FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2012
Five Talents International
P.O. Box 331
Vienna, VA 22183
www.FiveTalents.org
Contact: Charlie Shifflett, Website and Communications Manager, (703) 242-6016 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Spring Gala to Give Supporters Close-up of Five Talents' Transformative Work
On Friday, April 20, at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD, Five Talents will host an inspirational evening event featuring the Ambassador of the Philippines Jose L. Cuisia, the Gala's Honorary Chair, and Euphemie Karerewa, a trainer who works for Five Talents' partner in Burundi, Mothers' Union.
"We are happy that Ambassador Cuisia will serve as the event's honorary chair, and we're delighted to hear first-hand about the transformation that is taking place in Burundi," said Dr. April Young, Chair of Five Talents' US Board.
Indeed, supporters of Five Talents rarely get an opportunity to meet in-person the women and men their prayers and donations go out to support. This special evening with Euphemie will give them such an opportunity.
"Meeting Euphemie is like being in the field yourself, except without spending 12 hours on an airplane," said Young. "She's a truly a remarkable woman who will share stories about women whose lives have been changed by Five Talents and Mothers' Union."
As a trainer for the Literacy and Financial Education Program (LFEP) in Bujumbura diocese, Euphemie sees, up close, the terrible destruction that poverty can wreak on whole communities. But she also sees the hope that lights up a survival business owner's face when she accepts her first loan. And she sees how the micro-entrepreneur's family and community is transformed when, over time, the businesses begins to thrive, kids are sent back to school, and family members experience the joy that comes with using one's God-given talents.
Euphemie recently told us about a woman who used her first loan to rent a sewing machine. After paying back the loan, she began earning a profit, which in turn improved her situation at home with her husband.
"Since that time, her husband has become more confident and started to assist her in sewing activities," said Euphemie. "The husband helps her to collect money [from clients] and asks her views when it is necessary to spend money. The husband no longer makes the decision alone, he consults her."
At the 2012 Spring Gala, you will hear more stories like this one.
Cocktails and a silent auction will begin at 7pm, followed by dinner and a program at 8pm. Coat and tie are required.
Five Talents currently works in 12 developing countries, promoting the formation of savings groups, making small loans and providing business skills training as a way to create jobs and help whole communities to move from poverty to self-sustainability.
Visit www.FiveTalents.org for more information about our programs.
To read an interview with Euphemie Karerewa, click here.
