News
Meet Heather - ALARM’s new U.S. Development Director
Posted on May 09, 2012
We Need Your Help To Win $10,000
Posted on April 18, 2012
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO WIN $10,000
New 2011 Annual Report
Posted on April 17, 2012
We are delighted to share with you our 2011 annual report. 2011 was a year of challenges and opportunities that enabled us to not only be more resolved in our commitment to empowering the African Church, but also have a clear focus as we move forward. You can read all about it in our new Annual Report!
Wounded Healers - Sudan Council of Churches Report
Posted on March 26, 2012
On March 7-9, 2012, the Sudan Council of Churches met in Nairobi, Kenya to pray for healing and reconciliation for their countries. To read the full statement from the meeting, please read below. We continue to pray for the people of Sudan and South Sudan who have experienced over 50 years of war and suffering.
New ALARM CLIS Director
Posted on March 07, 2012
Levi Lukadi is the new director of CLIS (Christian Leadership Institute of Sudan). He comes to ALARM with great experience and a passion for peacemaking, leadership and mentoring. He intimately knows the history and culture of South Sudan as he was born about 30 kilometers from Yei. He fled South Sudan during the intense years of war. He has served as a lecturer at CLIS and Emmanuel Christian training center. Levi is married to Faith Grace, who is a social worker currently in Arua, Uganda. Join us in welcoming Levi and praying for him as he undertakes this crucial role.
ALARM Featured on Instead iPhone App
Posted on January 18, 2012
We are excited that ALARM is now a featured non-profit on the Instead iPhone app. Instead is a micro-donation app that encourages people to live within or below their means in order to give to non-profits, like ALARM. Instead of eating out, how about brown-bagging a lunch to work? Instead of seeing a movie, how about renting a film? Instead is a simple and fun way to support ALARM.
To find out more about Instead or to download the app, visit the iTunes store.
ALARM Scarves in Whole Foods Markets
Posted on November 01, 2011
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During this holiday season you can purchase ALARM scarves in select Whole Foods Markets across the southwest. The scarves are handmade by widows in Uganda who have fled the violence in their country. All proceeds from the scarves go to ALARM's micro-business projects in Uganda.
| Store | Metro | Address |
| Arabella Station | New Orleans | 5600 Magazine ST. New Orleans, LA 70115 |
| Baton Rouge | New Orleans | 7529 Corporate Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70809 |
| Bellaire | Houston | 4004 Bellaire Blvd Houston Tx 77025 |
| Fairview | Dallas | 105 Stacey Road; Fairview, TX 75069 |
| Forest | Dallas | 11700 Preston Rd. #714, Dallas TX 75230 |
| Gateway | Austin | 9607 Research Blvd. #300 Austin, TX 78759 |
| Highland Park | Dallas | 4100 Lomo Alto Highland Park, TX 75219 |
| Kirby | Houston | 2955 Kirby Dr. Houston, TX 77098 |
| Lakewood | Dallas | 2118 Abrams Road, Dallas, TX 75214 |
| Lamar | Austin | 525 N Lamar Blvd. Austin TX 78703 |
| Little Rock | Arkansas | 10700 N. Rodney Parham, Little Rock, AR 72212 |
| Montrose | Houston | 701 Waugh Drive; Houston, TX 77019 |
| Oklahoma City | Oklahoma | 6001 N Western Ave, Oklahoma, OK 731183 |
| Park Lane | Dallas | 8190 Park Lane Ste: 351; Dallas, TX 75231 |
| Parkway | Dallas | 801 E. Lamar Arlington Tx 76011 |
| Plano | Dallas | 2201 Preston Rd., Suite C Plano TX 75093 |
| Quarry | Austin | 255 E. Basse Rd. San Antonio, Tx 78209 |
| Richardson | Dallas | 101 South Coit Road, Suite 60 Richardson TX 75080 |
| Sugarland | Houston | 15900 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX, 77479 |
| Tulsa | Oklahoma | 1401 E. 41st St., Tulsa, OK 74105 |
| Veterans | New Orleans | 3420 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, LA, 70002 |
| Wilcrest | Houston | 11145 Westheimer Rd. Houston TX 77042 |
| Woodway | Houston | 6401 Woodway Houston TX 77057 |
World Affairs Council Welcomes Ambassador Jerry Lanier
Posted on October 14, 2011
Donor Bridge Giving Day Update
Posted on October 11, 2011
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President of Burundi to Speak in Dallas
Posted on September 20, 2011
Crisis in the Horn of Africa
Posted on August 17, 2011
Photo Reuters
The world's greatest humanitarian crisis continues to deteriorate. Right now, more than 12 million people spanning three countries: Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia, are being impacted by the worst drought in 60 years. The UN has formally declared a famine in parts of southern Somalia- its first in nearly 20 years. The scope of this tragedy is historic.
