Mother of four hailed as woman of courage

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A MOTHER of four has been honoured with the United States Ambassador’s Woman of Courage award.
US Ambassador Catherine Ebert-Gray presented the award to Rebecca Lero Joseph in recognition of her work in helping women and children affected by domestic and sorcery related violence.
“The US Embassy, through the Woman of Courage award, recognises that Rebecca Lero Joseph will inspire women in PNG who have little to no educational background to stand tall in their respective communities to contribute meaningfully without fear or shame,” Ebert-Gray said.
Joseph began her project in 2006. Now known as the St Francis Orphanage Care Centre, it has three bush material huts and is a safe place for women and children.
It has successfully helped more than 40 women and children affected by family and sorcery-related violence.
The Southern Highlands mother-of-four has been keeping the project going for more than 11 years and is grateful to the Catholic Church for assisting her.
She sends school-aged kids to school daily and ensures they are fed and clothed.
Ebert-Gray gave K1700 to the St Francis Orphanage Care Centre.
Each year, the US Embassy in Port Moresby selects three women for the award – one each from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.