Inside ARC - 8.28.14 - Cholera in South Sudan, Famine, Changemakers

Hi jay, Here's the latest news from the places ARC works around the world. If you ever have any questions about these items or anything else, please always feel free to reach out to us. -Daniel Daniel Wordsworth, President ***********************************************  *Cholera Outbreak in South Sudan*   At the request of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), ARC has deployed a team of 16 international experts to respond to an outbreak of cholera in South Sudan. Nearly 6,000 South Sudanese have been infected with cholera since March – 123 have lost their lives. With support from IOM, ARC’s team of water, sanitation and health experts are deploying to South Sudan’s Eastern and Western Equatoria counties. They will test water for contamination, rehabilitate water systems, relocate or close contaminated latrines and train health workers and community hygiene promoters to share strategies with the public about how to prevent cholera infection. We’re also setting up oral rehydration points where people can access rehydration salts, and we’re prepositioning supplies throughout the region to quickly erect fully operative cholera treatment centers – in the event of a full-blown epidemic. *Famine Monitoring* South Sudan and Somalia are currently experiencing serious food insecurity conditions. In South Sudan, violence has prevented many farmers from planting their crops. As a result, the eastern half of the country is experiencing crisis and emergency-level food insecurity (one degree removed from famine). In Somalia, nearly 1 million people are experiencing food crisis, thanks to intensified conflict, restricted trade and a poor harvest. In both countries, conditions are expected to deteriorate over the coming weeks and months. ARC operates programs in both places and is monitoring the situations closely. We’re there to help people in any way we can, and we’re poised to mobilize a major response if called on to do so. *Changemaker's Idea Competition* Last week, we launched the 2nd Annual Changemaker’s Competition. It’s an idea competition that asks ARC staff worldwide – “in one simple way, how would you make the people we serve feel more valued, joyful or powerful?” Big or small, we’re looking for fresh, positive ideas that could possibly be replicated across all of ARC’s programs around the world. Last year, more than 100 ideas were submitted – the top ten included a refugee camp bicycle sharing scheme, an e-learning academy for women, and biomass briquette presses to convert refugee camp garbage into fuel. We’re expecting even more ARC staff will participate this year – entering even more innovative and exciting ideas.  Stay tuned to hear some of the best ideas from this year’s Changemaker’s Competition! *Giving*    At the request of readers, I always include these links so they’re easy to find when you need them. Thanks so much. Become a Monthly Donor : http://www.ARCrelief.org/givemonthly - the first year of your gifts will be matched! Donate Online: http://www.ARCrelief.org/donate Give Us a Call: (800) 875-7060 Send in a gift: American Refugee Committee Donor Service Center P.O. Box 1002 Minneapolis, MN 55480-1002 USA *Engage*  We're sharing photos, video and stories on social media. Join the conversation. Friend us! --- http://www.Facebook.com/arcrelief Follow us! --- http://www.twitter.com/arcrelief Subscribe! --- http://www.youtube.com/chriskatarc Check us out! --- http://www.instagram.com/arcrelief   Call Send SMS Add to Skype You'll need Skype CreditFree via Skype

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Inside ARC - 7.23.14 - Pakistan Crisis, New Clinic, Celebrations

