MARY MOTHER OF PEACE-MEDJUGORJE CHARITY, INC.8617 Irvington Avenue, Bethesda, MD20817-3603, USA. Tel: 1 301 530 5416; Fax: 1 301 530 3422

E-mail: mmpcharity@rcn.com ; Web: www.mmpcharity.org

SUMMARY ACTIVITY REPORT 2005

BRINGING HOPE TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN NEED

1. MMP-MC brings emergency relief, in the form of food, shelter, money, educational training, and medical and psychological assistance, to orphans, homeless children, refugees and suffering people of all faiths overseas and at home. MMP-MC strives to help victims of natural disaster

and war rebuild their lives and regain personal dignity and hope. Beneficiaries, needs, costs and actions are clearly identified. Our human development and emergency relief activities are based on needs, and planned projects are reflecting this.

2. In 2005, Mary Mother of Peace-MC was active pursuing sustainable ongoing projects and responding to new appeals for help, especially for tsunami victims in India and Hurricane Katrina in the USA. Cash funds collected yearly increased from US$16,916 in 2004 to US$42,954 in 2005. Funding this year includes an unusual grant of US$22,500 from a publicly-supported organization, Global Giving Foundation, for the implementation of a tsunami recovery project in four fishermen villages in India (2005-2006). A donation of US$2,500 from the Penates Foundation in December 2005 also helped us at a crucial time on several projects to the benefit of suffering people and children. Most individual donations received are unsolicited. We will continue and strengthen our fund raising activities in 2006. Donors are partners.

3. Our 2005 program took a slow start due to the low level of funds collected the previous year (2004) and made progress later in the year after we had redefined key priorities for the future, especially for our reduced but better focused activities in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Total expenses in 2005 amounted to US$37,063, of which 93% went to final beneficiaries of our action and 7% to administrative and fund raising cost. About 50% of funds used were for tsunami relief/ recovery and a God-parenthood program in India. In 2005, MMP-MC performance ratio of management + fund raising expenses (US$2,495) to total revenues for the year (US$44,918) improved to 5.6% in 2005 from 7.4% in 2004. Less than 12% is an excellent performance according to best financial practices in the non-profit sector in the USA. This ratio is audited annually by MMP-MC tax return CPA.

4. Our priority focus overseas in 2005 has been helping tsunami victims in Southern India where we work in partnership with two local NGOs (see chapter A). God-parenthood program is currently operational in India and Bosnia (chapter B). Some poverty relief action and health/ schooling assistance took place in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Latin America, Haiti, and is planned in Cambodia (chapter D). A few projects are on hold despite acute needs, especially in Africa, because of lack of funding and volunteers.

5. At home (chapter C), our local presence at the service of people in the Washington Metropolitan area where we are based continues to develop within the limits and constraints of resources made available to us. We have initiated a God-parenthood program to help a few families rebuild their lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina for which we are in need of a part time volunteer manager. God-parenthood program is open to also help war orphans in need. MMP-MC Board members and directors are unpaid volunteers.

A. TSUNAMI RELIEF AND RECOVERY IN INDIA

6. In India, of the 2.7 million people affected by the tsunami of December 26, 2004, more than three quarters were from fishing communities. Fifteen percent worked in agriculture, and five percent in micro enterprises.

The geographic scope of project was limited to areas where 40 young local volunteers from our partners Jesus Youth in Kerala and Tamil Nadu (and a few volunteers from National Mission Service Center in Andhra Pradesh) have assessed needs during several weeks after the tsunami. These assessments were a continuing process and project data were fine-tuned as we progressed in our knowledge of the situation, village

by village, and through actions undertaken.

7. One major objective the first year (2005) was to complement the emergency relief and recovery actions of major NGOs and official aid while avoiding duplication of efforts, and to maximize efficient implementation in well-targeted villages and communes/panchayats as needed in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. Four fishermen villages were initially selected (one in Tamil Nadu; two in Kerala; one in Andhra Pradesh). 8. Actions in 2005. Actions included the distribution of emergency supplies; the development and implementation of a God-parenthood program; technical assistance for livelihoods recovery and home reconstruction; and other basic needs including protecting children and providing clean water.

