $125 per year)**

• Unemployment rate - 4% in urban areas; high unemployment and underemployment in rural areas

• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 90.9%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

early intervention program

special needs program

  Xining Children's Rehabilitation Centre

      Xining Children's Rehabilitation Centre offers an early intervention program, special needs education program, and vocational skills training for disabled orphans and local children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation or congenital heart diseases in Qinhai Province, China.

      The early intervention program is for disabled infants and toddlers 0-4 years old. Early intervention enhances the children's development and maximizes their abilities. Rehabilitation training and multi-sensory stimulation are crucial elements of the children's growth and development.

      The special needs education program is for disabled pre-school and school-aged children 4-16 years. This includes training for gross and fine motor skills, daily living skills, cognitive skills, social skills, and community living skills and special needs education. Facilitation skills and therapy allow them to be more independent in their daily activities and help integrate them into regular society. Counseling and behavioral guidance is also offered for the children.

• Population -  237,512,352
• Life expectancy at birth - 70.46 years
• Infant mortality rate -  31.04 deaths per 1,000 live births
• Population living below poverty line – 17.8%
• Unemployment rate - 9.1%
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 90.4%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

Hunger Relief - March 2007

      Suraaya is a densely populated city in Indonesia that has 116 poor slum communities. Of Suraaya's five million people, about 40% suffers from poverty. Our local partner works closely with Suraaya's impoverished communities.

      In March 2007, WER shipped one 40-foot container of vitamin-enriched meals, loaded with nutrients that hungry children desperately need. Each package of VitaMeals contains 30 child servings. Our partner distributed these meals to poor communities, focusing on orphans, street children, single mothers, elderly and the homeless.  Mothers continue to tell us about the healthy changes in their children's appearances (gaining weight, better hair, etc.).

• Population -  47,758,180

• Life expectancy at birth -  62.94 years

• Infant mortality rate -  49.12 deaths per 1,000 live births

• Population living below poverty line - 32.7 %

• Unemployment rate - 5.2 %

• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 89.9 %

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

Cyclone Nargis Relief - May 2008

      Cyclone Nargis battered Myanmar, killing over 22,500 people. Now, countless numbers of people are injured, and an estimated 41,000 are missing. 24 million people are affected by the disaster zone. Tragically, many of their hospitals are damaged, have the roofs torn off, or lack power, and the Myanmar government is severly limiting international aid.

     WER's emergency rescue team is providing immediate aid to cyclone victims in the Thai Tak province on the Myanmar/Thailand border, where 1,000 local Thai were

• Population -  29,519,114
• Life expectancy at birth - 60.94 years
• Infant mortality rate - 62 deaths per 1,000 live births
• Population living below poverty line - 30.9%
• Unemployment rate - 42%
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 48.6%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

Asha Health Center Program

      WER-US and WER's global family funds Child Welfare Scheme's ASHA Health Center program, an embraceable community where tens of thousands of residents receive quality medical attention via a day clinic, two mobile clinics and educational health programs.

Philippines Photo Gallery
Philippines & Thailand Photo Gallery

• Population -  96,061,680
• Life expectancy at birth - 70.8 years
• Infant mortality rate - 21.2 deaths per 1,000 live births
• Population living below poverty line - 30%
• Unemployment rate - 7.3%
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 92.6%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

  Community Support - 1999- Present

      Almost one million people are homeless or live on the trash dumps in the Philippines. The children who live there struggle to survive, and many of them go to school infrequently, if ever. Our hearts reached out to so many in need. Since 1999, WER has supported local outreach programs that provide food, education and health care to impoverished children, orphans and street children in the Philippines, especially those living on the dumps. Determined to give these children a “living chance” in every way possible, World Emergency Relief provides our Filipino partner programs with food, medical supplies, clothing, textbooks and other materials, as well as construction and operational grants. These children are touched each day by the tangible proof of God’s love and our donors’ compassion.

  Open Eyes, Open Minds Program - 2008

      Almost one million people are homeless or live on the trash dumps in the Philippines. The children who live there struggle to survive, and many of them go to school infrequently, if ever. World Emergency Relief supports local outreach programs that help educate impoverished children, orphans and street children, especially those living on the dumps.

