Title...
Proclamation recognizing Ms. Lauren O'Brien of Bethel Park for her war relief efforts, economic development and educational outreach in Central Africa.
Body...
WHEREAS, Ms. Lauren O'Brien, a Bethel Park resident and Duquesne University sophomore, has raised $32,000, in a three year period, towards the war relief efforts, economic development and education in Central Africa; and
WHEREAS, through selling chocolate, organizing fundraisers, concerts and all-night movie events and creating a Facebook page to solicit donations, Ms. O'Brien, working with the Orphans Hope Centre of Kiboga, Uganda, has raised enough money to send 43 children to school for one year. Ms. O'Brien was also able to provide two wheelchairs and one walker to disabled individuals; and
WHEREAS, Ms. O'Brien was inspired to establish Pauline Juliet, Inc., a nonprofit organization named after two orphaned sisters that were able to attend school thanks to Ms. O'Brien. The agency exists to supply girls of Uganda, and the world, the education and empowerment necessary to affect change within themselves and within their communities; and
WHEREAS, Pauline Juliet will provide 8 girls with an education funded from primary through university graduation, and they will receive job training and placement assistance. Ms. O'Brien has partnered with Women Enterprises and Network Development (WEND Africa), a group which provides sustainable jobs for Ugandan women, and selling those items to make money for Ugandan students; and
WHEREAS, Ms. O'Brien's latest project involves building a sustainable school with desks, and the first ever library in the entire district, open to all schools, with no cost for orphans and a sliding scale for others;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council does hereby recognize and thank Ms. Lauren O'Brien for her dedication and commitment to empowering the children of Uganda through education and opportunity.