Filipina Noraida Abdullah Karim, 2007 "Voice of Courage" awardee, was in D.C. recently and spoke at an event at the Library of Congress on May 15.

            The courage award is presented by the Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children to individuals or organizations that have shown commitment and leadership in promoting the well-being of displaced communities. Established in 1989, the Women's Commission is affiliated with the International Rescue Committee.

The event was co-hosted by the Library of Congress Asian Division Friends Society (ADFS), the Philippine Embassy, and the Community and Family Services International (CFSI). Paul and Susan Tanedo are the coordinating sponsors of Abdullah Karim's visit to the nation’s capital. Paul is a CFSI board member of CFSI.

Abdullah Karim is Officer-in-Charge of CFSI operations in Mindanao in Southern Philippines and also coordinator of the Food Assistance Project. She actively engaged in the literacy, livelihood, and food sufficiency project for women and male youth that CFSI field-tested for the World Bank. The project is now being implemented in conflict-affected communities in Maguindanao in partnership with the World Food Programme.

Abdullah-Karim's life has been marked by poverty, repeated displacement due to armed conflict in Mindanao, and a dedication to social service.

            CFSI activity in Mindanao started after the displacement of almost a million people in the aftermath of the war in 2000. Based in the Philippines , CFSI, now on its 25th year, has worked closely with the international community and national and local authorities to help displaced persons in Southeast Asia . CFSI has also carried out special training programs in various parts of the world for humanitarian workers.