Hi jay, I've included a few updates from ARC program sites around the world. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about these items or anything else. -Daniel Daniel Wordsworth, President P.S. Will you do me a favor? Reply to this email with a short message and let me know if these updates are valuable to you. You can also let me know what you like. Or if there is other information you'd like to see. ***********************************************  *Pakistan IDP Crisis*   Insecurity in Pakistan's North Waziristan region has forced nearly 1 million people to flee their homes. Most have traveled east to other areas of Pakistan to escape the violence. People who have been displaced say they aren't receiving enough assistance in the form of basic services like food, water and shelter. ARC is working closely with partner organizations present on the ground and have shipped food packages, medicine, and hygiene kits to District Bannu which houses more than 60% of the IDP population. ARC is also ready to provide medical assistance to children and mothers as soon as it is permitted to enter the area. Stay tuned for updates on the crisis and ARC's response. *First Asili Clinic* Last week we opened our first Asili social enterprise clinic in rural DRC where families pay market rates in order to receive health care services and medicines. Asili is a pilot providing a lifesaving menu of primary care services at rates that even families with very limited resources can afford. In addition to health care, families can also access safe, clean water daily through Asili, and local farmers can get help improving their yields and selling their crops at market. Because Asili services are streamlined, costs stay very low. But we’re also training our staff to provide service at a level that would delight and astonish any customer. After initial infrastructure investments, Asili is designed to sustain itself on payments from customers alone – and won’t rely on US government or UN aid budgets to survive. After being open just one week, the response from customers is very positive. Clinic and medicine fees are being paid, and people are coming from around the region to receive services at the Asili clinic. On Saturday, one woman came a great distance to visit the clinic and she asked when we’ll be opening Asili near her home. We’re refining the model and ensuring Asili runs smoothly in this first service zone, and then we’ll look to expand past the pilot phase later in 2014 and 2015. Each Asili zone is expected to begin making a profit within three years.  *World Refugee Day in Uganda* Last month, ARC hosted two World Refugee Day(WRD) celebrations at Kyangwali and Nakivale refugee settlements in Uganda. The celebration at Kyangwali was Uganda’s official country-wide observance of World Refugee Day. Uganda’s treatment of refugees is unique in the world. Nearly a quarter of a million refugees reside in Uganda, and on arrival many of these people receive their own plot of land where they can build a home and grow crops. They enjoy a freedom of movement that is not true for refugees sheltering in most other countries. Several of Uganda’s ministers and other government officials were in attendance at Kyangwali to voice their support for refugee communities throughout Uganda. The WRD celebration at Nakivale settlement was a more relaxed community affair. Refugees representing several nationalities paraded through the settlement. Youth choirs sang songs, Burundian drummers thumped away, dance groups boogied down, and Somali drama teams performed theatrical skits. There were speeches from community leaders, and then a large picnic of chicken and rice for all who were assembled. [Below: A photo of the parade at Nakivale settlement]. *Giving*    At the request of readers, I always include these links so they’re easy to find when you need them. Thanks so much. Become a Monthly Donor : http://www.ARCrelief.org/givemonthly - the first year of your gifts will be matched! Donate Online: http://www.ARCrelief.org/donate Give Us a Call: (800) 875-7060 Send in a gift: American Refugee Committee Donor Service Center P.O. Box 1002 Minneapolis, MN 55480-1002 USA *Engage*  We're sharing photos, video and stories on social media. Join the conversation. Friend us! --- http://www.Facebook.com/arcrelief Follow us! --- http://www.twitter.com/arcrelief Subscribe! --- http://www.youtube.com/chriskatarc Check us out! --- http://www.instagram.com/arcrelief   Call Send SMS Add to Skype You'll need Skype CreditFree via Skype

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Inside ARC - 7.2.14 - Somalia Jobs, South Sudan, Back-to-School

Hi jay, Here's the latest from ARC. If you have any questions or want more info, don't hesitate to get in touch. -Daniel Daniel Wordsworth, President ***********************************************  *En Route to 50,000 Jobs*   ARC recently joined with partners Kaah Express and Silatech to launch Somalia’s first commercial microfinance institution. Unemployment in Somalia currently tops 65%. This unique public-private partnership will promote job creation and provide opportunity for people in Somalia—particularly young people  and low-income women. Loans will enable entrepreneurs to start and expand small businesses, such as fishing, carpentry, tailoring, and small retail shop management. The program also offers a robust package of financial education, life skills, and business training to improve the ability of clients to make informed decisions about their financial needs. The goal is to provide financial access and stimulate economic development throughout Somalia. Earlier this year, we also launched a vocational training program in Somalia, working with Somali businesses to train young people in the skills businesses are lacking. It’s been incredibly popular both among companies and eager trainees. These two programs are the centerpiece in achieving our goal of creating 50,000 new jobs in Somalia in the next 5 years. *South Sudan Conflict and Hunger* The conflict in South Sudan continues on. Peace talks seem to be going nowhere, even as the country’s neighbors threaten the warring sides with sanctions. More than 2 million South Sudanese have abandoned their homes since violence broke out in December. As a result, much of the country’s fields have gone unplanted, and families have left their emergency stocks of food behind as they fled. Now more than 7 million people are at risk of starvation and disease, but the violence is making it difficult to get relief through.  Much of the areas where ARC works have remained somewhat secure, and we’ve been able to continue providing families with lifesaving services. As the situation evolves, our team is there ready to respond in whatever way we are needed. We will keep you updated on developments in South Sudan. *School Back In Session* School is now back in session at Fisherman’s Village Elementary School, San Jose Central School and San Jose National High School in Tacloban, Philippines. All three schools were devastated by Typhoon Haiyan in November, and teachers and hundreds of students lost their lives. With funds from ARC’s generous individual supporters, our teams have been rehabilitating the schools. Work is still in progress, but we’ve repaired ceilings, roofs, windows and doors to return the buildings and yards to areas suitable for children and learning.  Below are some before and after images from San Jose Central School. *Giving*    At the request of readers, I always include these links so they’re easy to find when you need them. Thanks so much. Become a Monthly Donor : http://www.ARCrelief.org/givemonthly Donate Online: http://www.ARCrelief.org/donate Give Us a Call: (800) 875-7060 Send in a gift: American Refugee Committee Donor Service Center P.O. Box 1002 Minneapolis, MN 55480-1002 USA *Engage*  We're sharing photos, video and stories on social media. Join the conversation. Friend us! --- http://www.Facebook.com/arcrelief Follow us! --- http://www.twitter.com/arcrelief Subscribe! --- http://www.youtube.com/chriskatarc Check us out! --- http://www.instagram.com/arcrelief   Call Send SMS Add to Skype You'll need Skype CreditFree via Skype

