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Woman Becomes 1st Muslim To Win Opus Prize

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Nov 5, 2009 7:59 am US/Central

Woman Becomes 1st Muslim To Win Opus Prize

MINNETONKA, Minn. (AP) ― A woman who founded an organization that helps unwed mothers is the first Muslim to win the $1 million Opus Prize.

Former social worker Aicha Ech Channa is the president of the Morocco Association for Women's Solidarity. Ech Channa founded the organization after working for the Ministry of Social Affairs in her home country where unwed mothers were considered prostitutes. Many had their babies taken away, despite their objections.

Troubled by that practice, Ech Channa founded her organization that offers legal counseling, job training and medical and psychological support for unwed mothers.

The annual humanitarian award from the Opus Prize Foundation in Minnetonka is given to unsung heroes for their faith-based acts of compassion.

Information from: Star Tribune, http://www.startribune.com

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