Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 by Christian Aid

Spring/Summer 2018

The magazine for supporters

The power to inspire From Sierra Leone to Colombia... meet the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;localâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; people who are transforming the lives of others

CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 1

27/03/2018 12:18

CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 2

27/03/2018 12:18

Christian Aid Magazine Issue 9: Spring/Summer 2018 Editorial team Editor Roger Fulton Art editor Juliet Blackledge Design Emma Watling, Kim Kemp, Txabi Jones, Rachel Irwin Pictures Joseph Cabon Production Graham Winter Circulation Ben Hayward Published by Christian Aid 35 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RL 020 7620 4444 info@christian-aid.org christianaid.org.uk UK registered charity no. 1105851 company no. 5171525 Scot charity no. SC039150 Christian Aid Ireland: NI charity no. NIC101631 company no. NI059154 and ROI charity no. 20014162 Company no. 426928. The Christian Aid name and logo are trademarks of Christian Aid © Christian Aid April 2018. The acceptance of external advertising does not indicate endorsement.

Changing the world for the better In recent weeks you may have seen reports of sexual misconduct in the international development sector. Overleaf, my colleague Joe Ware sets out Christian Aid’s response, and highlights how we operate. In brief, we work through partner organisations rather than sending large numbers of international aid workers into poor countries. This makes a real difference to our relationships in those communities. While we are never complacent, we are confident in the positive difference we are making. In May I deliver an invitation to my neighbours in the shape of a small red envelope. Thank you if you also are delivering and collecting those Christian Aid Week envelopes this year. Our invitation is to be

Cover story These three wonderful women Iye, Juliet and Rebecca are standing for political office in Sierra Leone, and in doing so, are breaking with the patriarchal traditions of their country. A win, they say, would be a win for all women in their country. We salute them.

David Pain, Director, Supporter Partnerships

Photos in this issue copyright Christian Aid, except: Cover: Christian Aid/Jonathan Bundu/Bankiedigital; page 3: Christian Aid/Simon Williams; page 4: Paul Jeffrey/ACT Alliance; page 6: Christian Aid/ Faysal Ahmad; page 7 Christian Aid/Elaine Duigenan; page 8 Christian Aid/Tom Pilston; page 10 Christian Aid/Matt Gonzalez-Noda; page 12 Christian Aid/Simon Williams; pages 14, 15: Christian Aid/Amy Sheppey; page 16: Christian Aid/Jonathan Bundu/ Bankiedigital; page 18 Christian Aid/Indrias G Kassa; page 20 Hannah Henderson; page 21: Janet Machuka, Sue Charlton; page 22: Justicia y Paz, Colombia; page 23 PA Images; page 24 Sunny He Huang; page 28 Christian Aid/ Tom Pilston

Contents

Christian Aid is a member of

10 Christian Aid Week 2018

4 Aid abuses: our response Christian Aid sets out its position on safeguarding, following recent reports on abuses within the aid sector.

6 The displaced: an update Latest on our campaign to ease the plight of internally displaced people – and news of a special photo exhibition your church can host.

8 With your support... How you’ve helped raise £millions in recent Christian Aid appeals. ‘Together we are stronger than the storms’ – our message to supporters ahead of this year’s Christian Aid Week.

F2435

CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 3

part of changing the world for the better. In this edition of Christian Aid Magazine we focus on the inspiring stories of some of the people we are connected to through Christian Aid. It has been my privilege to visit many of the countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia, where we work, and on every visit I am overwhelmed by the energy and vision of people to bring change in their own lives. Our neighbours, local and global, are connected in a relationship made possible by the red envelope. Finally, this month we welcome our new Chief Executive, Amanda Mukwashi, who is introduced in our Last Word feature on page 29. She joins an organisation where inspiring people are making change happen, locally and globally.

12-25 Inspiring Voices A special feature meeting some of the fantastic people we support who are working to transform lives and build a better future for their communities.

26 Events 30 The Last Word With our new CEO, Amanda Mukwashi.

3 27/03/2018 12:18

A wake-up call to the aid sector In the aftermath of recent stories about abuse by development agencies, Christian Aid, along with other major charities, is pledging to increase the resources we devote to safeguarding.

he news stories in recent weeks about sexual misconduct in parts of the aid sector have been difficult to hear for anyone who cares about international development and tackling poverty and injustice. NGOs need to be at the forefront of tackling abuses of power and exploitation and when it is reported that a few staff members from these organisations have helped to perpetrate these injustices it rightly horrifies us. At Christian Aid we believe that any abuse of power, including sexual violence or harassment,

4 CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 4

is totally unacceptable and our code of conduct and other polices make that clear. Despite this, over the past ten years we have dismissed two members of staff for sexual misconduct and disciplined a further two. None of these cases involved abuse of those we serve. To ensure we do everything to prevent other cases from occurring, we are going to increase the resources we devote to safeguarding and we will review our current referencing systems, so that people found to have abused their power or behaved inappropriately are not re-employed in Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2018

27/03/2018 12:18

Editorial

‘Let’s hope that the development sector uses this moment to create a more modern, responsible and accountable humanitarian system’

the sector. We will work to ensure any individual caught abusing their power cannot do so again. As well as taking these steps, we have also asked people to come forward to report any other unacceptable behaviour. We hope these measures send a clear message to those who experience or witness any form of abuse. It is really important that they know that we will listen and we will take action. Our partnership agreements are clear on what we look for in those we work with, but we are seeking reassurance from our partners that they will uphold high standards too. As a faith-based organisation, the dignity of all people is at the heart of our purpose. We believe that human beings are created in the image of God, and that we should use our power, skills and resources for the good of all. Our hope is that this scandal acts as a wake-up call to the aid sector. Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2018

CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 5

The partner principle: how Christian Aid works Christian Aid operates through partner organisations rather than sending large numbers of international aid workers into poor countries, where they are far from home and hold large amounts of power and wealth. Local NGOs are not immune to safeguarding problems, but working through partners at least ensures that people have a deeper relationship with staff, who are from – and accountable to – the very communities they are serving. At the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016 the world struck the Grand Bargain, agreeing that 25% of humanitarian aid spending be directed to local NGOs by 2020, something Christian Aid advocated for strongly. After all, these are the organisations that are first in when disaster strikes, they know the needs of affected communities best and they will be there long after the world’s attention has moved on elsewhere. Despite numerous development organisations and big donors like DFiD signing the Grand Bargain, little progress has been made in the past two years in shifting this money – and power – from the global north to the south. Let us hope that the development sector uses this moment to kick start that much-needed shift and that it will create a more modern, responsible and accountable humanitarian system.

5 27/03/2018 12:18

2018: A turning point for internal displacement? Uprooted: a photo from the exhibition of people who fled Boko Haram in Nigeria

In the last issue of Christian Aid Magazine, we turned the focus on the global issue of Internally Displaced People. With more than 40 million displaced within their own countries, we are campaigning for the world to do more to protect those on the move.

his year marks 20 years since the United Nations agreed the landmark Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a great symbol of promise to better protect and support people who had been forced from their homes but remained in their own countries. These people face many of the same challenges as refugees, but often lack the international attention or additional protection they need.

