Observance of the International Day of Families (WFWP Southern Africa)

On May 15, WFWP Southern Africa celebrated the International Day of Families through a virtual conference centered on the theme, "Healthy Families as a Cornerstone for Peace and Development." This event reflected the importance the international community places on families, as they are the basic units of society. In addition, the virtual conference addressed various concerns regarding situations around the world. It was attended by about 60 WFWP leaders, members and friends.

The first speaker was Mrs. Mary Camara, who is the wife of Rev. Bakary Camara, Cheon Eui Won Africa Co-Chairman. Mrs. Camara spoke about the "Four Realms of Love" in the family. She shared, "Family education determines the future destiny of the entire nation. When there are many families that practice public service the nation will flourish." She continued saying, "in our struggles with our relationships in the family, we should always feel that we have an ally and that we are the one. As mothers, we are the glue to keep the family together."

The second speaker was Dr. Sally Ann Franklin, an Ethnomusicologist and Clinical Psychologist. Dr. Franklin spoke about the importance of moral education within the family and cultivating a culture of love and empathy towards others. She said, "I think you would agree that as most peace-loving people expect, that more education for their family will provide more peace and development for the nation. Dr. Franklin concluded by saying, "they also made me aware that my academic education was not the total story of my life in peace and I submit to all of you that this is true for all of us. Who we are, is dependent on how we were brought up at home, and how we took responsibility, expanding that inside of ourselves, and more particularly, our deepest, deepest hearts which have been educated by our family. This will enable us to build peace in our families, and among others at the workplace, nation, peace and development in our beloved Africa."

Both speakers were received warmly and congratulated for sharing their special message. The event concluded with the entire participants singing "One Family under God."