Title: ELCA ASSISTS WITH RELIEF EFFORTS ANGOLA ELCA NEWS SERVICE September 12, 1997 ACT AIDS DISPLACED IN ANGOLA As a result of the conflict in Angola there are up to 30,000 internally displaced people (primarily women & children), according to Action by Churches Together (ACT). Beginning in May, the Government of National Unity (GURN) forces and UNITA forces clashed in the northeastern areas of Angola, especially in the province of Lunde Norte. Heavy military activities in many areas continue to be reported. ACT has appealed for $1,034,600 for tents, water, clothing, non-food items, shelter materials, food and basic health requirements during a six month period for displaced families. ACT is a worldwide network of churches, including the Lutheran World Federation, meeting human need through coordinated emergency response. Recently the relief program has been transformed into one of rehabilitation and assisting people to return and reintegrate in their home communities. This is being accomplished through projects such as agriculture, repair of social infrastructure, community health and sanitation, skills training, and assistance to vulnerable groups. According to ACT the Angola program "reflects the theme that the best solution in emergency and relief situations is to assist people to return and resettle back to their home communities as soon as it is feasible, and to strengthen the communities' capacity to regain their livelihood and dignity." The Lutheran World Federation is a worldwide communion of 124 member churches, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. For information contact: Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html