Christian Aid News 59 - Spring 2013

CHRISTIAN AID NEWS Issue 59

Spring 2013

christianaid.org.uk

• ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE IF campaign turns focus on world leaders • Emergency appeal over Syrian refugee crisis

YES WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE YOUR SUPPORT THIS CHRISTIAN AID WEEK IS VITAL TO HELP US TACKLE HUNGER

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Contact us: 020 7620 4444 info@christian-aid.org

CONTENTS Workers in India’s stone quarries will receive fairer compensation over poor health

EDITOR’S LETTER

F2195

Christian Aid News is printed on 100 per cent recycled paper

Mine Labour Protection Campaign (MLPC) Trust

OFTEN, THOSE INVOLVED in social campaigning can feel as if they are operating in a bubble – and very often they are, their actions coordinated by the single organisation they belong to or support.

The ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE IF campaign is different. For the first time since the mass rallies of Make Poverty History, a coalition of campaigners has formed around a powerful, urgent ask: to solve the problem of global hunger.

More than 100 organisations are involved, so if you are thinking about joining a rally to put pressure on world leaders at the G8 summit in June, please bear in mind you won’t be swimming in a small pond, but in a mighty ocean of human endeavour. See page 12.

And it’s less than two months now until that other great endeavour – Christian Aid Week. We hope many thousands of you will again be out collecting, holding or attending fundraising events, or joining a walk, bike ride or other sponsored effort. See what it means on page 16 and get involved!

Roger Fulton, Editor

9 REGULARS

■ 26 LIFE AND SOUL

■ 4 THE BIG PICTURE One inspiring image.

How one church’s malaria fundraising campaign has helped save lives.

■ 6 NEWS

■ 28 EVENTS

12

Crisis appeal to help refugees from Syria’s conflict; food shortages continue in Mali; plea for churches to help fund girls’ education in Afghanistan.

■ 30 LAST WORD Bishops reflect on their visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.

■ 12 CAMPAIGNS Next stop, the G8! The defining moment looms for the ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE IF campaign.

■ 22 INPUT

20

Your feedback to us.

■ 22 COMMENT

Events and stories from your part of Britain.

SPECIAL FEATURES ■ 16 LIFE AND SOUL SPECIAL: CHRISTIAN AID WEEK Inspiring stories behind this year’s event – and are you doing your bit?

Our feedback to you!

■ 24 YOUR CHRISTIAN AID

Take up the fundraising challenge – by bike, on foot or even in the kitchen!

28

■ 20 FRONTLINE Restoring dignity and hope in Egypt.

UK registered charity number 1105851 Company number 5171525 Scotland charity number SC039150 Northern Ireland charity number XR94639 Company number NI059154 Republic of Ireland charity number CHY 6998 Company number 426928. The Christian Aid name and logo are trademarks of Christian Aid; Poverty Over is a trademark of Christian Aid. © Christian Aid March 2013. The acceptance of external advertising does not indicate endorsement. If you wish to receive this magazine digitally, go to christianaid.org.uk/can

Christian Aid is a Christian organisation that insists the world can and must be swiftly changed to one where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. We work globally for profound change that eradicates the causes of poverty, striving to achieve equality, dignity and freedom for all, regardless of faith or nationality.

We are part of a wider movement for social justice.

We provide urgent, practical and effective assistance where need is great, tackling the effects of poverty as well as its root causes.

■ Front cover Sikhanyisiwe Ndlovu (Skha), from Zimbabwe, whose life has been transformed by a dam. See page 10. Christian Aid/Susan Barry ■ Pictures Joseph Cabon ■ Sub-editors Tomilola Ajayi, Tracy Tran, Louise Parfitt ■ Circulation Ben Hayward ■ Design and production Chris Hill/Syon Publishing, 020 8332 8407 ■ Christian Aid head office 35 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RL ■ Tel 020 7620 4444 ■ Fax 020 7620 0719 ■ Email info@christian-aid.org ■ Online at christianaid.org.uk

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THE BIG PICTURE

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LIFE AT THE TIPPING POINT Bengal’s five sculptures were inspired by Gerry’s trip to West Bengal and Jharkhand in India to see how poor communities are being forced to adapt to unpredictable weather patterns and rising sea levels.

Gerry, who was born in Kolkata, West Bengal, was struck by the inequality that comes from dealing with climate change in India. ‘It seems that there are people in India getting richer and richer and there are people in India getting poorer and poorer,’ he says. ‘And it’s the latter who are more affected by climate change. It has such an impact on people that they’re trying to patch up whatever they can, just to deal with it.’

• Tipping Point runs from 11 May to 6 July. See christianaid.org.uk/ tippingpoint or wolverhamptonart. org.uk/events/tipping-point

Christian Aid/Elizabeth Dalziel

A STREET VENDOR cooks on a portable stove beneath a cat’s cradle network of electrical cables that carries power in old Delhi, India. This compelling scene has helped to inspire a new series of artwork for an exhibition focusing on climate change.

Artist Gerry Judah was commissioned by Christian Aid to produce a series of works – entitled Bengal – for Tipping Point, a new exhibition in association with Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

Opening on 11 May, the eve of Christian Aid Week, Tipping Point explores the unstable future of our environments and economies. It features work by a number of acclaimed artists, including former Turner Prize winner Simon Starling and former Turner Prize nominees Darren Almond and Anya Gallaccio.

Christian Aid News 5

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NEWS LEBANON

Pictures: Christian Aid/Sarah Malian

From left to right: a young mother with her baby in an encampment; Mohammed and his family who fled Syria with nothing; and children in a psychosocial trauma session

‘I DON’T KNOW HOW LONG W As Christian Aid steps up its Syria and Middle East crisis appeal, Christian Aid press officer Johanna Rogers reports from neighbouring Lebanon, where the human tide of refugees is stretching resources to their limits CRAMMED INTO a freezing two-room tent with her seven children in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley, Samira’s immediate future is bleak. Forced to flee her Syrian hometown while eight months pregnant, she arrived in Lebanon with nothing but her documents, the clothes on her back, and jewellery she has since sold to pay for food and water.

Cradling her new baby, born in a hospital near the encampment where she lives, she is worried. ‘My baby is so small, the others weren’t like this.

Hygiene is bad – children are getting sick, there is no clean water. I don’t know how long we can live like this.’

Samira is one of a million refugees who have sought sanctuary from Syria and are forced to face more hardships, living in hopeless situations, struggling just to survive. She receives regular visits from our ACT Alliance sister agency, International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), which gives free healthcare, advice in emergency nutrition and breastfeeding education to vulnerable

Syrian mothers with newborn babies.

The two-year crisis in Syria, which has so far cost an estimated 70,000 lives, has triggered a humanitarian crisis of massive proportions. Four million people are in need of help in Syria. Two million of them are homeless, while a further million live in miserable conditions in neighbouring countries. It is estimated that one in four Syrians, either inside the country or beyond its borders, are in urgent need.

The UN reports that 5,000 refugees are fleeing the country every day.

The scale of the crisis far outweighs the humanitarian response so far. Food is badly needed, along with medical supplies and materials for shelters, but that is just the start. A generation of children are growing up without an

SYRIA AND MIDDLE EAST CRISIS APPEAL CHRISTIAN AID is supporting partners who are responding to the growing humanitarian needs arising from the conflict in Syria. In Lebanon, Association Najdeh has provided 1,000 refugee families with food baskets. It has also supplied blankets, mattresses, clothing and hygiene kits. Mouvement Social is organising lessons to enable Syrian

children to continue their education.

In Iraq we are seeking to help 1,500 refugee families around Sulaimaniya and Erbil in the north, through our long-term Iraqi partner REACH, which is providing blankets, mattresses, food, and infant and hygiene kits.

We are also partnering with our sister agencies in ACT Alliance to provide

humanitarian assistance inside Syria.

Working through local churches, Islamic and secular organisations, communities are being given essential food, bedding and clothing, as well as shelter and help with cash-for-work projects.

Our partners are ready to do more – so please do give generously to our appeal at christianaid.org.uk/emergency

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WE CAN LIVE LIKE THIS’ education, many of them traumatised by their experiences.

In Lebanon, refugee numbers now represent more than 10 per cent of the country’s entire population, which stood at 4.5 million before the crisis. The official figure is said to be more than 300,000, but the unofficial figure is more than twice that. They have found shelter wherever they can: the Lebanese government has not yet permitted any official camps. Some have moved in with relatives, or are renting rooms, while others erect makeshift shelters or bed down in disused buildings.

In the farming area of Jeb Jannine in the Beqaa valley, against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains, numerous small encampments have sprung up – unofficial home to many, including Mohammed, 33, and his family who arrived six months ago. They had spent nearly four months trapped and terrified in their house in Homs, eating dried food, rice and home-baked bread to avoid having to venture outside. They fled to Lebanon on a packed bus; there was no room for any of their belongings.

Mohammed gets food vouchers from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, but they are not enough.

Bread is five times more expensive than it was at home, and he and other families pool the supplies they get, generally rice, bulgur wheat and bread. Water and power are added expenses. But there is no way back, he told me, Homs is gone.

The few jobs once available to Syrians in Lebanon were filled long ago; and people struggle to find money for a rented room, which often houses up to 15 people.

Christian Aid partner Association Najdeh, which is working in Bedawi, a camp established decades ago for Palestinians near the Lebanon/Syria border, has helped more than 1,000 families by providing bedding and food, as well as education and support for children. It has identified a further 5,000 people who are in urgent need.

Association Najdeh also reports that many refugees are suffering from psychological trauma. It is already providing counselling and therapy to children, as other Christian Aid partners do elsewhere in Lebanon.

Eleven-year-old Hoda saw her sister killed by an exploding mortar, after which her family fled the country. ‘I will always remember what happened – we buried my sister, and then we left.’

GAZA APPEAL: THANK YOU YOUR GENEROUS RESPONSE TO OUR emergency appeal for Gaza and the Middle East, highlighted in the last issue of Christian Aid News, enabled our partners to treat hundreds of people in Gaza, providing medical assistance and helping more than 200 people with disabilities. Our partner the Culture and Free Thought Association helped more than 500 traumatised children to access art and drama therapy sessions, and gave psychosocial training to more than 200 mothers so that they could continue to help their children at home.

Now in Lebanon, she attends a school run by Christian Aid partner Mouvement Social, which has helped 1,500 Syrian refugees in the past year, providing children with education, psychosocial support, and food.

Christian Aid partners and other organisations are working against huge odds to make a difference to more lives.

Please help us to help them.

Please support Christian Aid’s Syria and Middle East crisis appeal, at christianaid.org.uk/emergency

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NEWS MALI

RISING REFUGEE TOLL CONTINUES TO FUEL FOOD CRISIS Internally displaced persons are caught in a limbo in their own country

Christian Aid/Tom Pilston

OVER THE PAST YEAR, the world has watched as conflict has caused suffering and persecution for the people of Mali.

More recently, fighting has escalated and the resulting displacement of huge numbers of people within Mali – and to neighbouring countries – is exacerbating the Sahel’s chronic food crisis and growing levels of malnutrition.

The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) now stands at more than 200,000, according to recent figures from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Coming at a time of renewed conflict in the north, where French and Mali government forces have pushed back Islamist fighters, the agency estimates that 4.2 million Malians will need emergency humanitarian assistance this year.

Tens of thousands of Malian refugees have fled the country to seek safety in Burkina Faso and Niger. According to the OCHA, as of 28 January this year there were 43,802 new arrivals in Burkina Faso and 51,738 in Niger. Many IDPs would like to return to their homes, but they fear the growing insecurity linked to guerrilla fighting and inter-community conflict.

Yacouba Kone, Christian Aid’s Mali country director, has witnessed the effects of the ongoing conflict firsthand.

‘The current food crisis has already brought suffering to more than 10 million people across the region, and the more people are forced to flee the military offensive in the north, the more market gardens are abandoned and the less vegetables are being produced for child nutrition,’ he said.

‘The occupation of the north of the country by the Islamist terrorists has prevented humanitarian agencies gaining access to provide food, shelter, water and sanitation to the affected population. After the closure of the

borders with Algeria and Mauritania, there is no supply of basic foods in the local markets. There are no medicines or safe drinking water available and the nutritional status of children has deteriorated dramatically. Women and children are the ones bearing the burden of this crisis, because most men have fled to seek refuge in the southern regions of Mali or neighbouring countries, leaving women, children and the elderly behind.

‘All parties involved in the conflict must take the necessary measures to prevent harm to civilians, as well as respecting the right of people in need to humanitarian aid and allowing rapid, safe and unimpeded passage to any agencies providing it.’

Commenting on Christian Aid and other organisations’ response to the situation, he said: ‘The conflict is hindering the work of almost all NGOs. With the prevailing insecurity in the north, no development or humanitarian work is possible. However, due to its

partnership approach, Christian Aid is currently able to provide emergency aid through established Malian organisations in many regions affected by the violence, including Gao in the north, and Bandiagara on the Dogon Plateau in the Mopti region.

‘In addition, we are working with our partners and ACT Alliance allies to assess the ongoing situation and to face the humanitarian crisis, should the security context improve. And we continue to develop the capacity of staff and partners to respond.

‘The challenge now is about reviewing our programmes to adapt them to the current context, to make a balance between our humanitarian response and longer-term development work,’ he explained. ‘It is important that Christian Aid partners play a key role in peace-building through promoting inter-community dialogue. With Christian Aid support, they will influence the democratisation process in the postconflict Mali.’

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Mine Labour Protection Campaign (MLPC) Trust

Workers in India’s stone quarries will receive fairer compensation over poor health

VICTORY… FOR MINE WORKERS CHRISTIAN AID PARTNER the Mine Labour Protection Campaign (MLPC) has won a major breakthrough in its efforts to secure the rights of Indian mine workers in Rajasthan. Around 2.5 million unorganised mine workers will now receive medical, monetary and social benefits as a result.

Currently, mine owners do not maintain any records of attendance, compensation for overtime, earned leave or accidents at work. Now, 27,000

INDIA mine owners will be subject to more stringent employment laws, including the registration of all their employees.

For a long time, poor working conditions in the stone quarries of Rajasthan have damaged the health of mine workers. Thanks to the work of MLPC, workers affected by the lung disease silicosis will now receive fairer

compensation, as will those widowed due to it. Fourteen women who have lost their husbands are due to receive 300,000 INR (approximately £3,570).

Rana Sengupta, from MLPC, said: ‘We are happy and proud that our advocacy efforts have brought in policy changes and strengthened regulatory mechanisms. This is definite progress in the struggle to end the injustice and unfairness faced by India’s mine workers on a daily basis.’

VICTORY… FOR EDUCATION CAMPAIGNERS A TWO-YEAR CAMPAIGN BY Christian Aid partner Centro Bono to persuade the Dominican Republic government to double spending on education has ended in success.

Back in 2010, Christian Aid gave Centro Bono a modest grant of £10,000

to help establish the campaign, simply called ‘4% for Education’. Its aim was to lobby the government to act on a law passed in 1997, which decreed that four per cent of the country’s GDP should be spent on schools. The campaign snowballed to become a massive public

movement. Some 200 organisations and millions of people turned out to demand adequate funding for schools.

Their pressure bore fruit in December, when the Dominican government announced that it would spend four per cent of its GDP on education.

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NEWS

IT’S TIME TO BITE BACK AT HUNGER THOUSANDS OF CHRISTIAN AID volunteers are set to play their part in Britain and Ireland’s biggest houseto-house collection when Christian Aid Week 2013 kicks off on 12 May. And whether you plan to join those going door-to-door, hold an event or simply donate money, every penny you raise during Christian Aid Week will help to transform lives around the world.

This Christian Aid Week, we’re focusing on projects around the world that are supporting communities to find ways not only to survive but also to thrive, with

enough food to eat not just today, but tomorrow too.

The story of Sikhanyisiwe Ndlovu (Skha), from Zimbabwe – whose photograph appears on the cover of this issue of Christian Aid News and inspired the poster image we used on the last issue – is typical of how this change can happen.

With support from Christian Aid partner Dabane Trust, Skha helped to build a sand dam, which provides her community’s garden with water. Not only has her diet been transformed through the vegetables she can now grow, but she is also able

HAITI

LIGHT FANTASTIC AS PARTNER WINS ENERGY PRIZE

NEW HOMES FOR HAITIAN QUAKE VICTIMS THIS BEAUTIFUL PEACH and green painted house has 51m² of space, three rooms, a veranda, a toilet and a bathroom. In January, Christian Aid partner Haiti Survie handed over 120 houses like this to internally displaced families affected by the 2010 Haiti quake.

These latest homes were built in Bayaha in north-east Haiti. They are in

to provide school uniforms for her children with the income from selling surplus produce. The kale she is holding in this picture will be dried at the new food processing centre that Dabane Trust helped the Gwanda communities to set up: it keeps for up to 18 months, so people can eat nutritious vegetables even during the dry season. ‘Life is now better because I can now cultivate my garden,’ she says. ‘When I look at my children, I see that they are so much healthier than before.’

Thanks to this innovative project, the future in this dry part of Zimbabwe looks more hopeful.

• See pages 16-19 to find out more about what our partners are doing in Zimbabwe, Bolivia and Kenya to change the lives of thousands of people.

addition to the 92 supplied in another community, Anse Pitre, using funds from the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal, of which Christian Aid is part.

More than 700 people attended the latest handover ceremony.

Haiti Survie has also distributed 600 goats in a livelihood project, and over 50,000 saplings of fruit and forest trees.

A CHRISTIAN AID PARTNER specialising in solar lighting – d.light design – has won the US$1.5m Zayed Future Energy Prize, for demonstrating leadership in sustainable energy.

Since partnering with Christian Aid in 2010, d.light design has provided solar lighting for more than 1,300 poor Indian households without access to the national grid, using funding from Christian Aid’s In Their Lifetime appeal.

The solar lighting company, which started in 2007, has just launched the next generation of lanterns – which are longer-lasting and maintenancefree – and aims to use the prize money to distribute the new product to up to 100 million people.

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AFGHANISTAN Less than 13 per cent of women in Afghanistan are literate

Christian Aid/Sarah Malian

WILL YOUR CHURCH HELP CHANGE WOMEN’S LIVES? CHRISTIAN AID IS SEARCHING for churches to help us improve women’s lives in some of the poorest areas of Afghanistan by supporting a new community partnership.

