Poor Women Can Heal Themselves

Summary:

Good health does not have to be expensive. In Joao Pessoa, Brazil, Maryknoll Sister Euphrasia Nyaki founded Afya in order to allow women to learn massage and other healing techniques, study and use medicinal plants and share their wisdom. Elinoar Astrinsky visits with Sister Efu, Maryknoll Lay Missioner Patty Santos, and women leaders of Afya.

Website:

http://www.voicesofourworld.org

Additional Credits and Funding:

Host: Eileen Bott

Tones:

Inspiring, NPR NewsMagazine-y

Language:

English

Description:

Part One: POOR WOMEN CAN HEAL THEMSELVES: Maryknoll Sister Euphrasia Nyaki created a woman?s holistic center in Joao Pessoa, Brazil. She named the center Afya, which means health in her native tongue Kiswahili. Afya offers a gathering place for women to share their wisdom, an organic garden with medicinal plants, and massage courses and other healing techniques. All are designed to enable poor women to heal themselves, their families and communities. Sister Efu believes that good health allows us to advocate for ourselves and fight for change.

Optional Cutaway Cue: ?You?re listening to Voices of Our World" at 14:00.

Part Two: THE ROOTS OF GOOD HEALTH: During our visit to Afya we learned one major ingredient for good health was just underfoot. Turns out the yam, a root vegetable in the potato family has many healing properties. Elinoar Astrinsky joins Maryknoll Lay Missioner Patty Santos and the Afya team for that lively discussion and how alternative healing methods along with actions we can all do will lead to empowerment.

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