6 CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 6

This anniversary year must be a moment for states and UN agencies to commit to do better. 2018 is a major opportunity as the UN negotiates two new Compacts on refugees and migrants. Yet the draft agreements released in February have continued to sideline IDPs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the largest group of displaced people. To finalise these compacts by the end of the year, and not have made any progress on IDPs would be a huge failure.

Our campaign to ensure that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happen has started to build momentum, with letters and emails to MPs eliciting a good response from the UK government. But we must increase the volume between now and the UN General Assembly in September. We must ensure that 40 million people are no longer overlooked and left vulnerable to violence and exploitation. Go online to contact your MP now at caid.org.uk/displaced

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2018

27/03/2018 12:18

News: support for IDPs

Will you host our photo exhibition?

Responding to need A

We have put together a photography exhibition sharing the stories of displaced people in Nigeria, Kenya and Iraq, to help raise awareness of the issue. Through a series of powerful images and individual accounts, it explores the global crisis of displacement, its consequences and the challenges displaced people face. The Uprooted exhibition is available now for churches to host. We really need your help to make sure that these stories are heard. To find out more, go to caid.org.uk/uprooted

s well as campaigning for greater protection for displaced people, Christian Aid and its partners are also responding to more immediate needs.

Democratic Republic of Congo The Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing one of the worst crises in its history. Since August 2016, conflict between the army and the Kamuina Nsapu militia group has forced 1.7 million people to flee their homes. Our local partner COPROMOR was one of the first to respond. Working with the Start Fund, the World Food Programme and ACT Alliance we’ve been helping some of the most vulnerable people. COPROMOR has distributed kits of garden seeds and tools to help affected families rebuild their lives. We’re also providing protection services for those affected by or at risk of sexual violence.

Nigeria Ongoing terrorist attacks have displaced around two million people in Nigeria. We are one of a few humanitarian organisations giving life-saving support both to displaced people and their host families. Our response is focused on addressing immediate needs including food, water and hygiene. Through our humanitarian interventions, we have improved the food security and livelihoods of more than 275,000 IDPs in Adamawa, Borno and Gombe States. We also constructed water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in communities in Adamawa, Borno and Benue States.

• If we come together for displaced people, we can make 2018 the year that words turn into action.

When an award goes to waste!

hristian Aid’s Christmas anti-food waste film has won an industry award. As part of our Christmas Appeal we created a stop-motion film, ‘Oh What A Waste’, using real food from the traditional Christmas dinner, combined with an exclusive version of The Twelve Days of Christmas, to highlight the shockingly vast quantity of food that the UK public throws away every year. The statistics used in the film are based on existing research and include 70 million mince pies, four million puddings and two million turkeys. The film, part of our DFiD Aid

Match Christmas Appeal, was raising money for South Sudan where an estimated six million people in Africa alone face food insecurity. Our aim was to encourage people to save their money this Christmas and spend it on food that

Christian Aid Magazine Winter/Spring 2018

CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 7

really matters. We wanted to emphasise that everyone should waste less, save money and save lives. Not only was the film unique in the fact that it was sung completely by volunteers – with staff taking part too – but it also won the prestigious industry Drum award which shines a light on creativity. You can watch the film at youtube.com/

7 7 27/03/2018 12:19

Christian Aid’s local partners are helping refugees in Jamtoli Camp in Bangladesh. Opposite: Building a pastoralist home in Kenya

There for the long-term Emergency appeals and seasonal fund-raising appeals are part of the life-blood of Christian Aid – with your support we can help save lives and support people in need. Currently major crises and disasters are affecting millions of people around the world. Christian Aid has responded and, thanks to your donations, we can be there for the long-term – before, during and after an emergency.

8 CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 8

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2018

27/03/2018 12:19

News: appeals update

Here’s where we stand: Rohingya Crisis Appeal

Christmas Appeal 2015

With your help, we have raised more than £1.4 million to support communities displaced by violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State and Rohingya refugees who have crossed the border into Bangladesh. Our local partners have been working tirelessly to help those who are vulnerable and have supported over 12,000 people with healthcare, over 51,000 people with winter items such as blankets and kitchen sets, and distributed food packages to over 10,000 families In Jamtoli Camp in Bangladesh.

Thanks to your support for our 2015 Christmas Appeal, over £2million of UK Aid Match funding has gone to improving child health in Nigeria. We have trained more than 900 Community Health Volunteers across 130 remote communities. One volunteer Levi says ‘Everywhere I go, people call me doctor’. Levi and others provide essential health advice and carry medical boxes to treat common but deadly illnesses such as malaria and diarrhoea.

Christmas Appeal 2017 Thanks to you, we raised £3.4million in our ‘Enough for Everyone’ Christmas Appeal to tackle hunger and malnutrition in South Sudan. For every pound donated, the UK government gave a pound. Conflict is driving worsening conditions in South Sudan. Sadly, 40% of the population are now facing terrible food insecurity and 1.3 million children under five are at risk of severe malnutrition. We will be supporting some of the most vulnerable and remote communities in the country.

Lent/Easter Appeal During Lent and Easter, Christian Aid has been inviting supporters to stand in solidarity with internally displaced people in Nigeria and Kenya. Severe drought in Kenya forced thousands of people further from home in search for pasture for their livestock, with families lacking water, food and income. Christian Aid partner PACIDA has helped communities to survive the harsh conditions by providing cash vouchers for food, and much-needed animal feed. Please donate to the Easter Appeal on our website.

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2018

CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 9

’That pound is going to save the life of a child’ With all UK Aid Match from our 2017 Christmas Appeal going towards funding our work in South Sudan, Lino Baba Diye, who works in our Juba office, was full of thanks to supporters who donated to the appeal. ‘That pound, or that penny that you offered during Christmas, for that child you have not seen, who is living in a situation which is not of his or her making, is going to save the life of that child. ‘But the environment that child has been brought into is what we need to change, so that child may be able to grow up in dignity and have a future.’ Lino has worked for Christian Aid in the region since 2006 and was keen to emphasise why Christian Aid’s support of the South Sudan Council of Churches is so important. I think all Christians are hopeful that peace will come to South Sudan, and there have been a few indications of this happening. The churches have helped persuade the President that the reconciliation process must continue, and that it should include everyone. ‘Church leaders travel to the camps to hear from the people themselves and are active within communities in bringing reconciliation. They say what the churches are saying, violence won’t bring about peace. ‘It is only when people are brought to the table to discuss issues that peace will come.’