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Inside ARC - 6.19.14 - Winning Photo, WRD Top, Congrats to Midwives

Hi jay, Tomorrow is World Refugee Day! It's the international holiday for refugees. We're celebrating with a special partnership with Hackwith Design House. You can read about that and more ARC news below. As always, get in touch with us if you have any questions. -Daniel Daniel Wordsworth, President ***********************************************  *The Haven Top for WRD*   The American Refugee Committee couldn’t be more honored to be working with Hackwith Design House (HDH). On June 20, World Refugee Day (WRD), HDH will launch a limited edition garment to benefit ARC’s work around the world. The custom-designed, limited edition Haven Top will be available for purchase at www.hackwithdesignhouse.com and will be released Friday, June 20th at 9am CST. Only 15 tops will be made available by HDH, with proceeds from each sale supporting ARC’s work.  Each HDH garment is made by hand with special care for comfort and uniqueness. We couldn’t admire more their commitment to beauty, design, and individuality. Remember to check the HDH website on World Refugee Day. The limited edition Haven Tops will sell out fast! *And the Winning Photographer is ...* …Yasir Ilyas – Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for ARC in Pakistan. During the month of May, ARC held its first global staff photo contest on Facebook. 71 photographs told the stories of ARC’s work around the world, from well rehabilitation and stove building to vocational skills training. More than 15,000 people saw the photos and 2,883 votes were cast. Here's what Yasir said about the winning photo: “I was astonished to see the field preparation by this woman to sow kitchen gardening seed (given out by ARC). She said, ‘This is my prepared field, and I have full access and control over this part of land.” For his first place finish, Yasir will receive a brand new camera! Thank you to everyone who voted and participated. If you didn’t get a chance to look at the contest album in May, it’s still up and you can check it out here: http://goo.gl/PPkYK9 *Congrats to Darfur Midwives!* ARC sponsored ten students through the Nyala Midwifery School in Darfur, Sudan earlier this year – paying tuition, food, uniform, and transportation fees during their studies. One of the ARC students, Fatiya, took the #2 position in overall performance and was honored at a recent graduation ceremony. Fatiya described her experience: “I have acquired good skills… and want to utilize them for the benefit of women suffering in my community. I do not know what I would do to raise my children without this training….Now, I will have a job/career to sustain myself and family.”  Fatiya hopes that all of her 4 children complete their school and go to Khartoum University—and wants at least one of them to be a medical doctor who could follow in her footsteps. *Giving*    At the request of readers, I always include these links so they’re easy to find when you need them. Thanks so much. Become a Monthly Donor : http://www.ARCrelief.org/givemonthly Donate Online: http://www.ARCrelief.org/donate Give Us a Call: (800) 875-7060 Send in a gift: American Refugee Committee Donor Service Center P.O. Box 1002 Minneapolis, MN 55480-1002 USA *Engage*  We're sharing photos, video and stories on social media. Join the conversation. Friend us! --- http://www.Facebook.com/arcrelief Follow us! --- http://www.twitter.com/arcrelief Subscribe! --- http://www.youtube.com/chriskatarc Check us out! --- http://www.instagram.com/arcrelief   Call Send SMS Add to Skype You'll need Skype CreditFree via Skype

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Inside ARC - 5.1.14 - South Sudan, Goal Reached, Photo Contest

