UNIS Is Proud To Announce The Appointment Of
Maria Kerins As Wama-Tanzania Goodwill Ambassador

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

United Nations Delegates Lounge, New York City

Maria Kerins, Junior School Computer Teacher at the United Nations International School , was named Goodwill Ambassador to WAMA-Tanzania. Maria has demonstrated her support of girls and women in developing countries by becoming involved in helping women with Breast Cancer in Tanzania .

Maria Kerins heard about the increase of breast cancer in developing countries and has friends who have been affected by the disease. Maria became aware of the work that the First Lady of Tanzania, Mama Salma Kikwete has been doing to help women there. Maria quickly learned that these women lacked many of the basic comforts needed particularly simple things to help them restore their sense of self and womanhood after a mastectomy. After asking how she could help make a difference, Maria solicited the help of health corporations to donate prosthetic bras to the women of Tanzania . She was able to collect more than 2000 bras and through the WAMA foundation, she was able to deliver these to Tanzanian women.

Maria inspires her young students to get involved in their world and make a difference. She has continued to follow the progress of her students through high school and has taught them to take little steps to make big differences in the lives of others. Today, a group of 11th and 12th grade students have designed a pilot project called Tanzania Sanitation to promote the path to a cleaner community.

Maria Kerins has unselfishly devoted herself to others in need. In so doing, she has merited the award bestowed to her. In her traditional way, Maria sees this as a gift to help women and children all over the world.

Maria, we are proud of you!