Cape Town 2010 Congress
Posted on July 25, 2011
In October 2010 Célestin Musekura and ALARM participated in Cape Town 2010. Cape Town 2010 has been called the most representative gathering of Christian leaders in the 2000 year history of the Christian movement (Christianity Today). Four-thousand Christian leaders representing 198 countries attended the Congress in Cape Town, South Africa.
Lausanne recently released a short documentary of this historic gathering.
To watch the documentary, please visit:
http://www.lausanne.org/cape-town-2010/short-documentary.html
If you would like to learn more about Cape Town 2010, you can visit their website at http://www.lausanne.org/cape-town-2010.
Celebrate the Birth of a New Nation
Posted on July 05, 2011
ALARM Featured in IBC Chatter Magazine
Posted on June 28, 2011
ALARM is featured in the July issue of Chatter Magazine.
To read the full article, visit the Chatter Magazine website HERE.
Chatter is Irving Bible Church's monthly magazine devoted to telling stories about God's work in and outside the walls of IBC.
World Affairs Council Welcomes Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool
Posted on June 14, 2011
South Sudan: Enhancing Grassroots Peacebuilding
Posted on May 24, 2011
Signs of Peace After Deadly Clashes Between Two Sudanese Communities
Posted on May 23, 2011
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Signs of Peace After Deadly Clashes between Two Sudanese Communities
Celestin to Speak at Seattle Pacific University
Posted on May 18, 2011
Founder and President of ALARM, Celestin Musekura, Ph.D. will travel to Seattle, WA to speak at Seattle Pacific University. Celestin will be a featured guest at the university’s Chapel service on May 24, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. Also featured will be the university orchestra and choir which will present part of the musical symphony/chorus, “Reconciled: A Gospel Symphony.”
Celestin to Speak at Seattle Pacific University
Posted on May 18, 2011
Burundi Pastoral Leadership Training Institute
Posted on May 09, 2011
ALARM-Burundi held their Pastoral Leadership Training Institute session for 70 pastors April 25-May 6, 2011. During the conference, the pastors received their very first Bible commentary written in the Kirundi language.
2010 Annual Report
Posted on May 04, 2011
ALARM's 2010 Annual Report is now available.
To view or download the report, please click HERE
Celestin Musekura to speak at genocide event Wednesday evening, Charlotte
Posted on April 25, 2011
Celestin was honored to be asked to speak in Charlotte, North Carolina at a genocide education event. The evening will begin at 7:00 p.m at Temple Beth El. David Johnson, friend of ALARM and exceptional photographer, will also speak at the event. The evening will focus on past and ongoing genocides. The event is a great opportunity for sharing the ministry of ALARM and to raise awareness of the great needs of central Africa.
Ferry Capsizes in Lake Kivu, DRC
Posted on April 25, 2011
The BBC announced today that a ferry capsized in Lake Kivu killing a confirmed 38 with another 50 missing. Eleven survivors were rescued. This incident, tragic in any setting, strikes particularly close to home as staff and friends of ALARM utlize such boat transportation for ministry in eastern Congo. The boat left Minova headed towards Bukavu, where ALARM training has and is taking place. The accident is a reminder to pray for the safety and preservation of our staff. Celestin always reminds us that the battle is more than just physical, it is spiritual as well. Pray with us for the grieving families.