9 27/03/2018 12:19

Together, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re stronger than the storms

Vilia with two of her children outside the house that withstood a hurricane

10 CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 10

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2017

27/03/2018 12:19

Christian Aid Week 2018

This Christian Aid Week, 13-19 May, we’re sharing stories like Vilia’s that show how much stronger we are when we all come together. With the incredible support you provide through our local partners, Vilia is stronger than anything nature throws at her.

ilia lived in Port-au-Prince when the earthquake hit Haiti in January 2010. She heard people running and shouting, saw wires fall and houses crumble. In the confusion and terror, she couldn’t even recognise her home or neighbourhood. As she searched for her home and for her mother, she had to step over bodies lying on the ground. Vilia never found her mother. She still doesn’t know how she died. Bereaved and homeless, Vilia went back to her home town, 200km from Port-au-Prince, with her husband and seven children. But life was a struggle, and she had nowhere safe to stay. A home as strong as Vilia Christian Aid’s partner KORAL saw how dire Vilia’s situation was, and reached out to help her. They built her a new home, safe and strong enough to stand up to natural disasters. Vilia will never forget her mother, but our help has allowed her to move on from the other things she lost. The new house made Vilia incredibly happy, but it’s done more than that. It’s been a safe haven for dozens of people when they needed it most. On the terrifying night in October 2016 when Hurricane Matthew hit, Vilia’s neighbours quickly realised that her house was the only one in the area sturdy enough to cope with the hurricane. One by one, they fled to her house and she welcomed them in. In all, 54 people sheltered safely from the hurricane in Vilia’s house. Despite the ferocity of the hurricane, which left more than 800 people dead and thousands more displaced, her house lost only one roof panel. Many other homes in the area were totally destroyed.

Vilia’s neighbours Vilia is incredibly grateful for the help she’s received, and she’s used it to help others. But she knows that there are still many others in her neighbourhood who are struggling. She wishes we could help them too. Could you join us this Christian Aid Week to help more people like Vilia? Each year, Christian Aid Week brings tens of thousands of Christians together to achieve incredible things. We need you to join us so we can do more, and make sure that none of Vilia’s neighbours have to fear the next hurricane. Could you raise £210 with a Big Brekkie or a collection in your church? That’s enough to train a local builder in Haiti to build homes as sturdy as Vilia’s. That would give more of her neighbours a safe place to weather the next disaster, and a fighting chance to build a better life. Go to caweek.org to get involved. All your Christian Aid Week highlights – see pages 26-29

Christian Aid Week e-envelope Raise more money for people like Vilia! Send your friends and family a personalised e-envelope via email or social media and ask them to share at caweek.org/envelope

11 CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 11

27/03/2018 12:19

Inspiring Voices

Together, we can do this What’s the secret weapon of anyone who dares to try to change their world? The stories in the pages that follow suggest an answer that might surprise – and inspire – you.

12 CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 12

Christian Aid Magazine Autumn/Winter 2017

27/03/2018 12:19

here’s an inspiring weapon in the armoury of those trying to change their world and it isn’t guns. Nor is it political power, material wealth, technology or even education. No – the secret is something that people carry inside them. There are different words to help describe it, such as faith, hope, courage, commitment, soul, passion, vision and determination. If the people pictured over the next few pages had a single message, then it would be something like: together, we can do this. Their stories are tremendously different, in terms of who they are, where they live, what they’re fighting for and how they’re doing it. But they share three things. First is the fire they carry inside continued overpage

Christian Aid Magazine Autumn/Winter 2017

CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 13

13 27/03/2018 12:19

Inspiring Voices continued from page 13 themselves – whatever you want to call it. Secondly, remarkably, they confront extremely daunting problems, including death threats, environmental ruin and millennia of prejudice. The third similarity is that they are among the extraordinary people whose work Christian Aid is honoured to support around the world. We hope their stories will help to show that, whether we are helping communities recover in the days and weeks after a disaster, or backing work to help people meet longer-term needs, we are always working with local people and organisations that are active participants in the change they want to see. For decades, Christian Aid has worked mainly through local ‘partner’ organisations, rather than relying on our own staff. Among the advantages of this are that our partners have deep local knowledge, understanding and connections, as well as credibility.

Farmers are back working in their reclaimed fields. Below, right: Maw Moe Myar

Support that matters What Christian Aid brings to our partners and their communities includes funding, technical expertise and the encouragement that people in other countries are witnessing and supporting their work towards survival, flourishing and justice. The story of Rodrigo in Colombia illustrates this. Although the country’s war officially ended in 2016, Rodrigo’s human rights work puts him at risk of being murdered (see page 22). But he keeps fighting, saying: ‘My dream is that one day, people can defend and claim rights without fear of being killed.’ Rodrigo represents CONPAZ, a network of 155 groups of victims of Colombia’s civil war, which is itself supported by the Inter-Church Commission for Justice and Peace. The Commission, in turn, is supported by Christian Aid In Myanmar, Maw Moe Myar (see opposite) is helping communities get back land violently stolen from them. Her own village was burnt down in a land dispute. She also faces questions about why, as a woman, she is involved in politics. But she takes no notice: ‘I have too many hopes about the future!’ She works for the Union of Karenni State Youth, which is supported by Christian Aid.

Beacons of Light Rodrigo and Maw Moe...Rebecca, Iye and Juliet... Fatuma...Arturo, Janet and Sue....Thomas...Sunny and Morgan... just a handful of the hundreds of extraordinary people that Christian Aid helps to support around the world – or who help to support us. They are beacons of light, radiating out their hope and determination and helping to transform their worlds for the better. Rachel Baird

14 CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 14

‘Young peopl At just 24, Maw Moe Myar, is putting fear of reprisal aside to help create a better Myanmar.

t was a movement never seen before in a region notorious for human rights abuses, including unjust land grabs. Hundreds of farmers with tractors and ox carts took to the fields in a peaceful ‘plough’ protest over the thousands of acres taken from them. Backing them was Maw Moe Myar, helping them to reclaim the land they describe as ‘our life’. This tireless battle depended on the spirit of a community determined to claim what is rightfully theirs. Maw Moe Myar, a youth leader for the Union of Karenni State Youth, helped mobilise people and provide vital legal and media backing. Their collective achievement? The return of 495 acres of land. The fight goes on for the rest.

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2018

27/03/2018 12:19

What we do Karenni state is a small region notorious for drugs and armed diverse ethnic groups and political parties. Communities here face human rights abuses including the confiscation of land in areas where ownership is often contested between farmers and the military. The struggles of communities are often ignored. Christian Aid is mobilising people, helping them to advocate for their rights, through our partner the Union of Karenni State Youth.

eople have to lead and speak up’ Speaking about her life, Maw Moe is candid and forthright: ‘My village was burnt down in a land dispute. We had to leave. When you flee a village, you leave everything – there is no time to taskle anything important to you. I saw other young people like me, forced from their homes. It motivated me to do something. I started a youth group, helping others to campaign for their rights. It was our mission to build peace. ‘As a young person, I didn’t have a youth life, it was just studies. When you graduate, your parents encourage you to work in government and get a good pension. That wasn’t good enough for me, I want to learn new things and grow. ‘I started attending trainings

‘I want a seat in parliament’

on campaigning. People asked, why are you interested in politics when you’re a woman? But I kept going. Even those who questioned me have now opened their eyes. ‘Young people, especially young women, have to lead and to speak up. They used to fear this, but for your country

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2018

CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 15

to change, we must lead. This is why I do the work I do. ‘A woman thinks because of perceptions that they should stay silent; that they can’t be involved in politics. If women were leaders, the world would be more successful. At least a quarter of any group will be active now. We need to praise them, not put them down. ‘Land rights is a pertinent issue here, and I support farmers to claim back their land. I offer legal support and advice when they need to campaign or obtain media exposure for their cause ‘I have too many hopes for the future! I want to lead and bring about change. But you cannot just stay outside and shout. You must change the system from within. This is why I want to compete for a seat in parliament in 2020. This country needs to evolve.’

