Develop Magazine - Autumn 2019

DEVELOP AUTUMN 2019 [ ISSUE 03 ]

UNSEEN

PROMISE Overcoming trafficking and standing alongside survivors

INSPIRED TO ACT

IN PURSUIT OF EQUALITY

Taking action against period poverty

Working with communities to address systemic gender inequality

International International Development Development UK UK

salvationarmy.org.uk/ID

I SS U E 0 3 ~ AU T U M N 2 0 1 9

CONTENTS 05

06 A SOCIAL RESPONSE

RESPONDING TO THE PALU EARTHQUAKE

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19

23

THE JOURNEY TO NET ZERO

07

TRANSFORMATION THROUGH TOILETS

RESPONDING TO CYCLONE IDAI

IN PURSUIT OF EQUALITY

27

32

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INSPIRED TO ACT

FUNDRAISING FOR THE ARMY

FINANCIAL BREAKDOWN

All photographs are used with the permission of the photographer

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UNSEEN PROMISE Overcoming trafficking and standing alongside survivors

WELCOME TO DEVELOP A message from our Team Leader Benjamin Gilbert

I’ve sat through many meetings where the discussion is at such a theoretical level that it is sometimes difficult to know how it can apply in the real world. The same might apply to some sermons I have listened to! OK, it may also be to do with me having to refine my listening skills, but my point is this: if it’s difficult to relate to what I am hearing, it just doesn’t hold my interest for long.

Most of these are in contexts very different from ours in the UK, sometimes having to contend with political violence, large natural disasters and religious persecution. It is the individual stories within these contexts which help us to connect and relate.

In this Develop you can read about the life-changing impact that a visit to Kenya had on Aimee, a corps member from Hythe. The things she saw during her short visit changed her perspective and inspired her into action when she returned home (page 27). You can also read the personal story of Akhi, a girl born into a brothel, whom The Salvation Army helped to get out of sexual exploitation and start a new life (page 23).

You can also read Captain Rossouw’s account of seeing communities respond to a devastating cyclone that hit Mozambique earlier this year (page 19).

It is real-life experiences, especially those told by the person themselves, that really grab my attention. Personal stories within a sermon or from a member of a panel of experts - the ‘lived experiences’ – are those which immediately give us something to connect with. Often we can remember their story long after the wider details of the discussion have faded from memory.

In every issue of Develop we try, as much as possible, to convey first-hand accounts from the projects we are running, because these provide a far richer insight into their impact on people’s lives and communities.

The Salvation Army is now in over 130 countries.

I trust you enjoy reading the variety of articles we have in this edition. Do contact us for any further information, or queries about our international work.

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NEWS

THE JOURNEY TO NET ZERO Following the UK’s commitment to reach ‘net zero’ emissions by 2050, Leila Bousbaa (The Climate Coalition) explains why the time really is now for action.

On 12 June 2019, the UK became the first major economy in the world to pass a legally binding commitment to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This marked the culmination of years of effort by climate change campaigners across the country and should be celebrated for the achievement that it is.

‘Net zero’ essentially means that the amount of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, that are added to the atmosphere will no longer exceed the amount taken out. Practically speaking this means that we need to take steps to reduce the amount of carbon that is emitted, such as by switching from fossil fuels to clean energy, and counterbalance any carbon that continues to be emitted with such actions as planting trees and protecting forests which absorb carbon from the atmosphere.

It is critical that the Government follows through by enacting ambitious laws that will help to ensure our

natural environments are safeguarded now and for years to come. To make sure this happens, it is up to the same coalition of faith and community groups around the UK to make sure that tackling the climate crisis remains a priority for the Government.

With the UK hosting the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP) in 2020, which will mark the formal adoption of the Paris Agreement, the time really is now for the UK to deliver real action on its historic net zero commitment.

On 26 June 2019, 12,000 people from across the country gathered on the streets around the Houses of Parliament in London for The Time is Now lobby to tell politicians that we simply cannot wait any longer for action.

With a newly appointed Prime Minister, now is the time to continue this momentum by asking your local MP to write to the Prime Minister and urge him to legislate to achieve the net zero target.