U.S. ALARM Leadership Meeting
Posted on April 13, 2011
The ALARM U.S. board, leadership and guests will meet in Charlotte, North Carolina Thursday and Friday, April 14-15. The meeting will include review of this year's completed programs, reports from Forest Hill Church on the benefits of partnership with ALARM, prayer for the ministry and discussons on financial and other business matters. One of the continuing challenges for ALARM is regular monthly support for staff and operations. ALARM's leadership team invites for your prayers and participation in establishing a stable financial base that allows the focus of energy on the core ministries.
A Dallas Church Partnership Builds Church Unity in Tanzania
Posted on April 11, 2011
Unity of all believers was a major concern for Christ at the end of His earthly ministry in John 17. His desire is not a partial unity of all believers but rather a complete unity despite the diversity of gifts, talents, resources, contexts, experiences, and cultures. Unfortunately, the church has not been intentional in building bridges between different church denominations and traditions. As a result of this divisions and inability to unite for a higher purpose, some of the Great Commission efforts have been fruitless.
In Africa, church denominations and traditions have caused divisions among believers just like tribal/ethnic diversity has become reasons for bloody tribal and religious wars. ALARM’s goal is not only to develop leaders, reconcile relationships, and transform communities but also to promote and strengthen unity and collaboration among believers of different denominations and traditions both in Africa and North America in order to achieve the Great Commission and become agents of unity, reconciliation and transformation.
Three churches in Greater Dallas (TX) area have started a partnership in order to partner with ALARM in responding to the need of training, equipping, and empower church leaders in Tanzania (one of the 8 countries where ALARM serves) for effective ministry. The mission departments at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship of Carrollton, Trinity Fellowship Church of Richardson, and Northwest Bible Church of Dallas are sending joint teams to train pastors, church leaders, women and youth leaders from different denominations and tribes in Tanzania. This partnership has adopted the Pastoral Leadership Training Institute (PLTI), a three-year program of training key denominational church leaders in discipleship, bible knowledge, theology, peacebuilding, leadership development, etc. This Spring, a team of women leaders from two of these churches went to Tanzania to train women leaders for women’s ministries.
Many of these Tanzania pastors have never seen different American Churches coming together in one team to facilitate a seminar of leaders and pastors from different denominations. These Dallas-based congregations have become a model and an encouragement to Tanzanian Churches to work together in their efforts to transform their communities. United by ALARM programs and modeled by the Churches in Dallas, many Church leaders in Tanzania are discovering the beauty and blessings of diversity and are coming together for greater purpose-the fulfillment of the Great Commission and Commandment.
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Mike Neukum, the Director of Missions at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship when asked about the most beautiful thing he has appreciated about this partnership, he answered: “I would say that it is the fact that we get to come together as three local churches in the Dallas area and work together in unity. We are able to pool our gifts, talents, experience and resources and learn from each other as we work to further God’s kingdom in Tanzania. We pray that it will be a powerful witness to the Tanzanian church and inspire them to come together and work together to reach Tanzania for Christ.”
Celestin and Meredith to Speak This Weekend
Posted on April 08, 2011
Both Celestin and Meredith of ALARM will be speaking this weekend.
Celestin Musekura, Ph.D., President and Founder of ALARM, will be a featured speaker at the annual Missions Conference of First Baptist Church, Suitland, Maryland on Saturday and Sunday (April 9-10, 2011).
Meredith Wheeler, Ph.D., International Director of ALARM, will be the featured keynote speaker for the ACMC Mid-Atlantic Conference in Maryland on Friday and Saturday evening (April 8-9, 2011). On Sunday (April 10), Meredith will be speaking at Calvary Baptist Church in New York City.
To see full details, please visit our Upcoming Events page.
Welcome Theopiste Nyirabigirimana to the US
Posted on April 07, 2011
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We are very excited to welcome Theopiste Nyirabigiriman to the US for the very first time. Theopiste is the Headmistress of the Institute of Women's Excellence (lWE) in Rwanda.For a listing of events to meet and hear from Theopiste, please visit our Upcoming Events page.