15 27/03/2018 12:19

Inspiring Voices

If we win, we win for all women In the year that we in the UK celebrate 100 years since women first won the vote, the struggle for women’s voices to be heard continues around the world. Here’s how that is playing out in Sierra Leone.

n Sierra Leone, the traditional patriarchal culture means that women have little power, or voice, in their communities, let alone the chance to be heard by, or represented, in their government. Only 13% of MPs and 19% of local councillors are women. Christian Aid is working with two partners, SEND Sierra Leone and the Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD) in the districts of Kono and Kailahun to help reddress this, offering support and training to empower women to stand up and be heard. Last month saw the national and local elections. We spoke to three women who were standing for election, to ask what drives them to challenge cultural barriers and what winning would mean.

16 CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 16

REBECCA YEI KAMARA, 41 – standing for parliament, Kono district ‘Once I said it out loud: “Rebecca, you are more than qualified. You are fit to do it!” I believed it. ‘Our voices were not loud. But I wanted them to be loud. Power to Women was the right project at the right time to inspire me. ‘If I win, I will feel I have broken the record. A woman has never been representing Kono in parliament. This is the time to break that record. To work as a champion for women to break the chain. I have opened the door to let other women through. Winning for me is not winning just for me, I’m winning for every woman in Kono. ‘We are still struggling to make people believe we can lead as well as men or more than men! I am not afraid of intimidation. I get calls every other night and they say negative things: “You Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2018

27/03/2018 12:19

Iye, Juliet and Rebecca: three women determined to stand up for all women in Sierra Leone

cannot compete with men, men are stronger than you”, “you are not fit”, or “we will kidnap you”. They say these things to scare me. I say: “You are a coward. If you think I am not capable, come to my meetings and stand up and say it”. ‘I am not afraid. I am ready to stand and face the battle.’ IYE E B MUSTAPHA, 52 – standing for local councillor, Kailahun district ‘I noticed women in my community are standing back, they don’t come forward. I didn’t like that. Men act on our behalf and we don’t say anything. We must stand up tall. ‘People here are vulnerable. I know the problems of my people and their needs are not

met. I suffered once like them. I want to stand so their problems are addressed. There is work to do! ‘There are critics. I am not liked 100%. People might say; “Look at this woman, she has no work to do, I wonder whether she can cook at home”. I don’t mind. I have a goal; to see women and children living the way they ought to. Living a better life. ‘I have been one of these people. I have suffered a lot, I dropped out of school, I didn’t get a good education and I see others suffering. I go on my toes to do all these things. I don’t want them to suffer like I did. I want them to be the eye of this nation. I want a better Sierra Leone. This is the start.’

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2018

CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 17

JULIET SCOTT, 50 – standing as local councillor, Kailahun district ‘Women here are marginalised. It is the customs holding us back and we are breaking through those traditions. It is our God-given right to stand up, to be involved in politics. To be in the kitchen is not our only responsibility. SEND has been an eye-opener for us, to get us in the villages, to let us know our rights, to let us stand up and fight for ourselves, not always men doing it for us. ‘If I win it will be a great breakthrough. We have a lot to change. We will not give up.’ • STOP PRESS: Rebecca won her election and is now an MP. Sadly, on this occasion Iye and Juliet were unsuccessful.

17 27/03/2018 12:19

Inspiring Voices

From waving plants to radio waves… Fatuma Kusheni, a mother-of-seven who lives in Ethiopia’s Borena Zone, is helping to ensure pastoralist communities like hers get the information they need before disaster strikes.

gricultural communities in Ethiopia have their own means of climate forecasting based on observations of such factors as wind direction, variations in plant foliage and the behaviour of birds and wild animals. However, the traditional forecasts failed to predict drought in 2015, leading to a devastating loss of animal life and livelihood. Communities also paid no attention to official radio broadcasts warning of the drought. The Christian Aid-led BRACED programme has helped build the confidence of communities in the information being aired over the radio and made it more accessible and relevant to them. Fatuma and other members come together in a radio group to listen to weather forecasts and make livelihood decisions based on the information they hear. Fatuma admits they have turned from being sceptics to advocates! ‘Our pastoral lifestyle is something that we have inherited from our grandparents and greatgrandparents. We make our living taking care of cattle. It is very hard work. ‘In the past when there was drought, everyone suffered the same. Drought would finish off everyone’s cattle. But now, people are learning new ways of coping. ‘We didn’t take any action based on the advice from the radio during this last drought. It was

CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 18

Christian Aid Magazine Autumn/Winter 2017

27/03/2018 12:19

after the drought that we started to really listen and heed its advice. ‘Over time, we have come to trust what the radio is saying. For example, we were told there would be heavy rains. So we ploughed the land, we sowed the seeds, and the crops are growing. We saw the results and so we now have more confidence with the radio. ‘These days we take its advice and plan our activities accordingly. If we receive information about a coming drought, two to three months in advance, then we are better able to prepare for it.’

Christian Aid Magazine Autumn/Winter 2017

CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 19

BRACED for impact From 2014-2018, Christian Aid’s BRACED programme has worked with communities in high-risk locations in Ethiopia and Burkina Faso to promote resilience in the face of increasingly erratic weather patterns and climate shocks. In Ethiopia, as well as helping communities find new ways to manage their land, BRACED works with local FM radio stations through its partnership with BBC Media Action to produce and disseminate climate information from Ethiopia’s National Meteorological Agency, including sharing seasonal forecasts in the local languages. As the framework rolls out, radio listening groups like the one Fatuma belongs to will receive advance notice of impending droughts. To learn more about BRACED, go to caid.org.uk/datastories

27/03/2018 12:19

Inspiring Voices Arturo Tahup, is helping to bring solar technology to disaster-hit communities in the Philippines

Putting a shift in Our Big Shift campaign doesn’t just start and end with our energy here in the UK. Our climate heroes, Janet in Kenya, Arturo in the Philippines – and Sue in the UK – may be living on different sides of the globe, but they are united in their efforts to care for the world we all live in.

