LWF worker Leah Odongo speaks with women in Dadaab refugee camp. Photo: LWF/Jonathan Ernst
World Humanitarian Day Celebrates Dedicated Staff
GENEVA, 19 August 2013 (LWI) - On World Humanitarian Day 2013, The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) celebrates the vocation of its many humanitarian workers serving the neighbor. In a letter to LWF Department for World Service (DWS) staff, General Secretary Rev. Martin Junge expressed appreciation for the impressive work each of them is doing on behalf of the Lutheran communion.
UN World Humanitarian Day, observed each year on 19 August, celebrates the ongoing commitment of humanitarian workers and commemorates those who have lost their lives in service. Each day, 2,000 LWF humanitarian workers help to alleviate the suffering of people facing war, displacement, natural disasters, poverty, or injustice.
The 2013 World Humanitarian Day theme is, “The world needs more…”. In his letter to field staff, Junge commended the ongoing dedication of DWS employees throughout the world.
“Your work is highly appreciated by the LWF member churches and by the LWF governing bodies because of your commitment and quality of the programs and services you offer,” Junge said. “The world needs more: more people like you, with heart for justice and a commitment to do something about it.”
DWS provides humanitarian and development assistance in 33 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean. The LWF is the largest faith-based partner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and each year LWF staff assists over 1.3 million refugees with education, basic food and non-food items, and psycho-social support.
DWS programs have received several distinctions, awards and certifications in the past year, and Junge congratulated staff on their achievements. “[These awards] are a confirmation and acknowledgement of all staff,” he said.