Institute of Women’s Excellence (IWE)
IWE is a project of ALARM Rwanda that started in 2005 to provide education to girl orphans of genocide and HIV/AIDS so that it might develop future women leaders for Rwanda.
Through the Institute of Women’s Excellence School in Rwanda (IWE), girl orphans from both Hutu and Tutsi tribes receive housing, meals, education, and a firm spiritual foundation that is deeply rooted in Christ. More importantly, the girls are provided with skills and tools they can use to create a bright future for themselves and the reconciliation of the Rwandan people.
150 female IWE students currently live in a one-room dormitory, sleeping 2 per bed (4 girls sleep in one bunk). The funds from this event will be used to construct a new dormitory to facilitate improved conditions for the current students and make room for future growth.
If you would like to make a donation to benefit the construction of the new dormitory at IWE, please visit our Donate page.
Rwanda Family Enrichment Conference
Posted on March 31, 2011
Congo Women Empowered to Change their Fate
Posted on March 25, 2011
ALARM Congo, together with our US partners continue to empower Congo women to not accept what is happening to them as normal even when the silence and attitude of the rest of world towards their brutal sexual violence seems to be telling them, “we don’t care about you, we can live without you.” These women leaders from different ethnic groups and various denominations in eastern Congo are saying, “we can change our fate and that of our nation.”
This week, (March 21-26, 2011) ALARM Congo brought together in the city of Goma (eastern Congo) 40 women leaders from different regions of eastern Congo (Bukavu, Bunia, Butembo, Goma, Masisi, and Rutshuru) to discuss, learn and be trained in women’s rights, justice, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, forgiveness and dealing with the trauma of sexual violence.
Armed conflicts among Congolese and Rwandan armies and among various Congo and Rwanda rebel groups have not only caused further hatred and animosity between different tribes in Eastern Congo, but have also spawned an epidemic of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Most disturbingly, the sexual violence perpetrated by the armed army and rebel militia groups has increasingly become a normal occurrence among civilians.
According to “Now, the World is Without Me,” a report commissioned by Oxfam International and carried out by experts from Harvard University, about 56% of sexual assaults were committed by armed men in homes while in the presence of the victim's families, including their children. About 16% reported were in fields, and 15% in forests. Incidents of sexual slavery were reported by 12% of women surveyed, with some held hostage for years. The number of rapes increased during military operations. More than 9,000 people, including men and boys, were raped in 2009 as the government and its Rwandan military allies moved against Rwandan militia groups operating on Congolese soil (http://www.oxfam.org/en/policy/now-world-without-me).
ALARM believes by empowering African women and by building a wider network of empowered women with skills and tools to mitigate any oppressive forces (cultural, economic, social, political, spiritual, religious, etc.), they will learn to no longer accept as normal the atrocities perpetrated against them but will gently but persistently fight for their rights and seek peace and justice while bringing hope, healing, reconciliation, and transformation to their communities. Most of the women in Congo are saying, “we can become wounded healers and bridge builders in our communities. We refuse to be defined by our miseries. We instead want to learn how to turn our pain into instruments of hope and healing to hour families and communities. Instead of demonizing and dehumanizing each other’s tribes and building more walls of division, we want to become reconcilers of relationships in our communities.
The 40 women gathered in Goma are part of the ALARM Congo Women’s Network for Peace and Justice whose goal is to connect and empower Congo women involved in peace, justice, and reconciliation through support, training, and advocacy for the restoration of women’s rights and dignity, and for the transformation and reconciliation of families and communities in Congo. Like Rev. Zan Holmes, Jr. of St. Luke Community United Methodist Church in Dallas says, “community bridge builders are walls turned sideways,” ALARM is empowering the Congo women to become bridge builders in their communities and between fighting tribes in eastern Congo.
In May, August, and October this year, ALARM, together with these women, will train and equip 200 other women leaders in their respective regions. Funding for this project is not complete and $120,000 is still needed to bring this dream to a complete reality. ALARM is waking a sleeping giant by empowering African Women to say, “No, We are Part of the World. We are the World.”