9. Results in 2005. Results were limited in scope on distribution of supplies and home reconstruction (two small homes rebuilt for a total of $4,000) because of absence of

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sufficient and timely funding. Results are a success for the God-parenthood program, especially for nine children and eight families affected by the tsunami (Cost: $550 per Godchild). The project was able to help these children –boys and girls-- go back to school and to relocate their families out of relief camps. They now have electricity and clean water. A few fishing boats were repaired ($100 each). Community participation is essential to

successfully rebuilding lives on a sustainable basis so as to improve living conditions beyond tsunami trauma recovery. The total amount spent for 2005 actions is US$10,000 ($3,500 in Tamil Nadu; $5,500 in Kerala; $1,000 in Andhra Pradesh). The small component of the project in Andhra Pradesh (near Nellore) was completed in 2005. 10. Post-Tsunami Actions for 2006. As relief now gives way to the long and difficult process of reconstruction, it is essential to assist forgotten communities in regaining some normalcy and rebuilding their shattered lives. Actions in 2006 focus now on five villages, two in Tamil Nadu near the disaster area of Cuddalore; and three in Kerala along the coast North and South of Kochi. Actions agreed include:

Pursuing and developing the successful God-parenthood program and helping poor children go to school (St Joseph House for tsunami displaced girl students in Chennai)

•Providing technical assistance for livelihoods recovery especially helping the forgotten Laguna’s fishermen in Tamil Nadu to build new fishing boats ($300 each plus $155 for fishing nets; no need for engines) according to their needs while

giving boat ownership to women associations at village level for fair and efficient use of the boats; and home reconstruction in tsunami affected areas in Kerala

Providing sewing machines ($100 each with seat) and training to women villagers, rope making machines ($100 each) and other basic needs including clean drinking water, and

protecting children including medical assistance for a few critical cases

Ensuring that the recovery effort does not exacerbate existing inequities Ensuring that all people being helped are on their way to a better and safer

development path than they were prior to this tragic tsunami.

The total 2006 cost for livelihoods recovery and reconstruction is estimated at US$35,000 plus US$12,000 for medical assistance to children that was not budgeted when the project was initiated in February 2005.

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11. Project management. The management of the project and of the God-parenthood program in India is done by local volunteers under the supervision of MMP-MC and local partners Jesus Youth India. Key MMP-MC contacts are Manoj Sunny, International Coordinator of JY; Berly Earnest, Coordinator of Relief Activities (second from left on picture); George Ettiyil, Deputy Coordinator in Chennai, Jomon Varghese, God-parenthood program supervisor, Dr. Edward Edezhath, one of the founders of JY, and Fr. Jose Narithookil, Chairman.

We found them to be very professional and reliable partners and their active presence on the ground has been instrumental to: understand the local situation and culture; bring appropriate solutions to the benefit

of victim families and; use money properly while avoiding duplication of actions with other relief agencies or the government. Depending on funds available over time, project implementation will

continue to be phased in gradually, and project scope may be reduced or expanded accordingly. Project is actively supported by the Global Giving Foundation http://www.globalgiving.com/cb/cidi/pr/1100/proj1050a.html through some of its corporate sponsors since mid-2005.

B. GOD-PARENTHOOD PROGRAM (India, Bosnia and USA)

12. MMP-MC is developing a child sponsorship program (God-parenthood) for India, Bosnia-Herzegovina and USA. A model contract is available. In 2005 nine children of families affected by the tsunami were and still are helped. Two contracts are operational to support Godchildren in Bosnia. Benefactors from the USA, Canada and Europe are eligible.

13. When a child is identified for the program, the first step is to protect the child by bringing him/her in a place where he/she can be taken care of in a family-like and loving environment.

Helping a Godchild implies a tax deductible yearly donation of $550 for India; $660 for Bosnia-Herzegovina (picture of Oct. 2005 in Mostar shows Terri, left, God-mother of a boy Sabit with his sister and mother who is standing beside our volunteer Matthew); and $1,320 for USA payable in April or in two installments (April and September). Supporting a Godchild is therefore equivalent to a monthly donation of $50 to $100.

14. The program gives the Godparent(s) the right/obligation to influence the intellectual, social, cultural growth and development of the Godchild. The child is to be raised in a spirit of peace, justice and mutual respect. Godparents can also visit the child with the permission of the guardian, or the parent if child is not a complete orphan. The Godparent promises not to impose her/his religious belief if it is against the beliefs of the parent/guardian. A volunteer is needed to promote and supervise the program.

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15. In the Washington Capital Area and nationwide, benefactors can help a war orphan/street child or a Katrina’s victim. Sponsoring a Godchild is a responsible and rewarding commitment and help also children to go or go back to school.

C. MMP-MC ACTION IN THE USA

Rebuilding Children’s Lives after Katrina

16. The tragedy of hurricane Katrina is bringing the best in America through helping victim families of all faiths and races rebuild their lives, especially children.

This will be a determinant factor in strengthening our communities through solidarity and generosity and will unite us instead of dividing us. Protecting children, easing their access to education, promoting family values will also prepare us for a better America.