      February 2008, WER sent over 51,700 educational literature books to our partner programs in the Philippines as part of our Open Eyes, Open Minds program, which encourages literacy and education around the world. May 2008, WER shipped another two 40-foot containers of text books. August 2008, WER provided our partners with an additional two 40-foot containers of Kindergarten through 12th grade level text books.

Tuloy Foundation 

      Working together, WER's global family and the Tuloy Foundation provide over 700 boys and girls with food, shelter, medical services, counseling, education and vocational training.

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Puppet Theater Program

      WER's puppet theater program increases public awareness about sexual abuse, improves children's self esteem and their own awareness of their body's privacy, and promotes reporting abuse incidents.  WER's second mobile puppet theater will double as an emergency response team that provides children a safe place in disaster situations and grief/trauma counseling, while protecting them against potential abuse.

  Community Base Treatment Abuse Program (CBTAP)

     Physical and sexual abuse can be devastating, with long-term affects on children's daily lives. WER is committed to preventing abuse and protecting and supporting its victims. We believe that no one should ever have to experience abuse!

     WER-US and the WER global family, teamed with Hope Worldwide, our local partner in Manila, run the Community Base Treatment Abuse Program just outside Manila. CBTAP offers individual and group counseling to child abuse victims, as well as family therapy.

Center of Hope

     Physical and sexual abuse can be devastating, with long-term affects on children's daily lives. WER is committed to preventing abuse and protecting and supporting its victims. We believe that no one should ever have to experience abuse!

     WER-US and the WER global family, teamed with Hope Worldwide, our local partner in Manila, have a Center of Hope facility that provides protection, treatment, and both short and long term residential care for abused children.

Thailand & Philippines Photo Gallery

• Population - 65,493,296
• Life expectancy at birth -  72.83 years
• Infant mortality rate - 18.23 deaths per 1,000 live births
• Population living below poverty line - 10%
• GDP per capita (PPP) – $8,000 (US$)
• Unemployment rate - 1.4%
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 92.6%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

NightLight Program - 2006-Present

      WER supports NightLight, a rehabilitation program in Thailand for sexually exploited and trafficked women and children. We support their public awareness campaign and fund job training as an alternative to the sex trade industry. Emergency aid, child-care and educational programs are also available.

      Early 2008, NightLight had 84 women in the program. The program is growing at such a rapid pace that we expect to have 150 women in the program by December 2008.

Dominican Republic Photo Gallery

• Population -  9,507,13

• Life expectancy at birth - 73.39 years

• Infant mortality rate - 26.93 deaths per 1,000 live births

• Population living below poverty line - 42.2%
• Unemployment rate - 15.6%
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 87%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

Integracion Juvenil (IJ) - 1996-Present

      The Dominican Republic is the "Affluent" section of Hispanola, an island 600 miles south of Miami shared by Haiti, and is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Its strong Hispanic population enjoys a revival in tourism, the principle income for the country. With tourism as the region's main industry, many teenagers become prostitutes. "Sex tours" are as successfully mareketed for the Dominican Repubic as for Thailand.

    Integracion Juvenil provides youth with a productive alternative to prostitution. IJ gives children a foundation in reading, writing and arithmetic, and teaches marketable, legitimate job skills such as cosmotology and the design and manufacture of souvenirs. When possible, IJ also provides the children with nutritious meals and quality clothing.

Survivors from Tropical Storm Noel.

Image courtesy of www.alertnet.org
REUTERS/ Kena Betancur

Hurricane Relief - December 2007

      Tropical Storm Noel pummeled the Dominican Republic, causing flooding and landslides. The storm displaced 51,000 people, caused over 50 deaths and countless injuries, and ruined crops and roads.

      Determined to help desperate survivors, World Emergency Relief shipped a 40-foot container of food, blankets and emergency supplies. WER is planning additional shipments of relief supplies.