‘Solar scholars’ build a brighter future

rturo Tahup, above, project coordinator at the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, a Christian Aid partner in the Philippines is one of those leading the way in the use of solar technology in disaster resilience. Arturo says: ‘I’ve witnessed the horrific impacts of extreme weather events on vulnerable communities. Deaths and injuries; neighbourhoods and livelihoods transformed into a wasteland; desperate survivors looking at a bleak future – these are common elements in the story of climate change in the Philippines. ‘But there is also a flipside to this story. It is the “solar scholars” like Hazel Ocenar and Randy Mark Zosa, typhoon survivors who have taken

20 CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 20

the lead in using solar technology to respond to, and better prepare for, disasters. It is the story of Filipino communities striving together to build a brighter and more sustainable future. ‘We must move away from dirty fuels that cause climate change and shift to sustainable clean energy solutions. So that’s what we’re doing. The people we work with through our Access to Better Energy project, supported by Christian Aid, want to transform the way their communities are powered, in a way that will give poor households greater access to clean energy and promote jobs. Solar-powered homes mean light in the evenings, and solar-powered fridges and equipment increase the opportunities for sustainable enterprise. These projects are also resilient. The local groups running them are leading the way in protecting the precious climate on which we all depend. ‘I hope the world is paying attention.’ Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2018

27/03/2018 12:19

‘I want to help everybody embrace clean energy’

anet Machuka is a young activist in the Clean Energy Now campaign in Kenya – part of Christian Aid’s Big Shift climate change movement. Janet says: ‘As a little kid I never knew what electricity was. Paraffin was our source of light at home as we lit our grass-thatched houses with the little lamps. The sun was only used for drying our maize. ‘The dark smoke from the coal and firewood we used meant my asthmatic mama was often in hospital and put her health at risk every time she cooked. ‘But in primary school I learned about renewable and non-renewable sources of energy. As as we grew older, we took those lessons more seriously and made a conscious decision to invest in changes to our everyday lives. Now, my mama lights our home with solar energy and prepares our meals in a cleaner environment thanks to our gas cooker. ‘Now I want to help everybody to embrace clean energy. There is no longer time for any ignorance about climate change.

How we can walk lighter in the world

hen it comes to clean energy, we need to lead by example. In London, Sue Charlton is an active campaigner and Christian Aid supporter, who knows what that looks like.

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2018

CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 21

‘Last year I joined my fellow Kenyans in a campaign calling on our leaders to give us “Clean Energy Now”. The campaign was led by a group of cyclists who travelled across our country demanding a future in which people can cook their meals with the power of the sun, light their homes with the power of the wind and where electricity can reach The Big Shift update everyone, even Our Big Shift campaign has been the smallest calling on the biggest UK banks to house in the shift finances away from fossil fuels smallest village.’ towards cleaner and safer energy. Since November 2016 more than 20,000 people have got involved in the Big Shift in the UK, signing petitions, visiting bank branches and emailing CEOs.

Sue says: ‘At St Stephen’s Ealing we have joined Christian Aid’s Big Shift campaign and discuss how we can “walk lighter” in the world. We are signed up as an Eco Church, and were delighted last November to achieve the scheme’s Bronze Award. ‘We actively encourage everyone to reduce, reuse and recycle; to consider energy efficiency when travelling and for lighting and heating. We have attended rallies and lobbies of Parliament; we celebrate Earth Hour each year, and have services dedicated to thinking about the environment. And we always invite users of our centre to take part where possible too. ‘I sense the tide is at last beginning to turn. Recent reports indicate a growing use of renewable energy. We no longer feel like a voice in the wilderness with cranky ideas and hobbies!’

21 27/03/2018 12:19

Inspiring Voices

‘I get upset by injustice’ As a human rights defender, Rodrigo knows that trying to build peace in Colombia after more than 50 years of war is a complex business. And sticking your neck out here carries a huge risk of being killed.

eople describe me as a dynamic and passionate human rights defender, but also as being very impatient with injustice. I do get upset by injustice, in fact, the colour of my face changes,’ says Rodrigo Castillo Rodallega. In Colombia – the single most dangerous country in the world to be a human rights activist – Christian Aid’s partner the Inter-Church Commission for Justice and Peace is supporting communities trying to claim their land rights and organise themselves to benefit from the peace agreement that ended the country’s long-running conflict between the Government and FARC rebels. Rodrigo has been meeting with the newly created truth commission to discuss the process of establishing the truth about serious human rights violations, including killings, forced disappearances and displacements. The idea is to organise an act of public recognition during which FARC will ask for forgiveness. Rodrigo is the representative of CONPAZ, an influential network of 155 victims’ organisations.

22 CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 22

Supported by our partner, CONPAZ has been involved in organising a process in which children under 18 left FARC and returned to their families. However, the achievement Rodrigo is proudest of was when he, as the legal representative of a large black community of more than 20,000 people, led a complex legal process that culminated in the authorities giving them a land title of more than 177,000 hectares. ‘I got very upset when, despite the strong evidence and the fact that it was obvious that the court would rule in our favour, the opposing parties kept dragging out the process by introducing legal technicalities. ‘Being the voice of the people, who are too afraid or who don’t have a voice, is what truly motivates me. Serving others in the name of faith is also a driving force for me.’ When I interviewed Rodrigo, he was nervous. Two allies of his were killed two days before and another high-profile leader was killed 14 days earlier. Because of his high profile, the National Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2018

27/03/2018 12:19

Protection Unit has provided Rodrigo with two bodyguards, a bullet-proof vest, a vehicle and a telephone. He recalled an incident, two months back in a shopping mall, when his bodyguards noticed armed men starting to surround him. Fortunately, they reacted quickly and got Rodrigo out safely. ‘My dream is that one day, people can defend and claim their rights without fear of being killed. That one day, being a human rights defender becomes an honorable role, recognised and celebrated by the public. My dream is also that the peace agreement between the government of Colombia and the FARC will be fully implemented, and not only partially implemented like now. ‘It’s important having the support of The Inter-Church Commission for Justice and Peace. They play a very important role in accompanying communities in claiming their rights, by continuously denouncing human rights violations at local, national and international level.’ Later this year, Rodrigo is hoping to be elected as an MP in the national parliament. Colombia certainly needs brave and capable people like him to speak out on behalf of victims.

‘They will give up only when they die’ The UN has described the situation in Eastern Ghouta, Syria, as ‘hell on earth’. We asked someone who works for one of our partners there about how its staff keep going.

ost of the time, it’s the people working in Eastern Ghouta who give us hope when we feel helpless and hopeless. A few months ago, they wanted to start a peacebuilding project and I asked: is it feasible with the shelling? They laughed, saying “this has become our reality – we are used to the shelling and we need to keep going”. ‘It was heart-lifting to see how resilient and adaptable they are and how they keep learning new skills and working for the future. ‘My colleagues have lost some of their hope in recent weeks, because the bombing has got so much worse and they feel abandoned by the world. But they will give up only when they die. ‘I have been encouraged by people working in Ma’aret AlNou’man that was under extensive shelling and it seemed it was the end. The donor funding their work wanted them to evacuate to a safer place – and they refused. Suddenly the shelling stopped and moved to Ghouta. When they heard what was happening, they starting collecting donations to send food to people there. ‘When you see this kind of solidarity from people who were being shelled and could have been evacuated, you get humbled and push yourself further, even if you are despairing. This way of living and defying all odds, is something that is really inspiring. ‘For people who are trapped inside Syria, being supported by any Western organisation is very important because it means they are not totally forgotten. Knowing that this organisation is Christian and helping them knowing that they are mostly Muslims, is even more important. It challenges the narrative that Christians are only looking after Christians. It reinforces the notion that humanity is what is gathering us, not only religion.’

Interview: Thomas Mortensen

91 killed

in Colombia in 2017.

1/3

This is of the total number of Human Rights Defenders killed worldwide* *Annual Report on Human Rights Defenders at Risk in 2017, 22 January 2018).

CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 23

27/03/2018 12:19

Inspiring Voices

Climb every mountain... Edinburgh nurse Sunny He Huang is the first person from China to have officially climbed all 282 Munros – and all to raise funds for Christian Aid.

n 2015, as part of Christian Aid’s 70th anniversary, supporters and staff from across the UK and Ireland, climbed 70 Scottish Munros raising more than £70,000. But Sunny He Huang went rather more than the extra mile. She decided to climb all 282 Munros and last November completed her final one. She climbed most of the Munros with friends but did over 100 entirely on her own. Sunny’s love of hill walking started when her only child went to university and feeling a bit at a loose end, she started walking

24 CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 24

on the Pentland Hills. Two years ago, a friend suggested she join them for Christian Aid’s 70 Munros Challenge. ‘Once I started, all I thought about was completing the 70 but then last year in May, I became determined to climb all 282. I spent every single weekend and day off completing Munros. When I reached the top of the last one, I was absolutely delighted. ‘It’s been tough, emotionally and physically, climbing so many Munros in such a short space of time. Last year on my birthday in November, I climbed

Am Basteir on Skye. It was by far the most dangerous one I’d climbed as there was a thin layer of snow and it was really slippery and wet. ‘When we were growing up we were very poor. I am not rich now but at least I have enough to feed myself, my family and we have a roof over our heads. I’ve always wanted to help people living in poverty. This is why I’m supporting Christian Aid, to make their vision – to help end poverty – become reality.’ Sunny, who works at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary as a cardiac theatre nurse, came

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2018

27/03/2018 12:19

Magic Morgan

Photo courtesy Jersey Evening Post/David Ferguson

Proving you are never too young to be a source of inspiration…

to the UK from the Liaoning Province in China in 2004 and quickly made Scotland her home. ‘When I heard from the Scottish Mountaineering Club that I was the first person from China to have officially climbed all 282 Munros, I was actually quite emotional and I was proud for China, too.’ And she has no intention of hanging up her walking shoes just yet… ‘For my next challenge, I would like to walk the length of Hadrian’s Wall and I have three Corbetts in mind that I’d like to climb.’ Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2018

CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 25

hat will you do after reading this magazine? Put the kettle on, call a friend, maybe put on your running shoes? For nine-year old Morgan Surcouf from Jersey, reading Christian Aid Magazine inspired him to do just that, and he has now run an impressive 60km to raise money for our Christmas Appeal. Morgan took on the challenge of running the ‘Twelve 5ks of Christmas’, taking a break only on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. ‘He just ‘After a copy of the magazine said “I came in the post showing what have got the charity was doing in Burkina to do it”.’ Faso and South Sudan, I really wanted to help. I really like running, especially cross country and I had seen that somebody had run the same challenge before.’ We quite agree with his mum Rachael: ‘I have been so impressed with his determination – even on days where there was bad weather he just said: “I have got to do it”.’ To date Morgan has raised more than £900, almost four times his original target of £250. Anyone wishing to sponsor Morgan can do so by visiting justgiving.com/fundraising/ morgansurcouf.

25 27/03/2018 12:19

Coming soon… If you would like to get involved with a Christian Aid fundraiser, workshop, service, concert or challenge event, here’s a round-up of some of the events that are happening across the UK over the coming months. You can also find out more about what’s happening where you live by going to christianaid.org.uk/inyourarea

SCOTLAND APRIL 21 NEWPORT-ON-TAY Tay Bridge Cross

2pm, Newport-on-Tay Car Park DD6 8QX. A 3-mile sponsored walk across one of Scotland’s beautiful bridges, giving incredible views of Fife, Angus and Perthshire. For details, contact: lkirkland@ christian-aid.org or phone 0141 2217475.

28 SOUTH QUEENSFERRY

Forth Road Bridge Cross

2pm, Forth Road Bridge Admin Offices, South Queensferry EH30 9SF. Over more than 45 years, Christian Aid supporters have raised £100,000s from this annual sponsored walk across one of Scotland’s most iconic structures. Contact details, as above.

MAY 5 OLD KILPATRICK

Erskine Bridge Cross Sponsored Walk

2pm, Lusset Park, Station Road, Old Kilpatrick G60 5LS. Annual sponsored walk and family fun day at the Erskine Bridge, with an optional forestry walk plus entertainment, face paint and an obstacle course. Contact as before.

26 CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 26

12-18 EDINBURGH

George Street Christian Aid Week Book Sale

WALES

LONDON

MAY

St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA. With more than 60,000 books for sale, plus maps, antiques, ephemera and a café, this is one of the most eagerly anticipated events in Edinburgh’s literary calendar. For details, see stagw.org.uk/work/ christian-aid-sale

12 PENMAENMAWR

12-18 EDINBURGH

13 CARDIFF

The City of Edinburgh Methodist Church Christian Aid Week Book Sale

11am-4pm daily, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX. The second year of this book festival, with authors’ talks and events, as well as the sale of second-hand books. For more details, phone: 0131 6628635.

12-19 EDINBURGH

Holy Corner Christian Aid Week Book Sale 15 Chamberlain Road, Morningside, Edinburgh EH10 4DJ. A week-long event (excluding Sunday 13th). Buy second-hand books – non-fiction, children’s, antiquarian, vintage and much more! For more details, see holycornerbooksale. wordpress.com/

Ffair Cymorth Cristnogol / Christian Aid Fair

10am-12noon, Neuadd Gymunedol/ Community Hall, Conwy Road, Penmaenmawr LL34 6AB. Stalls selling cakes, books, plants, bric-a-brac, tombola.

Christian Aid Week service

9am, Llandaff Cathedral, Cathedral Close, Llandaff CF5 2LA. Celebrate the start of Christian Aid Week.

15 BANGOR

MAY 4-9 KENNINGTON

Uprooted photographic exhibition

St Anselm’s Church, 286 Kennington Road SE11 5DU. Exhibition highlighting Christian Aid’s work with internally displaced people (See page 6).

13 EDGWARE Big Brekkie

11.30am, John Keble Church Hall, Deans Lane, Edgware HA8 9NT. Enjoy a scrummy cooked breakfast. For more information, contact Frances at Freynolds@ christian-aid.org

13 MILL HILL

Sponsored Walk

10am, Northycote Farm, Underhill Lane, Bushbury WV10 7JF. Join the Bishop of Wolverhampton on this 3km circular route. For more information, contact Roger Poole at: rapoole@ virginmedia.com

JUNE 22 GRANGE-OVERSANDS

Gareth Davies-Jones in Concert

7.30pm, Grange-OverSands Methodist Church, Cumbria. With one of the best-kept secrets on the British music scene. For tickets, contact Laura at lkjones@ christian-aid.org.

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2018

CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 27

EASTSIDE

Gareth Davies-Jones in Concert

A concert double-bill featuring one of the bestkept acoustic secrets on the British music scene. Come and hear, too, about the impact of legacy giving on Christian Aid’s work.

Saturday 28th, Trinity Methodist Church, Newland Avenue, Hull HU5 2EJ. For more information and to book tickets, please contact Steph at scooper@ christian-aid.org

30 YORK

Curry and Quiz evening 7.30pm, The Parvin Indian Restaurant, Haxby, York. To book, contact Rob Cooper at robcooper46@ btinternet.com or 07947 533598.