We’re looking for churches, or groups of neighbouring churches, to pledge to raise £5,000 over the next three years for a new women’s rights and literacy project in the north-east of Afghanistan.

This amount will be matched by the European Commission at a ratio of 3:1 – meaning that each £5,000 raised will effectively be worth an amazing £20,000 towards the project. We will also be counting on churches’ prayer support.

With three updates a year, churches in the community partnership will be kept informed of the project’s progress, as well as having the opportunity to learn and pray about some of the key issues facing Afghanistan today.

Tabitha Ross, communications and information officer for Afghanistan, said: ‘It’s difficult to think of a worse place to be a woman than Afghanistan.

Women there were famously banned from accessing education or leaving the house alone under the Taliban rule, and the position of women and girls in the country is still far from enviable. While 43 per cent of Afghan men are literate, less than 13 per cent of women are, and Afghanistan has the highest maternal mortality rate in the world. Furthermore, in many communities women are excluded from decision-making processes, meaning that they don’t have a say in the decisions that affect them or their children.’

With the support of churches, this project will enable women in some of the poorest regions of Afghanistan to have a say at last in the decisions that affect them and their communities, to learn to read and write, and to receive funding to start small businesses.

Could your church support this project? To find out more, please visit christianaid.org.uk/partnerships, email communitypartnership@christian-aid.org or contact your local Christian Aid office.

SHOCK OVER MURDERS OF LAND RIGHTS ACTIVISTS BRAZIL THE MURDERS OF TWO LAND rights activists in Brazil in the space of under two weeks has horrified Christian Aid. Both victims had been involved with the Landless People’s Movement (MST), one of our partners in Brazil.

Cicero Guedes, 43, was a leader within MST. He was shot dead in Rio de Janeiro state as he cycled home from a meeting in late January, near a former sugar plantation where he had led an occupation of the land by families with no land of their own.

Less than a fortnight later, the body of his friend Regina dos Santos Pinho, 56, was found at her home. She too had been murdered, although at the time of writing, police investigators and MST suspected that her killer’s motive was sexual, rather than being connected to a land conflict.

Commenting on Mr Guedes’ death, Christian Aid’s country manager for Brazil, Mara Luz, said he had worked tirelessly for people living in poverty in Brazil. ‘Cicero Guedes is one more peasant leader murdered in recent years only because he was defending a fair and needed distribution of land and resources in one of the most unequal countries in the world.

‘MST hopes that peace can become part of daily life in rural areas of Brazil, but the reality is that living a full life continues to be a dream for many.’

There is a shockingly high murder rate among those who work on land conflicts in Brazil. Records kept by the respected Pastoral Land Commission show that on average between 2007 and 2011, a land conflict-related murder occurred every 12 days.

• IN COLOMBIA, land rights continue to be an issue of concern after the bullet-proof vehicle of Father Alberto Franco, a key member of our partner Inter-Church Peace and Justice Commission, was fired at outside his home. Father Franco was not in the car, but Christian Aid has condemned the attack as an attempt to intimidate our partner.

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CAMPAIGNS

The IF campaign lit up London with an illuminated display on historic Somerset House. Right: supporters gather for the launch where actor Bill Nighy and presenter Lauren Laverne were among celebrities calling for action against hunger

IF... YOU JOIN US, WE CAN MAKE THE WORLD’S LEADERS TAKE ACTION The ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE IF campaign is up and running following its launch in January.

Alasdair Roxburgh charts its progress and points the way to the next big stop on the campaign trail FIFTY YEARS AGO the US president John F Kennedy said: ‘We have the means; we have the capacity to eliminate hunger from the face of the earth in our lifetime. We need only the will.’ That powerful statement is as

true today as it was back in the 1960s.

The reality is that one in eight people go to bed hungry despite there being enough food for all on our planet. We must now ensure there is the political will and action to turn Kennedy’s vision

into tomorrow’s reality. That is where the ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE IF campaign comes in.

Since its launch in January, which generated huge media interest, the IF campaign has gained momentum across the country. During the first few weeks of the campaign, which involves a coalition of more than 100 charities, faith groups and other organisations, nearly 50,000 people signed up to play a part in the fight to end hunger.

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IF CAMPAIGN LAUNCH LIGHTS UP LONDON

Christian Aid/Matthew Gonzalez-Noda

ON 23 JANUARY hundreds of people gathered at Somerset House in London for the launch of the IF campaign. In the hour-long event, hosted by Lauren Laverne, the four IFs on aid, land, tax and transparency were presented to the onlookers who also heard from the likes of Harry Potter star Bonnie Wright and actor Bill Nighy who gave a passionate and engaging speech. He said: ‘Millions of people are living in prison, the prison of poverty, and they are dying of hunger in that prison. It is crucial that we show our politicians that it is their responsibility to set them free.’

As the event drew to a close the audience were given the opportunity to tweet their own messages of support for the campaign, which were then projected on to Somerset House.

Over the following days dozens of regional launches were held around the country. To see how some of your local events went, see your regional news pages, pages 24-25.

Support has come from around the world, including from South Africa, where Archbishop Desmond Tutu said: ‘Hunger is not an incurable disease or an unavoidable tragedy. We can make sure no child goes to bed hungry. We can stop mothers from starving themselves to feed their families. We can save lives.’

You have played a huge part in ensuring that political leaders now take action to tackle hunger. In the run-up to the UK Budget in March, thousands of you wrote to, emailed and met with your local MP, calling on them to persuade the chancellor, George Osborne, to use his Budget to address two key parts of the campaign – aid and tax dodging.

Our call was for the government to confirm that from 2013 0.7 per cent of national income will go towards aid, which is crucial in ensuring the poorest can feed themselves, and for the

finance bill to make UK companies that operate in poor countries spill the beans on tax dodging.

The Budget was a chance for the British government to take steps to help tackle hunger, but in the coming months we have a fantastic opportunity to ensure that world leaders also take action.

In June, the UK will be chairing the G8 and this is a vital opportunity for world leaders to take action on hunger.

We must ensure that they do. We need you to join us in two key campaign moments as many thousands of people from across the country come together to make world leaders listen. This is your big moment.

On Saturday 8 June we will gather in London as David Cameron chairs the Food and Hunger summit. The following weekend,15-16 June, we will again come together, this time in Belfast, to

urge the G8 leaders who are meeting in Enniskillen to take action.

These events will be on a scale not seen for many years and follow the likes of the Make Poverty History march in 2005 and the Jubilee Debt Campaign march in Birmingham in 1998. The events will include high profile speakers, music and, most importantly of all, a chance to show world leaders that they can and must take action to tackle hunger.

We would love to see you on one or the other – or both – occasions. Plans for the events are still being finalised. To find out more information and to join in solidarity with tens of thousands of others, just fill in the card found in this copy of Christian Aid News or visit christianaid.org.uk/if

Together we will bite back at hunger.

• Poll shows public support for IF campaign aims – see page 14

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CAMPAIGNS

WHY WE MUST TAKE ON THE TAX DODGERS Tackling tax dodging is a critical element of the ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE IF campaign. Christian Aid’s head of media, Andrew Hogg, explains why tax matters so much to the developing world A NEW REPORT FROM CHRISTIAN AID highlights how tax injustice deprives countries in the developing world of revenue that could be used to fight malnutrition.

The research underlines the importance of the IF campaign, which calls for an end to the ease with which multinationals can dodge tax in the developing world, as well as demanding greater transparency about transactions that could have a harmful impact on food security.

The report, Who pays the price?

Hunger: the hidden cost of tax injustice, looks at three countries now classified as middle income – India, Ghana and El Salvador. Although the economies of each have improved in recent years, inequality has also grown and hunger remains entrenched.

India’s gross national income (GNI) per capita doubled between 1995 and 2010, but 41 per cent of the 1.2 billion population live on less than US$1.25 a day. As a result, some 217 million people are undernourished, while a shocking 47 per cent of all children are stunted through malnutrition.

Despite Ghana’s recent economic success, 30 per cent of its people still live on less than US$1.25 a day. Among a population of 25 million, 1 million are hungry, and nearly 30 per cent of children under five are stunted due to malnutrition.

In El Salvador, the GNI per capita is almost US$6,600, yet a recent government survey shows that 47.5 per cent of the population live in poverty.

One in eight people go hungry, and one child in four is stunted.

Our report shows how an end to tax dodging could help all three countries raise revenue to combat hunger.

In India, it is estimated that between 1948 and 2008, some US$462bn was lost through illicit capital flight and tax dodging by wealthy individuals, multinationals and other businesses trading across borders.

The government believes a further US$99bn was lost in 2011-12 alone, through generous tax exemptions enjoyed by businesses and individuals.

In Ghana, it is estimated that some US$700m per annum is lost to the economy through VAT and import exemptions. Low mining royalties meant some US$68m a year was lost between 1990 and 2007, while multinationals artificially lowering their tax liability accounted for the loss of some US$83.6m in 2008 alone.

In El Salvador, tax evasion and corporate tax incentives are together thought to cost the country more than US$2.9bn every year.

In addition to listing a number of tax reforms that could dramatically improve the lives of the poor in all three countries, Who pays the price? also shows that multinationals with subsidiaries in tax havens pay 28.9 per cent less taxes as a percentage of profits than those without such links.

Elsewhere, it looks at the role that one tax haven, Switzerland, plays in helping multinationals shift profits and dodge taxes. Developing countries may have lost tax revenues on as much as US$578bn in capital from 2007 to 2010 from corporations trading with or via Switzerland

POLL BACKS IF C AS THE ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE IF campaign ramps up its actions ahead of the G8 summit in June, a new poll shows massive support from the British public for the campaign’s aims.

A ComRes survey, commissioned by Christian Aid, found that an overwhelming 85 per cent want global leaders to stop multinationals from abusing the tax system.

Three-quarters of those surveyed (77 per cent) believe that David Cameron is right to make tackling tax evasion and avoidance a priority, while 63 per cent agree that strong action on tax avoidance and evasion at the G8 could help lift millions of people out of poverty around the world.

There is also public concern that the UK government needs to do what it reasonably can about the impact of multinationals on the rest of the world.

Almost three-quarters (72 per cent) of Britons agree the government has a

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‘IT IS IN SHARING THAT WE DO THE WORKS OF GOD’ This timely reflection by Rev Jacob Wandusim, a minister with the Presbyterian Church in Ghana, explores our moral responsibility to act against global hunger

IF CAMPAIGN TAX CALL responsibility to ensure that UK-based companies pay the proper amount of tax in every country in which they operate, and eight out of 10 people (84 per cent) want to see multinationals’ accounts more transparent and publicly available.

‘People understand the importance of developing countries being able to collect tax that is owed to them by multinational corporations. Tax is a powerful weapon against poverty and three-quarters of Britons agree that if developing countries could collect more tax then they would, in time, be less dependent on international aid, and therefore better able to provide for their own people,’ says Joseph Stead, Christian Aid’s senior economic justice adviser.

The poll also suggests that millions of Britons are using their consumer power to show their anger towards multinationals that are seen to be avoiding their fair share of UK tax.

A third of those surveyed are currently boycotting the products or services of a company because it does not pay its fair share of tax in the UK, while almost half (45 per cent) said they are considering a boycott.

Two out of three Britons (66 per cent) now believe tax avoidance to be morally wrong, according to this latest survey – up 10 percentage points on a previous poll conducted six months ago.

Meanwhile, a remarkable four out of five respondents (80 per cent) are angered by multinationals’ use of tax avoidance, with 85 per cent saying that it is currently too easy for companies to avoid tax.

‘This survey also shows that one in three Britons are actually prepared to change their buying habits and boycott some of the firms seen as not paying their fair share in the UK. This surely must be a wake-up call to all businesses,’ adds Joseph.

THE BIBLE TEACHES Christians to be supportive of each other, not only other Christians but any person living in our community. Despite the type of family you come from, the region, the country, the colour, the creed, we are all one and we need to be supported.

It is in sharing that we do the works of God. Jesus shared his life with us, and it is in sharing that we can make the Gospel complete.

Tax is something which every country or every society or group of people needs in order to support those who don’t have. If we say everyone should live on his own, then the rich will survive and the poorer and the weaker will die. Governments and societies institute taxes to be used for the wider interests of the community.

As members of the church, we are also citizens of the country we belong to and so we should be contributing towards the general welfare of everybody and not just ourselves. It will show that we are prepared to share whatever we have with others because Christ has shared his life with us.

If Jesus saw that there was something wrong, he told them why and corrected it. So if you can tell the international companies that it is wrong to dodge these taxes and therefore bring the money back so the wider community can benefit from it, I think that it would be a wonderful idea.

The gospel message started small, but in due course it bloomed up into a shrub, and birds could nest on it.

However small or slow the beginning of this campaign may be, I believe that one day it will grow so that many birds – many countries – will benefit from it.

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LIFE AND SOUL SPECIAL

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The way we lead our own lives can have a tangible impact in the fight to end poverty. Christian Aid Week is the perfect example of this

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Christian Aid Week 12-18 May. See caweek.org

WHAT WILL YOU DO THIS CHRISTIAN AID WEEK?

EVERY YEAR IN MAY SOMETHING amazing happens across Britain and Ireland: thousands of churches and communities take their faith on to the streets on behalf of the world’s poorest people. This is Christian Aid Week.

Last year Christian Aid Week raised an incredible £12.5m. From coffee mornings to snail races, sponsored walks to concerts, thousands of people applied their creativity, enthusiasm and passion to raise funds for our work worldwide. And this year we’re confident that it can be even better.

Everyone has something different to bring to Christian Aid Week. Perhaps you’re a brilliant baker, or maybe you’re better placed to persuade someone else to bake for your event. You may not fancy a sponsored swim, but a station collection might be just up your street. Treasure hunts, garden parties and sports days are all great ways to have fun, engage your community and raise money. This Christian Aid

may seem daunting, most collectors’ experiences are extremely positive.

Last year, one said: ‘I was pleasantly surprised by the vast majority of people’s responses when I knocked on their doors.’

On Christian Aid Week Sunday, you can be a part of a nationwide prayer moment by texting your prayer to 70788 or emailing it to us at caweek.org/pray You could also use our prayer and action cards to challenge the G8 to champion the world’s poorest people, and to pray for a world in which everyone Do someth ing has their daily bread. amazing th is Christian Why not invite a Aid Week.

Contact yo ur local Christian Aid speaker regional offi ce – see pa g e s to your church in the 24-25 – or go online a t run-up to Christian Week, let’s use our caweek.org to find out h o w Aid Week? You can diverse skills and you can he lp make fi nd out more from interests as part of one a difference . your local office. body, as the Church’s Christian Aid Week is an movement for change. opportunity for us to be visible As one Christian Aid Week in our communities, being witnesses volunteer put it: ‘It’s a countrywide to God’s desire for justice and standing thing, so if everyone does a little bit it in solidarity with people in poverty. makes a big difference in the end.’

Please think about how you can use Many of us will be taking part in your unique talents, skills, contacts house-to-house collecting, and last and interests to get involved. All your year this generated three-quarters efforts will go towards our ultimate of the money raised in Christian Aid aim: an end to poverty. So please get Week. Collecting in this way only takes out there and bake, bike, bring and buy, a few hours of your time and can be barbeque and hang out the bunting – incredibly rewarding – and all you do whatever you can to play a part in need is a smile. While delivering and this movement for change. collecting Christian Aid Week envelopes Christian Aid/Matthew Gonzalez-Noda

Are you ready for Christian Aid Week 2013? This May, thousands of supporters will go out into their communities to raise funds for our work to help the world’s poorest people. Church multiplier officer, Claire Whitmore highlights how you can bite back at hunger

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Samantha Ndlovu and her two siblings have seen their lives transformed

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ZIMBABWE

WHY YOUR HELP IS SO VITAL Our Christian Aid Week stories this year showcase ways in which our partners are using innovative and bold methods to ensure that some of the world’s poorest people have enough food for today and tomorrow IN KENYA, text message technology and up-to-date weather forecasts are improving the crop yields and nutrition of farmers. In Bolivia, previously threatened rights to land for more than 1,000 families have been secured, while in Zimbabwe, a new dam has transformed lives.

All of these stories are particularly pertinent this Christian Aid Week, as Christian Aid joins with more than 100 other organisations in the IF campaign to demand a change to unfair global systems that keep people poor and hungry. We continue to fight battles to ensure that everyone gets the daily bread they deserve.

WITH WATER COMES LIFE WITHOUT ENOUGH money to pay her fees, Samantha Ndlovu had to leave school at 15. Three years on, she has experienced her fair share of difficulties and trials. With her mother sick and unable to stay in the community, Samantha has had to support her two younger siblings and tend the crops in the family garden.

Samantha lives in Gwanda, a region in the south of Zimbabwe that has suffered severe droughts, failing harvests and acute hunger. Accessing clean and reliable water has been impossible, leaving many struggling to harvest even their strongest crops or provide safe drinking water for their families.

But thanks to the support and work of Christian Aid partner Dabane Trust, Samantha and many others in the region are seeing their lives and livelihoods transformed. Working closely with local communities, Dabane Trust has helped to build a dam that stores water deep under the sand of a nearby riverbed. Located on a seemingly dry river, the dam will collect sand. And deep in the sand will be a constant supply of water.

‘We get our water from the dam and also use it for our cows and goats. We get water easily now, and don’t have to go such long distances with our livestock to collect it,’ says Samantha.

Thanks to the reliability of fresh, clean water from the dam, she and her siblings are healthier and safer than ever before. Now that there are

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We get water easily now, and don’t have to go such long distances with our livestock to collect it

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newly established wells linked to the sand dam irrigating the market garden, a harvest rich with crops is ensured for Samantha and the market garden group she belongs to.

No longer reliant on poor crop yields, life is very different for their family, with kale, chamolia (cabbage) and sugar beans to eat. With each new harvest, Samantha and her siblings move beyond just surviving.

Hunger is now firmly in the past and the future looks rich with possibility.

