Women for Women Founder Zainab Salbi visits World Dance Santa Barbara
World Dance class fees have supported 44 women survivors of war in the Congo, Sudan, Nigeria, Rwanda, Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Kosova through Women for Women, a humanitarian aid organization helping these women rebuild their lives, families, and communities.
Each sponsorship lasts a year, costs $30/month, and brings job training, trauma counseling, and financial support to these women. The emotional support they get from becoming part of a group in their area and the connection to concerned people from outside their own country is life-changing.
To Marisia Gonzales from her sister Clarisse Mushimiyimana:
“To my beloved sponsor whom I wish God’s peace. How are you? I am doing well. I wish you a happy new year 2011. May it be a prosperous new year to you. The reason as to why I wrote this letter to you is because of the love I have for you, even though I don’t know much about but I really wish to. I live by the will of God. I am a mother of 1 daughter and am expecting a baby too. I have no husband – he has forbidden me. I live in a house on rent. Having a meal was difficult for me and I could only survive when someone looks at me and felt sorry for me. I am glad that you sponsor me now without knowing me. And hopefully it will help my life take a new step. May God keep you safe. It was your friend who keep you at heart.” Clarisse.
To Linda Tacconelli from her sister Josephine Nyirantirenganya:
“To my beloved sponsor whom I love so much. How are you? I thank you for choosing me from other women of Rwanda and allowed to sponsor me. May God bless you with your family. I promise to be good on our partnership. Thank you.” Josephine
MEET SOME OF OUR WORLD DANCE SISTERS
NIGERIA
Judith Ifesinachi Eje
Sponsor: World Dance / Writer: Courtney Prather
Judith Ifesinachi was born in 1988. She is married and has 1 child. She started her program in July, 2010 and is part of the Ogbodu Aba 7 group.
AFGHANISTAN
Fatima Sarnear
Sponsor: World Dance / Writer: Catherine Ekwa-Ekoko
Fatima was born in 1981. She is married and has 4 children. She started her program in July, 2011 and is part of the Group 1599 group in Afghanistan.
Sakina Ali Dad
Sponsor: World Dance / Writer: Mackenzie Zisser
Sakina was born in 1965. She is married and has 4 children. She started her program in September, 2010 and is part of the Group 1390 group in Afghanistan.
IRAQ
Layla Leabi Chalaeb
Sponsor: Debra Tosch / Writer: Mackenzie Zisser
Layla Leabi was born in 1964. She is married and has no children. She started her program in October, 2010 and is part of the Sadir City 138 group in Iraq.
RWANDA
Felicie Mukamugeza
Sponsor & Writer: Rosalinda Ordaz
Layla is married with 3 children. She started her program in July, 2011 and is part of the Mufataneza group in Rwanda.
Josephine Nyirantirenganya
Sponsor: World Dance / Writer: Linda Tacconelli
Josephine was born in 1985. She is married and has no children. She started her program in August, 2010 and is part of the Batangare group in Rwanda.
Clarisse Mushimiyimana
Sponsor: World Dance / Writer: Marisia Gonzales
Clarisse was born in 1991. She is married and has 1 child. She started her program in November, 2010 and is part of the Ngwino II group in Rwanda.
CONGO
Vumilia Macupa Maroko
Sponsor: Wilma Melville / Writer: Michelle Paddack
Vumilia Macupa was born in 1965. She is widowed and has 7 children. She started her program in October, 2010 and is part of the Cimole/Panzi group in DRC.
Zawadi Uwamahoro Bahishuti
Sponsor: World Dance / Writer: Anne Wright
Zawadi Uwamahoro was born in 1982. She is married and has 4 children. She started her program in February, 2011 and is part of the Jijuka/Kibumba group in DRC.
SUDAN
Debora Yal Madiu
Sponsor: World Dance / Writer: Angela Sells
Debora was born in 1988. She is married and has 3 children. She started her program in August, 2010 and is part of the Panjot group in Sudan.
Mary Adol Monyjong
Sponsor/Writer: Laura Peterson
Mary Adol was born in 1983. She is married and has 2 children. She started her program in August, 2011 and is part of the Thaara group in Sudan.
BOSNIA
Zakira Mihaljevic
Sponsor: World Dance / Writer: Sherry Robin
Zakira was born in 1970. She is married and has 2 children. She started her program in August, 2010 and is part of the VIS-RAD 2 group in Bosnia.
KOSOVA
Shkurte Xhemshir Sherifi
Sponsor: World Dance / Writer: Janet Reineck
Shkurte was born in 1990. She is single and has no children. She started her program in April, 2011 and is part of the Ferizaj A group in Kosova.