Leadership and Peacebuilding Workshop
Posted on March 24, 2011
In February 2011, ALARM partnered with the Christian Police Association of Burundi and held a leadership and peacebuilding workshop for 52 District Police Commissioners in Charge of Operations, representing all National Police Districts in Burundi.
Satellite Sentinel Project
Posted on March 21, 2011
The Satellite Sentinal Project is an early warning system utlizing satellite imagery analysis and field reports with Google's Map Maker technology. The project conceived by actor and activist George Clooney seeks to act as a deterrant to the resumption of war between Northern and Southern Sudan. The project seeks to raise global awareness in real time of human rights violations and human security concerns.
The Sentinal Project reports that in the past two weeks there has been increased military activity around the contested and oil rich Abyei region. This follows the destruction and burning of three villages, Tajalei, Maker Abior and Todach. The SAF (the Sudan Armed Forces) controlled by Khartoum and the SPLA (Sudan's People Liberation Movement), the ruling party of Southern Sudan both have strengthened defensive positions and appeaer to have added additional offensive capabilities.
The Satellite Sentinal Project can be viewed directly at http://www.satsentinel.org/
(The views and reports of the Satellite Sentinal Project do not necessarily represent the views of ALARM. The link is provided as another source of information on the Sudan situation.)
Malindi Cow Project
Posted on March 16, 2011
In January 2011 ALARM Kenya received funding for the expansion of the Poverty Eradication Project in Malindi, Kenya. The Malindi Cow Project has seen the lives of over 20 households transformed as a result of the project.
Sudan Violence Escalates Amid Accusations of Interference
Posted on March 12, 2011
Southern Sudan has suspended negotiations with Northern Sudan, accusing the North's military intelligence and its leader Al-Bashir of seeking to overthrow the South's government. The accusations followed fighting between southern armed forces and a rebel militia in the southern oil town, Malakal. Malakal is one of the focus areas of ALARM in Sudan. Southern spokesperson, Pagan Amun said that the SPLM (Sudan People's Liberation Movement) had knowledge of recruitment, training and supplying of rebel militia groups in the south by President al-Bashir's political party. Early Saturday, rebel leader, General George Athor attacked Malakal resulting in eleven deaths and additional wounded. Athor rebelled after losing last April's election to be governor of the Jonglie state. Malakal is first major southern city to be attacked. Other violence has occurred almost weekly since the January refendum. Northern officials deny the accusations. There is long history of violence between tribal groups in the South.
ALARM president, Celestin Musekura, recently spoke of ALARM's commitment to Sudan which began over a decade ago. ALARM provides peace-building training and is seeking funding for training and to translate and publish it's recently released book, The Beauty and Belssing of Ethnic Diversity. The book is currently available in English. When the funds are available, ALARM will relase the book and offer training for Dinka, Nuer and Zande tribal groups.
Trip Report :: Tanzania
Posted on March 07, 2011
Sally Bock recently took part in the Trinity Fellowship Church / Bent Tree Bible Fellowship women's ministry trip to Mtwara, Tanzania in February. We wanted to share her amazing report of this trip.
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"After arriving in Mtwara and being met by the ALARM-Tanzania Director Justin Kiwovele and his wife Anna, who is the Women and Children’s Department Coordinator, we finished our final preparations for the Women’s Leadership Training Conference.
The next morning our van was greeted by ladies who were singing praise songs. I have never had such a warm greeting. There were over 60 women from 14 different churches. Some of the women were from Mtwara but over half were from outside villages. Some traveled over 150 miles by bus on dirt roads to be there.
Each woman received a Bible at the conference. Most of them did not have a Bible so they were so excited. They started singing songs of praise. During the week, we taught them how to study their Bibles, grow spiritually, peacemaking and conflict resolution, living by faith, how to relate to others, health and hygiene, HIV/AIDS and how to use the EvangiCube. Each woman has promised that they will take the material back to their churches and teach it to their women. What an impact that will have on the churches in the Mtwara region.
