Page 179 - EMBRACE Book

Ashalee, Canada

"An ADRA rep came to our school and presented on I didn't know much about these issues before joining the
EMBRACE. The school's pastor started an EMBRACE group at group. I think we're so privileged. We think all these things
the school. At first, there weren't many students. It was we have in Canada are a necessity. But they're not. So many
voluntary to be a part of the group. As the years went by, people in the world don't have them. Like free health care.
more kids wanted to join. We were doing a lot of outings so Or going from point A to point B. Or clean water. If I have a
you needed to be on top of your school work to be allowed to baby, I have options for how I want to deliver. It's so sad to
join. I would say there were around 20 students in the group, think what women in third world countries struggle with.
grades 9-12.
I'm graduating this June. After joining the group in the fourth
Last year we did a fundraising event. But mostly we did year, I switched my plan to study Forensic Anthropology to
presentations to raise awareness. We did presentations at Women's Studies and Sociology. With this degree, I want to
Crawford, Kingsway, a women's convention, and a few go into law. But first I want to get my Masters in Women's
others. We presented on the mothers in Africa and the Studies. It could open a lot of doors for me; I could even work
Philippines, the delivery process in these countries, how far for ADRA! Many communities have clinics for women, for
women have to go for water, what it's like being pregnant health, and mental health. I want to do sociology so I know
there, if they have a hospital or clinic they can reach, and if how to conduct surveys in these areas to find out what the
not, how they need to have a woman to help them deliver. real need is before coming in and saying I want to help.
We learned about these issues through the ADRA That's an approach I learned through being in the ADRA
representative who came and presented them to us. We group. I think being in this group was a new experience for
participated in the grade 11 challenge, as well. everyone. It was different to see something you don't see
every day. It was life-changing!"

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