FOL Field Notes GB 2015 v2
11/3/15
12:20
Page 1
GB EDITION
FIELD NOTES THE BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER FROM FIELDS OF LIFE www.FieldsofLife.org
SPRING / SUMMER 2015 ISSUE 4
U O Y D L U O W E WHICH ON
? K N I R D INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
CHANGING LIVES TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES BUILDING HOPE
GIVE WATER, GIVE LIFE CHARITY BARN DANCE CLEAN WATER FOR 1 MILLION PEOPLE UPSKILLING UGANDA WATER IS LIFE IN SOUTH SUDAN MEET MAGGIE ... AND MORE!
FOL Field Notes GB 2015 v2
11/3/15
12:20
Page 2
GIVE WATER, GIVE LIFE As I sit to write this our 4th edition of Field Notes, I’m reminded of all of the wonderful support we’ve received over the last year and while focusing on all of the truly remarkable activities that are already being planned for 2015. With so much to report where do I start?! I have not long returned from an incredible trip to Uganda and Rwanda. I arrived as our 7th Annual Education Conference in Lira drew to a close. As a team, we were delighted that over 90% of Fields of Life supported schools were in attendance to share good practice, fellowship and learn from the excellent line up of speakers, all sharing the common goal to improve school performance. It is with great delight that I can report back that many of our schools are amongst the top performing in their districts and some even at national level. It’s always a privilege to visit our water drilling teams – these men are our heroes. Their commitment, dedication and desire to bring clean water, to remote community is exceptional. I truly believe that their work is vital in the fight against waterborne disease. Witnessing the transformation of communities and the young lives that will be saved is truly humbling. As we break through the barrier of 500,000 people accessing clean water since we acquired our first drilling rig in 2009, we remain committed to reaching 1,000,000 people by 2020. And with your help we believe this is within our reach. So we invite you to join with us on World Water Day, 22nd March 2015, when we are launching a new campaign, ‘Water for Life’, and will be asking supporters to save the life of one child every single month by committing to £4 per month to support this essential work. Please consider completing the Direct Debit form enclosed and show your support to the vulnerable women and children who walk long and arduous journeys simply to get a drink of water. Rwanda is an amazing country of such contrasts – unimaginable breath taking scenery and some of the worlds’ most phenomenal people. It was an honour to meet our teachers, students and partners working together to rebuild following the atrocities of genocide. Later this year Comic Relief will fill our TV’s full of stories of regeneration across East Africa – if you would like to join us and experience first-hand the tremendous welcome that awaits you at our projects then please do get in touch. We are hosting a number of fact finding trips this year and dates and details are available. I would like to thank everyone who is already playing a part in our life transforming work. We hope that you will share this newsletter with your friends and family. Please encourage them to join in at some of the fun events that are coming up over the course of this year, and help change the world for someone. Yours faithfully,
Debbie Cameron Head of Development and Fundraising GB 2
FOL Field Notes GB 2015 v2
11/3/15
12:20
Page 3
CHARITY BARN DANCE It’s time to dust off those cowboy boots and join us for a hooting-tooting evening!!
The Hearing Hope Project are holding a Charity Barn Dance to raise money to drill a fresh water well for a remote community in Uganda. The evening is being held at the All Saints Church Hall in Whitstable on Saturday 28th March 2015. If you would like to book tickets for this fun filled evening, you can do so by either paying online at www.justgiving.com/thehearinghopeproject stating your name and the number of tickets you require. Your tickets will then be emailed to you. Alternatively please contact Charlotte John on 07545 893 801 for more details. I really hope you will be able to join us for what promises to be a great night. Tickets are limited so please make sure you book early.