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Christian Aid Week 12-18 May. See caweek.org

WHERE LAND MEANS A SECURE HOME

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I know the land will provide if I work it well

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labouring work far from home. But now, all that has changed. Christian Aid partner the Centre for Research and Training of Peasants (CIPCA) has been working tirelessly with remote and marginalised forest communities, such as Abraham’s, to help them secure the rights to the land on which they live. This is a seemingly small act that has had incredible results.

More than 1,000 families are now able to look forward to a more secure future and can invest their time and effort in caring for the land. Now that he has land rights and a secure home, Abraham explains: ‘I haven’t had to work as a labourer; I’ve stayed here and worked my land with all kinds of crops. I know that the land will provide if I work it well.’

Once land rights are obtained, CIPCA supports communities with

This photograph of Abraham Noza Mosua provided the inspiration for one of the posters in this year’s Christian Aid Week resources

Christian Aid/Rachel Stevens

Deep in the Amazon rainforest, in the Beni region of eastern Bolivia, communities have lived off the land and its rich produce for generations.

And yet many have suffered more recently at the hands of local cattle ranchers, mining corporations and logging companies, all desperate to drive them off their land, often destroying crops and intimidating local families.

Abraham Noza Mosua was born in Santa Rosa, Bolivia. Until recently, he and his young family struggled to protect their land or produce enough food. Abraham was forced to find

BOLIVIA a crop diversification programme to increase harvests while continuing to protect the forest and its rich resources.

By developing new, sustainable businesses, such as growing the region’s high-quality and valuable cocoa and teaching families how to keep hens and woolless sheep, fear and hunger are being replaced with safety and abundance.

Abraham, his family and their community no longer have to worry about the future. ’As members of the community we look after the forests, the water, the lakes and everything that surrounds us because we are part of it,’ says Abraham.

Today, tomorrow and next year, as harvests increase, as communities plan, the future looks fruitful.

NOW TRY THIS AT HOME! Why not take some inspiration from the communities featured in our Christian Aid Week resources this year?

• Text race: charge people to enter a text race – who can text a phrase quickest to a nominated number? You could use the weather forecast like those received by farmers in Kenya, a tongue twister or a fact about Christian Aid! • Green fingers: get dedicated

gardeners inspired by people like Samantha from Zimbabwe to pledge their time to work in the gardens of the not-so-keen gardeners – for a fee of course!

• Choc-full: a chocolate-tasting evening will always be popular, and it’s also a great chance to tell others about how growing cocoa is changing the lives of poor farmers in Bolivia.

Find out more at caweek.org

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Faith proudly displays the results of her new farming techniques

KENYA

FORECASTING A HEALTHIER FUTURE FOR FARMERS Faith Njiru has farmed her land in Mbeere North in eastern Kenya for 24 years. In this time she has experienced a changing climate that has often left her family struggling.

And Faith is not alone. Farming communities across Kenya have seen increasingly erratic weather in recent years, with drought and unpredictable rainfall destroying harvests and leaving families with little to survive on.

However, the SALI project, run by Christian Aid partner Christian Community Services Mount Kenya East (CCSMKE), has developed an innovative approach that is changing the lives of farmers and helping them reap a richer, more valuable harvest. By sending them scientific weather predictions and forecasts via text message technology

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Now we have plenty and can provide enough for our families

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– translated into their local language – CCSMKE enables farmers to plant armed with valuable information.

Along with other farmers in her community, Faith now receives weekly and seasonal forecasts from the SALI project. These are proving invaluable in ensuring that she has secure access to food in the future.

Training is also helping farmers to adapt their techniques and crop choices according to the changing climate, and to reap the benefits. ‘We have been

taught about planting the seeds which will do the best,’ says Faith.

Now able to make informed decisions, farmers involved in the project are finally finding security from their land and are able to feed their children. The hunger that once consumed them has been replaced with abundance.

‘Before, we used to prepare plain maize without anything else. Now we can add beans and vegetables to meals. We have plenty and can provide enough for our families.’

With more food today and security tomorrow, Faith can plan for the future: ‘In 12 months’ time, I will be able to buy a piece of land and expand my farm. It won’t be just subsistence – but a business. I will be very proud to be a businesswoman!’

• This Christian Aid Week, we urge you to give, act and pray with us so that the world’s poorest people go hungry no more.

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FRONTLINE Stories from around the world showing how Christian Aid and our partners are working to empower people to shape a better future for themselves and their communities

The wrecked police station in Dar El Salam, now restored thanks to the work of people such as Mahmoud and Mokhtar (far right). Inset: voters used their inked fingers to leave their own mark of the democratic process

‘THIS IS THE PRICE FOR FREEDOM’ Two years on from the fall of President Mubarak in Egypt, Christian Aid partners are working hard to help the country’s poorest people adapt to the political and economic instability that has followed. Ross Hemingway meets two men who have been helped towards a better future for themselves and their families ‘I FELT LIKE I WAS SUFFOCATING,’ recalls Mokhtar Abdallah.

‘It was like drowning in a sea and wanting any kind of help,’ adds his friend Mahmoud Hussein.

A sure sign Egypt was ripe for revolt?

Sadly, this was the stark reality of life in Egypt in the months after the popular uprising that began in January 2011.

As the initial euphoria and optimism that accompanied the fall of President Hosni Mubarak faded, hopes that many

Egyptians harboured for a better Egypt soon withered. For Mokhtar and Mahmoud – both out of work and struggling to support their families in Dar El Salam, Cairo – life had been turned upside down.

Mubarak had been president of Egypt for nearly 30 years. During this time many Egyptians had felt powerless, craving not only political change but also an end to the grinding poverty in which they lived. Having bravely joined

with hundreds of thousands of their fellow citizens to secure an end to Mubarak’s regime, Mokhtar and Mahmoud’s defiant show of solidarity came with enormous sacrifice. Egypt found itself in the grip of political instability, economic stagnation and reduced national security.

‘Life came to a standstill,’ explains Mahmoud. ‘I had a family and children to take care of and didn’t have enough money. I couldn’t buy food or anything for them. The situation was awful.’

Neither man could find work until an emergency cash-for-work programme – run by Christian Aid partner Coptic Evangelical Organisation for Social Service (CEOSS) – provided them with 10-15 days’ work renovating the local

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If I get one pound a day and have freedom it’s better than having 10 pounds a day and being downtrodden and oppressed

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Christian Aid/Ross Hemingway

school and police station. The projects were chosen by the community, and Mokhtar and Mahmoud helped to hang doors, fix windows and paint walls.

Formerly a symbol of oppression, the police station had been badly vandalised during the uprising. ‘There was so much pent-up anger and a feeling of injustice,’ Mokhtar recalls. ‘I didn’t agree with [the violence], but I could understand it. The damage was the result of 20 years of oppression.’

As a result of the violence, the police presence diminished and crime levels rose. Lack of security was a major concern for members of the community.

However, with cash-for-work came the opportunity to restore trust between the police and local people, to reclaim the police station and restore it to its rightful place – serving the community.

Working alongside another Christian Aid partner, the Coptic Orthodox Church Bless (COC Bless), the cash-for-work project has helped 6,641 households, both Christian and Muslim.

Mokhtar and Mahmoud, who are both Muslim, were unconcerned about

accepting help from a Christian charity.

Mahmoud says: ‘People shouldn’t bring religion into it. What is the meaning of Christian and Muslim? It’s some crazy distinction. I’ve worked in the school with Christians and Muslims. We have Christian friends. I go to church for weddings and funerals. I’m invited to church and I go. I have no concerns.’

As well as the cash-for-work scheme, CEOSS also offered a counselling service: an opportunity for women and men to talk about the tough times they had faced. ‘Sharing made a difference,’ says Mokhtar. ‘Being able to talk to someone helped.’

While cash-for-work may not be a solution to long-term unemployment, it has proved vital. For the likes of Mokhtar and Mahmoud – dejected and depressed – it helped to restore a sense of pride and dignity. It gave them a chance to regain control over their lives.

Economically speaking, the income received through cash-for-work programmes re-entered the local economy, giving it a boost. This shortterm injection was crucial: a

humanitarian response, similar to a relief effort after a typhoon, for example.

However, in the long term, CEOSS is tackling chronic youth unemployment via an ‘employment through technology and innovation’ project in 10 communities in Cairo, Qalyoubeya, Minia and Beni Suef.

The project aims to provide internship and job opportunities to 24,000 young men and women, as well as training in communications and IT. It’s been two years since the uprising and the situation is far from settled.

Egypt may have an elected president and parliamentary elections are due this year, but many are still anxious about what the country will look like, long-term.

What will it mean for women, or for the minority Coptic Christian community?

For such groups, human rights concerns are ever-present. Decision-making is not seen as inclusive and, to all intents and purposes, Coptics are not represented under the new regime.

Yet despite such uncertainty, there is continued hope and tangible progress.

Many of Egypt’s poorest people are becoming increasingly aware of their rights, are participating in political processes and are intent on gaining power over their lives. What’s more, Christian Aid partners in Egypt, including CEOSS, are continually adapting their work to the changing situation. Their work on literacy, women’s rights and helping poor and marginalised people to have a voice has never been more important.

Mahmoud and Mokhtar are still not in full-time employment; finding work continues to be a struggle. So has the pain and hardship been worth it? The answer is emphatic. ‘This is the price for freedom,’ Mahmoud says firmly.

Mokhtar goes further: ‘If I get one pound a day and have freedom it’s better than having 10 pounds a day and being downtrodden and oppressed.’

The two men had never met before their cash-for-work project. Their friendship has been firmly forged in the face of adversity. At one point they link arms, laughing and smiling. They no longer look like men who once were drowning or suffocating. In many ways Mokhtar and Mahmoud symbolise the uprising and the struggles that can be overcome through trust, solidarity and, ultimately, a strong faith in one another.

• See christianaid.org.uk/partners

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Inspired? Enraged?

Send your views to: The Editor, Christian Aid News, 35 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RL or email canews@christian-aid.org Coverage in the winter edition of Christian Aid News of our Gaza appeal to support victims of the conflict with Israel has drawn critical comments from some readers. Here, we publish two of the letters received and, in response, advocacy officer William Bell outlines Christian Aid’s position on the issues surrounding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East BEWARE FAVOURITISM I am not prepared to support an organisation which is so biased against Israel.

Your news article ‘Emergency Appeal for Gaza and the Middle East’ shows a complete bias describing the situation from the Gaza point of view.

But there are two sides to every conflict. I was recently reading an account of a couple of aid workers visiting Sderot in Israel, who were traumatised by the situation there.

They were only there for two nights,

but each night they had to run for shelter three times. In the last year alone more than 1,000 rockets landed in Sderot – an average of three per day. The people have 15 seconds to run for cover, and before the recent

retaliation by the Israelis, schools had been closed as attacks were escalating.

People died, were injured, some lost limbs, others have been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder due to the rocket explosions. The media is

‘WE DO HAVE A BIAS COMMENT – TOWARDS THOSE LIVING IN POVERTY’ Where does Christian Aid stand with regard to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Middle East advocacy officer William Bell puts forward the case that peace and prosperity require a long-term, just solution that ends occupation and guarantees viability for both Palestinians and Israelis

AS CAN BE SEEN from the letters on this page, our work in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory evokes strong responses. Christian Aid has been working in this region since the early 1950s, when we provided help to Palestinian refugees. Today we work with more than 20 Israeli and Palestinian organisations to protect human rights, to access services and resources, and to build a peace based on justice for all.

We strongly refute any notion that we favour the Palestinian ‘cause’. But we do have a bias – towards those people around the world living in poverty and

we provide them with support to help them claim their rights. It is worth noting that 75 per cent of the population of the Gaza Strip is reliant on humanitarian aid and that, according to the United Nations Development Programme, Palestinian unemployment across the occupied territory stands at almost 23 per cent.

In the Gaza Strip, recurring Israeli incursions and attacks, the Israeli blockade and internal Palestinian conflict have all contributed to creating a vulnerable and impoverished population that is in need of

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however silent about this situtation.

This is not the first time I have found your articles biased. Please ensure your magazine is in future more balanced, non-biased, and non-judgemental. I do not expect bias from a so-called Christian organisation.

Ruth Ainslie, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands Whilst I have no concern about raising awareness of the conflict and the suffering that is taking place, and there is mention of both the Israeli military action and also the rocket fire from Gaza into Israel, the only pictures are from Gaza, and none from any damage or suffering in Israel. I believe you are at risk of appearing to ‘favour’ the side of the Palestinians by only showing damage in Gaza, whereas it should be well-known that the only reason Israel takes action is to prevent the rockets that are shelled daily on an

indiscriminate basis into Israel, and this is unlikely to ever stop because the militants in Palestine who rule have forever stated that they do not recognise the state of Israel, and their world ambition is to eliminate the Jews from the earth. The Jews are still God’s chosen people, and we as Christians need to acknowledge this, and recall God’s word that says who blesses the Children of Israel, will also be blessed.

Tony Feltbower via email

my MP and for my response – that’s fine, too. The postcards were inside a large cardboard cut-out of a cup of coffee. That strikes me as infantile and wasteful of both our donations and the earth’s resources. Presumably the majority of Christian Aid supporters will be Christian, or at least Christian sympathisers and fellow-travellers – one thing they won’t be is infantile. (I’m still supporting your campaign though.)

Polly Brown via email

MEDIUM ROASTS MESSAGE

Editor’s reply: ‘We’re sorry that Polly wasn’t impressed with our cup of coffee device. However, the cup was produced in-house at Christian Aid, not by professional marketing advisers! The device actually fulfilled three functions, so was a cost-effective and efficient product, and we shared the costs with ActionAid. It was also printed on 100 per cent recycled paper.’

I am rather disquieted by the direction your fundraising methods are taking.

I realise that a charity of your size will need to use professional marketing advisers but I wonder whether the people you employ are in tune with your supporters. Last week I got a letter from you about the IF campaign – that’s fine. It contained postcards for

CALLING CHRISTIAN AID

Main switchboard: 020 7620 4444 • Supporter enquiries: 020 7523 2225 • Donations: 020 7523 2269 Regular giving queries: 020 7523 2046 • Wills and legacies: 020 7523 2173 • National events: 020 7523 2248

humanitarian assistance. Christian Aid unequivocally condemns the rocket attacks on Israeli communities from Gaza. From visits to these communities we understand the fear and damage they cause. At the same time we recognise that the Israeli state has the resources and effective systems in place to support its population, which the Palestinians in Gaza do not have.

Aid is vital and makes a difference to the lives of thousands of Palestinians, but it is clearly only part of the solution.

Christian Aid believes that peace and prosperity require a long-term, just solution that ends occupation and guarantees viability for both Palestinians and Israelis. Viability includes a future with security and protection of rights for all, not least the economic right that can support the right of self-determination.

For Palestinians, any peace process

must lead to an end to injustice and the ordeal of forced displacement that they continue to experience, while Israelis require assurance that such a process would not mean the end of Israel as a secure state for Jews.

Christian Aid challenges policy makers to develop a new approach to peace that moves from routine declarations to concrete disincentives.

It is essential that the political will is found to support the endeavours of both Israelis and Palestinians to create a future free from violent conflict. We believe that such bold steps are critical for peace to be able to flourish.

An example of where such steps are required is Israel’s construction of illegal settlements throughout the West Bank. Christian Aid agrees with the United Nations, UK, European Union and the US, who all consider the West Bank and Gaza Strip to be occupied

Palestinian territory, as they recognise that international law designates it so.

Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits the transfer of an occupying power’s civilian population into occupied territory.

Illegal Israeli settlements, with their 500,000 Israeli settlers, are the physical manifestation of the occupation: they pose an obstacle both to peace and to Palestinian economic development. This is why we have called for an end to settlement trade in Britain and Ireland.

This is not a ban or boycott on trade with Israel, which we do not support.

In 2012 the World Bank reported that continuous growth in the size of land allocated by Israel for settlement within the West Bank has fragmented the territory into smaller, more disconnected enclaves. We believe the international community has a duty to act to prevent any breaches of international law.

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AROUND CENTRAL ENGLAND

LET’S GET THE BALL ROLLING!

Supporters gather outside Norwich Cathedral for the IF campaign launch

BACK IN JANUARY, SUPPORTERS ACROSS the Central Region played their part in the launch of the ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE IF campaign to end hunger.

This coalition of more than 100 charities, churches and other organisations is the biggest mass campaign movement since Make Poverty History. Across central England, local campaigners and representatives of the coalition partners came together to launch the initiative with style and passion.

The East Midlands held its launch in Leicester outside the impressive Leicester Cathedral. Supporters gathered outside for photos with campaign banners to celebrate the event. They were joined by Leicester Assistant Mayor and Councillor Manjula Sood, and the Bishop of Leicester, the Right Rev Tim Stevens. The launch also attracted the attention of the local media with the Leicester Mercury, BBC Radio Leicester and Pukaar News all coming along to cover it. After the photo session, everyone who attended moved into the Old Song School, attached to the cathedral, for refreshments and discussion. Thank you to all who joined us; it was wonderful to see so many of you

there – and an extra thank you for coming in spite of the cold weather!

Three MPs lent a hand at the West Midlands’ launches in Birmingham and Wolverhampton. Steve McCabe MP visited a specially created ‘pop up’ vegetable garden in central Birmingham before retiring to a local café to speak to campaign supporters. The Wolverhampton Poverty Action Group worked hard to integrate a multi-faith representative and two MPs into a noisy and passionate launch event at St Peter’s Church. Again, the events caught the attention of local media, with good radio coverage in Birmingham and a photo story in the Wolverhampton press.

The East of England saw launches in Cambridge and Norwich. In Norwich, Christian Aid supporters joined the Bishop of Norwich and more than 60 people from churches and many other groups, including Oxfam, Tearfund and CAFOD, outside The Forum after a heavy snowfall. Meanwhile, in Cambridge, supporters turned out in bitterly cold weather to add their voices to the campaign.

For more details on the IF campaign see page 12 and visit: christianaid.org.uk/if

SPONSORED SWIM SUCCESS! THE SECOND annual Christian Aid sponsored swim in Birmingham saw many swimmers brave an early January morning to make a splash to help end poverty. The 21 teams and three individuals covered more than 24 miles between them and are expected to raise hundreds of pounds. One of this year’s star swimmers was six-year-old Javine Whitter, who swam 800m by completing 32 lengths of the pool. When all the sponsorship money has been collected, the total will be listed on the West Midlands regional web page. Don’t forget, it’s not too early to start practising for next year’s swim!