Honduras Photo Gallery

• Population -  7,639,327
• Life expectancy at birth -  69.37 years
• Infant mortality rate - 24.61 deaths per 1,000 live births
• Population living below poverty line - 50.7%
• Unemployment rate - 27.8%
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 80%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

Healthcare Support - September 2008

      Hundreds of millions of children and adults around the world suffer from intestinal parasites called worms. Worms are very dangerous to the underfed, because worms rob bodies of vital nutrients. They plague their hosts with abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, skin rashes, diarrhea, anemia, and listlessness. Children are especially vulnerable, because worms compromise immune systems, and can retard growth and mental development. Rural communities with poor hygiene and sanitation are greatly at-risk.

      World Emergency Relief is dedicated to strengthening the health and quality of life of these communities whenever possible. In September, WER provided $5.7 million worth of de-worming medicine to our partner clinics, hospitals and orphanages in Honduras that serve impoverished, at-risk communities. These medicines can treat and improve the lives of 450,000 infected children and adults.

Feeding Program - 2006-Present

      Providing proper nutrition for children creates new generations of healthy individuals. WER's feeding programs began in 2006, and are designed to prevent malnutrition and starvation. Between our five center locations in Honduras, over 1,000 children are fed each day before school. Because they must attend school to receive their meal, hundreds of children who might not otherwise go to school are now getting an education.

more...

Medical Clinic - 2005-Present

     In 2005, the WER global family and a partner NGO led by WER Board member Gary Becks, helped WER construct a medical clinic for impoverished indigenous people. The medical clinic is located i n Sih Honduras, and serves over 2,000 people on the Miskito coast jungle, covering areas in both Honduras and northeast Nicaragua.

      The clinic includes a labor and recovery room, a dental room, an exam room and triage area, an office with storage, and living quarters for the staff clinician. The medical staff travels on scheduled circuits where they canoe, walk, wade and travel mule-back through areas doing preventative health classes and immunizations. They also provide water wells and pumps to provide clean water villages, breaking the cycle of parasitic infestations.

Some of the children enjoying the dormitory's common
room (or den) with the adjoining pre-school area.

Ciudad de Esperanza
Cistern Project June 2008

      WER and WER's global family partners withCiudad de Esperanza (City of Hope), a foster home for orphans, abused and abandoned children in Honduras.

      During the five month dry season, water is scarce. Before the construction of WER’s new cistern, Ciudad de Esperanza had to ration water use. During the dry season, the 23 children were only able to shower sporadically. The children struggled to carry buckets of water to the house so they could flush the toilets, and expensive water had to be trucked in so the children could drink.

    All this is about to change. In June, WER funded the building of a water collection and filtration system and a 140,000 gallon cistern, which will provide safe, clean water to the home throughout the year. The children will no longer have to haul water inside. In addition, there will be enough water for over 70 children to drink water and shower every day, tripling the amount of children Ciudad de Esperanza is able to provide a home for.

    WER is continuing to find ways to improve both the facilities and their lives. more...

La Moskitia Rice Field Program - 2006-2007

      Our long-term goal for our programs combating hunger is to provide communities with sustainable food sources that allow them to become self-reliant. People in the La Moskitia jungle (Honduras) face persistent malnutrition and starvation.

Fundacion de Brazos Abiertos Program - 2005-2007
(Foundation of Open Arms)

Oncolygy Ward - 2006

• Population -  4,324,450
• Life expectancy at birth - 70.5 years
• Infant mortality rate - 13.5 deaths per 1,000 live births
• Population living below poverty line - 29.5%
• Unemployment rate - 2.1%; approximately 25% of working age Moldovans work abroad
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 99.1%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

Boys from the orphanage.

Orphanage Support - December 2007

      An orphanage in Moldova, one of the poorest countries in Eastern Europe, was struggling to provide for their children. Their beds were broken and filthy, causing the children poor sleep, back pain, neck pain and headaches. Their school work suffered due to their exhaustion. WER gave these orphans a wonderful Christmas surprise - 100 new bed frames and mattresses! The children are very grateful to finally get healthy, restful sleep at night.