DENTIST FROM HIGHWORTH WILL GET HER TEETH INTO A CHALLENGING CHARITY CLIMB In April 2015, Magdalena Kreft, a 36 year old dentist from Wiltshire, will be taking part in a Himalayan expedition to climb Island Peak, which stands at 20,340 ft above sea level and is located only a few miles from Mt. Everest. As part of her personal challenge, she is supporting Fields of Life Mt. Everest Primary School in Uganda. Having conquered Mt. Kilimanjaro last year, wearing 4 inch heels, Magda explains why she has decided to do something more challenging! “I am on a very intense training regime at the moment and getting ready to face the mountain. I hope that with the support of my friends, family and my patients I cannot only reach one of the peaks in Himalaya but also change some lives and bring hope for those who need it.” She will be going to Nepal with one of our ambassadors and experienced climber Ian Taylor. The expedition is to the summit of Island Peak, which stands at 6,189 meters. The team will leave Kathmandu on Easter Sunday and, after climbing in the Himalayas for 14 days, they will make summit attempt on Island Peak. Anyone wishing to support Magda can do so via www.justgiving.com/magdalenakreft We wish her every success in her climb and journey mercies for her safe return. 3
FOL Field Notes GB 2015 v2
11/3/15
12:20
Page 4
CLEAN WATER FOR 1 MILLION PEOPLE Clean accessible drinking water is a basic human right, essential to life yet over one eighth of the world does not have access to it. Many people suffer sickness and death due to waterborne diseases and valuable hours are lost fetching dirty water over long distances. Fields of Life is committed to addressing the vital need of supplying safe, clean water especially amongst the vulnerable and marginalised groups, mainly women and children and in 2009 purchased its own drilling equipment. The new rig drilled the first well in January 2010. We set an ambitious target to drill 1,000 wells within a 10 year period providing 1,000,000 people with clean water. This year, 2015, we are approaching our half way mark.
THAMES PATH CHALLENGE 12TH–13TH SEPTEMBER 2015 The team at Sinclair & Rush are hosting a charity 50km walk along the Thames Path the trail is unique - varied & beautiful scenery that's steeped in history and a superb backdrop for an Ultra Challenge. Perfect to enter as a Team of friends, family or colleagues, or join as an Individual - and you'll be fully supported by our team all the way. All you need to do is sign up, raise a minimum of £295 and pop on your walking boots! Please contact me for further details of this unforgettable journey.
4
• Fields of Life purchased a second rig in early 2012 enabling our teams to drill up to 10 wells each month. • In 2014 our teams provided more than 100 communities in East Africa with access to clean water. • Each day last year, more than 330 people received access to fresh water. • Over 120,000 lives were saved through receiving the gift of clean water in 2014. • Since our first well was drilled in 2010, more than 500,000 people have received clean water. • Will you join with us this year as we step closer to reaching our target of providing 1 million people with clean water? g
Throughout 2015 we will be planning a number of events and campaigns to raise vital funds to further extend this work. We would love for you to join with us. For more information on any of our events or campaigns please contact debbie.cameron@fieldsoflife.org
FOL Field Notes GB 2015 v2
11/3/15
12:20
Page 5
NEVER TASTED CLEAN WATER
Lera Atar community received the gift of a borehole through the Fields of Life water drilling programme. The village is located in Adennokwok Sub County in Lira district in Northern Uganda. Mr Woro Patrick of the Lera-Atar village tells us their story: “The biggest problem in the north of Uganda is access to safe clean water, in fact, many areas have not tasted or even seen clean water. The consumption of contaminated water is a way of life for people in Northern Uganda, due to the fact that the region suffered insurgency for the past two decades. Many are now returning from the camps and are trying to resettle, but access to safe clean drinking water is still a big challenge. Fields of Life has been involved in changing lives and building hope through the provision of clean water and this has been a blessing to all the families.” Patrick explains, “My family has 7 children, 4 girls and 3 three boys. My family has been suffering from water borne diseases like typhoid, hook worms, diarrhoea and bilharzia for a long time. We would spend much time at hospital and a lot of the little money we could save from subsistence farming was spent on medication as a consequence of drinking water from an open well.” Mr Cogan Okello, a leader within the village told us, “Due to a lack of a safe water source for the village, accidents of snake bites were reported due to bushes covering the path and the water source being in a swamp. I joyfully receive this new water source with both hands as a gift from God. I believe we will no longer receive any cases of children being bitten by snakes and this will allow our pupils to go to school and the standard of living in my area will improve”. Patrick finished by saying, “My family had never tasted clean water before and now this new water source is why my children have been saved from all sorts of water borne diseases, and they will be able to attend school.” 5
FOL Field Notes GB 2015 v2
11/3/15
12:20
Page 6
UPSKILLING UGANDA...