THE JESUS AGENDA CHRISTIAN AID and the New Testament Church of God (NTCG) launched a new DVD course The Jesus Agenda, as a joint venture, at NTCG’s Pastors and Key Leaders Conference in West Bromwich, part of the 60th anniversary celebrations of the denomination, which began in Wolverhampton in 1953. The course – a partnership between Micah Challenge, Christian Aid and Compassion – examines how Jesus’ mission statement in Luke 4 can be applied to the world we live in. David King, regional coordinator at Christian Aid’s West Midlands office, said: ‘We are looking forward to the relationships this project will generate with the 26 NTCG churches within our region.’

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KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WHAT’S HAPPENING ACROSS YOUR AREA: LOG ONTO YOUR LOCAL WEBSITE AT christianaid.org.uk/eastengland • christianaid.org.uk/eastmidlands • christianaid.org.uk/westmidlands

STRICTLY FUNDRAISING SNOW AND ICE FAILED to deter more than 70 people from attending Ashbourne Methodist Church’s third Strictly Come Dancing event.

The evening, organised by the church’s youth group, Mustard, saw five couples going head-tohead in a light-hearted dance-off, with the chacha-cha and salsa among the show-stopping routines.

After the audience had cast their votes, Jenny Merchant of Derby treated people to a short dance lesson. When the results were announced, Catherine and Stuart Green were crowned 2013 Ashbourne Methodist Strictly Dance Champions for their Skyfall routine.

The event raised more than £280 for Christian Aid and Ashbourne Methodist Church, with the youth group members receiving rapturous applause from the audience for their hard work and imagination.

THE STRONGEST LINCS! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE who came to one of our Lincolnshire tour events in February and March. A particular pat on the back goes to all those who put in time and effort to help us to organise the tour in their area.

We thoroughly enjoyed meeting you all and hope those of you who did attend found our events fun, informative and inspiring.

CHILDREN’S VOICES DURING JANUARY, Lichfield Cathedral hosted an exhibition of photographs and reports made by young people in Gaza about their successful campaign against child labour. The Gaza Children’s Voices exhibition was a project supported

by Christian Aid partner the Culture and Free Thought Association.

The Rev Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield, said: ‘The exhibition gave a sharp insight into the plight of the children of Gaza.’ If you would like to know more about this exhibition or want to host it in your own church or community, contact the West Midlands office.

FANCY CHANGING THE WORLD? ON SATURDAY 22 JUNE, the Bishop of Derby will open his garden to young people from around Derbyshire as they attend the first ever Christian Aid Collective Youth Festival.

Entitled, ‘Just Love: How to Change the World’, the festival will run from 11am till 8pm and will include workshops, worship,

games, music and tasty food! It is open to young people aged 12-18 who want to learn what they can do to change the world.

To find out more or book your place, please contact the East Midlands Christian Aid office on 01509 265013 or email acane@christian-aid.org

EVENTS IN CENTRAL ENGLAND EAST MIDLANDS SUNDAY 28 APRIL Loughborough Simple Sunday Lunch 12.30pm, All Saints and Holy Trinity Church, Loughborough.

SUNDAY 28 APRIL Pre-Christian Aid Week event 5pm, St Paul’s & St Augustine’s Worship Centre, 2 Kirby Road, Leicester LE3 6BA. A bring and share tea followed by an informal talk/discussion on this year’s Christian Aid Week.

SUNDAY 5 MAY Commissioning service 6pm, Derby Cathedral, 18-19 Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3GP. Service and commissioning of collectors in Derby and Derbyshire. All are welcome.

Please let the Loughborough office know if you are coming on 01509 265013 or email eastmidlands@christian-aid.org SATURDAY 11 MAY Loughborough Sponsored Walk 9.30am start (20km walk), 10.30am start (12km walk), Brush

Bowls Club, Nanpanton Road, Loughborough.

We’re hungry for as many sponsored walkers as possible, wearing red. Sponsorship forms and instructions at lbcweb.org. uk/caweek SUNDAY 12 MAY Loughborough Simple Sunday Lunch 12.30pm, Baptist Church, Baxter Gate, Loughborough.

SATURDAY 18 MAY Scoot for a Hoot!

2pm, Moseley Complex, Derby Road, Loughborough LE11 5AH. A sponsored event for drivers of electric-powered scooters and wheelchairs (electric or manual).

More information, sponsorship forms and instructions available at lbcweb.org.uk/caweek SATURDAY 22 JUNE ‘Just Love: How to Change the World’ 11am-8pm, Bishop of Derby’s garden, Bishop’s House, 6 King Street, Duffield, Belper DE56 4EU. See story, above.

To book, contact Alice Cane in

the Loughborough office on 01509 754764 or email acane@ christian-aid.org WEST MIDLANDS MON 15 APRIL – SUN 5 MAY Gaza Children’s Voices Stoke Minster, Glebe Street, Stoke on Trent ST4 1LP. See story, above.

SUNDAY 21 APRIL Guest speaker 10.30am, Falcon Lodge Methodist Church, Newdigate Road, Sutton Coldfield B75 7ER. With Pete Kelsall.

SAT 11 – SUN 12 MAY, SAT 18 – SUN 19 MAY Charity plant sale 2-5pm, 4 Paradise Lane, Hall Green, Birmingham.

Christian Aid Week plant sale.

SUNDAY 9 JUNE SWOCA London Road Festival Boothen Garden, London Road, Stoke on Trent.

Find the Christian Aid stand for family-friendly activities based around the IF campaign.

These are just a few of the events that will be going on in the run-up to and over Christian Aid Week. Please call your local Christian Aid office to find out about events close to you or to tell us about your event.

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AROUND LONDON

Things are happening... things are moving

Syntiche and her fellow interns at a greeting ceremony during their visit to Zimbabwe

Syntiche Dedji, Methodist One Programme participant for the Christian Aid London team, finds optimism growing in a Zimbabwe garden From my bedroom window I can see a number of structures synonymous with the London skyline: the London Eye, the BT Tower, the Gherkin, and now the Shard, the tallest building in western Europe. The other day I found myself standing in front of the Shard without even realising it, because from ground level, its size was not obvious.

Since joining the Methodist One Programme and working with Christian Aid, I have come to realise that although poverty is a huge structure that can be seen all over the world, it too is easy to ignore if we so desire. Fortunately, Christian Aid does not desire this. It refuses to walk alongside poverty and fail to notice how big a problem it is.

Being a Methodist One Programme participant involves working with Methodist churches to inform young Methodists about Christian Aid and the work it is doing to put an end to poverty. I have found that Christian Aid’s mandate is one particularly suited to the Methodist Church, as Methodism was founded on a belief in coupling the Christian faith with working to end social injustice.

As part of my year with Christian Aid, I visited our partners in Zimbabwe to learn about their work. It was inspiring to speak to people who have been helped out of poverty. Yet, realising the scale of poverty, seeing how much further we have to go, can be discouraging.

At these times I remember Kredie Ndulbe, a mother of 12.

Talking with her during a visit to a nutrition garden, I asked what her favourite Bible verse was. She replied, John 14:1: ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.’ Despite her battle with poverty, she refused to be discouraged or to let her heart be troubled. This seemed to be a common sentiment among the women, and was reflected in the name of their nutrition garden, which translates as, ‘Be happy’ because ‘things are happening… things are moving’.

Even though we may get discouraged, we mustn’t let our hearts be troubled. We need to be happy, because things are indeed happening and in time, we will see poverty moved.

Inspiration for Christian Aid Week In January, 80 wonderful supporters and volunteers from across London gathered at our annual supporters’ evening to get ready for Christian Aid Week. London regional manager Mark Sturge opened the event with a reflection on Galatians 6:9-10: ‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.’

We know it can be a challenge to get people involved, but here are a few simple ideas from our creative committees to take back to your churches to use during Christian Aid Week.

• Struggling with house-to-house collections? Encourage your congregation to take home five envelopes each to share with friends, family and colleagues.

• Organise a Safari Supper, hosting a different course in a different house/church.

• Put on a dinner party in your church and invite people to donate what they would pay for a meal out.

To request a speaker for an event or to order resources, contact the Christian Aid London team on 020 7523 2321 or email us at london@christian-aid.org

24 Christian Aid News

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KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WHAT’S HAPPENING ACROSS YOUR AREA BY VISITING christianaid.org.uk/london

LONDON’S GOT TALENT!

London regional coordinator Rev Chris Andre-Watson finds inspiration in his daily commute to work JUDGING FROM MY FIRST few months as a London church coordinator, time has flown by in a blur of frenetic activities. I have certainly had to ‘hit the ground running’.

One of the joys of my new job is commuting to Christian Aid’s head office in Lower Marsh, Waterloo. That might sound strange, but having never had to commute in my entire working life, I am somewhat perversely enjoying this new experience.

My journey begins in Furzedown, Tooting, walking from the top of the hill where I live and descending towards the bus stop to catch the 333 that will eventually take me to Tooting Broadway station. That downhill descent is part of a trickle of tiny tributaries of workers that will eventually connect to form a great torrent at the head river, cascading onto the Northern Line. Seeing the city coming to life, teeming with all walks of life, and witnessing the monumental logistical operation needed to get people to their places of work fills me with awe.

And as I ascend the steel Jacob’s ladder that is the escalator at the other end of my journey, I feel I have been on an epic spiritual journey in which God has taken me down into the depths of the earth and then drawn

me upwards and outwards into his glorious light. I love city life and being based behind one of London’s busiest stations, I feel right at the heart of it. And yet for all its technological wizardry, the city often gets such bad press in Christian circles. But God loves the city too and one day, in his hands, it will become a symbol of transformation, hope and renewal.

It will be a beacon of blessing where we will all live and God will live and be its lights. In the book of Revelation, John has this vision: ‘I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men and he will live with them. They will be his people and God himself will be with them and be their God.”’ (Revelation 21:2-3) But we don’t have to wait for the ‘end’ in order for that to happen. We can participate in that transformational process right here, right now. Together across London we can be those tiny tributaries that join together to become a mighty river of blessing – not only to the residents of the city, but pouring out towards the rest of the world.

EVENTS IN LONDON 12-18 MAY Christian Aid Week 2013 SUNDAY 19 MAY Circle the City Sponsored Walk From 12.45pm. Registration points: St Mary-le-Bow, EC2 or All Hallows by the Tower, EC3.

Join hundreds of walkers for this family-friendly sponsored walk around the historic churches of the City of London (right). Learn more about Christian Aid’s work while enjoying guided tours, music, exhibitions and children’s activities. Registration is from 12.45pm, pre-walk services will be held at both churches at 1pm and the walk starts at 1.15pm.

Register today at christianaid. org.uk/walks. For more information, or to order posters and flyers for your church,

contact Hannah Glasgow on 020 7523 2077 or email hglasgow@christian-aid.org WEDNESDAY 19 JUNE Thank you tea and evaluation meetings From 3.30pm, Christian Aid, 35 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RL. Come along to our thank-you tea and help us evaluate Christian Aid Week.

3.30-5pm: first evaluation meeting.

5-6pm: thank-you cream tea.

6-7.30pm: second evaluation meeting.

If you are holding your own thank-you event and would like a Christian Aid speaker, please let us know. Call 020 7523 2321 or email london@christian-aid.org

Christian Aid

AT CHRISTIAN AID we’re passionate about using our talents, time and energy in bringing an end to global poverty. We’re also equally passionate about discovering and nurturing the talents of young people to bring about change.

That is why in 2013 we’re launching Talenton, a new initiative for London youth groups.

Inspired by the Parable of the Talents in the book of Matthew, we’re giving youth groups across the city £50 to put on their own fundraising event. The aim? To challenge young people to use their own gifts and abilities to make a difference for people living in poverty around the world.

Talenton will also help young people to multiply their own talents, developing team work, leadership and entrepreneurial skills, and understanding of budget management, social justice and event management.

We’ve got lots of resources to help every step of the way, and our student and youth interns would be delighted to come and share stories from Christian Aid’s partners around the world.

For more information or to register your group, contact: 020 7523 2271 or email talenton@christian-aid. org

BLESSINGS OF THE CITY OF GOD

Christian Aid News 25 christianaid.org.uk/if Regional_London.indd 2

07/03/2013 14:21

AROUND NORTH ENGLAND

Ben Kirby (right) and MP Fabian Hamilton launch the IF campaign at Leeds market

ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE IF… The IF campaign is now well under way and here in the regions we have been working hard to raise awareness around the issues of food and hunger EVENTS HAVE BEEN HAPPENING across the country with local campaign launches in Leeds, York, Newcastle, Liverpool, Lancaster, Warrington, Carlisle and Manchester.

Thank you for sharing in our vision, getting involved and supporting us.

Ben Kirby, our new campaigns volunteer in Yorkshire, has had a busy few months making contact with local campaigners urging them to lobby their

MPs. Ben said: ‘I wanted to do something worthwhile with the free time I have.

Christian Aid’s vision to eradicate poverty attracted me, so I got in touch to see if I might be useful.’

He certainly was and his ability to hit the road running as a campaigns volunteer is very timely too.

In anticipation of the G8 and the hunger summit in June, there will be a mass public event urging the UK government to use its

presidency of the G8 to tackle some of the main forces which perpetuate hunger.

For information about how you and your church could get involved: • visit christianaid.org.uk/if • email campaigns@ christian-aid.org to find out about resources for getting your church involved • contact your local office, particularly for details of local transport arrangements for the mass public event.

SMALL CHANGE MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE AN OLD SWEET JAR has been the home to more than £1,000 worth of coins over the past five years, at Garden Lane Uniting Church in Chester. Showing that every little really does help, church members and even visitors bring bags of coins to add to the jar. James Gray, a regular church member, has been identified as key to the success of raising the money.

James ensures no one forgets about the jar at the back of church! As we are coming closer to Christian Aid Week 2013, let’s all be encouraged that no matter how much or little money we raise, it all adds up and makes a real difference.

EASTER SUNDAY 31 MARCH 48th Halifax Long March 10pm-9am, Calderdale.

A marathon-length sponsored night hike in Calderdale.

For more information and to register, visit longmarch.org.uk or contact the Yorkshire office on 0113 244 4764.

WEDNESDAY 10 APRIL, SATURDAY 27 APRIL Once and For All See Christian Aid’s fantastic multimedia presentation at either of these events.

Wednesday 10 April: 7pm, Trinity Methodist URC, Widnes WA8 6TJ Saturday 27 April: 7pm, Wilmslow Churches Together.

Contact the Warrington office on 01925 573769.

FRIDAY 12 APRIL York Christian Aid AGM with distribution of Christian Aid Week materials 7.30pm, Southlands Methodist Church.

Hear about the work of our partners in Zimbabwe.

For more information, contact christianaidyork@googlemail. com MONDAY 15 APRIL – SUNDAY 21 APRIL Bite Back at Hunger North East Roadshow A series of inspirational events around the North East to build support for Christian Aid Week and the ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE IF campaign. With guest artist, singer-songwriter Gareth Davies-Jones.

Monday 15 April: 7pm, Trinity Centre, James Street, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough TS3 6LD. Tuesday 16 April: 8pm, St Margaret Clitherow Church, Sunnyfield, Great Ayton TS9 6NX. Wednesday 17 April: 7.30pm, Costello Centre, Bailiffgate, Alnwick NE66 1LU. Friday 19 April: 7.30pm, St Mary and St Stephen’s Church, Church Lane, Wolsingham DL13 3EN. Saturday 20 April: 7.30pm, St Mary and St Cuthbert’s Church, Church Chare, Chester le Street DH3 3QB. Sunday 21 April: 6.30pm, St Hilda’s Church, Church Close, Hartlepool TS24 0PW. Contact Christian Aid North East on newcastle@christian-aid.org or 0191 228 0115. Free entry.

24 Christian Aid News

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07/03/2013 16:17

KEEP uP TO DATE WITH WHAT’S HAPPENING ACROSS yOuR REGION: LOG ON TO yOuR LOCAL WEBSITE AT christianaid.org.uk/northeast • christianaid.org.uk/northwest • christianaid.org.uk/yorkshire

EVENTS IN NORTH ENGLAND views of the south bay,Bridge castle five-, visit 10- or 15-mile sponsored forms, please contact David TUESDAY 23 APRIL To register, TUESDAY 23 APRIL and harbour. walk on the edge of the on 01723 362091. For information or Inaugural Newcastle orPeak Inaugural Newcastle JubileeJubilee sheffieldmaydaytrek.org.uk sponsor forms, please contact District.

To register, Development contact the Yorkshire office.visit Development LectureLecture David sheffieldmaydaytrek.org.uk or SUNDAY 12Bridge MAY on 01723 362091.

Curtis Auditorium at 5.30pm,5.30pm, Curtis Auditorium at contact the Home-baking stall Newcastle University.

FRIDAY 10 MAY – Yorkshire FRIDAY 14office.

JUNE Newcastle University.

SUNDAY 12 MAY 10am,YeadonTown Hall Square.

By Baroness Glenysof Kinnock ofPoverty Over Exhibition

By Baroness Glenys Kinnock Home-baking stall FRIDAY 10 MAYand – FRIDAY 14 JUNEFor more information please Holyhead, organised sculpture Holyhead, organised

by North by North A stunning 10am, Hall at Square.

Povertyexhibition.

Over Exhibition contact MrsYeadon Alison Town Lockwood Call toonAction on Poverty. photographic East CallEast to Action Poverty.

For more information please A stunning sculpture alisonlockwood@yahoo.co.uk For information, Saturday 1 May – Monday 27and For information, contact Drcontact Dr contact Mrs Alison Lockwood at photographic exhibition.

David on Golding on d.w.golding@ May: Chester Cathedral.

David Golding d.w.golding@ alisonlockwood@yahoo.co.uk Saturday 1 May – Monday 27 MONDAY 13 MAY – SATURDAY talk21.com or 0191 222 5282. Wednesday 29 May –Thursday talk21.com or 0191 222 5282.

May: Chester Cathedral.

18 MAY 13 June: Liverpool Cathedral.

MONDAY 13 Aid MAYshop – SATURDAY Wednesday 29 May – Thursday Wooler WEDNESDAY 24 APRIL24 APRIL Christian WEDNESDAY MAY by arrangement.

