Name: Katie Ainge
I am a Peacebuilder alumna and junior at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, majoring in Social Welfare and Justice and Women’s Studies with a minor in Theology. This semester I am taking classes and interning in Cape Town, South Africa. My internship is at the Women and Peace Building Programme, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that works with unemployed women in the townships of Cape Town. Most of the women I work with come from abused relationships and are either infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. The programme lasts a year and offers them skills training in a variety of hard (beading, painting, woodworking, etc.) and soft (conflict resolution, democracy, leadership, etc.) skills. It is the programme’s hope that the women will then take their skills out into their communities to be peace builders, role models, and voices for change. As the intern it has been my role to interview the women about their lives and the impact the programme will have on their futures. Over the past few months I have been compiling a report and review of the programme. Currently, I am working to develop a new programme that would involve men and teenagers in the peacebuilding process as well.
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How were you called to your current ministry/service?
I had planned on majoring in Theology, but became frustrated when all of my classes were based on the patriarchal history of the Church. I switched to Women’s Studies because I wanted to learn more about women’s roles in church and society. I have since realized my passion for working with women, and hope to continue studying and working with women in the Church. -
Who inspires you?
My family has been a great source of inspiration and encouragement. Also, the women I work with inspire me through their dedication, hope, and faith. -
What are the biggest obstacles to peace?
Apathy, ignorance, selfishness. -
What is the biggest challenge your organization faces?
Funding- there are many wonderful organizations in Cape Town, but we are all focused on specific, separate tasks and competing for money instead of joining together to focus on the big picture. -
Describe for us a typical day.
Everyday is different; but I usually work on the report I am writing in evaluation of the Women and Peace Building Programme. I interview women from the programme and attend their workshops. Sometimes I am in the office finishing up paperwork, but most of my time is spent driving around the townships to visit the women and see how they are doing. On days when I am not working, I attend classes at the University of the Western Cape. There are lots of international film festivals here so at night I try and catch as many documentaries and plays as I can. -
How do you get the news?
Internet -
How do you nurture your faith life?
I live in a house with eleven other people; so I like to get up early while it is still quiet to pray and reflect on my day. I go to Mass with friends and have good conversations. I also like to read books about justice, faith, and social action. -
What advice would you give the next generation of church and civic leaders?
You are never too young to make a difference. Experience as much of the world as you can. Learn about other cultures, religions, and beliefs. Always leave room for yourself to change and grow. -
Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t know.
I love to paint, draw, and take pictures. -
Last good book you read?
Country of My Skull by: Antjie Krog -
Last good movie you saw?
Yesterday -
What is your favorite comfort food?
Homemade cookies and coffee -
Share a favorite quote that inspires you.
"Don’t ask yourself what this world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Howard Thurman"Hope is all about the vision of what we believe our world can and should be. Hope is a vision of what we believe our country can and should be. Hope enables us to believe that we can achieve some meaningful expression of justice, reconciliation and healing here and now even though the ultimate goal must always remain beyond our grasp.... Such hope has to become the obsession of our lives." John DeGruchy