• Population -  22,246,862
• Life expectancy at birth - 72.18 years
• Infant mortality rate - 23.73 deaths per 1,000 live births
• Population living below poverty line - 25%
• Unemployment rate - 4.1%
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 97.3%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

Second Chance Program - 1999-Present

      Since 1999, World Emergency Relief and our partner in Romania have worked together to help children trapped in desperate poverty. Our Second Chance Program is in Dobroesti (a small village just outside of Bucharest, Romania). Many of these children live in flimsy housing that provides little shelter against the bitter cold of Romanian winters. Some of them even live in graveyards.

      Our Second Chance Program offers the children a shower and a meal daily, as well as clean clothing to go to school in. In return, the children MUST attend school and stay in the daily tutoring program.

      Today these children are enrolled in school full time and no longer are out begging on the streets. They are getting a good education and are better equipped to find employment after graduation. Two of these young people are attending a university in Romania after attending the Second Chance Program.

Jann MacCollam teaching Second Chance

children how to bake Christmas cookies.

 Shoes for the World Program - 2007

      In a country plagued with poverty, new shoes are a blessing. Those without shoes or broken shoes face cuts, scrapes, insect bites, parasites and infection. In the bitter cold of winter, frostbite looms ever near. Small infections from the feet can travel through the blood and affect the children's entire bodies, leading to disabilities… and sometimes, even death. Frostbite can disable as well.

      Although many might not consider shoes essential, we know they are. That's why WER's "Shoes for the World" program is so important. May 2007, WER provided one truckload of new, durable, comfortable athletic shoes for poor children and adults in Romania . September 2007, WER provided another two truckloads of shoes. Thousands of people are now safer from infection and frostbite.

Russia Photo Gallery

• Population - 140,702,096
• Life expectancy at birth - 65.94 years
• Infant mortality rate - 10.81 deaths per 1,000 live births
• Population living below poverty line - 15.8%
• Unemployment rate - 6.2%
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 99.4%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

Community Support - 1995-Present

      World Emergency Relief continues to expand its humanitarian relief efforts. WER’s outreach programs combat hunger, poverty and abuse, and promote healthcare, education and child safety.

      Since 1995, World Emergency Relief has partnered with local organizations to provide food, clothing, medical and educational supplies to needy communities in Russia. WER has embraced orphanages, hospitals, clinics and rehabilitation centers around Kaliningrad. From 1995 to 2000, WER shipped over 210 containers of food, clothing, medicines, hospital equipment, building materials and other supplies to these partner programs.
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Shoes for the World Program - 2007-2008

      In a country still plagued with poverty, new shoes are a blessing. Those without shoes or broken shoes face cuts, scrapes, insect bites, parasites and infection. In the bitter cold of winter, frostbite looms ever near. Small infections from the feet can travel through the blood and affect the children's entire bodies, leading to disabilities… and sometimes, even death. Frostbite can disable as well.

      Although many might not consider shoes essential, we know they are. That's why WER's "Shoes for the World" program is so important. In April 2007, WER provided 10,000 children and adults in Russia with new, durable, comfortable athletic shoes. In March 2008, WER provided another 5,000 people in Russia with brand-new athletic shoes.  Those 15,000 people are now safer from infection and frostbite.

Mexico Photo Gallery

• Population - 109,955,400
• Life expectancy at birth - 75.84 years
• Infant mortality rate - 19.01 deaths per 1,000 live births
• Population living below poverty line - 13.8% (using food-based definition of poverty) or more than 40% (using asset based poverty)
• GDP per capita (PPP) - $12,400 (US$)
• Unemployment rate - 3.7%; estimated underemployment of 25%
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 91%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

Building Homes for Families - 2005

      Tijuana is the fastest-growing area in all of Mexico. The migration of many Mexican and Central American people to this area is fueled by hope and opportunity. However, Tijuana lacks the infrastructure to support the thousands of people that are moving there. Now thousands are forced to live in cardboard or crate shelters with dirt floors. There is no running water or plumbing for bathrooms in these areas, which increases the risk of disease due to unsanitary conditions.