13 June: Liverpool Cathedral. Local18collection SpeakerSpeaker TrainingTraining for Christian Aid for Christian SATURDAY 11 MAY Wooler Christian Aid shop Week Aid Week For information and to donate, Lyme Park Sponsored Walk Local collection by arrangement.

MAY 1-4pm, Brunswick Methodist Church, contact Sue Burston 01668 1-4pm, Brunswick Methodist Three-SATURDAY or eight-mile11sponsored For or information and to donate, Lyme in Park Walk Newcastle uponTyne NE1 7BJ. To Tyne walk, taking 281551 email Church, Newcastle upon theSponsored sights of Lyme contact Sue Burston 016618 Threesponsored bobburston1945@btinternet.com register,NE1 call Sarah Moon 7BJ. To register, call SarahPark and Hall. or To eight-mile register, visit 281551 or email walk, taking in the sights of Lyme on 0191Moon 228 0115 email on or 0191 228 0115 or email christianaid.org.uk/walks bobburston1945@btinternet.com Park and Hall. To register, visit TUESDAY smoon@christian-aid.org 14 MAY – SATURDAY smoon@christian-aid.org christianaid.org.uk/walks 18 MAY SATURDAY 11 MAY FRIDAY FRIDAY 26 APRIL 14 MAY – SATURDAY CakeTUESDAY stall at Boyes Store 26 APRIL Humber Bridge Cross sponsored Ellesmere Port Concert 18 MAYQueen Street, 10am-4pm, Ellesmere Port Concert walk SATURDAY 11 MAY 7pm, Ellesmere Port CivicPort Centre.

Cake stall at Boyes Store Humber BridgePark.

Cross sponsoredScarborough.

7pm, Ellesmere Civic Centre.

2pm, Hessle Country With Kaboodle Choir andChoir the and the For more 10am-4pm, Queen Street, walk Staffed

by Scarborough’s 30 With Kaboodle information, contact Dee Singers.

Tickets £5Tickets from £5 from gilldalby@gilldalby.karoo.co.uk Scarborough.

2pm, Hessle Country Park. churches.

Contact Margaret Dee Singers.

Ricky Montgomery on 0151 355 0108.355 Staffed

by Scarborough’s 30 For more information, contact Welsh on 01723 584505.

Ricky Montgomery on 0151 churches. Contact Margaret gilldalby@gilldalby.karoo.co.uk 0108.

SATURDAY 11 MAY SATURDAY 27 APRIL Welsh on 15 01723 WEDNESDAY MAY584505.

Endcliffe Orchestra Concert The Worship and Justice SATURDAY 11 MAYLodge Curry and Quiz Evening SATURDAY 27 APRIL 7.30pm, St Luke’s Church, Workshop WEDNESDAY 15 MAY 7.30pm, the Parvin,York Road, The Worship and Justice Moor. Endcliffe Orchestra Concert 9.30am-1pm (with an optional Curry and Quiz Evening 7.30pm, St Luke’s Church, Lodge Haxby,York.

Workshop For more information, contact follow on discussion at(with 2-4pm), 7.30pm, thefor Parvin, York Road, Moor. at jonathan.trezise £15 per person a three-course 9.30am-1pm an optional AlisonTresize The Sanctuary’s Centre, 6 Church York.

For more information, and quiz.

To book, contact follow on discussion at 2-4pm),@sky.com or 0114 236 5938. contact mealHaxby, Street, Ilkley, WYorks LS29 9DS. 6 Church per person for a three-course Alison Tresize at jonathan.trezise Rob £15 Cooper, robcooper46@ The Sanctuary’s Centre, All involved withIlkley, worship meal and quiz.

To book, contact @sky.com or 0114 236 5938. btinternet.com or 01904 761605.

Street, W Yorks LS29 9DS.SATURDAY 11 MAY leading are welcome.with worship Rob Cooper, robcooper46@ All involved Busk Aid Event Email info@thesanctuarycentre. btinternet.com or 01904 761605.

SATURDAY 11City MAY FRIDAY 17 MAY leading are welcome.

In Fargate, Sheffield Centre. org to reserve your place.

Busk Aid Event as above.

Family Fun Night Email info@thesanctuarycentre.

Contact AlisonTresize, FRIDAY 17 MAY In Fargate, Sheffield City Centre. 7-11pm, Blucher Social Club, org to reserve your place.

SUNDAY 28 APRIL Family FunNewcastle Night Contact Alison Tresize, as above. Hexham Road, upon SATURDAY 11 MAY Christian Aid Week Blucher Social Club, Tyne7-11pm, NE15 9SN. SUNDAY 28Service APRIL Choral Evensong 6pm, Morley Central Hexham Newcastle SATURDAY 11 MAY Music, games,Road, quiz, karaoke andupon Christian AidMethodist Week Service 5.30pm, York Minster Church, 6pm, Wesley Street,Central LS27 9EE. Tyne NE15 Evensong buffet.

Tickets £69SN. adults, £4 Morley MethodistComeChoral and celebrate the work of A service to inspire you for Music, games, quiz, karaoke 5.30pm, Yorkinformation Minster children under 13. Contact Mary and Church, Wesley Street, LS27 9EE. Christian Aid. More ChristianAAid Week. buffet.0191 Tickets adults, £4 Come and celebrate the work of Weatherall 229£6 1814. service to inspire you for from christianaidyork@ For more information, call Eddie children under 13. Contact Mary Christian Aid. More information Christian Aid Week. googlemail.com Weatherall 0191229 2291814.

1814 Wilson on 253 4181 Wetherall 0191 from christianaidyork@ SATURDAY 18 MAY For0113 more information, call Eddie googlemail.com Safari Supper Wilson on 0113 253 4181 SATURDAY 11 MAY WEDNESDAY 1 MAY SATURDAY 18 MAY 6.30pm, St Cuthberts, Wilmer Road.

Westerhope Plant Sale Three chords and the 1truth Supper MAY WithSafari the main course at Little WEDNESDAY MAY 10am,SATURDAY Westerhope11 Methodist 7.15pm, Three Bradford Cathedral.

St7.30pm, Cuthberts, Wilmer Westerhope Plant Sale Lane6.30pm, Church at finishing chords and the truth Church, Stamfordham Road, Songs and stories to entertain 10am, Westerhope Methodist at StRoad.

Chads,Toller Lane at 9pm.

7.15pm, Bradford Cathedral. Newcastle uponTyne NE5 5HA. and inspire.

Tickets or to entertain Contact With information, the main course at Little Church, Stamfordham Road, For more contact Songs and £5 stories Colin Brannen 0191 267 donation.

Forinspire. details,Tickets contact£5 or Lane Church at 7.30pm, or finishing and 6718. Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 5HA. cthmilford@blueyonder.co.uk John Froud on 01274 orcontact at St Chads, Toller Lane at 9pm.

Contact Colin Brannen 0191 267 ian@crotchet.fsworld.co.uk donation.

For580817 details, johnfroud@zeph.org.uk For more information, contact 6718. 11 MAY John Froud on 01274 580817 orSATURDAY cthmilford@blueyonder.co.uk or SATURDAY 18 MAY johnfroud@zeph.org.uk Ryedale Christian Aid Concert SATURDAY 4 MAY SATURDAY 11 MAY Westian@crotchet.fsworld.co.uk Craven Sponsored Walk 7.30pm, Salvation Army Hall, Walk the Waterfront, Liverpool SATURDAY 4 MAY NortonRyedale (Malton).Christian Aid Concert Walk 12 miles following parts of 10.15am, Otterspool-Pier Head.Liverpool Tickets7.30pm, SATURDAY 18 MAY Salvation Army Hall, the Leeds-Liverpool canal Walk the Waterfront, £5, children free. For Five-mile10.15am, sponsored walk or WestandThe CravenPendle Sponsored Norton (Malton). towpath Way Walk Otterspool-Pier Head.more information, contact Eddie walk of witness ahead of Walk 12 miles following parts of £5, children free. For around Barnoldswick.

To register, Five-mile sponsored walk or James,Tickets eddieandwendyjames@ Christianwalk Aid Week.

For more Leeds-Liverpool canal more information, contact Eddievisit the christianaid.org.uk/walks of witness ahead of phonecoop.coop information, phoneAid Eirlys on For more towpath and The Pendle Way James, eddieandwendyjames@ Christian Week.

01925 573769 or emailphone ejessop@ around25 Barnoldswick.

To register, phonecoop.coop SATURDAY MAY information, Eirlys on SUNDAY 12 MAY christian-aid.org visit Voices inchristianaid.org.uk/walks Harmony Concert 01925 573769 or email ejessop@ Sponsored Walk SUNDAY 12 MAY 7pm, St George’s Church, christian-aid.org 1.45pm, St Michael’s Church, MONDAY 6 MAY SATURDAY MAY Sponsored Walk Cullercoats NE3025 4NS. Filey Road, Scarborough.

Sheffield May Day6Trek Voices Harmony Concert 1.45pm, Michael’s Church, Choral musicinfrom Newcastle Male MONDAY MAY Four-mile stroll St taking in fantastic 9.30am,Sheffield Bolsterstone Hall.

7pm, George’s Church, Road, Chorus andStthe Kirkintilloch Male MayVillage Day Trek viewsFiley of the southScarborough. bay, castle and five-, 10-9.30am, or 15-mile sponsored Village Hall.

NE30 4NS.Christian Four-mile stroll taking in fantasticVoiceCullercoats Choir. Tickets £8 from Bolsterstone harbour.

For information or sponsor walk on the edge of the Peak District.

Aid Newcastle. To book, call 0191

Newcastle 228Choral 0115 ormusic emailfrom newcastle@ Male Chorus and the Kirkintilloch christian-aid.org Male Voice Choir. Tickets £8 from Christian Aid Newcastle. To SUNDAY 26 MAY book, callManchester 0191 228 0115 or email Bupa Great Run newcastle@christian-aid.org Join Christian Aid’sTeam Poverty in this 10k run. To register, visit SUNDAY 26 MAY christianaid.org.uk/running or Bupa Great on Manchester Run phone Hannah 01925 582826.

Join Christian Aid’s Team Poverty in this3110k run.To register, visit FRIDAY MAY christianaid.org.uk/running or Christian Aid Quiz Night phone on 01925 582826.

7.30pm, StHannah Bede’s Church, Newcastle Road, Blyth NE24 FRIDAY 31George MAY Robson 4AS. Contact Christian Aid Quiz Night 01670 353173.

7.30pm, St Bede’s Church, Newcastle Road, Blyth NE24 THURSDAY 6 JUNE 4AS.you Contact Thank eventGeorge Robson 01670 353173.

11am-3pm, Bank Quay House, Warrington, WA1 1NN. THURSDAY 6 JUNE A chance to thank you for your Thank you event Aid week. work during Christian 11am-3pm, Bank Quay House, Warrington, WA1 1NN. SATURDAY 29 JUNE A chance to thankWalk you for your Preston Sponsored work during Christian Aid week.

Avenham Park café, Preston.

A popular 10-mile circular walk.

29 JUNE ForSATURDAY more information, contact Preston Sponsored Walk Stephen Davies on stephen.

Avenham Park café, Preston. davies34@yahoo.com A popular 10-mile circular walk.

For more6information, contact SATURDAY JULY Stephen Davies on stephen.

Sheffield Night Hike davies34@yahoo.com 8pm, St Luke’s Lodge Moor.

A 17-mile night hike out into the SATURDAY JULY visit Peak District. To6register, Sheffield Night Hike or sheffieldnighthike.org.uk 8pm,theYorkshire St Luke’s Lodge Moor. contact office.

A 17-mile night hike out into the Peak District.

To register, visit SATURDAY 6 JULY sheffieldnighthike.org.uk Bede’s Way Sponsored Walk or contact the Yorkshire office.

10am-4pm, St Peter’s, Monkwearmouth to St Paul’s, SATURDAY 6 JULY Jarrow.

Bede’s walk, Way Sponsored Walk A 12-mile with a four-mile 10am-4pm,option St Peter’s, family-friendly in the Monkwearmouth afternoon.

Minimum to St Paul’s, Jarrow. £50 (£75 for sponsorship: A 12-mile walk, with a four-mile families).

For details, contact the family-friendly in the Newcastle Christianoption Aid office on afternoon.

0191 228 0115 Minimum or email sponsorship: £50 (£75 for newcastle@christian-aid.org families). For details, contact the Newcastle Christian Aid14 office FRIDAY 12 JULY – SUNDAY JULYon 0191 228 0115 or email Hadrian’s Wall Trek newcastle@christian-aid.org Two-day 25-mile trekking challenge.To register, visit FRIDAY 12 JULY – SUNDAY christianaid.org.uk/trekking or 14 JULY phone Hannah on 01925 582826.

Hadrian’s Wall Trek Two-day SUNDAY 21 25-mile JULY trekking challenge.To register, Thank you at the Minstervisit christianaid.org.uk/trekking or 2-4.30pm, Sunderland Minster, High phone Hannah on 01925 Street West, Sunderland SR1582826.

3ET. join us for a cream tea to celebrate all SUNDAY 21 over JULYthe past year. we’ve achieved Thank at the Minster Hosted byyou Bishop Mark Bryant.

Sunderland Minster, For2-4.30pm, more information or to book call High Street West, Sunderland.

Christian Aid Newscastle on 0191 director 228With 0115Loretta or emailMinghella, newcastle@ of Christian Aid. christian-aid.org

Christian Aid News 25 christianaid.org.uk/if

AROUND SCOTLAND

SCOTLAND GETS BEHIND THE IF CAMPAIGN

The Glasgow launch of the IF campaign

‘IF YOU, IF WE, IF EVERYONE BELIEVES IN NO HUNGER OR DESPAIR, WE’LL CHANGE THE WORLD FOR EVERYONE’ – The Whitelees Primary ‘School of Rock’

FOCUS ON CHRISTIAN AID WEEK CATHERINE FALCONER, OUR YOUTH ADVOCATE, has recently returned from a trip to Zimbabwe, which will be a major focus country of Christian Aid Week 2013.

Catherine got to see firsthand the work of Christian

Colin Hattersley

THE BIGGEST EVER CAMPAIGN ON global hunger got off to a good start in Scotland with a major launch event on Buchanan Street in Glasgow, timed to coincide with simultaneous events in Cardiff, Belfast and London.

We gathered together for the unveiling of the giant IF from under a saltire flag, with the help of actor Atta Yaqub, star of Scottish film Ae Fond Kiss. A cycle-powered projection of the IF animation attracted the attention of passers-by, who were invited to read about the campaign in our travelling exhibition, sign up to show their support, and leave messages in our IF orchard.

The Glasgow event included a performance by the Whitelees Primary ‘School of Rock’, who had written a song about hunger especially for the occasion.

Their performance was complemented further by the sounds of west African drumming band Aywara.

Christian Aid Scotland is working very closely with a number of other international development organisations, churches and faith groups.

Head of team Kathy Galloway said: ‘Here in Scotland we have strong

Aid Week partner Dabane Trust, which has helped families in Zimbabwe by assisting in the building of a sand dam. If you’d like Catherine to speak at your church or community event, call 0141 221 7475.

connections with the churches, and we work in partnership with many organisations who also believe it’s a scandal that in a world where there is enough food for everyone, not everyone has enough food to eat. We’re very excited that the IF campaign provides an opportunity for us to work together towards our shared vision of eradicating global hunger, and we hope that as the campaign continues to gather momentum, many others will join us too.’

A number of high-profile Scots have offered their backing to the campaign,

including actors Ewan McGregor and John Michie, and Deacon Blue singer Ricky Ross.

John, who currently appears in Coronation Street and formerly played DI Robbie Ross in Taggart, commented: ‘We need to solve the underlying issues which create global hunger once and for all. It’s unfair, it’s unjust, and the truth is – it’s totally preventable. If we get enough Scots behind this campaign, we can make world leaders listen.

‘This can be the year we change the future by making this the beginning of the end of world hunger.’

Catherine with Sophilisiwe Moyo during her visit to Zimbabwe

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KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WHAT’S HAPPENING ACROSS YOUR AREA: LOG ON TO THE CHRISTIAN AID SCOTLAND WEBSITE AT christianaid.org.uk/scotland

EVENTS IN SCOTLAND SPONSORED WALKS SATURDAY 20 APRIL Forth Bridge Cross 2pm, Forth Road Bridge, South and North Queensferry.

Gather together with friends and family to take part in this walk over the famous Forth Road Bridge.

Cate Gillon

SATURDAY 27 APRIL Erskine Bridge Cross 2pm, Erskine Bridge, Erskine and Old Kilpatrick.

Take in the beautiful views over the River Clyde and enjoy the new forestry walkway down to the riverside.

Political leaders hang their messages of support in the IF orchard

MAKING OUR VOICE HEARD SCOTLAND’S VOICE MUST BE HEARD at Westminster, the G8 and across the world as part of the UK-wide ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE IF campaign. But in Scotland itself we can also play our part in ensuring that every family and every child has a life free from hunger.

We took the IF campaign to the Scottish Parliament, where we presented party leaders with our Scottish manifesto and asked for their support. We also held an event for MSPs. Chris Hegarty, Christian Aid Scotland’s senior policy and advocacy adviser, said: ‘There is much we can do in Scotland to play our part in tackling hunger. For example, the Scottish Government could increase its support for the poorest communities suffering the effects of climate change. It could choose to award public contracts to companies that don’t dodge their taxes in developing countries. It could tap into Scotland’s experiences of the Highland Clearances to hold a Global Land Summit on the huge problems caused to poor subsistence farmers by land grabbing.

‘We welcome the interest shown by the four party leaders, and other MSPs, and we look forward to working with them on these important issues over coming months.’

BOLIVIAN PARTNER VISITS SCOTLAND Bolivia is one of the poorest and most unequal countries in South America. This is despite the fact that it is rich in natural resources and boasts huge reserves of oil and gas, and the biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest. Cecilia Cordova, Christian Aid’s Bolivian programme officer, will be spending some time with us here in Scotland in April, and will talk about our work in Bolivia at an event at Augustine United Church, Edinburgh, at 2pm on 16 April.

SATURDAY 4 MAY Tay Bridge Cross 10am, Tay Road Bridge, Dundee and Newport on Tay. For the 13th year people will come together to enjoy the walk over the Tay Road Bridge.

The cross will be a morning event this year starting at 10am.

SATURDAY 15 JUNE Cumbrae Challenge 10.30am, Isle of Cumbrae.

Challenge yourself to a walk or cycle around the beautiful Isle of Cumbrae, off the west coast.

For more information on any of the above fundraising events, or to register, contact Amy Menzies on 0141 241 6138 or amenzies@christian-aid.org OTHER EVENTS: SATURDAY 23 MARCH Pre-Christian Aid Week conference 10am-3pm, Woodside Parish Church, Church Street, Woodside, Aberdeen AB24 4DQ. A half-day event for supporters to find out more about Christian Aid, meet the team and hear about the work of the partners featured in this year’s Christian Aid Week. Light lunch provided.

For more information, please contact Val Brown on 0141 221 7475 or email vbrown@ christian-aid.org SATURDAY 4 MAY Bach 2 Bach Marathon 9am-12midnight, St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh.

This unique event will host up to 30 performances of music

by Johann Sebastian Bach. For just £10, St Mary’s Cathedral will welcome you for anything from one hour to 15 hours.

For more details, see christianaid.org.uk/bach2bach

TUESDAY 7 MAY Pre-Christian Aid Week evening 5-7pm, Falkirk Old and St Modan’s Church, Manse Place, Falkirk FK1 1JN. An evening for supporters to find out more about Christian Aid and hear about the work of our partners featuring in this year’s Christian Aid Week.

For more information, contact Val Brown on 0141 221 7475 or vbrown@christian-aid.org CHRISTIAN AID WEEK SATURDAY 11 MAY – THURSDAY 16 MAY St Andrew’s and St George’s West booksale 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA. Saturday 11 May: 10am-4pm Monday 13 May – Wednesday 15 May and Friday 17 May: 10am-3.30pm Thursday 16 May: 10am-7pm SATURDAY 11 MAY – FRIDAY 17 MAY Holy Corner booksale Morningside United Church, Chamberlain Road, Edinburgh EH10 4DJ Saturday 11 May: 10am-4pm.

Monday 13 May – Friday 17 May: 11am-6pm.

Saturday 18 May: 10am-4pm SUNDAY 19 MAY Heart and Soul 2013 – A Celebration of Celtic Christianity 1-5pm, Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh.

We are looking forward to meeting with supporters, and showcasing some of our partners’ work and our current campaigns. You can find out more about the event at heartandsoul2013.org.uk For more information about Christian Aid’s presence at Heart and Soul please contact Val Brown as above.

FRIDAY 31 MAY – SATURDAY 1 JUNE Christian Aid art exhibition and sale Fairlie Parish Church.

Fairtrade refreshments, proceeds to Christian Aid. Further information is available from Margaret Keir: 01475 568280.

FRIDAY 21 JUNE – SUNDAY 23 JUNE Solas Festival The Bield at Blackruthven, Perthshire.

Details at solasfestival.co.uk

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AROUND THE SOUTH EAST Regional news and events in Beds, Berks, Bucks, Herts and Oxon

With Christian Aid Week 2013 just around the corner, Barbara Day, from Little Gaddesden in Hertfordshire, shares her thoughts on being a house-to-house collector ‘I FIRST STARTED collecting for Christian Aid about 40 years ago, and I still really enjoy doing it.

‘In those days, the annual collection was organised jointly with our local Methodist church, and this gave me an opportunity to get to know some people from there, as well as from our village C of E church.

The joint counting sessions at the end of the week were always a pleasant social occasion. One helpful tip

we were given was to think of our visits as a way of offering the person we were calling on an opportunity to give, rather than asking them for money – and I have found this does make it easier to accept any refusals.

‘Another thing that I really enjoy about collecting is the chance to see the changes in people’s gardens over the years. While doing that this year I am hoping to be able to tell people about the ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE IF campaign!’

If you would like to become a collector, please contact the Oxford office on 01865 246818 or oxford@ christian-aid.org

THE PAPER QUIZ IS BACK! DO YOU KNOW WHERE THE home of snail porridge is?

Find out and take part in the Five Counties Paper Quiz 2013.

The quiz contains 30 clues on six different themes, and all the answers are places in Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire,

Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire. It only costs £1 to enter and there will be Fairtrade goody bags for the winners. You can download the quiz from our website, or we can email you a pdf or supply hard copies for you to distribute. The closing date is 31 May.

Amy Merone

STILL COLLECTING…40 YEARS ON

At the IF campaign launch in Oxford, Andrew Smith MP shares an al fresco breakfast with local clergy and campaigners

IF CAMPAIGN GATHERS PACE THE ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE IF campaign is now in full swing and there are lots of ways for you and your church to get behind it.

Our team has a ready-made event to bring to your church; all you have to do is provide a room and the people!

The event would be led

by Christian Aid staff and volunteers and will be informative, interactive and inspirational. It will introduce the IF campaign and give people the tools to get involved at a local level, for

a global impact. We would love to talk to you about what elements of the evening will work best for your community.

We are also working with a number of agencies to plan a faith conference on the IF campaign. This will take place in Oxford on 1 June. Do get in touch to find out more.

For more information, contact sjohnson@christianaid.org, or see page 12 of this issue of Christian Aid News for more on the IF campaign’s forthcoming plans.

EVENTS If you would like a Christian Aid speaker for an event, contact oxford@christian-aid.org or call 01865 246818.

SATURDAY 4 MAY Concert for Christian Aid Week 7.30pm, Amersham Free Church, HP6 6AJ. Performed by Bucks-8-Voices, The Magic Flutes and soloists.

Tickets £10 (including a glass of wine).

For more information contact David Hodgkins on 01494 725207.

SATURDAY 11 MAY The Christian Aid Walk, East Herts Registration 8.30-9.30am

Starts at St John’s Hall, Greencoates, Hertford SG13 8AE Finishes at Bengeo Primary School, Hertford SG14 3DX Walk a marathon! The walk is divided into five sections, so you can walk as little as 6.4km, or up to 42.2km. Fancy dress is optional!

Register at christianaid.org.uk/ walks or call Liz Horner on 01920 465714.

SATURDAY 11 MAY Craft fair for Christian Aid Week 10am-3pm, St Michael's Church, Amersham HP6 5DR. For more information, contact David Hodgkins on 01494 725207.

SATURDAY 18 MAY Walk the Country 8.30-10am for registration, Bix Village Hall, Bix RG9 6BS. Walk five, 10, or 15 miles in the stunning countryside around Bix. Great fun for all the family! Sign up in advance for a sponsorship pack or donate a minimum of £10 on the day.

Register at christianaid.org.uk/ walks or email events@christianaid.org or call John Russell on 0118 978 3232.

SATURDAY 22 JUNE Weston Turville Church Abseil Details to be confirmed: email sclay@christian-aid.org or call 01865 246818.

SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER Woodstock Church Abseil St Mary Magdalene Church, Woodstock OX20 1UG. Be one of the first people ever to abseil down this historic church tower in the centre of Woodstock.

From the top you’ll see stunning views stretching as far as the Blenheim estate, before having the unique experience of abseiling down. Register for £15 and raise a minimum sponsorship of £60. Age 11+.

Register at christianaid.org.uk/ abseil, email sclay@christian-aid. org or call 01865 246818.

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KEEp up to dAtE WItH WHAt’S HAppEnInG ACroSS Your rEGIon: LoG on to Your LoCAL WEbSItE At christianaid.org.uk/oxford • christianaid.org.uk/southeast

Regional news and events in Essex, Surrey, Sussex and Kent

ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE IF wE act tOGEtHER It HAS bEEn great to see the IF campaign gathering pace in the South East, with MPs, church leaders and local campaigners pledging their support at regional launches.

At Rochester Cathedral, Bishop Brian said: ‘Let’s share the message that ending hunger is within our reach.’

And at Canterbury Cathedral, the Rt Rev Trevor Willmott, Bishop of Dover, said: ‘Gatherings like this say to people, we have the will.’

For such a campaign to succeed, a huge movement of people must come together in order to persuade the politicians and decisionmakers to take action.

Here’s how we can help you share the message of the campaign and take action over the coming months: • Invite us to speak at a church service or meeting.

We can share stories from overseas partners and theological perspectives. This

The Brian Castle, Bishop Tonbridge, helps launch TheRt RtRev RevDrTrevor Willmott, theofBishop of Dover, helps the launch the IF campaign outside Canterbury Cathedral.

IF campaign outside Rochester Cathedral

year, Christian Aid Week will also be focusing on food, so we can speak about the IF campaign in the context of a Christian Aid Week talk.

• We have IF campaign banners available. Let us know if you would like one to display outside your church.

• We can run interactive campaign workshops with practical ideas on how to take action.

• Keep an eye out for details

on IF’s mass action around the G8 summit in June.

• Please keep praying for the campaign. We can provide prayers and reflections to help with this.

Contact David Muir in the South East team on 020 7523 2157 if we can help in any way. And if you are already involved, we would love to hear what you are doing, so that we can share your ideas and help inspire others.

do trY tHIS At HoME! ArE You LooKInG For A SIMpLE fundraising idea for Christian Aid Week?

Here are a couple of ideas to inspire you, which can be done in the comfort of your own home: • Dine at mine! The Christian Aid Group in Chichester, West Sussex, is planning a series of dinner parties where friends take turns to host and cook a threecourse meal in the style of an Indian or Chinese restaurant. One fundraiser-cum-chef, Holly Sabin, said: ‘Many people will pay £20 or more for a restaurant meal, and my friends are happy to donate £10 a head to Christian Aid instead. ’ • Movie night. Organise a film night with tasty homemade popcorn for a suggested donation.

If you’d like any resources for Christian Aid Week events, please get in touch with the South East office on 020 7523 2105 or email us at LSE@christian-aid.org.

EVENTS For more information and to book your place at an event, please contact the South East office on 020 7523 2105 or email LSE@christian-aid.org You can also visit our regional web pages: christianaid.org.uk/ southeast SATURDAY 13 APRIL Garden visit and afternoon tea 2-4.30pm, Green Island Gardens, Ardleigh, Essex CO7 7SP. A chance to meet other supporters, enjoy the beautiful Green Island gardens and be inspired for Christian Aid Week 2013. Cost: £7.50, which includes tea and a slice of homemade cake.

SATURDAY 20 APRIL Ingatestone Sponsored Abseil and lunchtime talk St Edmund and St Mary’s Church, High Street, Ingatestone, Essex CM4 9DN. Go over the edge to end poverty!

To sign up, please register online at christianaid.org.uk/abseil or contact Hannah Glasgow on 020 7523 2077. The lunchtime talk at 1pm is open to all.

SATURDAY 27 APRIL ‘Ending Hunger: Have we bitten off more than we can chew?’

11am-2pm, Reigate Methodist Community Centre, 53 High Street, Reigate RH2 9AE. A morning of prayer, action

and learning. Lunch included, donations welcome.

SATURDAY 18 MAY Alfriston Sponsored Walk Christian Aid supporters in East Sussex will be walking around the boundary of St Andrew’s parish in Alfriston. Walkers can join in for all 12 miles, or just walk a four-mile section. To register, please contact Lawrie Walker on 01323 870833.

SATURDAY 18 MAY Meopham Sponsored Walk This walk along footpaths and byways in the Kent countryside is organised by local supporters in Meopham and is suitable

for all ages. Any distance from two to 20 miles can be walked.

Contact Emma Kevan, regional coordinator for Kent, on 020 7523 2378 for further information.

SUNDAY 19 MAY Circle the City Sponsored Walk Registration and pre-walk services at: St Mary-Le-Bow, EC2 or All Hallows by the Tower, EC3 Join this family-friendly sponsored walk around the historic churches of the City of London. Registration is from 12.45pm, and the walk starts at 1.15pm. For more information, contact Hannah Glasgow on 020 7523 2077 or hglasgow@ christian-aid.org

Christian Aid News 25 christianaid.org.uk/if

AROUND THE SOUTH AND WEST

Chris Dobson

Christian Aid/Anna Potts

Christian Aid/Charlotte Page

CHURCH LEADERS SHOW THEIR SUPPORT CHRISTIAN AID IS THE OFFICIAL AGENCY of more than 40 denominations in Britain and Ireland and we are extremely grateful for the wonderful support that senior church leaders give us here in the South and West of England.

Since Christmas, they have been involved in an amazing amount of activity. The Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt Rev Peter Price, joined our Wiltshire regional coordinator Anna Potts as part of a team of church leaders visiting Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory (see page 30).

They were welcomed by Christian Aid partners in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, and on his return Bishop Peter hosted a special Christian Aid exhibition in Wells Cathedral focusing on children in the Gaza Strip.

West regional manager Nigel Quarrell joined a group that included the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Rev Mike Hill, the Bishop of Swindon, the Rt Rev Lee Rayfield, and the Superintendent of Bristol and South Gloucestershire Methodist Circuit, the Rev David Hart, in a visit to the Friends of Canon Gideon Foundation – a Christian Aid partner in Kampala, Uganda. Canon Gideon Byamugisha is Christian Aid’s goodwill ambassador on HIV/AIDS and the group

had an opportunity to see some of the foundation’s work, inspired by his life and advocacy on behalf of people affected by HIV. Now back in Wiltshire, Bishop Lee is joining forces with the Bishop of Ramsbury, the Rt Rev Ed Condry, as they prepare to cycle more than 170 miles around the county in support of Christian Aid. If you live in Wiltshire, please come and cheer them on when they reach a town near you – see their itinerary opposite.

Clockwise from left: Bishop Peter Price with village chief Bagastel in the Hebron hills; church leaders at the IF launch in Winchester; Bristol and Swindon church leaders in Kampala

Meanwhile the launch of the ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE IF campaign in Winchester had a decidedly purple tint, with the Bishop of Winchester, the Rt Rev Tim Dakin, the Bishop of Southampton, the Rt Rev Jonathan Frost, and the Bishop of Basingstoke, the Rt Rev Peter Hancock, all attending. Also present were the Dean of Winchester, the Very Rev James Attwell, and the Moderator of the United Reformed Church Wessex Synod, the Rev Clare Downing.

Noah shows we’re Better Together IN MARCH, SUPPORTERS IN Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Hampshire were inspired by the visit of Noah Kutukwa, Christian Aid’s programme manager in Zimbabwe. Noah, an expert in agriculture, shared stories about the way Christian Aid partners are helping farmers to grow more food in challenging and changing climates.

Noah was also part of bake-off events in Truro and Exeter, where church leaders were judged on their bread-baking skills, while also raising awareness of the issues of hunger in today’s world. Noah inspired people

to get involved in tackling hunger through Christian Aid Week and the IF campaign.

During his visit, Noah was pleased to meet many supporters from across the region. He returned home with stories of the generosity of people who are giving, acting and praying for those they will never meet. Noah is now back in Zimbabwe, but if you would like to hear his stories then do contact the Southampton or Exmouth offices to invite us to bring the Better Together presentation to your church or group.

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KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WHAT’S HAPPENING ACROSS YOUR AREA: LOG ON TO YOUR LOCAL WEBSITE AT christianaid.org.uk/southwest • christianaid.org.uk/west

YOUR LOCAL OFFICE BRISTOL OFFICE (Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire) 57 High Street Thornbury Bristol BS35 2AP 01454 415923 west@christian-aid.org facebook.com/ ChristianAidWest EXMOUTH OFFICE (Cornwall, Devon) 35a The Parade Exmouth Devon EX8 1RH 01395 222304 southwest@christian-aid.org SOUTHAMPTON OFFICE (Channel Isles, Dorset, Hampshire, Isle of Wight) Isaac Watts Church Winchester Road Southampton SO16 6TS 023 8070 6969 southwest@christian-aid.org

PHILATELY GETS MICHAEL EVERYWHERE MICHAEL UPTON FROM DEVON is a retired Christian Aid area secretary, but he still works to stamp out poverty in his own special way. Back in 1963, during the Freedom from Hunger campaign, he looked at his personal stamp collection and realised that he had accumulated many duplicates. He decided to sell these to stamp clubs and individual collectors and, by the packet, to charity shops.

His sister-in-law took on the sales to a number of private collectors and recruited several more stamp donors. This inspired a member of Christian Aid staff in our central office to donate her entire collection, which received coverage in Christian Aid News, and encouraged others to donate stamps to Michael’s growing army of volunteers. In the first year their combined efforts raised £150. The scheme gradually expanded and by 1997 it was raising more than £1,000 annually. The peak year was in 1993, when it brought in more than £10,000, thanks to the donation of several collections.

The total now raised by Michael and his team stands at more than £75,000, plus any funds raised by direct sales to wholesalers from Christian Aid central office. None of this would have been possible without Michael’s imagination, commitment and his host of helpers. If you would like to get involved or donate stamps, please contact our Exmouth office.

EVENTS IN THE SOUTH AND WEST 21 MARCH – 20 APRIL Poverty Over exhibition Gloucester Cathedral, Westgate, Gloucester.

Exhibition featuring a specially commissioned sculpture by Mel Howse. Drop in anytime until 20 April.

Contact Bristol office on 01454 415923 or west@ christian-aid.org FRIDAY 12 APRIL, SATURDAY 13 APRIL Bishops on bicycles!

See box opposite.

If you would like to sponsor the bishops or want to know when they will be passing near you, contact the Bristol office on 01454 415923 or west@christian-aid.org SATURDAY 20 APRIL Deafening silence 11am-1pm, Christ Church, Bear Street, Barnstaple.

A reflective day in North Devon: a time of worship with space to recharge and refocus as we play our part in bringing justice to our world. The day will include led reflections, discussion and refreshments.

Contact the Exmouth office on 01395 222304 or southwest@ christian-aid.org

SATURDAY 20 APRIL Bournemouth and Poole preChristian Aid Week gathering 11am-12 noon, Richmond Hill St Andrew’s URC, St Stephen’s Road, Bournemouth.

Refreshments will be served.

Contact the Southampton office on 023 8070 6969 or southwest@christian-aid.org SUNDAY 28 APRIL Fareham Christian Aid lunch 12.30pm, St John’s Church, Upper St Michael’s Grove, Fareham.

Contact the Southampton office on 023 8070 6969 or southwest@christian-aid.org MONDAY 6 MAY Churches Together in Hartland Christian Aid walk 10am, Hartland Methodist Chapel, Fore Street, Hartland.

Walk up to eight miles through Hartland and the surrounding area.

For details, contact Ralph and Lorna on 01237 441587.

SATURDAY 11 MAY Spring symphony orchestra concert 7.30pm, St Saviour’s Church, Wilverley Road, Brockenhurst.

Booking advised by calling 01590 622133 or emailing lyn. brock@hotmail.co.uk

SATURDAY 11 – SUNDAY 12 MAY Christian Aid Week sponsored walks Newton Abbot, Bournemouth and Poole, Bishops Waltham Deanery, Fareham.

Find out more about our sponsored walks at christianaid.org.uk/walks Contact the Southampton office on 023 8070 6969 or southwest@christian-aid.org SUNDAY 12 MAY Super Soup and Sweet Lunch 12.30pm, Bishop Gott Memorial Hall, Par Green, Par. Contact Jill Hore on 01726 812786 or email carmears@ btinternet.com TUESDAY 14 MAY Winchester Christian Aid events 11am-3pm, High Street and the Cathedral, Winchester.

Winchester University and the Cathedral are hosting awareness and fundraising events in the town centre featuring performing arts, music, an international food market and broadcast on university radio. Come along to see what’s happening!

Contact the Southampton office on 023 8070 6969 or southwest@christian-aid.org

Bishops on bicycles!

Christian Aid groups in Wiltshire will be visited by cycling bishops in April.

The Rt Rev Lee Rayfield, Bishop of Swindon (Bristol Diocese) and the Rt Rev Edward Condry, Bishop of Ramsbury (Salisbury Diocese) will cycle round the county on 12-13 April. The challenge will see them cover more than 170 miles and visit 16 Christian Aid groups, on whom they will rely for food and drink to mark their solidarity with the hungry around the world.

Cycle route and approximate timings (correct at time of going to press) FRIDAY 12 APRIL Trowbridge depart 8:00 Warminster arrive 8:42 Mere arrive 9:54 Salisbury arrive 12:12 Amesbury arrive 13:49 Pewsey arrive 15:16 Devizes arrive 16:42 Marlborough arrive 18:15 SATURDAY 13 APRIL Marlborough Wootton Bassett Swindon Highworth Cricklade Malmesbury Great Somerford Chippenham Melksham Bradford Trowbridge

depart 8:00 arrive 8:54 arrive 9:51 arrive 10:53 arrive 11:59 arrive 13:22 arrive 14:43 arrive 15:45 arrive 16:48 arrive 17:45 arrive 18:30

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AROUND WALES

Inflatables send out the IF campaign message

WALES SAYS YES TO IF CAMPAIGN SNOW AND FREEZING temperatures couldn’t stop Wales from launching its ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE IF/ DIGON O FWYD I BAWB OS campaign at Cardiff Castle in January.

Representatives and supporters of some of the organisations and bodies in Wales who make up IF/OS gathered in the castle grounds, where they listened to Lila Haines, chair of IF/OS Cymru, Jeff Williams, head of Christian Aid Wales, and Craig Owen, programme manager for Wales Africa Community Links, speak on some of the issues being highlighted by the IF/OS campaign.

‘The scandal of hunger is the greatest scandal of our age,’ said Lila, ‘but we know that we can change this.’

Two Welsh celebrities sent messages of support. Colin Jackson, the former world champion hurdler, said: ‘Great strides have been made in reducing poverty and cutting child mortality but there are still huge hurdles to be tackled to stop people going hungry.’

TV chef Bryn Williams commented: ‘Let’s make sure that every person in the poorest countries has the support, the tools, the skills and the land that they need to feed themselves.’

In North Wales, 50 campaigners gathered for an ‘invisible lunch’ outside Bangor Cathedral, featuring plates and

cutlery, but no food! And in Wrexham, around 30 activists congregated outside St Mary’s Cathedral to hear the Catholic Bishop of Wrexham, the Rt Rev Peter Brignall, and local MP Ian Lucas, shadow minister for Africa and the Middle East, voice their support.

‘Support for this campaign is an important element of the whole action to work for clean water, good sanitation, land, skills and tools for the world’s poorest to help them feed themselves,’ said Bishop Peter. Ian Lucas agreed: ‘It is vital that the IF/OS campaign keeps pressure on world leaders to tackle hunger this year.’

The launch marks the beginning of the ‘IF/OS reverse graffiti footpath’, which, in the coming months, will stretch across the length and breadth of Wales from Cardiff to Holyhead.

Jeff Williams explained: ‘Our aim is to lay the IF/OS logo, in a form of a stencil, on the pavements and roads of Wales.

These will leave a clean and clear message, pointing to Enniskillen where the leaders of the world will be meeting in June for the G8 summit.’

From Friday 17 May to Saturday 1 June an IF/OS pilgrimage will take place from Ynys Enlil to St Asaph Cathedral.

Details on how to take part from Anna Jane Evans on 01248 353574.

Cathrin Daniel on a visit to Burundi

GOODBYE JEFF… H IN THE LAST ISSUE OF Christian Aid News we said farewell to Jeff Williams, who was retiring as the head of Christian Aid in Wales after 22 years. In this edition it is a pleasure to welcome Cathrin Daniel, who took over from Jeff at the beginning of March.

Cathrin, born and brought up in Bangor, North Wales, brings to the role a wealth of experience in overseas aid and development work.

Having started her career in global youth work with UNA Exchange and VSO, Cathrin spent four years as executive director of Welsh NGO Dolen Cymru – Wales Lesotho Link, working closely with schools and churches throughout Wales to develop a broad range of partnerships with Wales’ twinned nation, Lesotho. In 2009 she moved to Burundi to take up a role as a capacity building officer with Quaker Peace and Social

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KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WHAT’S HAPPENING ACROSS WALES: LOG ON TO christianaid.org.uk/wales

Christian Aid Collective kicks off in Wales ON 2 FEBRUARY, CARFAN – the Welsh name for the Collective – invited young Christians in Aberystwyth to St Paul’s Methodist Centre, to share food and discuss some of the issues around global poverty and inequality.

During the meal, interviews with a range of campaigners and activists, including Christian Aid’s new chair Dr Rowan Williams, were played to spark discussion and get people enthused. Nikki from the local university’s Methodist Society said that people ‘will be remembering the evening for a long while to come – good atmosphere and good food for a good cause make a brilliant combination.’

Members of the Christian Aid Across Wales, Collective/Carfan is linking up with Collective gather for their youth groups and organisations, university chaplaincies launch event and societies to find ways of working together, in order to build a community of young people who are passionate about justice and ending poverty. The vision is to develop a distinctive voice that encourages a deeper, longterm connection to Christian Aid and issues of global injustice, and there are plenty of resources on the Collective website to assist you. ‘We’ve been using a lot of the “sofa sessions” in our weekly meetings and, hopefully, we should be pretty focused at looking at ways in which we as a group can help to promote social justice,’ said Nikki.

So join us! To find out how, contact Aled Pickard on 029 2084 4646, or apickard@christian-aid.org or visit christianaidcollective.org

EVENTS IN WALES

… HELLO CATHRIN Witness, leading on the development of civil society strengthening and peace-building programmes with its sister organisation, the American Friends Service Committee. For the past two years, Cathrin has been working as country director for Restless Development, a Sierra Leone NGO that promotes youth-led development.

Following her appointment, Cathrin said: ‘I am delighted to join Christian Aid and to take up this vital role in Wales. I have seen the impact of Christian Aid’s work both in Wales and overseas, and bring with me a deep commitment to the values and aims of the organisation. I look forward to working with the Wales team and our partners to further sustain and deepen Wales’ unique and valuable contribution to Partnership for Change and to achieving the vision of a just world that we strive for.’

MERCHER 17 EBRILL Bag i fyw! – ymgyrch newydd Merched y Wawr a Cymorth Cristnogol 7.30pm, Festri Capel Cysegr, Bethel, Arfon LL55 3AA. Siaradwr: Anna Jane Evans, Cymorth Cristnogol Stondin Masnach Deg. Trefnir gan Cangen Bethel, Merched y Wawr FRIDAY 19 APRIL – WEDNESDAY 24 APRIL Christian Aid partner visit Cecilia Cordova, Christian Aid programme officer in Bolivia, will be visiting North Wales.

Contact the Bangor office on 01248 353574.

SATURDAY 20 APRIL Christian Aid coffee morning 10am-12 noon, English Presbyterian Church, Wynnstay Road, Ruthin LL15 1AS. Speaker: Cecilia Cordova.

SUNDAY 21 APRIL Christian Aid service 10am, Rhos-y-Gad Presbyterian Chapel, Llanfair

PG, Anglesey.

Guest speaker: Cecilia Cordova.

SUL 21 EBRILL Oedfa Cymorth Cristnogol 10am, Capel Bwlan, Llandwrog LL54 5SR Siaradwr: Anna Jane Evans, Cymorth Cristnogol WEDNESDAY 24 APRIL Bite Back at Hunger 7.30pm, Libanus Church, Worcester Road, Brynmawr NP23 4EZ. An evening to help you get involved in Christian Aid Week. For details, call Mari McNeill on 029 2084 4646.

SUL 28 EBRILL Oedfa Cymorth Cristnogol 2pm, Capel Seion Talysarn LL54 6AW. Siaradwr: Anna Jane Evans, Cymorth Cristnogol SUNDAY 5 MAI Christian Aid family service 10.30am, Eglwys Crist, Bala LL23 7UU. Speaker: Anna Jane Evans.

IAU 9 MAI Ymosodwn ar Newyn Oedfa Wythnos Cymorth Cristnogol 7.30pm, Eglwys Minny Street, Caerdydd CF24 4ER. Siaradwr: Robin Samuel, Cymorth Cristnogol Trefnir gan Cyngor Eglwysi Cymraeg Caerdydd.

SADWRN 11 MAI Ffair a Bore Coffi Wythnos Cymorth Cristnogol 10 -12, Festri y Tabernacl, Yr Ais, Caerdydd CF10 1AJ. Te, coffi, stondinau amrywiol a nwyddau masnach Deg. Dewch i fwynhau paned a chlonc tra’n helpu dileu tlodi. Trefnir gan Eglwysi Cymraeg Caerdydd.

SATURDAY 11 MAY Brecon Beacons Sponsored Walk.

9.30am Llangorse Lake.

Walk through 10 miles of beautiful scenery and raise money for Christian Aid! Full details from Dafydd Jones on 01874 625862.

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Eduardo Duwe

AROUND SCOTLAND

Ricky catches up with the de Barroso family on his return visit to Brazil

RICKY ROSS RETURNS TO LANDLESS MOVEMENT IN BRAZIL More than a decade after his first trip to meet campaigners fighting for land rights in Brazil, Deacon Blue frontman Ricky Ross recently returned to the country to see how Christian Aid partner the Landless People’s Movement is working to help poor Brazilians get land of their own BRAZIL IS ONE of the world’s biggest economies, but one of its most unequal countries. Two-thirds of the country’s land is owned by just three per cent of the population, and much of it lies unused – while millions of Brazilians have nothing.

Under the constitution, land which is not being used can be claimed for redistribution to people who have no land, and the Landless People’s Movement (MST) helps make sure that this rhetoric becomes reality.

The Scottish singer, songwriter and broadcaster was first invited by Christian

Aid in 1998. The families he met at that time were camping under plastic sheeting at the side of the road in very basic conditions while MST helped them legally apply for ownership.

On Ricky’s return visit, he found that things had moved on a lot for the families he had met at the Dandara encampment (now a settlement). Many camped for up to 10 years before establishing legal tenure to build homes and farms.

Lucia de Souse was one of those people. She now proudly welcomed Ricky into the home she shares with

her husband, and told him her children have grown up and live in settled communities like hers.

She said, ‘I remember the encampment very well. Life was very difficult. We were living at risk because we were alongside the road in a very difficult situation with 900 other families. We had six of us in our tent at that time. It was also difficult because of health and sanitation issues.

‘We moved here, away from the city, because of our kids. I’m very happy my children have not ended up in bad conditions in the city. Here the air is pure and it’s nice. It makes a big difference being able to lock my front door at night after 10 years of living in a tent. And I can look out at the land and my own cows – it’s very different to the view I had in the city. It’s a different world.’

Ricky said: ‘I never thought I’d get the chance to come back after all these years and see someone in their own house, so it’s a real pleasure to be here.

‘Lucia’s house is by no means luxurious, but it is a dream away from the tent in which she stayed all those years – which is where she was last time. And it’s a similar story for those

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KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WHAT’S HAPPENING ACROSS YOUR AREA: LOG ON TO THE CHRISTIAN AID SCOTLAND WEBSITE AT christianaid.org.uk/scotland

EVENTS IN SCOTLAND SPONSORED WALKS SATURDAY 20 APRIL Forth Bridge Cross 2pm, Forth Road Bridge, South and North Queensferry.

Gather together with friends and family to take part in this walk over the famous Forth Road Bridge.

Cate Gillon

SATURDAY 27 APRIL Erskine Bridge Cross 2pm, Erskine Bridge, Erskine and Old Kilpatrick.

Take in the beautiful views over the River Clyde and enjoy the new forestry walkway down to the riverside.

Political leaders hang their messages of support in the IF orchard

MAKING OUR VOICE HEARD SCOTLAND’S VOICE MUST BE HEARD at Westminster, the G8 and across the world as part of the UK-wide ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE IF campaign. But in Scotland itself we can also play our part in ensuring that every family and every child has a life free from hunger.

We took the IF campaign to the Scottish Parliament, where we presented party leaders with our Scottish manifesto and asked for their support. We also held an event for MSPs. Chris Hegarty, Christian Aid Scotland’s senior policy and advocacy adviser, said: ‘There is much we can do in Scotland to play our part in tackling hunger. For example, the Scottish Government could increase its support for the poorest communities suffering the effects of climate change. It could choose to award public contracts to companies that don’t dodge their taxes in developing countries. It could tap into Scotland’s experiences of the Highland Clearances to hold a Global Land Summit on the huge problems caused to poor subsistence farmers by land grabbing.

‘We welcome the interest shown by the four party leaders, and other MSPs, and we look forward to working with them on these important issues over coming months.’

BOLIVIAN PARTNER VISITS SCOTLAND Bolivia is one of the poorest and most unequal countries in South America. This is despite the fact that it is rich in natural resources and boasts huge reserves of oil and gas, and the biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest. Cecilia Cordova, Christian Aid’s Bolivian programme officer, will be spending some time with us here in Scotland in April, and will talk about our work in Bolivia at an event at Augustine United Church, Edinburgh, at 2pm on 16 April.

SATURDAY 4 MAY Tay Bridge Cross 10am, Tay Road Bridge, Dundee and Newport on Tay. For the 13th year people will come together to enjoy the walk over the Tay Road Bridge.

The cross will be a morning event this year starting at 10am.

SATURDAY 15 JUNE Cumbrae Challenge 10.30am, Isle of Cumbrae.

Challenge yourself to a walk or cycle around the beautiful Isle of Cumbrae, off the west coast.

For more information on any of the above fundraising events, or to register, contact Amy Menzies on 0141 241 6138 or amenzies@christian-aid.org OTHER EVENTS: SATURDAY 23 MARCH Pre-Christian Aid Week conference 10am-3pm, Woodside Parish Church, Church Street, Woodside, Aberdeen AB24 4DQ. A half-day event for supporters to find out more about Christian Aid, meet the team and hear about the work of the partners featured in this year’s Christian Aid Week. Light lunch provided.

For more information, please contact Val Brown on 0141 221 7475 or email vbrown@ christian-aid.org SATURDAY 4 MAY Bach 2 Bach Marathon 9am-12midnight, St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh.

This unique event will host up to 30 performances of music

by Johann Sebastian Bach. For just £10, St Mary’s Cathedral will welcome you for anything from one hour to 15 hours.

For more details, see christianaid.org.uk/bach2bach

TUESDAY 7 MAY Pre-Christian Aid Week evening 5-7pm, Falkirk Old and St Modan’s Church, Manse Place, Falkirk FK1 1JN. An evening for supporters to find out more about Christian Aid and hear about the work of our partners featuring in this year’s Christian Aid Week.

For more information, contact Val Brown on 0141 221 7475 or vbrown@christian-aid.org CHRISTIAN AID WEEK SATURDAY 11 MAY – THURSDAY 16 MAY St Andrew’s and St George’s West booksale 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA. Saturday 11 May: 10am-4pm Monday 13 May – Wednesday 15 May and Friday 17 May: 10am-3.30pm Thursday 16 May: 10am-7pm SATURDAY 11 MAY – FRIDAY 17 MAY Holy Corner booksale Morningside United Church, Chamberlain Road, Edinburgh EH10 4DJ Saturday 11 May: 10am-4pm.

Monday 13 May – Friday 17 May: 11am-6pm.

Saturday 18 May: 10am-4pm SUNDAY 19 MAY Heart and Soul 2013 – A Celebration of Celtic Christianity 1-5pm, Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh.

We are looking forward to meeting with supporters, and showcasing some of our partners’ work and our current campaigns. You can find out more about the event at heartandsoul2013.org.uk For more information about Christian Aid’s presence at Heart and Soul please contact Val Brown as above.

FRIDAY 31 MAY – SATURDAY 1 JUNE Christian Aid art exhibition and sale Fairlie Parish Church.

Fairtrade refreshments, proceeds to Christian Aid. Further information is available from Margaret Keir: 01475 568280.

FRIDAY 21 JUNE – SUNDAY 23 JUNE Solas Festival The Bield at Blackruthven, Perthshire.

Details at solasfestival.co.uk

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LIFE AND SOUL The way we lead our own lives can have a tangible impact in the fight to end poverty. By ‘doing the right thing’ we show we have a commitment to a sustainable lifestyle that places a high value on helping others

The story of how one church with a tiny congregation raised a big sum to help combat malaria should inspire us all, reports church fundraising officer Eleanor Ledesma AS A VERY SMALL CONGREGATION, Stanley Street Church in County Durham knew that helping to stop malaria deaths in Sierra Leone was going to take a very big effort. But the worshippers could never have imagined the runaway success of their fundraising drive to raise £500 to train, equip and support one malaria control volunteer in Sierra Leone – a country where the disease causes a third of child deaths.

