Women and Children

The United States Mint has included Jovita Idár, an early 20th century Mexican American journalist and activist — and a Methodist — in the American Women Quarters series. In 2023, she’ll have her image on a special-issue coin, joining Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou, Sally Ride and others. Image courtesy of the United States Mint; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.

Spotlight shines on Jovita Idár, Methodist reformer

Idár, a Mexican American journalist, activist and Methodist working in South Texas in the early 20th century, continues to gain recognition from historians and others. The United States Mint is including her in its American Women Quarters series.

Human Rights

Teacher Thembakazi Bojana works with students at the Nomaxabiso Centre for Children in the Philippi East neighborhood of Cape Town, South Africa. The center, which receives support from The United Methodist Church, serves children with special educational needs. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

‘Mother of the disabled’ provides safe place for kids

Special-needs childcare center operates in a crime-ridden neighborhood in Cape Town, South Africa. A United Methodist pastor offers support for the school, which holds a special place in her heart.

Global Health

A resident of the Soweto slum in Nairobi, Kenya, awaits a COVID-19 shot at Kayole St. John’s United Methodist Church. Through a joint effort by Christian, Hindu and Muslim faith groups in Kenya, more than 1,000 people have received vaccinations since December 2021.Transportation services are also offered to people who live far from the vaccination sites. Photo by Gad Maiga, UM News.

Kenyan churches help with COVID-19 vaccinations

Joint effort by Christian, Hindu and Muslim faith groups results in more than 1,000 people receiving vaccinations.

Social Concerns

Perpetual Makadzange talks to her three children, (from left) 6-year-old Tizzelyn, 7-year-old Tanatswa and 12-year-old Tsepang, at their home in Zimunya, Zimbabwe. The United Methodist schools that the children attend remain closed to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News .

Pandemic leads more girls to early marriages

United Methodist schools in Zimbabwe see more early marriages, other risky behavior as schools remain closed amid COVID-19.

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