http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/ucefa_1423.mp3
An organization with local ties is working to make life easier for people in Africa. Michele Skalicky reports.
An organization with local ties is working to make life easier for people in Africa. The United Charities Endowment Foundation of America/Africa or UCEFA was started several years ago by Father Douglas Edwards, a priest in the Episcopal church. His brother, Dennis Edwards, is UCEFA's Midwest representative. He says, originally, the organization provided grants for needs all over the world. But UCEFA's focus changed four years ago.
When Dennis Edwards and his family attended the consecration of the church, they saw other needs.
UCEFA supplied the materials, and the people of the village connected to the government's water pipeline.
Edwards says the villagers were overjoyed to finally have clean water to drink.
UCEFA is also teaching villagers how to bake and sew, so they can earn some income. When they're finished with their training, UCEFA will give them micro loans to start their businesses.
The organization is also working in other villages to provide safe drinking water and help villagers improve their economic status.
Kickapoo High School is involved in raising funds for UCEFA. Dennis Edwards taught there for several years. He recently retired, but before he did, he started a Help Africa" club. They'll host a soup and pottery sale tomorrow night (2/7) from 5:30 to 8 in Kickapoo's cafeteria to raise money for UCEFA.
Again, the soup and pottery sale to benefit the United Charities Endowment Foundation of America/Africa will be held tomorrow night from 5:30 to 8 at the Kickapoo High School Cafeteria.
For more information about UCEFA go to www.ucefa.org.
Links:
