Islanders have two opportunities Jan. 20 to meet Dr. Gladys Mwiti and learn about the work of Oasis Africa, an indigenous African counseling and training center.

Mwiti will speak at the San Juan Lions Club meeting, noon, in the American Legion hall downstairs; and at 7 p.m. at Paideia School. The presentations are open to the public.

Mwiti has worked for 20 years in the field of trauma, and family and personal counseling. She has published numerous books on trauma, children at risk, HIV/AIDS counseling, and African youth.

She has trained local community leaders and consulted with many local and international organizations. She is a recognized authority on trauma counseling. Those trained by Oasis Africa have now effectively helped thousands with mental health and social issues across the African continent.

Mwiti and her husband, Dr. Gershon Mwiti, visited Friday Harbor four years ago. They had just finished their doctorate degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary and were headed home to strengthen their counseling, leadership and training center in Nairobi, Kenya.

Dr. Gladys is the founder and CEO of Oasis Africa. Dr. Gershon operates Lika, a leadership training institute in Kenya. Following the post-election violence early last year, he has been called upon by national leaders to lead reconciliation talks between ethnic groups. He also works with the rural poor in the Meru district of Kenya.

To discover more about Oasis Africa and how you can help with the ongoing work in Africa, visit www.oasisafrica.info.