17. Project Objective. The objective of the Project, with main focus on Louisiana, is to develop a post-hurricane recovery and awareness program that will help 100 children and their suffering families rebuild their lives with the support of corporate sponsors, and through a God-parenthood program. Volunteers, who want to be part of the team for this initiative, understand their actions will be, with God's help, for the good of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. They will accept to donate time and talents in conformity with MMP-MC mission statement and with the law.

18. Tentative Program. The project is a two-year development program (Dec 2005-Dec 2007). If we are successful to secure financial support, which is difficult because TV media focus on using only big relief agencies to help Katrina’s victims, the project could be implemented in three years (2006-2008); each selected child would be helped during two full years. MMP-MC assistance money will go directly to well-identified victim families to help their children in need for an agreed purpose: school tuition, clothing, health and dental care, psychological services, spiritual counseling and other needs; and/or to pay bills for non-donated goods/services that will benefit victim families: utilities, home repairs, other basic needs. 19. Budget. A two-year program to help about 100 children in need on the basis of $1,200 per child per year during 2 years plus 10% for management expenses (i.e. $1,320 per child) would require US$264,000. In view of the gradual phasing-in of the sponsoring agreements, budget would be spent in 3 years. For 2006, goal is to reach out to 40 families, at same dollar amount of support per child sponsored, for a total of US$52,800 or more if both individual and corporate benefactors can afford it or wish to do so.

20. Expected results. When a safe environment is re-created with basic needs, proper housing, clean water, healing, people can work again and children safely go back to

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school, key for the future. Outcome and positive long-term impact will be the result of prompt action/funding now.

Little Flower Project

21. Little Flower project to help wounded service men and women did not take off for various reasons including lack of adequate funding and institutional support. Physical, mental and spiritual healing can take place in various ways.

Medical experience, however, has shown that physical recovery can be speeded and enhanced if one’s mind and spirit are actively engaged in meaningful projects. Medicine has also learned that helping others in constructive ways is a most effective way to attain personal satisfaction, restore confidence, and make one-self again feel needed and useful. Our prayers go to all those who suffer and those who help.

Walk Across America

22. In 2005, MMP-MC supported again –in a more modest way than in 2004-- the annual educative activity of the Crossroads1 team that walks across America witnessing to the value of every human life. This year the walkers, especially students, walked from the US West Coast to the Capitol in Washington DC along three different routes starting in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. They focused their summer entirely on prayer, sacrifice, and witness to a culture and civilization of life in America. 

Other Activities

23. Awareness and educative actions take place in some local high schools, churches, and community associations on what we do, with exhibits, presentations and conferences. For example, after a service day at MMP-MC’s HQ in Bethesda, three sophomore students from Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, Samantha, Mary-Elizabeth and Lavinia gave a joint written testimony on what they feel about natural disasters:

“The most heart-wrenching feeling is seeing children alone in the world after a disaster. These children are suddenly ripped from their comfortable, loving families and in need of a loving, supportive environment in which they can grow up to be compassionate adults with integrity. Through faith the volunteers of Mary Mother of Peace Charity give the affected –many of whom are orphans—the love and hope

that they need to carry on and cope with the pain of losing their loved ones and the hardship of rebuilding their lives.” We are grateful to these girls for what they did.

24. A “Cherry Blossom” diner musical in favor of tsunami-affected families in four fishermen villages in Southern India took place in April 2005 for the joint benefit of the

1 Crossroads is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1995 based in St Louis, MO, run by young people whose cross-country mission is to take steps to save lives and change hearts.

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local non-profit community association Washington Accueil and MMP-MC. The event provided very much needed relief funding for MMP-MC (US$2,725).

25. MMP-MC participated in the 2005 Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area under designation CFC # 7825. We were invited to attend Federal agency charity fairs from September to beginning December. Our core program is also being promoted for a year by Charitable Choices www.charitychoices.com . CFC donations will be distributed monthly to charities from March 2006 to February 2007. MMP-MC’s share in the 2004 campaign allocated for 2005-2006 is US$2,933. Thank you to all benefactors.

D.  MMP-MC ACTION IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Orphans and Medical Assistance Program

26. The Balkans and especially BiH were the main focus of our overseas activity from 2000 to 2004. In 2005, with $9,470 of MMP-MC funded expenses, the BiH program lacked funding for: St Michael House helping traumatized children, winter emergency deliveries in Central Bosnia, and core orphans program. Support to Mother’s village orphanage with Fr. Svetozar Kraljevic continues at small scale. Six young women volunteers from Philadelphia helped us during summer. Nazareth project, a house for the homeless run by volunteer Bruno Maillard, did not give the expected results and was dropped from the program in August 2005 after the Board considered it unsustainable.