Also on our trip we traveled to Zanzibar which is an island off of the coast of Tanzania. ALARM wanted us to see where they were working with one of their micro-finance projects. The ladies are given the equivalent of a $50.00 loan to start their business plus training on how to run the business. They are expected to pay back the loan and when they do, they will receive a $100.00 loan. Twenty women out of twenty-six paid back their loans that day and received the second installment. The ladies make clothes, cloth handbags, have a garden, raise pigs, or make shoes. They are also part of smaller support groups so they can exchange ideas and encourage oneanother. We got to witness their excitement as they received their 2nd installment.
Our prayer was that God would be glorified, He would grow us spiritually and that ALARM’s ministry would grow. I think He answered all of those.
I will never forget the joy, love and devotion to God of my sisters in Mtwara."
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Célestin To Speak in Largo, FL
Posted on March 04, 2011
Founder and President of ALARM, Célestin Musekura, Ph,D. will speak at First Baptist Church Indian Rocks this weekend (March 5-6, 2011) as part of the church's Global Impact Celebration Services.
For more information on the event and location, please visit FBC Indian Rocks.
World Food Prices Hit 20 year High
Posted on March 04, 2011
The U.N.'s Food and Agriculture Organization reported this week that food costs are at their highest point since the agency began tracking them 20 years ago.Corn futures in Chicago have soared 93 percent in the past year due to the rising demand for livestock and ethanol in the U.S. Severe drought in Russia and Eastern Europe has resulted in a 65% increase in the cost of wheat. Floods in Asia have impacted rice supplies. In the developing world higher food prices have placed more than 40 million additional people into extreme poverty.
The core of the problem is the rising demand for crops. China and India's burgeoning economies have resulted in a new middle class of consumers, consumers who because of more discretionary income are now consuming more grain and meat than at an time in history. Consumption of more meat and dairy products means that more grain is required for livestock feed and land for grazing animals. Animals are not effecient users of grain.
Higher oil prices are also contributing to the problem. Increased oil prices result in higher costs of transportation and production for farmers, food processors and retail markets. Higher fuel prices make ethanol a more compelling commodity, thus more corn is diverted away from food useage to fuel.
The problem of higher food costs is very personal for ALARM staff and the people they serve. Our ALARM staff live at very sacrificial levels financially. Additionally in the past two years, due to the lack of funds, ALARM's staff has taken a 10% cut in their actual compensation while at the same time in some regions the cost of their food staples has increased more than 50%. (Food costs in the developing world are a much higher percentage of total expenses than in the U.S.). Our programs are impacted as well. For example, in southern Sudan, micro-finance projects were granted one year ago at just under $200 for widows to buy rice or sugar in 100 kilo quantities (which in turn were divided up and sold in daily portions). Those same quantities now require over $300. You can get involved. Click on our donate button on the top right of your screen.
Conferences and Opportunities
Posted on February 16, 2011
ALARM country directors, International Director-Meredith Wheeler and ALARM President-Celestin Musekura all participated in the Great Lakes Initiative Conference in Kampala, Uganda. The conference was sponsored by ALARM, Duke Center for Reconciliation, World vision and The Mennonite Central Committee. Celestin was one of the primary facilitators and gave an excellent keynote address on African leadership. The conference took place the third week in January. February 11-12, Meredith and Celestin participated in The Justice Conference, sponsored by World Relief in Bend, Oregon. February 15-17, Celestin is a speaker at the Genocide conference in Lynchburg, Virginia. These conferences are great places for learning and connecting with other leaders with similar hearts and vision.
Forgiving As We’ve Been Forgiven Book
Posted on December 17, 2010
ALARM Founder and President Celestin Musekura has recently published Forgiving As We’ve Been Forgiven with co-author Greg Jones of Duke University. The book discusses how Christians are supposed to forgive others as we’ve been forgiven.