MAY 7 SHEFFIELD

Sheffield Christian Aid / CAFOD May Day Trek 9.30am, St. Luke’s Church, Lodge Moor, Sheffield S10 4LQST. Take part in a six- or 11mile circular sponsored walk on the edge of the Peak District. For details, contact Tom at twyke@ christian-aid.org.

Friday 27th, 7.30pm: St Luke’s Church, Burton Stone Lane, York YO30 7BE For tickets, please contact comer171@yahoo. co.uk or 07956 612461

CIRCLE THE CITY

20 MAY

1pm-5.30pm (registration from 12pm), St Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside, London EC2V 6AU. Circle the City is 21 this year! We would love you to join us as we celebrate this milestone. Circling the City of London, our sponsored walk will include visits to churches and the chance to enjoy exhibitions, activities, refreshments and entertainment, while raising vital funds to bring an end to poverty. If you want to get a feel for the event, please go to caid.org. uk/events/circle-city and watch the video! For more information, please email: ctc@christian-aid.org.

27 27/03/2018 12:19

13 SHEFFIELD

27 POOLE

Sheffield Cathedral. Paul Valentin, Christian Aid’s International Programme Director, will be preaching during the morning Eucharist service.

7pm, St Edward’s School, Dale Valley Road, Poole BH15 3HY. Concert featuring Richard McLester. For more details, contact: Christian Aid Southampton office southampton@ christian-aid.org or call 023 8070 6969.

Morning Eucharist,

17 SHEFFIELD

Gareth Davies-Jones Concert UPROOTED! THE PHOTO EXHIBITION

FEBRUARY – NOVEMBER 2018

This Christian Aid exhibition, featuring photos and stories about internally displaced people, will travel around the country this year. The itinerary is always being updated, so please check our website! Between March and May stops will include St Andrew’s Church Rugby, South Parade Methodist Church Sutton Coldfield, an ecumenical event in Balsall Common, Coventry Cathedral, and events in Evesham, Bromsgrove and Malvern Priory. In May, the exhibition visits London and St Nicholas Cathedral, Newcastle. Please contact your local office to find out more. For more details, including special events, see christianaid.org.uk/get-involved-locally

11 HAXBY, YORK Silent Movie and Organ Recital

7pm, Haxby and Wigginton Methodist Church, The Village, Haxby YO32 2JJ. An evening of silent movies accompanied by pianist Ashley Valentine, followed by a short organ recital. For more details, contact Rob Cooper at robcooper46@btinernet. com or 07947 533598.

12 SHEFFIELD

Sheffield Busk Aid

10am-4pm, Sheffield City Centre. Buskers perform in aid of Christian Aid. For details, contact Tom at twyke@ christian-aid.org.

Humber Bridge Country Park, Hessle HU13 0LN (for walkers from the north). Annual iconic event. For details, contact Judi Perry on 01509 265013, jperry@ christian-aid.org

12 NOTTINGHAM Quiz Night

7pm, St Giles’ Church, West Bridgford, Nottingham. Tickets £10, including refreshments. Contact Claire, on 07948 834250, or admin@stgilesparish.com

12-19 SHEFFIELD

I Witness Exhibition

Sheffield Cathedral Showing the life-changing work in Haiti following the earthquake in 2010.

12 HUMBER BRIDGE

12-20 NEWCASTLE

2-5pm, Far Ings Road, Barton upon Humber DN18 5AZ (for walkers from the south)

St Nicholas Cathedral, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 1PF. See panel, above.

Humber Bridge Cross

28 CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 28

Uprooted Exhibition

7.30-9.30pm, Sheffield Cathedral. Tickets are £5 and available from Sheffield Cathedral Coffee Shop or online. For more information, please contact Tom at twyke@ christian-aid.org.

19 NEWCASTLE

Thy Kingdom Come

7pm, St Nicholas Cathedral, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1PF. A celebration of prayer.

20 DURHAM

Thy Kingdom Come

Songs of the Light

MAY 7 NORTH DEVON

North Devon May Bank Holiday Walk 10am, Hartland Methodist Chapel Join this eight-mile walk. For more details, please contact Christian Aid Southampton office, as above.

11 EXETER

SALT Workshop – Putting Values to Work

7-8.30pm, Durham Cathedral A celebration of prayer and worship. Free event, ticketed through durhamcathedral.co.uk

10am-1pm, Stephens Scown Solicitors, Southernhay West, Exeter EX1 1RS. How to embed values in business. Contact salt@ christian-aid.org

30 SHEFFIELD

12 WINCHESTER

Sheffield Night Hike

8.30pm, St. Luke’s Church, Lodge Moor, Sheffield S10 4LQST. A nine- or 17-mile circular night walk on the edge of the Peak District in aid of Christian Aid. For details, contact Tom at twyke@ christian-aid.org.

SOUTH WEST: APRIL 22 SWINDON

Christian Aid Soup Lunch

Immanuel United Reform Church, Upham Road, Swindon SN3 1DH. For details, email di. swan37@btinternet.com.

Winchester Big Bike to Brekkie 9am, Winchester Cathedral, 9 The Close, Winchester SO23 9LS. Get sponsored to cycle from your home to Winchester Cathedral and claim a delicious free breakfast. For details, contact Southampton office, as above.

12 NAILSWORTH

12-hour Table Tennis Marathon

9am-9pm, Christ Church, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire. For more details, contact Christian Aid Bristol office bristol@christian-aid.org or call 01454 415923.

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2018

27/03/2018 12:20

12 CHIPPENHAM

After the Hurricane: Hiking for Haiti –

9.30am (10.30am for cyclists). A beautiful sponsored walk and delicious lunch (£5). For details, email rspencer@ btinternet.com or call the Christian Aid Bristol office on 01454 415 923.

12 ISLE OF WIGHT

Sandown Bay Christian Aid Walk 10am, Christ Church, Sandown, Isle of Wight PO36 9ET Circular 4.5-mile walk. Registration required. For more information, contact Christian Aid Southampton office, as before.

12 POOLE/ BOURNEMOUTH

Poole – Bournemouth Annual Seafront Sponsored Walk

Walk 14 miles from Sandbanks to Southbourne and return (or vice versa) or a shorter distance of your choice. For details, contact Christian Aid Southampton office, as before.

13 PURTON

Cafe Church Big Brekkie

9am, Purton Methodist Church, Swindon SN5 4DP.

16 PURTON

Christian Aid Lunch

12noon, Purton Methodist Church, Swindon SN5 4DP.

17 WEST LOOE

Soup and Sweet Lunch

12noon, United Reformed Church, The Quay, West Looe, Cornwall PL13 2AD. Contact John Trethewey on 01503 262624.

17 TROWBRIDGE

Christian Aid Lunch

12noon-1pm, St James’ Church Hall, Union St, Trowbridge BA14 8RU. £4pp. For more information,

email audreybrown@ blueyonder.co.uk or phone the Bristol Christian Aid office as before.

SOUTH EAST

19 HIGHWORTH

Songs and Sonnets with Malcolm Guite

Street Collection

For details, email pcroton@ btinternet.com or phone the Bristol Christian Aid office, as above.