... PARTNERSHIP WITH SERC
UPSKILLING UGANDA is an exciting new venture and partnership between South Eastern Regional College (SERC) and Fields of Life. The objective is to build and equip a new Vocational Training Institute in the underdeveloped region of Northern Uganda, where not everyone has even the opportunity for primary education. SERC is a top UK College promoting an inspirational, innovative and inclusive learning environment, which empowers and enables individuals and businesses to fulfil their ambitions and contribute to the prosperity of Northern Ireland. SERC currently has over 35,000 students and works with over 5,000 local businesses annually. Northern Uganda was a war-torn region devastated by the atrocities of the Lord’s Resistance Army. Today many areas still lack basic services. Fields of Life has been working there for more than 20 years building schools, drilling boreholes, providing sanitation and hygiene training – helping to breathe new life into impoverished communities. Working in partnership with Fields of Life, SERC hopes to enrich, transform and inspire the lives of those living in Northern Uganda by providing an opportunity for students from Fields of Life schools to pursue a vocational education at a new purposebuilt Vocational Training Institute. Not all children from Fields of Life schools have the opportunity or academic ability to pursue a third level or further education and are often left with no options upon completing school. In Uganda the majority of girls don’t even complete primary education because of the demands of home, tending the garden, collecting water and caring for 6
siblings. By providing a Vocational Training Institute, students will be given the incentive and opportunity to continue their studies and gain skills to pursue a career, something many students in Ireland take for granted! In order to support Fields of Life and upskill the young people of Uganda, SERC aims to maximise the technical knowledge and experience of their staff to provide advice and guidance throughout the development of, what will be known as, the SERC Vocational Training Institute – making it a centre of educational excellence. SERC will also help Fields of Life to raise the necessary money to build and equip the institute in a bid to Upskill Uganda and impact thousands of young people’s lives. g
To find out more please email upskillinguganda@fieldsoflife.org
FOL Field Notes GB 2015 v2
11/3/15
12:22
Page 7
WATER IS LIFE IN SOUTH SUDAN One of the pledges made to our partners during the Fields of Life fact-finding visit to South Sudan in November 2013 was to drill six boreholes. We are delighted to report that despite nearly fourteen months of in-country conflict, a total of nine wells were drilled in January 2015. After a long delay because of insecurity, changing the drilling company and the nine-month long rainy season preventing travel by road, eight boreholes have been drilled in Ibba and one in Nzara, another town west of Yambio, Western Equatoria State, South Sudan. Ibba can best be described as a drive-through town. People rarely stop on their journey to and from Juba, the country’s capital, or Mundri and Maridi to the State capital Yambio. The county’s population is 41,869 made up of 21,545 males and 20,324 females, it consists of 5 Payams and 15 Bomas. The Diocese of Ibba is 170 miles north to south and 41 miles east to west. It has 4 Archdeaconries, 21 Parishes, 36 Churches, 32 Pastors and 315 Mothers Union members. According to the State Water and Sanitation authority, Ibba County has only 59 working boreholes while the adjoining counties of Yambio and Maridi have 339 and 249 respectively. This unquestionably highlights the great need for water in Ibba and, in fact, one of the four archdeaconries, located near the DR Congo border, had not a single working borehole.
