Forum - 2022 01 07

The mission of Umoja Abq is to “empower refugee women with tools and resources to enhance and develop their skills through education to successfully integrate and become self sufficient and independent into American society while still maintaining respective cultural values.”

Chantal Muhumure, founder of Umoja Abq, after struggling, but being successful in obtaining an extensive education in Rwanda, moved to Albuquerquein2017.  She found that many refugee women have the same challenges that she experienced which gives her the passion to empower women in education and vocational training and how they can integrate in a new country.  She is now a leader of a women’s empowerment organization that is working with community organizations across the city—including St. Timothy Lutheran Church women who are doing awe-inspiring work with Umoja.  Chantal, as Executive Director, and Debby Morrell, their Board President, presented a program recently at Manzano del Sol that will be the basis for our January CWU meeting.  There will also be an opportunity to learn more ways that each of us can support and make a difference in these families” lives.  If you want a preview, you may visit umojaabq.org.

Our CWU sisters think this could appeal to younger women who are looking for some specific volunteer ways that make a difference in people’s lives, so take a look at your congregation and specifically invite the women of all ages to this special program to learn how they might help Umoja Abq!