On World Humanitarian Day, August 19, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) recognizes the dedication and compassion of the many professionals whose tireless efforts drive meaningful humanitarian work. This year, ADRA spotlights Annette Parris, the inspiring Country Director for ADRA Curacao and ADRA Bonaire, whose work exemplifies the profound difference one individual can make in the world. Annette Parris demonstrates the impact of unwavering commitment and compassion in humanitarian efforts.

Annette Parris’ remarkable journey with ADRA began in 2011 when another country director inspired her to devote her life to humanitarian work.

“I didn’t know about ADRA. What drew me to the mission was the Netherlands director who was working in Aruba and who made me so enthusiastic to get to know ADRA. So that’s how I rolled into ADRA,” says the Aruba and Bonaire Country Director.

A Journey Begins

The Rewards of Humanitarian Work

Witnessing firsthand how ADRA’s support changes lives is immensely fulfilling. Annette is constantly moved by the transformative stories of those who benefit from ADRA programs, and the many volunteers’ selfless commitment makes every effort worthwhile.

“The most fulfilling is their stories—I love those stories best. When you help a certain target group and certain persons, they really testify how it changed their lives. That is rewarding for me. Also, how our own volunteers make themselves available to do the work is extremely rewarding. I love that,” Annette adds.

Memorable Moments

One of Annette’s most memorable experiences with ADRA Bonaire occurred during a pivotal transition for the country office. When she joined the team, ADRA Bonaire was shifting its food program from local funding to government support. Annette was unexpectedly assigned the task of organizing a cooking course for 100 participants—a challenge that initially felt overwhelming.

However, what began as a daunting task transformed into a highly successful event. The cooking course evolved into an engaging demonstration that taught participants valuable skills in preparing healthy, vegetarian meals.  Annette remembers how the initiative not only equipped attendees with practical cooking knowledge but also fostered a strong sense of community, turning a challenging project into a meaningful and impactful experience.

About the experience, Annette says: “What was really nice about it was that the clients of the food program would receive packages, every week, and were encouraged to learn to cook vegetarian and healthy food just by doing this food course. But what surprised me most, was that they said: ‘Oh, tonight you’re going to give a food course for 100 persons!’ Okay, you have to be all around for this mission.”

Facing Challenges Head-On

As a country director, Annette faced numerous challenges directly. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented difficulties, including a complete economic shutdown and a significant influx of Venezuelan migrants arriving by small boats.

ADRA offices in Aruba and Bonaire had to act swiftly to address the urgent needs of hundreds of migrants, who were in desperate need of work and basic necessities. Annette’s role became crucial in managing the heightened demand for humanitarian aid during those trying times.

Despite the pandemic’s constraints, Annette navigated the crisis effectively and with compassion, ensuring that both the local community and Venezuelan families fleeing conflict received essential support and assistance. Her leadership was instrumental in adapting to the evolving needs and continuing to provide vital aid during the pandemic.

“The migrants wanted to work but there was no work in those times. We had so many,” Annette remembers. “It was a challenge. So, we partnered with other food programs and the Red Cross to help the migrant families and the community. And I think it was satisfying to see how this covered a basic need for them.”

Achievements and Future Aspirations

Annette takes immense pride in ADRA’s ability to respond quickly to emergencies, often arriving on the scene before other agencies. This proactive approach is a testament to the strength of ADRA’s network. She is especially proud of how ADRA’s international network mobilizes support during crises, such as the ongoing assistance for Ukraine, or when natural catastrophes strike the Caribbean and other regions around the world. Annette believes ADRA’s leadership in emergency response has enhanced its effectiveness in connecting with local communities.

“We’ve had a lot of disasters following one after another, global emergencies, and ADRA is always on the spot before other agencies come into place. I think that is one of our greatest achievements,” she says.

Looking ahead, Annette envisions ADRA making a lasting impact by addressing both immediate needs and long-term solutions. She hopes the organization is recognized for its holistic approach, which encompasses not just physical and material aid, but also mental and social support.

“My ADRA My Story is to work with communities so we can have sustainable change together.”

Annette Parris, a remarkable World Humanitarian!

Abed Odeh, a 65-year-old resident of Beit Lahia in the north of Gaza, once led a peaceful life surrounded by his large family of 25. A father of eight, Abed saw all his children graduate from university with high honors. “Education has always been important to our family,” he says with pride.

Like everyone else in Gaza, however, Abed’s life turned upside down after October 7. “We first sheltered at a school in the north,” Abed explains. “We moved to another school shelter, but have had no choice but to flee again and again.”

Currently, Abed and his family are staying at a shelter in the north. After being evacuated eight times, he knows resilience is the key to survival. “It is too much. You want to just give up and surrender to your fate. But, I keep telling myself and my children that we must keep going!”

The conflict has also taken a severe toll on Abed’s finances and health. Without any source of income, it is impossible to buy basic necessities for the family. “I haven’t been able to buy any necessities. We can’t even afford food.” Abed suffers from heart disease and says “Every day, my condition gets worse, because of the stress and the difficulties in finding medicines.”  

Abed’s journey, just like the majority of people in Gaza, has also been marked by unimaginable loss. “I lost three of my amazing grandchildren during these evacuations and the war,” he says, his voice breaking. “I can’t bear another loss. Hopefully, this will end soon and we can begin rebuilding our lives together.”

SILVER SPRING, MD (August 7, 2024) – The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) donated 6,200 backpacks to help Pathfinders set a new Guinness World Record for the most people stuffing backpacks with school supplies simultaneously.

The event took place Wednesday, August 7, at the International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, which runs from August 5 to 11. Over two hundred and fifty youngsters stuffed dozens of backpacks with pencils, markers, pens, notepads, and other essential school supplies in less than five minutes to set the Guinness Record.

“We wanted to help the community, involve the Pathfinders, and show them that Adventist Education engages in many ways.  Our goal is to touch the lives of as many students as possible, so providing much-needed school supplies was a natural fit,”  explains event organizer Nicole Mattson, associate superintendent of education at the Lake Union Conference. “This will be a fun blessing to all those involved, and it would not have been possible without the backpacks donated by ADRA, the support of the North American Division, Adventist Unions, and other private entities.”

The backpack record-breaking project organized by Adventist Education will help disadvantaged school children. Pathfinders and non-profit groups will distribute the backpacks in the Gillette school district, surrounding United States areas, territories like Guam-Micronesia, and other parts of the world where children lack educational resources.

“ADRA is honored to partner with the North American Division’s Adventist Education on this unique backpack event to benefit children from vulnerable communities. Investing in education is an investment in humanity’s future. ADRA believes that every child, regardless of circumstances, is entitled to a high-quality education and access to vital school materials for academic success.  ADRA hopes this project will inspire pathfinders worldwide to ignite their passion for serving those in need,”  Sonya Funna Evelyn, Vice President for Sustainable Development.

The backpack activity aims to raise awareness about the ongoing need for educational resources in economically disadvantaged areas, including those in the United States, where an estimated 15 million children living in extreme poverty cannot afford classroom supplies for the school year, according to national education surveys.

ADRA’s enduring commitment to developing resilient communities and transforming lives through education-focused programs dates back over 40 years.  ADRA serves over 1.6 million children globally through approximately 160 projects that assist schools and enhance educational buildings, ensuring that students have access to technology, tutoring, nutritious meals, clean water, and adequate washing and bathroom facilities.