Saint Mary's Board of Governance (BOG) will help sponsor a woman from a war-torn region through the Women for Women International organization, BOG missions commissioner Mary Frantz said.
The organization was created to help protect the rights of women in strife-laden countries, to provide job training and give small-businesses assistance. The sponsorship is a year-long commitment to donate $30 each month.
"They are helping women in war-torn regions by providing emotional and physical support," Frantz said.
The sponsorship may also include direct correspondence with the woman in need.
Women for Women International was founded in 1993. Since its founding, the organization has helped more than 125,000 women in 105 countries - including Afghanistan, Rwanda, Iraq, Sudan and Nigeria.
Frantz is working to make applications for sponsorship available to students, but currently BOG is focused on a group effort. The idea is still in the early stages, and the group is hoping to send out more information in the coming months.
In other BOG news:
u Cassie Callon, the student activities board president, announced there will be festivities during finals week. On Dec. 13, the Student Activities Board will show the movie "The Holiday."
The Student Activities Board will also sponsor a breakfast in Le Mans Hall on Dec. 14. A free spa day will take place on Dec. 16 in the lounge of the Student Center. Exact times and locations will be announced at a later date.
u Disabilities Week will take place after Thanksgiving break, student diversity board president Abby Hinchy said. There will be a movie showing in Vander Vennet Theatre called "Emmanuel's Gift" as part of the week.
There will also be an eyeglass drive that week. Students are encouraged to bring old eyeglasses so they can be fixed and donated to the needy.