Minister Eric Southwick explains: ‘As a small church with a congregation of

less than 20 adults, most of whom are unwaged, this was a giant leap of faith, but one which we believed that we should take. The prospect of helping to save the lives of children and vulnerable adults in a distant land captured our imagination.

‘We took the opportunity to talk about the project to the children and families of two schools who visited our church for special services, as well as others who have come along to special events.

The result has been that we have been able to raise £1,000, which was beyond our wildest dreams when we first made the commitment to help. We hope and pray that the Lord will bless the work that is enabled by this money, that the volunteers will have great success in their work and that many lives will be saved by their efforts.’

Stanley Street Church’s £1,000 is supporting not one, but two life-saving

A woman prepares a mosquito net in Sierra Leone

Christian Aid/Antoinette Powell

CHURCH HELPS PREVENT KILLER DISEASE

malaria control volunteers. These volunteers receive training in malaria prevention and treatment, as well as in interactive education and presentation techniques. Once trained and equipped, they travel to vulnerable communities to teach them about the cause of malaria, and how to prevent and treat it, dispelling common myths about the tropical disease. The education sessions have proved extremely popular and can draw crowds of up to 200 people, all keen to learn how to protect themselves and their families from the disease.

We are still looking to train 20 more malaria control volunteers. Could your church help? If you think you could raise £500 before July 2013, or if you’d like more information, please call 020 7523 2225 or email churchesmalaria@christian-aid.org More information can be found at christianaid.org.uk/tacklemalaria

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EXPLORING GOD’S WORLD IN CHILDSIZED CHUNKS

The answer for your prayers The April to July edition of the Christian Aid Prayer Diary is available from the end of March to our regular subscribers and to download from christianaid.org.uk/churches You can also get a copy at your local office.

This quarter, our prayers will focus on the ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE IF campaign against global hunger and will reflect on the large number of conflicts affecting people in many parts of the developing world. We also think of the challenges facing those living without secure land rights and in unpredictable environments.

Christian Aid

HELP US TO CELEBRATE CHILDREN’S wisdom and insight to know when things aren’t fair, and to nurture a new generation of world changers with a passion for justice.

As part of our resources for churches, we now offer monthly ‘Children in church’ materials. These can be used during Sunday school and midweek groups, and for all-age worship or children’s talks.

Free resources are available at christianaid.org.uk/childrens-resources For older youth, more materials are available from christianaidcollective.org

A meal is just the start

COME DINE WITH US… AND FIGHT POVERTY Over the past month, groups of young people across the UK have been coming together to have dinner. But how does eating together help to end poverty?

WHEN JESUS SAT DOWN for dinner, something special usually happened: water into wine; the breaking of bread; five loaves and two fishes filling 5,000 people; the rich sitting down with the poor; the ignored becoming the included. There was more to a meal than mere nutrition: there was almost always a deeper meaning or purpose.

Sharing food is about building community, and Christian Aid Collective believes that community can change the world. So we’re taking the simple act of sitting down at the same table to build a movement of young people who want to be part of a global community – one that cares

about everybody involved. It all starts with sitting down to dinner, but it becomes a community that believes social justice is a natural outworking of faith: speaking up on behalf of the marginalised, campaigning for justice, challenging one another’s lifestyles, praying for change.

If you weren’t able to come to one of our meals but you would like to put on your own, or know a youth group that might be interested, we’ve created a resource that gives you everything you’ll need to hold your own dinner.

To download it, visit christianaidcollective.org/resources/ same-table

CHANGE YOUR BANK, CHANGE THE WORLD CHRISTIAN AID’S ETHICAL BANKING partnership with Triodos Bank has raised around £10,000 to support the charity’s work worldwide.

This is a strong testament to growing consumer desire for a more ethical approach to banking. For many years, savers put their trust – and their money – in banks, asking few questions about the kinds of businesses those banks lend that money to. In the wake of the financial scandals that rocked the big high street banks last year, thousands of people have chosen to move their money. But it’s still almost impossible to find out exactly who your bank lends your money to. Most simply won’t tell you.

One way to ensure that your money is used to support the things you believe in is to save with Triodos. It publishes

details of every single organisation it lends to on its website.

The list is filled with environmental, campaigning and social enterprise clients such as Cafédirect, the Fairtrade coffee and tea producer, and Ecotricity (another Christian Aid partner), which provides green energy across the UK. Founded in the Netherlands in 1980, Triodos has operated in Britain since 1995, attracting a community of savers who want their money to build a more sustainable society. Each time a Christian Aid supporter opens a Triodos savings account and deposits £100 or more, Triodos donates £40 to Christian Aid (terms and conditions apply).

If you want to find out more about saving money ethically, investing in sustainable businesses and helping Christian Aid at the same time, visit triodos.co.uk/christianaid

Christian Aid News 27

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EVENTS We work with some of the world’s poorest communities.

They face huge challenges every day, so why don’t you challenge yourself? Have fun while fighting poverty: join one of our events or do your own fundraising

Helen Burgess and Dan Tribble took part in last year’s Cathedrals to Coast bike ride

There’s a Christian Aid fundraising challenge out there for everyone. Sophie Mendes picks out some of this year’s highlights, on foot, on wheels – and even in the kitchen THIS AUGUST, CHRISTIAN AID WILL hold its second annual Cathedrals to Coast bike ride. This scenic 140-mile

cycling challenge will start at the magnificent Guildford Cathedral on 31 August and go past some of England’s finest cathedrals and castles, before finishing in style on Weymouth seafront the following day.

This two-day event is an experience previous participants are quick to recommend to other cyclists. Terry Hodson, who took part in the 2012 ride, said: ‘Cycling through the beautiful British countryside with other

Christian Aid/Matthew Gonzalez-Noda

BIKE IT! JOIN OUR CYCLING CHALLENGE passionate Christian Aid supporters was brilliant. I would definitely recommend this ride to cyclists of all abilities looking for a different challenge.’

Last year’s event raised a fantastic £20,000 for Christian Aid and we want to pedal past that target this year. Need more incentive? Well, if you register at christianaid.org.uk/cycling before 6 May, you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win some awesome cycling goodies!

28 Christian Aid News

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✁

SLURP IT! SUPER RESPONSE TO SOUP APPEAL THANK YOU to everyone who has been making their bowl count in the fight against poverty by taking part in Super Soup Lunch 2013. Hundreds of people throughout Britain and Ireland

EVERY YEAR, PEOPLE ACROSS BRITAIN and Ireland raise an amazing £250,000 for Christian Aid’s vital work around the world – just by going for a walk! Our walks are not only a fantastic family day out, but they also make a real difference to some of the world’s poorest people.

So this year, please join us in putting your best foot forward. Come and experience the delights of East Herts or the stunning Oxfordshire countryside at Walk the Country.

Explore the footpaths and byways at Meopham in Kent, Chippenham’s paved paths in Wiltshire or Hampshire’s countryside at Bishop’s Waltham. Head into London for Circle the City or explore the parish boundaries of St Andrew’s at Alfriston, in East Sussex.

Fancy a walk at the racecourse? Head to Newton Abbot in Devon. Or perhaps you’d relish the breezy Dorset seafront in Bournemouth and Poole, the town of Millport in Scotland for the Cumbrae Challenge or a chance to Walk the Waterfront in Liverpool.

And imagine spotting Mr Darcy emerging from the great lake on the Lyme Park Sponsored Walk in Cheshire (the location for the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice series).

You can enjoy the night sky inYorkshire and follow a secret route for the Halifax Long March, or walk from dusk till dawn into the moors on the Sheffield Night Hike. Marvel at the stunning Peak District scenery on the

SUPER SOUP LUNCH Spring 2013 BRIGHTON MARATHON 14 April 2013 VIRGIN LONDON MARATHON 21 April 2013 BUPA GREAT MANCHESTER RUN 26 May 2013 Christian Aid

have been getting together to sip soup and fundraise with friends, family and colleagues to help some of the world’s poorest communities lift themselves out of poverty.This year’s Super Soup Lunch is set to raise over £100,000, with money still rolling in!

Walk it! Fundraising for all the family

EVENTS FUNDRAISING CALENDAR 2013-2014

We’ll show you the way: why not join one of the many Christian Aid sponsored walks

Sheffield May DayTrek or gather with friends and family for the Humber Bridge Walk – a four-mile stroll in Scarborough. Alternatively, you could be part of West Craven’s 47th year of hiking along part of the Leeds-Liverpool canal towpath.

In Scotland, it’s all about the bridges: savour the views at our famous Bridge Crosses at Erskine Bridge Cross, Forth Bridge or Tay Bridge.

In 2012, hundreds of people walked thousands of miles between them for Christian Aid. Could 2013 be the year you take up the challenge?

For full details of all these walks and how to register, go to christianaid.org.uk/walks

EAT THIS! TAKE ANOTHER BITE OUT OF POVERTY

Events.indd 2

Lucinda Kerr

LOOKING FOR A NEW FUNDRAISING idea? Whether you’re boosting your sponsorship for a challenge event, planning a Christian Aid Week fundraiser or just looking to do your bit for Christian Aid in general, you can take inspiration from Team Poverty marathon runner Luke Harman.

Luke has been holding weekly curry clubs in his office to supplement his marathon fundraising, providing yummy grub to the hungry masses on

Mondays. Drawing on culinary skills and recipes he picked up in India, Luke caters for up to 20 people each week, charging £5 a head. He says: ‘Not only has this been a great fundraising initiative, but getting together at lunchtime for the curry club has

brought that little bit of extra joy to the workplace. I’m currently working on organising a quiz and raffle next month, and there are plenty of other fundraising tricks and tips out there. Curry club will continue until the week of the race in April, and maybe even beyond.’

• Order your copy of our free DVD-rom fundraising pack, My Christian Aid, packed full of resources, tips and advice, at christianaid.org.uk/yourway

EDINBURGH MARATHON 26 May 2013 HADRIAN’S WALL WEEKEND TREK 12-14 July 2013 LONDON TO PARIS BIKE RIDE 17-21 July 2013 CATHEDRALS TO COAST BIKE RIDE 31 August – 1 September 2013 QUIZAID September 2013 BUPA GREAT NORTH RUN 15 September 2013 ROYAL PARKS HALF MARATHON 6 October 2013 SANTA DASH 5K FUN RUNS December 2013 BIG CHRISTMAS SING December 2013 BURNS SUPPER 21-28 January 2014 SPONSORED ABSEILS February/March 2014 Visit christianaid. org.uk/events to find out more

07/03/2013 16:16

LAST WORD A reflection on playing a part in the fight against poverty, and living life in the wider family of Christian Aid

WHERE LOVE TENACIOUSLY CLINGS TO HOPE

Though he (God) slay me, yet I will hope in him, I will surely defend my ways to his face. (Job 13:15 NIV) OUR TIME IN JERUSALEM brought us face to face with the political and social tensions resounding in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. The tensions of the land and the hope created by Christian Aid’s partners immediately reminded us of the words of Job (above).

On the first morning we visited Christian Aid partner B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights organisation. One way it supports the rights of Palestinian communities has been to provide them with video cameras to record the sometimes violent confrontations from some Israeli settlers. The footage is presented to the legal authorities as supportive evidence. Later that same day we visited Yad Vasham, the memorial to the Jewish Holocaust. This reminded us of the recent history that contributed to the founding of the state of Israel in 1948.

Two peoples living on a tiny area of land, both of whom have the right to a peaceful, safe and flourishing life. But historical enmities run deep and, as Christian ministers who daily use the Bible as a source of inspiration, we were all aware of the context and sensitivities of our visit. We were challenged and provoked.

The new Israeli settlements, many of which divide Palestinian communities – including separating them from their agricultural land – are a sign of hostility.

Seeing patches of olive groves where

Christian Aid/Geoff Daintree

In January the Bishops of Bath and Wells, Worcester and Limerick visited Christian Aid partners in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.

This reflection on their time there expresses the hope generated by what they saw

Bishop John Inge (Worcester) and Bishop Peter Price (Bath and Wells) with children at the centre in Gaza run by the Culture and Free Thought Association

the trees have been cut to the ground, spoke of an abuse of human rights. It is examples of broken relationships such as these that B’Tselem is drawing to the attention of the legal authorities, bringing protection and hope to those who would otherwise be powerless and unable to defend themselves.

Later in the week we had the opportunity to visit Gaza. Driving from Jerusalem to the crossing into Gaza was like driving through a European country. The roads were good, the agricultural development on both sides of the road lush, and the housing areas excellent. Having negotiated the security of the crossing, we were met by a consultant working for Christian Aid in Gaza. We drove to visit some partners through an environment that shares similarities with many developing nations; many goods are moved by donkey carts and the roadside stalls are poor and dilapidated.

Our hearts were lifted by the work we saw in a clinic and children’s centre run

by the Culture and Free Thought Association: a place where psychosocial counselling is bringing hope to young broken hearts. The centre is a beacon of light in an overcrowded, povertyburdened community, where suffering has cast a dark shroud over the whole community.

Seeing children performing a puppet show, and describing drawings they’d made that contrasted a sense of despair with a bright and optimistic future, helped us to appreciate the huge value of Christian Aid’s work in supporting such partners.

We ended the trip with a mixture of emotions. On the one hand we are deeply saddened by the poverty and hardship in which so many Palestinian families and communities find themselves. On the other hand there is optimism that, in the midst of the suffering, human kindness and love are tenaciously holding on to hope.

Christian Aid’s partners are resilient and committed, providing as much protection and security as they are able.

The Church must play its part in adding to this work, and do all in her power to strengthen hope for a bright and flourishing future for all who live in this holy land.

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TRI 3454_CHRISTIAN AID AD 1.12_9_A4 02/03/2012 13:56 Page 1

Transforming Women’s Lives We are looking for churches, schools and businesses to support an exciting three-year Community Partnership project in some of the poorest regions of Afghanistan.

The project will teach women how to read and write, inform them about their rights, and loan them money to start up small businesses.

We ask that you raise £5,000 over the course of three years, which will then quadruple in value. For every £1 raised through this Community Partnership, the European Commission will match it by £3, so your £5,000 can turn into £20,000!

££££

£££

£ Christian Aid/Sarah Malian

Project name Item name Client Client team

To find out more, contact your local Christian Aid office or email communitypartnership@christian-aid.org Triodos Advert Job number Community was formerly known as the Partnership Scheme.

Advert resize toPartnership A5 Proof stage Brendan Brosnan Proof date SPD IP Phil Feedback due

13-496-J647 V1 13-360-J1226 26/07/12 27/07/12

CHANGE YOUR BANK. CHANGE THE WORLD.

TRI 3454_CHRISTIAN AID AD 1.12_9_A4 02/03/2012 13:56 Page 1

CHRISTIAN AID

INTRODUCES CHRISTIAN AID TRIODOS BANK INTRODUCES TRIODOS

CHANGE YOUR BANK. CHANGE THE WORLD.

Are your savings being used to support something you don’t believe in?

Are your savings being used to support something you don’t believe in?

At Triodos Bank we only lend our savers’ money to people and organisations w make a positive impact, and we promise you’ll always know where your money

At Triodos Bank we only lend our savers’ money to people and organisations working to make a positive impact.

You can be confident that your savings will help create a fairer world.

You can be confident that your savings will help create a fairer world.

www.triodos.co.uk/christianaid

CHANGE YOUR BANK. CHANGE THE WORLD.

Save and support: open an account with us, deposit £100 and we’ll donate £40 to Christian Aid* triodos.co.uk/christianaid

Save and support: open an account with us, deposit £100 and we’ll donate £40

*The donation can only paid applicants complete either an online application form *The donation canbe only beif paid if applicants complete either an online application form and select ‘Partner – Christian Ai andTriodos select ‘Partner Christian in the ‘How did you hearand about Triodos Bank?’–field, or Bank?’– field, or aAid’ paper application form write ‘Partner Christian Aid’ in the ‘How did you hear about Triodos a paper application form and write ‘Partner – Christian Aid’ in the ‘How did you hear about paid after the balance of the account reaches £100.

One donation made per customer (one donation made in event of join Triodos Bank?’ box. The donation will be paid after the balance of the account reaches reserves the right toper decline any(one application.

This offer may changed £100.

One donation made customer donation made in event of be joint account or withdrawn without notice at any time. General opening).

Triodos reserves the rightand to decline any application.

This offer mayaccount be changed personal savings accounts, any specific conditions for the also apply. or withdrawn without notice at any time. General Terms and Conditions for personal savings accounts, and any specific conditions for the account also apply.

Triodos Bank NV (incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands with limited liability, registered in England and Wales Triodos Bank NV (incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands with limited liability, CentralinBank (DNB) and regulated by the Financial Services (FSA) for the conduct of UK business. Registered o registered England and Wales BR3012). Authorised by the Dutch CentralAuthority Bank (DNB) Bristol BS1 5AS. Services Authority (FSA) for the conduct of UK business. andRoad, regulated by the Financial Registered office: Triodos Bank, Deanery Road, Bristol BS1 5AS.

Are your savings being used to support something you don’t believe in?

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At Triodos Bank we only lend our savers’ money to people and organisations who are working to make a positive impact, and we promise you’ll always know where your money goes.

Contact us for your free guide to Wills and legacies

With a Will, you can look after all the people you care about.

It may look like a dry legal document, but a Will is really an act of care. Or even love.

When you make a Will, you make a commitment to look after your family and friends even when you’re gone. And if you wish, you can do something even more extraordinary.

By including Christian Aid in your Will, you can extend that loving care to people in other parts of the world. To a young woman in Afghanistan eager for an education.

To a community in west Africa ravaged by food shortages. To the people you are already doing so much to help in your lifetime.

To find out more about the caring power of Wills, complete and return the form below – or contact Kerry at kmcmahon@christian-aid.org or on 020 7523 2173.

Please send me The Christian Aid Guide to Wills and Legacies Title:

First name:

Surname:

Address: Postcode: Email: Telephone:

Once completed please return to: Christian Aid, PO Box 100, London SE1 7RT

A016427

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