ALARM Women Lawyers’ Breakfast
Posted on November 03, 2010
ALARM has been working with a few Christian lawyers from Watermark Community Church and some of our partner churches in the Dallas area to train Christian lawyers, judges, and advocates in Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. In addition to working with the legal community in general, we feel a special burden to address the specific needs of the women in those communities, especially women in the legal profession, or in positions where they can advocate for the rights of others. We have had the privilege of working specifically with a few women lawyers in Dallas, and have seen first-hand how powerful these connections have been. These women lawyers are able to understand some of the particular challenges, burdens and stories of their African counter-parts in ways that men cannot; which allows them to be even more effective in talking about their roles in peacebuilding, justice and advocacy.
ALARM would like to expand the network of Christian women lawyers who are interested in partnering with women in Africa, equipping and supporting them in their efforts to bring positive transformation to their churches and communities. We plan to hold a breakfast meeting on December 15.
Brenda Changing Women’s Life in Congo
Posted on October 26, 2010
ALARM Congo’s Brenda school of tailoring is changing women’s life in Congo. Mrs. Bateya, the wife of a Congolese soldier gives a living testimony of how Brenda has changed her from a beggar to a bread winner for her husband and children. “I am the wife of a soldier, the worst paid job. Before training at Brenda, my family was living miserably. I used to complain about life, and I was begging in order to buy little food to take home for my family. Today I am no longer that lazy beggar because ALARM has changed my life,” says Bateya who is a mother of three children. “I am proudly using the knowledge I acquired at Brenda and the sewing machine ALARM donated to me as graduation gift. My husband’s little salary comes irregularly, but I am able to provide food for us,” she enthusiastically told the staff of ALARM Congo that visited her at the army barracks. She has a plan to set up a small workshop and give it the name of ALARM. “I will call it ‘Merci ALARM’ (Thank You ALARM),” she says. Her husband says, “Now we are having tea with bread in the morning… We have three meals in a day, and our children are healthy.” He thanks ALARM for training his wife and donating a sewing machine all together. Bateya is one of the women who have been empowered by ALARM, and who can provide food for the family, pay house rent and even school fees for their children. ALARM Congo thanks all the people whose input into Brenda is raising such great testimonies.
3rd Graduation at Hand
BRENDA’s 3rd graduation is at hand. 24 students are being prepared to graduate in December 2010. These students have completed the nine-month long program, and are practicing intensively as one of the requirements set by the Government for awarding of certificates. In December 2009 BRENDA graduated 18 ladies and to each of them, ALARM Congo gave a graduation gift of new sewing machine to kick-start them into dressmaking business. Brenda empowers women by making them productive and self-reliant and also reconciles women by bringing them to work together. Brenda prevents girls from becoming prey to some male predators who entice them with little money and gives them chances to provide for their families.
ALARM Luncheon – Walking with Women of Africa
Posted on September 22, 2010
In October, ALARM will host the first African Women’s Initiatives Luncheon to help men & women understand that one person can make a difference in the lives of families in Africa.
Since 1994, ALARM recognized that women are the foundation of society. They care for their families, and bear the responsibility of instilling values in their children that will carry on into the next generations. Due to poverty and war, women often lack adequate knowledge and resources to deal effectively with issues and problems in their communities. ALARM works to empower African women by providing training in leadership, reconciliation & forgiveness, health issues and economic development.
Sunday Ladu, ALARM’s Regional Coordinator in Northern Sudan, will speak at this luncheon and share the stories of the lives that are being transformed in Khartoum and Darfur through her work with ALARM.
The luncheon will take place on Friday, October 22 in Dallas; Tuesday, October 26 in Nashville; and Thursday, October 28 in Charlotte.
If you are interested in attending the luncheon to learn how YOU can make a difference, email Katherine@alarm-inc.org for further information.
Celestin’s Interview with Faith & Leadership
Posted on August 24, 2010
Celestin Musekura was recently interviewed by Faith & Leadership, an offering of Leadership Education at Duke University. Celestin spoke on ALARM’s leadership training and the leadership issues that are unique to Africa. Read Celestin’s interesting interview and watch a short video at the following link on the Faith & Leadership’s website called “Raising up Hope”.
www.faithandleadership.com/multimedia/celestin-musekura-raising-hope