19 PURTON

Cakes and Plants Sale

8.30am, Top Shops, Pavenhill, Purton SN5 4DB.

19 WEST LOOE

Baked Potato Lunch and Raffle

12noon, Riverside Church, The Quay, West Looe, Cornwall PL13 2AD. Contact: John Trethewey on 01503 262624.

20 PURTON

Lunch Party – Bring and Share! 12noon-2.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Purton SN5 4EB. For more information on all Purton events please email libbie@sheppard. org or call the Bristol Christian Aid office.

20 WICKHAM

South Hampshire Sponsored Walk

1pm, St Nicholas’ Church Hall, Wickham, Hampshire PO17 6HP Enjoy a country ramble around Wickham with a choice of walks. Details from our Southampton office, as before.

JUNE 23 BARNSTAPLE

Sponsored Walk at Arlington Court National Trust Property

10am-3pm, Arlington Court, Near Barnstaple EX31 4LP. For details, contact Jill Stone at jstone@christianaid.org or phone 07814 131167.

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2018

CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 29

APRIL 20 NORWICH

7.30pm, Weston Room, Norwich Cathedral NR1 4DH. Performance by the poet, singer, priest and author. Tickets £7.50. For tickets, email norwich@christianaid.org or call 01603 620051.

MAY 3 CHELMSFORD Meet Prospery Raymond

4.30-6.30pm, All Saints Church, Springfield Green, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 7HS. Come along to hear our country manager in Haiti talk about our work there. We will also be discussing the future of Christian aid’s work in Chelmsford. For details, contact Neil Roper on nroper@christian-aid. org or call 020 7523 2363.

RUN TO HAITI

MAY 2018 LOCATION: UK-WIDE

Be part of the Christian Aid Week virtual Run to Haiti challenge. Join others from all over the country, as, together, you collectively run the 7,137km distance from London to Haiti. It couldn’t be simpler; you choose the distance, where to run and how long to complete your pledge – either the whole of Christian Aid Week or the month of May. Sign up now at caid.org. uk/runtohaiti or email events@christian-aid. org for more details

12 ROCHESTER

Bishopscourt Open Garden

11am to 3pm, Bishopscourt, 24 St Margaret’s Street, Rochester ME1 1TS. Entry £2 to the Bishop of Rochester’s garden. Teas, cakes and plants for sale. For more details, contact bridget.langstaff@ btinternet.com

12 WOKING Big Brekkie

9-11am, Woking URC, White Rose Lane GU22 7HA. Contact Dorothy Brassington on 01483 764915.

12 WARE

19 BIX

9.30am, Wodson Park Sports Centre, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 0DJ. A new walk for 2018 in beautiful countryside – 13.5 or 21km options. Adult £10, child £3 to register. For more details, visit christianaidwalk. org or email kaypitt40@ gmail.com

8.30-10am, Bix Village Hall RG9 6BS. Annual walk across the Oxfordshire countryside near Henley, with a choice of 5, 10 or 15 miles. Get sponsored or turn up and donate minimum of £20. For more information, email oxford@christian-aid. org or call 01865 246818.

21K 4CA 2018

Walk the Country

29 27/03/2018 12:20

Last Word

‘I have learned… that there is a purpose for me being here’ By now, you’ll have probably heard that Christian Aid has a new CEO – Amanda Khozi Mukwashi. So what’s she like? We’ll do the formal introductions later, but for now, Joe Ware has slipped in a few early questions. When did you first come across Christian Aid and what kind of experience have you had of us in the past? I first came across CA at the 2005 Gleneagles summit as part of the Make Poverty History movement. I was very impressed with the credibility you brought to the whole movement. Later I joined the board, and the experience has had a profound impact on me. I always looked forward to board meetings – the respect, the openness and thoroughness with which the trustees approach their responsibilities was very inspiring. Above all, was the freedom I felt to openly combine my faith and my love for development work. Who inspires you? The ones who really helped shaped my views are my mother and my late grandfather. My mother is such a strong and truly amazing woman. From very early on when I was in primary school, I remember her talking to me about working hard at school. Through the tough years and the good ones, she has never moved from being on my side. Her father, my grandfather, was way ahead of his time. He believed in the education of girls and women’s

30 CAM 9 Book Master V4.indb 30

empowerment. He made it a point that his daughters had similar opportunities despite never having been to school himself. From these two people, I have learned to be true to myself, work hard and know that there is a purpose for me being here. What have been your biggest achievements? Being able to pick myself up when I stumbled, looking ahead and one step at a time, quietly, decidedly, pursuing my quest for social justice in my own way. What are the principles and the philosophy that guides you? There is a lovely quote by Maya Angelou that speaks to my thoughts on this: ‘My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour and some style’. And I believe that God answers prayers. What has your Christian journey been like? I was born and raised as a Catholic. While at university I joined the Seventh Day Adventist Church. However, it was when I moved to the UK that my journey truly started. Alone and without the comfort of familiar fellowship

and community, was quite an experience. But I found a home in Coventry Central SDA. It has been a journey of learning to lean on God and depending on Him for everything. I have experienced the joy of answered prayer. I am still learning, making mistakes as I go but knowing that my steps will remain steadfast on the road with Christ. What is your favourite Bible passage? Jeremiah 29:11, ‘For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and an expected future’. What do you do to relax? Sometimes I walk. I like baking (nothing fancy) and I listen to gospel music. I have accomplished some of my most difficult tasks while listening to gospel, from Lynda Randle’s One Day at a Time, to Donnie McClurkin’s Days of Elijah. Also, South Africa’s acapella group Reality 7 and hymns. What’s your favourite place in the world? Whenever I arrive home, irrespective of which part of the world I am living in, it always feels like that is my favourite.

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2018

27/03/2018 12:20

How you can stay involved in the fight against poverty For more information and stories about Christian Aid, please visit our website at christianaid.org.uk • You can find out how to get more involved, whether it’s fundraising, volunteering or taking part in events. • Discover ways to donate, and read stories from around the world showing how Christian Aid and its partners are working to bring an end to poverty. • Keep up with the latest press releases and blogs from our media team, and discover more about our campaigns. Check out caid.org.uk/news • If you would like to send a letter to the editor of this magazine or post a donation, please write to: Christian Aid, 35-41 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RL. There are many other ways you can keep up with and interact with Christian Aid’s activities. You can...

In this issue we have featured our work with the following global partners and programmes: The South Sudan Council of Churches in South Sudan PACIDA in Kenya COPROMOR in the DRC Ekklisiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria in Nigeria Jireh Doo Foundation in Nigeria KORAL in Haiti Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities in the Philippines Clean Energy Now in Kenya Inter-Church Commission for Justice and Peace in Colombia BRACED programme in Ethiopia

Like us: facebook.com/christianaid Follow us: twitter.com/christian_aid Watch us: youtube.com/thisischristianaid If you have enjoyed reading then we encourage you to share this magazine with others to help spread the word and reduce costs.

Union of Karenni State Youth in Myanmar SEND in Sierra Leone Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD) in Sierra Leone

the

Circle LONDON