      World Emergency Relief and our partner ministries built houses for two impoverished families. Each house had three rooms and a loft. The houses were well constructed, completely wired for electricty, as well as glass windows that slide open with screens and locks for the families' security.

      Steve, a WER employee who helped construct the houses reflected on his trip, "I was overcome with joy to see how happy the families were to receive this blessing. . . This trip has helped me realize that just a few miles away, there are families suffering from a lack of proper shelter. No one is given a choice to what family or country they are born into, but we all have the chance to make a difference in another's life."
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Hunger Relief - 1998

      In 1998, WER worked with US Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) in "Hands Across the Boarder", providing food for impoverished residents and other border communities.
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Navajo Nation Photo Gallery

More about Native American Emergency Relief

• Population -  180,462
• Life expectancy at birth - Unknown
• Infant mortality rate - Unknown
• Population living below poverty line - 43%
• Median household income - $20,005 (US$)
• Unemployment rate - 42%
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - Unknown ; 56% of ages 25+ earn a high school degree
  

Navajo Nation population facts and statistics taken from the Navajo Nation's Division of Economic Development's website, www.navajobusiness.com. 15 October 2008. <http://www.navajobusiness.com/fastFacts/Overview.htm>

Hunger Relief - 1991-Present

    Our Native American Emergency Relief (NAER) program joins every week with a local food bank to aid poverty-stricken families on the Navajo reservation.  Each food box contains items like canned vegetables, packaged elk and deer meat, pasta, soup mix, canned meat, juice, box dinners and other canned goods.  When available, NAER delivers fresh fruit and vegetables with long shelf-lives.  On holidays they include a frozen turkey.  From March 2006-March 2007, NAER was able to provide the Navajos with over 557,000 lbs. of food, water, hygiene products and other supplies!

Share the Warmth &Quilts from the Heart Programs - 2005-Present

          On the Navajo Reservation, homes without electricity or even insulated walls are battered by brutal winter winds.  Severe weather and firewood shortages make cold temperatures even more dangerous. 

    NAER's “Share the Warmth” program provides poor Navajo families with firewood, as well as new coats, gloves, hats and other warm clothing for the harsh winter months. We also have a “Quilts from the Heart” program, where NAER distributes hand-made quilts to Navajo children and elderly Navajos on the Reservation.
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Christmas Love Box Program - 1993-Present

          NAER believes that "giving children a living chance" involves more than just meeting physical needs.  Our Christmas outreaches bring joy to everyone involved. For the last several years, school children from southern California create love boxes filled with toys, books, hygiene products and clothing.  The week before Christmas, NAER distributes these love boxes to Navajo children in elementary school special education classes.  Seeing the beautiful smiles on their faces is all the thanks we need.
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• Population -  29,180,900
• Life expectancy at birth - 70.44 years
• Infant mortality rate - 29.53  deaths per 1,000 live births
• Population living below poverty line - 44.5%
• Unemployment rate - 6.9% in metropolitan Lima; widespread underemployment
• Literacy rate (population over 15 years old who can read and write) - 87.7%

Individual country population facts and statistics taken from The World Factbook by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
2 October 2008. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html>

Photo courtesy of www.alertnet.org
REUTERS/David Mercado

Earthquake Relief - August 2007

          Wednesday, August 15, 2007 a record 8.0 earthquake tore Peru apart, killing over 500 and leaving thousands homeless. Hundreds were injured and countless numbers were grieving. Dead bodies littered the streets amidst the debris. Dust covered everything, contaminating the water. Ruined roads made it difficult to transport emergency supplies, leaving many people without food, water and medicine.  Aftershocks continued to cause more injuries and damage.

          World Emergency Relief (WER) sent immediate aid to the earthquake survivors. WER's relief team arrived in Lima, Peru and to do a need assessment and to help distribute food and medical supplies. The team will also help with other local relief efforts. WER sent 1,000 tents that could each shelter 4-6 homeless earthquake victims.  In addition, WER sent an additional 40-foot relief container of food, medicine, blankets and other emergency supplies.