International Trends and Services

This facet focuses on rendering the utmost service and assistance to global friends, especially those living in African and Caribbean countries. In this area, the Missouri City Chapter has contributed as follows:

Aid to the African Water Wells project, one of the national signature projects of The Links, Inc.

Haitian Relief: Book donations to schools in Haiti, the Bahamas, and Houston; Housing assistance; English as a Second Language classes, gifts of blankets and heaters.

International Christmas Festival for Ft. Bend County youth was held at the Quail Valley Country Club. Youth were treated to field trips to the Renaissance Festival and lunch at the country club.

Participation of Reynolds Elementary School in UNICEF Day.

Scholarship for a high school student to travel to Israel with the Mickey Leland Kibbutz.

United Nation Day Celebration (Food Tasting).

Shrine of the Black Madonna – African American book and art exhibit and food tasting for underprivileged youth was the setting for an intercultural experience for middle school youngsters. The focus on cultural awareness and sensitivity was provided by a film about children of Zaire followed by a question and answer session conducted by an international student from Zimbabwe.

Pen Pal Project between local youth and youth in Zimbabwe; this exchange was facilitated by the Washington, D.C. office of UNICEF.

Held workshop with students of Upward Bound at Texas Southern University brought information on international careers for high school students to prepare them for student exchange programs as approved by American Friends.

Ralph Bunche Seminar: “Youth in Southern Africa: A Generation of Lost Leadership.”

Purchase of Mama Kits for expectant African women (national signature project). Recognized at the 37 Western Area Conference for purchasing the most kits ($7,500) in the Area.