David Gough (Fields of Life, International Development Manager) relays a story from the South Sudan visit. “As we walked to see some of the Diocesan projects on the outskirts of Ibba, we came upon a boy drawing water from a dirty pool on the track. Some of us spoke to him to discover that the nearest borehole was one mile away and that he was bringing the water back for his mother to cook dinner. Unfortunately, this is all too common in water scarce communities in impoverished remote rural locations of South Sudan.” Bishop Wilson Kamani of Ibba continues, “The eight boreholes are truly wonderful news, my people have been suffering for too many years with little or no access to water.” Thanks to a number of extremely generous donors, Fields of Life has been able to drill a total of nine wells, using a local drilling company, three more than we originally planned, bringing fresh, safe, clean drinking water to over 10,000 people. g
To find out more about our work in South Sudan please email: david.gough@fieldsoflife.org 7
MEET MAGGIE
FOL Field Notes GB 2015 v2
11/3/15
12:22
Page 8
“I am Margaret, fifth born of seven, three sisters and three boys in my family. My mother could not send me to school because she had to take care of the family. My father had no interest and placed no value on our education. He thought there was no point of educating a girl if she was to get married anyway. This made our life very hard as we had to struggle to make a living. I went to live with my aunt who tried to send me to school but it was not easy. Through all the struggles, I made it to secondary level with good grades as I always wanted to be a social worker. My aunt got to hear about a Fields of Life school that was supporting children like me who could not afford to pay tuition. I got sponsored through Fields of Life and was given scholastic materials, fees and a peace of mind that I wouldn’t drop out of school. This whole experience turned my life around and I could feel that it was going to be different. It doesn’t matter how small or big the contribution from a donor is, it makes a big difference for a child to go to school. The change affects a whole community. I was able to go to University and graduate. I believe I am a testimony to my family and the girl child out there, because there is hope for them to have a better future regardless of what our culture and perception is for a girl child. Being involved with I AM GIRL means a lot to me because I believe we can make a great difference as educating a girl is educating a nation.” The I AM GIRL project was launched in October 2014 and aims to address the frightening statistics surrounding girl retention at school in Sub Saharan Africa. Only 1 in 5 girls make it to secondary school 8
and in Uganda, a staggering 71% of girls drop out of school before completing Primary 7 and 85% do not complete secondary school. The I AM GIRL project is committed to ensuring girls are empowered to complete their education and to grow into strong, healthy young women and that in time their children will have the same opportunities. The project aims to educate both girls and boys, women and men, within our school network in East Africa to address the challenges faced by young girls today. g
For more information on how you can Cherish A Girl and Change Her World, please contact Helen D’Arcy on helen.darcy@fieldsoflife.org.
FOL Field Notes GB 2015 v2
11/3/15
12:22
Page 9
PARENTA TRUST DRIVE TO BUILD A SCHOOL Over the last 2 years the Parenta Trust Rally has been the talk of the town, and, this year, is by no means an exception to that rule! The PTR Drive to Build a School is set for the 17th -21st June 2015. And what a drive it is… 8 countries, 2,000 miles in a car worth around £350! A minimum sponsorship of £1000 per car and a route that takes in some of the best roads that Europe has to offer. So if you are looking for an adventure with a few friends or your loved ones, then, fix the date in your diary. Further details of how to register are available online at www.parenta.com/charity
Since the first Maidstone to Monaco Rally back in September 2013, the charity have raised enough funds to commission the build of 3 nursery schools across Uganda. The trustees have exceeded all expectations, with the target of one a year for the next 10 years. The first nursery school was sited in Luwero, at Good Shepherd. The second, currently under construction, is in Dokolo, at Opilitok. The latest to be commissioned will be sited in Luwuuka, alongside Dean Rolland Primary School in Uganda. Commenting on the commissioning of its third nursery, Andrew Cooper, Chairman of Parenta Trust said: “Being able to commission our third school has far exceeded our hopes and aspirations for assisting preschool aged children in Eastern Africa, and we are beginning to see a real impact on the ground.”