27. A positive note on BiH is that the dental laboratory is operational thanks to volunteers John Mastrobuono and Carl Miller, and a local technician, Liam. The medical program2 to help injured children in need of reconstructive surgery and prostheses ($900 from MMP-MC) was pursued successfully in 2005, led by volunteer Matthew Procter.

In particular, a 9 year old boy, Jasmin, was brought to the US for leg prosthesis. At the end of 2005, after conducting a brief need reassessment, the program for Bosnia-Herzegovina was scaled down and key priorities redefined with our field office in Mostar (Matthew) for 2006, as follows:

1/ Children medical assistance program2/ Mother’s Village orphanage

This family-like orphanage was developed and is run by the Franciscans in Bijakovici near Medjugorje. It is a model of children care and protection in a loving environment.

Mother’s Village program will include: Assistance to handcraft workshopTraining of staff for dental laboratoryDirect help for the children as needed

Basic needs for winter, especially shoes

2 in partnership with the British NGO Miracles

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3/ Job generating project/activity to be defined4/ God-parenthood program5/ Direct help to the poor on a case by case basis.

28. Implementation of these actions will depend on financial resources made available for Bosnia by our benefactors in 2006. Target funding is US$10,000.

Afghan Refugees Program   

29. Our emergency program to help the Afghan refugees, especially children and women both inside and outside Afghanistan was closed in 2004. Many refugees have returned to their country liberated from tyranny, and they are rebuilding their life the best they can. Action continues directly on a case by case basis only, especially to help a talented medical student. Budget: US$800 for tuition and books.

Mexico Poverty Relief and Children Protection Program

30. MMP-MC developed for implementation in two years (2004-2005) a project to help some poor families and children in Coatepec Harinas, a town of 25,000 people located at two to three hours drive west from the capital city of Mexico, and one hour drive south of Toluca. Many poor families are excluded from the inefficient local social services.

31. The first phase of the project was completed beginning 2005 at a cost of US$2,255 including two wheelchairs and relief aid to six poor families and 25 children. Special focus was on improved medical and dental care, access to education, healthier housing conditions and the ability of families to work honestly and gainfully, where they live. We delivered food, medical supplies and equipment, clothes, kitchen wares, bed and linen supply, school kits, home repair and improvements, tools, and provided medical services with the assistance of Dr. Carmen Tellez Sanchez, a physician in Mexico City.

32. The second phase of the project aiming at boosting local productive activities in 2005 did not materialize because of lack of funding and volunteers. The good news is that as a result of the first phase, project beneficiaries have established a support network with the local church “Asuncion de Maria” and the help from a local volunteer Jorge. They now help themselves. MMP-MC program in Coatepec Harinas is therefore completed.

Haiti Children Program

33. Haiti (8 million people) remains the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Haiti poses some of the most formidable challenges in the world - overpopulation, deforestation, a stagnant economy, natural disasters, and political instability and turmoil. The result is devastating poverty for the people of Haiti. Affordable healthcare, education and social welfare programs do not exist for the majority of the poor of Haiti. Most Haitians do not have access to electricity, sewage or clean water. Water is scarce.

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Illiteracy rate is 84%. Unemployment rate is 75%. Average per capita income has dropped to less than $250 per year. Crime rate is high.

34. In this difficult context, MMP-MC tried to help suffering children, single mothers without revenues, and the poorest of the poor near the capital area of Port-au-Prince. A part-time local volunteer, Francesca Pierre helped us prepare a small project to support a private school for poor children in Lamardelle in cooperation with the local Foundation Healing Hands run by a dedicated and caring couple Gina and Lucien Duncan. The private school is fully accredited by the Department of Education of Haiti for the quality of teaching and methods but not funded by the government.

35. The focus of the project is on basic education of poor children. A first donation of US$500 was made to School Lamardelle in 2005. However, because funding is lacking, the component aiming at improving the precarious living conditions prevailing in Haiti did not materialize. We keep Haiti in our program with the hope we can continue to help the school and move ahead in 2006 on medical care, safe drinking water, nutrition supplements, home improvement, and self-help revenue-earning activities for single mothers without revenues. US$2,500 is needed to jump start this human development and pursue the school project in 2006.

Argentina Children Medical Program

36. Beginning December 2005, we received a desperate call to help a young girl in Mendoza, Argentina. Camila Suarez Videla is 12 years old and is suffering from a 60° non-stabilized juvenile scoliosis.

