SYDNEY, Australia -- After years of service to her people, Lorna Fejo -- an Aboriginal member of the Church from Australia -- recently received one of her country's top honors.
Sister Fejo was one of six Australians recognized this year with the 2000 Australian Achiever Award. Prime Minister John Howard attended the Australia Day Awards ceremony where the announcement was made.Sister Fejo, who joined the Church in 1973, has worked for the last three decades in Aboriginal communities of the Northern Territory. Strong religious values and personal commitment led her to develop and direct a community health program called "Strong Women, Strong Babies, Strong Culture."
"The project is all about revitalizing culture and empowering Aboriginal people," said Sister Fejo, who initiated the development of pamphlets, posters, videos and graphics to help educate women on health issues.
As part of the program, Sister Fejo teaches others about pre-natal care (including the prevention of low birth weight babies) and about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Sister Fejo has also trained Aboriginal women to deal with health issues including AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, she has spent numerous hours encouraging Aboriginal women to make their own lifestyle decisions based on solid principles and values.
Since "Strong Women, Strong Babies, Strong Culture" started, research sponsored by the Northern Territory government has found that the health and weight of new mothers and their babies has increased markedly. Infant mortality rates have also dropped in Aboriginal communities were the program has been operating. Following the program's success in the Northern Territory, Sister Fejo is now working to take her message to Aboriginal communities throughout Australia.
Martha Johnson, a BYU graduate student in sociology who conducted research on Sister Fejo's program, said Sister Fejo "wore out the soles of her shoes" teaching others how to gain and maintain good health.
Her success came as a result of her hard work and effective methods, added Sister Johnson.
"The education process was geared to the way the women would take in information best," she explained. "She [is an example] of what is possible when gospel principles guide one's public work."
Sister Fejo also has also been honored by the Australia Medical Association and with the Women's Achievement Award from the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory.
She credits much of her success to her family and the Church. "I have to carry the Book of Mormon in my handbag," she said. "I have to read it everyday."