Papua New Guinea
Mom Women Unite to Help their Community
By Sydney News Group (Originally in English)
A small group of Baha’i women from the village of Mom, in Karkar Island, Papua New Guinea raised funds to build a much needed medical aid station for the entire town of 3,500 people. They were inspired by the Baha’i teachings about women’s equality and community participation. Upon hearing of their accomplishment, Supreme Master Ching Hai contributed US$10,000 to further assist the women and their community. Medical services are scarce in Karkar Island and villagers from Mom had to travel more than 10 kilometers, usually on foot, to reach the closest aid station. That’s why in 2002, the Mom women, motivated by Baha’i teachings, embarked on a fundraising campaign, raising enough funds by 2006 to build a new medical aid station that would benefit the entire community. Representatives of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association presented the check from Master as well as some of Master’s latest books and other gifts to John Walker, Head of the Baha’i Association in Australia, at the Baha’i House of Worship in Sydney, on April 21, Golden Year 5 (2008). Mr. Walker was very thankful and graciously accepted the check and gifts on behalf of the Mom women saying that it will benefit their lives tremendously. “As you know, they struggled a great deal to raise a limited amount of money for their project. I’m sure this gift, the gift of US$10,000 together with the books and the other presents, will be greatly, greatly appreciated.” God bless the courageous women leaders of Mom Village and may Providence grant health, happiness and love for all in their blessed community.
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