For Women and Girls in Central African Republic

Dear friends, as many of you know, I have been based for few months already at Bangui in the Central African Republic. While living and working here I have heard and seen stories of despair, enough to last for a lifetime and even further. There is a feeling of powerlessness after seeing so much poverty and need. And there is also a feeling of tenacity, a determination to help wherever you can...and a deep gratefulness when realizing how lucky many of us have been being born under our specific conditions. We did not deserve it more than any of these people...we were just luckier. Thinking of helping I identifed few women and girls who are in real need. I know that this will not change the situation here, but it might change the whole world and way of living for these women. Here are their stories: Sophie: Sophie is 16 years old. She has a 2 year-old daughter named Ciara. Sophie and her family live at Bouar, in the west Central African Republic. On 26 October 2013, Sophie and a group of civilians were attacked by a rebel group at the bush near Bouar. Sophie's right leg was amputated twice after the attack. Leslie: Leslie is 7 years old and lives with her father at Bouar, in the west Central African Republic. On 26 October 2013, Leslie and a group of civilians were attacked by a rebel group at the bush near Bouar. During the attack Leslie was hit by a bullet and her right arm had to be amputated. Juste: Just is 28 years old and has two children: a 4-year old girl named Ketsia and a 2-year old boy named Messi. Her husband abandoned her after she was raped by some rebels. Her house was completely looted on 9 October 2014. She has already finished two years of school for becoming a mid-wife. There is still 1 remaining year. The cost of tuition for this year is 270,000 XAF (about 412 Euros). Colette: Colette is 28 years old and she has three children. She would like to take sewing lessons and have a sewing machine. The cost of that would be about 400,000XAF (approx. 600 Euros) for 9 months of lessons and a sewing machine. Sonia: Sonia has been abandoned by her husband and she has two children. She would like to take sewing lessons and have a sewing machine. The cost of that would be about 400,000 XAF (approx. 600 Euros) for 9 months of lessons and a sewing machine. The idea of this fundraising is to find ways to empowere these women and girls, and not to give them a one-time charity. For the women it would be a skill to help them earn a living. For Leslie it would be schooling, for the time being. Since I will remain here until the end of the year, I will personally take charge of going to the schools, pay the fees and register the women who live at Bangui. For Sophie and Leslie who live at Bouar, Pere Mirek, a wonderful Polish priest of the Catholic Church based there will be the one implementing the project. I will send the money to Pere Mirek and he will take it from there. I have met him personally and have seen the amazing work he has done at the community and how much he is loved and respected by people there. I welcome more ideas and comments on how we could help. In case that you need to get in contact with me on related issues my email is: [email protected] Warmly Yota   X X X X X X X X X X X