wfn.org | ELCA ASSISTS WITH RELIEF EFFORTS ANGOLA

[Brenda Williams <BRENDAW@elca.org>]

Reply-To: ElcaNews <ELCANEWS@ELCASCO.ELCA.ORG>
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

September 12, 1997

ACT AIDS DISPLACED IN ANGOLA

As a result of the conflict in Angola there are up to 30,000 internally displaced people (primarily
women & children), according to Action by Churches Together (ACT).  Beginning in May, the
Government of National Unity (GURN) forces and UNITA forces clashed in the northeastern areas
of Angola, especially in the province of Lunde Norte.  Heavy military activities in many areas
continue to be reported.  ACT has appealed for $1,034,600 for tents, water, clothing, non-food
items, shelter materials, food and basic health requirements during a six month period for displaced
families.  ACT is a worldwide  network of churches, including the Lutheran World Federation,
meeting human need through coordinated emergency response.  Recently the relief program has
been transformed into one of rehabilitation and assisting people to return and reintegrate in their
home communities. This is being accomplished through projects such as agriculture, repair of social
infrastructure, community health and sanitation, skills training, and assistance to vulnerable groups.
According to ACT the Angola program "reflects the theme that the best solution in emergency and
relief situations is to assist people to return and resettle back to their home communities as soon
as it is feasible, and to strengthen the communities'  capacity to regain their livelihood and dignity."
 The Lutheran World Federation is a worldwide communion of 124 member churches, including the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html