WomenForWomen.org
Founded in 1993, Women for Women International helps women in war-torn regions rebuild their lives by providing financial and emotional support, job skills training, rights awareness and leadership education and access to business skills,
capital and markets. Through the program, women become confident, independent and productive as they embrace the importance of their roles in rebuilding their families, their communities and ultimately, their nations.
Below is a letter that warmed my heart and explains what this is all about better than I can explain it to you.
October 16, 2007
Dear Mariana,
Thank you for your support of women survivors of war. We hope you are enjoying your sponsorship of Maria Samuel and your participation in our Sponsorship Community.
With your emotional and financial support, Maria has seized the opportunity to rebuild her life and become an active member of her society. She is attending rights education classes in areas such as domestic violence, women's legal rights, disease
prevention, family health and voting. She will complete market-based job skills training that will help her find employment or start her own business. She has increased her self-confidence and her understanding of her own individual potential. Additionally,
she is now connected to a community of women, which helps to reinforce and promote her personal development and rebuild the safety net destroyed by war.
Maria will graduate from the program in approximately three months. Graduation is a time of celebration for your sister and her community. The ceremonies include food made by our program participants and their families; testimonies from the graduates
on how their lives have changed; and a great deal of hugging, laughing and dancing. Often, local and national officials attend graduation to congratulate the women, and at times the ceremonies are covered by local and national media.. Each woman receives
a certificate to commemorate her participation in the program.
At this time, we encourage you to begin writing your farewell letter to Maria so that it reaches her before she graduates. Congratulate your sister on her commitment to self-sufficiency and independence.
Maria will always be a part of Women for Women International's community. She is always welcome to visit our office and may continue to access the economic opportunity programs we offer. She may choose to sell products through one of our stores or
through our online Virtual Bazaar; apply for a micro credit loan; join a cooperative business; or start her own small business.
We hope to extend these opportunities to as many women as possible. After Maria has graduated, you will be paired with a new sister. You'll receive the results of our exit interview with Maria, along with the profile of your new sister. Your continuing
support will give another woman the chance to rebuild her life. With your support, stronger women will build stronger communities and stronger nations.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need any additional information at 202.737.7705, Ext 9666 or kobriant@womenforwomen.org. As always, thank you so much for your support.
Sincerely,
Kevin O'Briant
Sponsorship Coordinator |
