AAFSW/Secretary of State's Award for Outstanding Volunteerism
Year 2002 Winners
On Foreign Affairs Day, May 10, 2002, AAFSW is honored to recognize six deserving individuals, one from each geographic bureau. These volunteers have made a remarkable difference in their communities, both American and host country, while serving abroad.
Mrs. Susan Baker, wife of the former Secretary of State James A. Baker III, initiated this award in 1990. Mrs. Baker was impressed by the outstanding service performed by our Foreign Service families serving abroad
Laurie "Sibo" Bopp, Gaborone
In a country ravaged by the HIV/AIDS crisis, Sibo Bopp has made a dramatic impact on improving the capabilities of local organizations and through her personal involvement upon the lives of the people they serve. She has focused on three institutions: "Shining Stars", a day care center for orphans and children of AIDS patients 300 miles from the capital; the Gaborone Women's Shelter, a haven for battered women; and the Holy Cross Hospice, which cares for those dying of AIDS. By showing these organizations sources of assistance, grant application skills and sound institutional management she has assured their future viability.
Carol Ayers, Bucharest
For the past four and one half years, Carol Ayers has unselfishly devoted herself to improving the lives of hundreds of needy children and elderly people in Bucharest and throughout Romania. She has worked tirelessly and with tangible impact by volunteering her time, money, and skills to improve the lives of Romania's poor. Her most notable achievement was her lead role in establishing the Pro Child Romania Federation, a community based network of twenty independent organizations involved in child welfare issues. She has been a magnet drawing others in to help the less fortunate.
Eleanor Geiger, Lima
Eleanor Geiger worked with the people of Huancavelica, a remote, desolate Peruvian Village, with the goal of helping them to be self-sufficient in the modern world while remaining faithful to their traditions and culture. A talented seamstress, she has identified ways to market locally crafted textiles. She sought to preserve traditional art while developing sources of income for the local artisans. A role model among Americans in Lima, Eleanor has become a bridge to bring more attention and assistance from the Lima community to the People of Huancavelica
Janice Scholfield Skoog, Beijing
With abundant energy and imagination, Janice Schofield Skoog successfully contributed to the well being of the American Community in Beijing while also improving the lives of numerous Chinese children. Janice helped to establish the U.S. Embassy-Community Outreach Group (USE-COG), developed its by-laws, and recruited volunteers. Through several major projects, which she conceived, USE-COG successfully secured contributions of money, clothing, and other articles for needy children in Beijing. Janice also served on the boards of the American Employee's Association and of the International Newcomer Network with characteristic drive, creativity and enthusiasm.
Edward Brown, Islamabad
Personifying the spirit across America since the tragic events of September 11, Ed Brown was instrumental in maintaining the quality of life at a front-line post during a time of crisis and the ongoing war against terrorism. With local staff resources depleted because of evacuation of most embassy families, Ed assumed managerial responsibility for the large commissary/recreation association and became the Acting Community Liaison Officer, performing both tasks magnificently. In meeting its many urgent and important responsibilities, the post had to support, i.e., feed, house, and entertain, hundreds of VIP visitors and temporary personnel during a very tense, potentially dangerous period. Ed's innovative management and advocacy for the community contributed immeasurably to the spiritual and material well being of the Embassy community.
Ann Staal, Jerusalem
Note: Ms. Staal respectfully declined her award "as a matter of conscience."
Ann Staal's generosity has illustrated in a tangible way a most positive
side of the United States in a troubled city during troubled times. Especially
through her musical skills, Ann has made a major contribution to the Consulate
community's morale throughout her three years in Jerusalem. The bulk of
her volunteer work has been for the Peace Center for the Blind, which
provides support and training for visually handicapped Palestinian women.
Through imaginative fund raising activities, Ann by herself has obtained
nearly all of the $70,000 needed to operate the center. In addition, she
has provided training, including musical training to women at the center
and has also helped with day to day operations. Ann Staal's service to
Palestinians and Americans in Jerusalem has been an inspiration to both
communities.