Three doctors have established the necessity for a surgical intervention, including a specialist from Buenos Aires and a renowned Argentinean trauma-neurologist who has practiced in the USA. For Camila, it is vital that the operation be executed as soon as possible before the vertebral turning impacts the rib cage and eventually threatens to crush her vital

internal organs (heart and lungs). Without reconstructive surgery, she may live a short and painful life.

37. Camila’s recently widowed mother has limited means. In addition, she has suffered from the recent financial crisis in Argentina. She has nevertheless secured US$5,000 from her insurance and US$1,300 donations from her daughter’s school. The anxious mother needed an additional US$7,700 so her daughter can undergo the vital surgery, and US2, 000 for post-surgery care and rehabilitation. Total incremental funding needed is therefore US$9,700 only.

38. By end of January 2006, MMP-MC was able to collect enough money for Camila’s surgical intervention and immediate post surgery care (US$8,400). Individual donors gratefully stepped forward. A MMP-MC Board member, Frank Dunn, made a substantial and generous gift ($7,000). Camila will therefore be able to undergo the vital surgery. The operation is scheduled for end February or March 2006 at the Spanish

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Hospital in Mendoza. We all hope this will allow Camila to recover from her condition and live a long and fruitful life after rehabilitation.

Cambodia Poverty Relief Program

40. This is a new modest program in response to a request made in December 2005 to help returning refugee families start a new life in poor rural areas in their home country and to possibly support access to clean drinking water, irrigated agriculture, and/or a school. MMP-MC plan to work in partnership with French faith-based non-profit Foreign Missions present in Phnom Penh under the leadership of Fr. Robert Veney and François Ponchaud. Project will go ahead when an identified US volunteer, Alan, residing in Bethesda, fluent in English, French and Cambodian confirms he is willing to appraise project needs, help raise funds, and manage the project. Target budget for 2006 is US$15,000.

41. We are grateful to our donors, sponsors, benefactors, volunteers and Board directors and advisors who are all partners. At MMP-MC, individual donors are unsolicited people of goodwill and all faiths. They include friends of Medjugorje in the USA. MMP-MC humanitarian action overseas and at home depends on all of them. We pray that God will bless you all with his peace and love and bless those in need we help.

Bernard and Claudine Dussert ____________________________________________________________________The humanitarian non-governmental organization (NGO) MMP-MC, Inc is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit charitable organization helping war orphans, homeless children, natural disaster victims, poor families and refugees of all faiths improve their livelihoods and education overseas and at home, rebuild their lives and regain dignity. This mission and faith-based, independent organization, with headquarters and local presence in the Washington metropolitan area, relies on volunteers as Board members.

Donations: If you wish to help with our mission and emergency relief and development program, make your check payable to Mary Mother of Peace-MC and mail check to MMP-MC, 8617 Irvington Avenue, Bethesda, MD20817-3603, USA. Donations are tax deductible. Ask for matching gifts from your employers. We are also looking for corporate sponsors to cover our cost-efficient administrative and fund raising expenses. For bank transfer, please wire funds in US$ at: Bank-Fund Staff Federal Credit Union, Washington DC, ABA # 2540-7417-0 for credit to Mary Mother of Peace-MC’s account # 383 610-S8. Thank you for helping break the cycle of poverty for a lifetime and bringing peace to the world. For more information, and to make secure donations on-line, visit our Web site at www.mmpcharity.org .

Board Members of MMP-MC are:Claudine Dussert, Ph.D. President, 8617 Irvington Avenue, Bethesda, MD20817-3603; Tel 301 530 5416Heide Sedwick, Ed.D. Vice President, 506 Gallitzin Road, Cresson, PA16630; Tel 814 886 7630Bernard Dussert, Sec’y/Treasurer, 8617 Irvington Avenue, Bethesda, MD20817-3603; Tel 301 530 5416Martha Nolan, Director, 9515 Gerwig Lane, Suite 109, Columbia, MD21046-1023; Tel 301 467 9259Gina Leib, Director, 11835 Goya Drive, Potomac, MD20854; Tel 301 545 0351Frank Dunn, Director, 6248 NE Brighton Street, Hillsboro, OR97124; Tel: 503 640 6704Volunteer part-time Administrative Officer:Mary Levering, 3508 Leland Street, Chevy Chase, MD20815; Tel (h) 301 656 5346, (w) 202 707 8376MMP-MC has also an Advisory Board of talented and caring personalities.

“NURTURE PEACE LIKE A FLOWER WHICH IS IN NEED OF WATER, TENDERNESS AND LIGHT”

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