The third school will accommodate around 150 children under 5. This will bring the total number of pre-school aged children being provided with a quality education through Parenta Trust to 450. Allan Presland, Founder of Parenta Trust and MD of Parenta Group, paid tribute to those who had contributed to raising the funds: “My thanks go out to those members of our amazing Parenta team who have helped raise funds for the charity or who sponsor some of the children at the nursery schools, as well as to local businesses and friends who have done so much to raise funds. I am truly touched that so many people have supported this cause.” So if you feel inspired to get involved in the drive to build the 4th Nursery School, then, please don’t hesitate to contact us. The rally is enormous fun and for such a worthy cause. 9
FOL Field Notes GB 2015 v2
11/3/15
12:22
Page 10
FIELDS OF LIFE ADVOCATES Fields of Life have many active and dedicated volunteers who have served Fields of Life faithfully for many years. It is our desire to tell more people about the work of Fields of Life and to engage new audiences to partner with us as we seek to transform the lives of vulnerable people throughout East Africa. A Fields of Life Advocate will be a main contact for Fields of Life within local churches, businesses,
SAVE MORE THAN MONEY Save More Than Money is a new telecoms tariff that Amelix Telecom has developed aimed at benefitting communities in East Africa. The premise of the initiative is simple; we will save you money on your phone bill and give 50% of our profits to projects in East Africa.
schools, youth groups and will have the opportunity to raise vital support. Advocates will be given appropriate training by Fields of Life staff and will be provided with all the tools, resources and information necessary to be able to effectively communicate and share our story. g To find out more about becoming an Advocate for Fields of Life in GB please contact debbie.cameron@fieldsoflife.org.
• No lengthy contract you just need to give 30 days notice • Save up to 50% on your phone bill (compared to BT’s standard business rate) • Save lives and improve futures with every call you make • No difference between local and national calls • We will donate over 50% of our profits to improving lives of children in Africa • Every call billed by the second. g
Please call 0844 801 99 55 or email telecoms@amelix.co.uk for further details.
10
FOL Field Notes GB 2015 v2
11/3/15
12:22
Page 11
S WHAT WILL YOUR LEGACY BE? Fields of Life is committed to seeing meaningful and real change occur in the lives of whole communities in East Africa. It is our desire to empower those living in extreme poverty and to help them help themselves. By leaving a gift in your will to Fields of Life, you will be helping to raise up the change makers of East Africa.
Fields of Life appreciates that when making a will it is important to provide for your loved ones first – your family and friends. However many often find that even after they have done this, they wish to leave something to a worthwhile cause that is close to their heart. By leaving a gift in your will to Fields of Life, small or large, it is a wonderful opportunity to join in our mission and bring hope to vulnerable and marginalised children across East Africa.
COME AND SEE! Throughout the year Fields of Life co-ordinate and lead Five Day Fact Finding Trips (Thursday to Monday) enabling people to travel to Uganda to see our work on the ground. You may be interested in funding a specific project or would simply like to learn more about the different projects we are involved in and see our team in action. The five day trip (2 days travelling and 3 days on the ground) is ideal for those constrained by time and can only spare a few days away. This trip will give you a flavour of life in Africa and the life-changing work of Fields of Life. 11
11/3/15
12:22
Page 12
OUR MISSION
CONTACT US
Fields of Life is committed to sharing the Christian faith by collaborating with local communities and churches in East Africa to bring about positive change through the provision of quality education, clean water, health promotion and other community based projects.
GREAT BRITAIN FIELDS OF LIFE GB 1090b Galley Drive, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne Kent, England ME9 8AG Telephone: +44 (0)1795 474262 Email: infogb@fieldsoflife.org
RWANDA
2015 CULTIV8 Rwanda team dates have been confirmed: 21st July – 1st August 2015. If you are interested in finding out more information or joining the team please contact claire.andrews@fieldsoflife.org or visit www.fieldsoflife.org.
Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com
Charity Number UK: XR 18278 ROI: CHY 13573
www.FIELDSofLIFE.org
FOL Field Notes GB 2015 v2
Follow us on Twitter @FieldsofLife