Hi jay, The most recent news from our programs around the world... As always, please let us know if you have any questions. It's always great to hear from you. -Daniel Daniel Wordsworth, President ***********************************************  *UN Flags Risk of Famine in South Sudan*   The UN has warned that in the coming months South Sudan may face the worst starvation since the 1980s, estimating that 3.7 million people are at risk. Since December, violence in the country has killed thousands, more than 1 million have fled their homes, and many farmers have been unable to plant. If emergency aid from the international community doesn’t materialize and fighting prevents farmers from planting a crop before the rains come in late May, famine could devastate the world’s newest country. ARC’s team in South Sudan is operating at full capacity and is ready to respond to help in whatever way we’re needed. *Atomic Challenge - We Did It!* Thanks to support from 483 donors and dozens of others who spread the word, we reached the challenge set by Atomic Data to raise $50,000. Now Atomic will match that amount – which means a total of an additional $100,000 for the children and families we serve around the world. Incredible! We are so grateful for the generous support of Atomic Data and all those who helped us meet this challenge.  THANK YOU! The team at Atomic Data, including CEO Jim Wolford, recently presented ARC with a check for $50,000 at the first Atomic BBQ of 2014: http://goo.gl/ZyejT2 *Vote For Your Favorite - ARC Photo Contest* Starting today, you can checkout images of ARC’s work submitted by our staff and volunteers worldwide on Facebook. Vote for your favorite shots by clicking ‘like’, commenting or sharing. The photographer who receives the most actions for their photo between now and May 26 wins a new camera – provided by National Camera Exchange – so they can continue documenting their work to share with all of us. So, record your votes on the contest photo album and be sure to check back often to see how the contest is going. The contest album: http://goo.gl/fsArZW . *Giving*    At the request of readers, I always include these links so they’re easy to find when you need them. Thanks so much. Become a Monthly Donor : http://www.ARCrelief.org/givemonthly Donate Online: http://www.ARCrelief.org/donate Give Us a Call: (800) 875-7060 Send in a gift: American Refugee Committee Donor Service Center P.O. Box 1002 Minneapolis, MN 55480-1002 USA *Engage*  We're sharing photos, video and stories on social media. Join the conversation. Friend us! --- http://www.Facebook.com/arcrelief Follow us! --- http://www.twitter.com/arcrelief Subscribe! --- http://www.youtube.com/chriskatarc Check us out! --- http://www.instagram.com/arcrelief   Call Send SMS Add to Skype You'll need Skype CreditFree via Skype

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90% There

Hello jay, We're cutting it close. But we can still make the $50,000 challenge goal set by Atomic Data. We have 9 hours to raise $5,511. Will you help? If you've already made a donation, thank you so much. You've helped us get where we are now. If you'd be willing to share the challenge with your friends and family, that might put us over the hump! If you haven't yet made a donation, will you consider it? We're so close. Your donation would be matched by Atomic Data, and you'd be helping us take full advantage of this opportunity. You can give online now at: http://www.ARCrelief.org/atomicchallenge. Remember, each and every donation is important to the people we serve. Donations starting at $10 and going all the way up to the remaining $5,511 will qualify to be matched by Atomic Data.   Thank you so much for your support. And for helping us meet this challenge in time Sincerely, -Daniel Daniel Wordsworth President, American Refugee Committee P.S. Gifts starting at $10 will be matched: http://www.arcrelief.org/atomicchallenge

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It's Touch And Go

Hello jay, It will still take a lot of help, but the goal set by Atomic Data is within reach. I emailed you about this last week and I wanted to give you an update. As I send this, we still have $16,468 to raise toward the goal of $50,000. Until March 31st (that's Monday), Atomic Data will match all donations made to ARC, up to that $50,000 threshold. If you've already made a gift, THANK YOU! You've helped us get this far. But, we still need help. Please, will you consider sharing the challenge with your friends? The more people know about it the better our chances of achieving the goal. And - if you haven't yet given and you think you could manage it - will you make a donation online now at: http://www.ARCrelief.org/atomicchallenge. Atomic Data will match your gift. Any donation - starting at $10 and going all the way up to the $16,468 remaining - qualifies to be doubled by Atomic Data.   Thank you so much for your support. Sincerely, -Daniel Daniel Wordsworth President, American Refugee Committee P.S. Our fiscal year also ends on March 31. A gift in any amount would be an incredible boost into the coming year: http://www.arcrelief.org/atomicchallenge

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