• Carter Center Sends Agricultural Mission to North Korea
• Atlanta Faith Groups Spread Good Health in Their Communities
• Museum Pays Tribute to White House and Two Former Occupants

Led by Norman Borlaug, Global 2000 senior agriculture consultant, The Carter Center delegation shared information about new technologies in agriculture. Particular focus was placed on possible linkages with some of the 16 existing International Agricultural Research Centers, including the International Center for Improvement of Maize and Wheat in Mexico, the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines, and the International Potato Center in Peru.

Arrangements also are under way to provide an exchange of scientists between North Korea and The Carter Center's Quality Protein Maize (QPM) program in Ghana. QPM is a genetically improved strain of maize that, unlike regular maize, contains all the essential amino acids. The Center's Global 2000 Program, working with the Ghanaian Agriculture Ministry, has grown QPM there since 1989, thereby helping to alleviate protein malnutrition in Africa.

"The trip was very productive," said Andy Agle, director of operations for Global 2000. "By creating partnerships with agricultural research centers,

North Korean farmers will have the technology available to address chronic problems such as depleted soil. We expect test seeds for winter wheat and barley to arrive in time for planting this October."

Atlanta Faith Groups Spread Good Health in Their Communities

Jimmy Carter was on hand to congratulate Youngmi Kim for completing her training as a congregational health promoter. (Photo: Kathryn Kolb)

Jung Ja Kim suffers from high blood pressure. After taking a few of the pills prescribed by her doctor, she felt better, and didn't take anymore. The elderly woman, who speaks only Korean, didn't understand why she shouldn't stop. Fortunately, Youngmi Kim was able to help.

"I explained to her how dangerous it was and that she must take all medication as prescribed," said Youngmi. "Otherwise, she could have a heart attack--or even a stroke."

Youngmi's advice reflects the value of her training as a "congregational health promoter" by the Atlanta Interfaith Health Program (AIHP) and the Emory University School of Nursing. Emory trains two members from participating faith groups how to conduct health assessments, connect with health resources in the community, make referrals, and build a health ministry in their congregations. Their goal: to improve health in underserved areas of the city.

AIHP is part of The Carter Center's Interfaith Health Program (IHP). Founded in 1992, IHP helps faith groups nationwide promote wellness and prevent disease, especially in areas where residents may be at risk because of factors such as economics or age.

Youngmi, who works as a parish nurse with St. Joseph's Hospital, is a member of an Atlanta-area Korean congregation. She learned about AIHP's health promoter program when she helped translate letters to Korean ministers, asking them to get their congregations involved. In June, Youngmi and 33 members of African-American, Hispanic, Vietnamese, and Korean faith groups were commissioned as congregational health promoters at a special church service.

"Youngmi is a wonderful example of how one person can make a difference in his or her community," said Tom Droege, project coordinator for AIHP. "I have watched Youngmi take what she has learned and use it to help others."

As part of her work as a parish nurse, and now as a congregational health promoter, Youngmi spends eight hours each week at the Johnson Ferry Clinic, near the housing complex where Jung Ja lives. The women met at the clinic.

"Jung Ja is one of more than 100 Korean senior citizens who live in that complex," Youngmi explained. "Because most of them do not drive or speak English, many feel more comfortable coming to the local clinic instead of trying to arrange transportation to a doctor's office and getting someone to translate."

According to Elizabeth Downes, clinic coordinator and a trainer for the AIHP health promoter program, "The number of Korean senior citizens visiting the clinic has risen from an average of three or four to almost 20 a week. Youngmi is the first permanent, salaried nurse we've had on staff here who can both translate and deliver direct care. It's making a very positive difference."

Museum Pays Tribute to White House and Two Former Occupants

Fifty million people in Japan, Europe, and the United States have toured "The White House in Miniature" since it debuted in 1976.

Visitors to The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum now can tour the White House without leaving Atlanta. The Museum is featuring a 20-by-60-foot replica of the historic home, on display through the end of the 1996 Olympics.

With steady hands and lofty dreams, John and Jan Zweifel have worked on "The White House in Miniature" since 1960. Their goal was to reproduce the White House on a "1-inch-equals-1-foot" scale, down to the last ticking clock, lit chandelier, and ringing telephone.

Another new exhibit focuses on two of the White House's former occupants. "Beyond the Boundaries" provides visitors with an overview of the post-presidential activities of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. Much of the work of the nonprofit Carter Center, which adjoins the Museum, is represented in the exhibit, along with personal items and mementos of the former first couple.

"Beyond the Boundaries" illustrates the Center's role in resolving conflicts from Haiti to North Korea; observing democratic elections in Latin America and Africa; helping farmers in developing countries improve their crop yields; speaking out on behalf of individuals whose human rights have been violated; and empowering people to overcome the problems associated with urban poverty.

"Both of these exhibits coincide with the 1996 Olympic Games, offering visitors from all over the world a glimpse of American history and culture," said Don Schewe, director of the Library and Museum. "'Beyond the Boundaries' provides a personal look at what the Carters have accomplished since leaving Washington. 'The White House in Miniature' shows all of its rooms in fascinating detail--something visitors would not see if they toured the White House in Washington."

Both exhibits are on display through Aug. 4. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and free for ages 16 and under. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4:45 p.m. For more information, call (404) 331-3942.