Visit www.theclimatecoalition.org to find a template letter to your MP, and further information about The Climate Coalition’s upcoming campaigns.

5 Photo credit: Becky Mursell Photography

NEWS

A SOCIAL RESPONSE The Salvation Army in Europe works together to challenge the evil of human trafficking and modern slavery. highlight the risks behind seemingly lucrative job offers. At the same time, in ‘receiving countries’, those to which people are mostly trafficked, adverts alert the viewer to the possible existence of modern slavery behind the bargains.

The Salvation Army has a strong history of combining advocacy, campaigning and practical action in response to human trafficking and modern slavery.

Alongside more than 12 other countries across The Salvation Army’s Europe Zone, the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland is challenging the evil of modernday slavery in our societies and calling for transformation.

Those who click on the advert links are given further information relevant to the local context with real-life stories of modern slavery, and are called to action – to inform themselves, to reflect on their buying choices, to support The Salvation Army and to raise awareness in their own communities and networks.

‘Cheap prices come at high cost – the cost of human freedom’ Launched last year, the pan-European social media campaign centres on this tag-line. Focused on raising awareness of modern slavery through a united online message, the campaign aims to reduce the recruitment of victims in ‘supply countries’ and stop the demand in ‘receiving countries’.

In ‘supply countries’, those from which people are mostly trafficked, adverts are designed to

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As we often say, human trafficking is a global and networked crime which requires a global and networked response. Equally it is important to recognise that whilst everincreasing access to social media can mean greater vulnerability, it can also be utilised as a tool for good – a tool which can raise awareness of the crime of human trafficking and help to protect people.

NEWS

RESPONDING TO THE PALU EARTHQUAKE On 28 September 2018, a series of earthquakes struck Indonesia’s Central Sulawesi province.

The provincial capital, Palu, sat close to the epicentre of the strongest earthquake of the series recorded, triggering a tsunami which struck beaches in both Palu and Donggala.

The resulting landslides caused significant damage to local infrastructure, more than 4,000 people were killed, and over a quarter of a million people were displaced from their homes, forced to live in temporary shelters.

With the Indonesia Territory’s extensive network of over 282 corps, 106 outposts, 92 schools and 10 hospitals and clinics, The Salvation Army was able to meet the immediate needs of local communities alongside 107 other organisations working at the height of the response.

Medical services and provision of food were the key focus for The Salvation Army’s Rapid Response project.

Two corps and one divisional headquarters were able to establish five mobile kitchens, working alongside volunteers from the Christian University Association (Perkantas) and other local churches and volunteers. The kitchens produced and distributed 13,547 food parcels

to beneficiaries, with additional supplies of water, rice, oil and eggs also donated to The Salvation Army by partner organisations for distribution through its network.

The Salvation Army’s Woodward Hospital served as a base for mobile clinics to operate from, providing medical care to those injured. Supported by local medical students, the mobile clinics were able to treat 2,162 people.

Qualified teams and trained personnel also provided trauma counselling to children affected by the disaster. Using a range of interactive techniques, more than 1,200 children were able to access the service and receive support.

Now that the initial response phase has ended, the territory continues to work with local communities to rebuild and recover in the aftermath of the disaster with projects focused on water and sanitisation and education as well as rebuilding shelters.

In June 2019, the Indonesia Territory celebrated 125 years of Salvation Army ministry with the Army’s international leaders General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle in attendance to mark the occasion. Having visited the site of the earthquake and met with those affected, General Peddle said, ‘It is a long journey to recovery, but the spirit of the people is undaunted!’

Hayley Still

UNSEEN PROMISE Through the 2020 Helping-Hand Appeal, you can help us to support communities to overcome trafficking and stand alongside survivors as they reclaim their promise.

The promise of a better life is a tempting offer.

The promises remain unseen and the dreams remain unrealised.

For those living in poverty, in even the most beautiful parts of the world, the dream of providing for your family becomes a constant and agonising ache.

Traffickers see people merely as commodities, ignoring the truth of who they are – children of God, full of promise and dearly loved by the One who created them. This injustice must be stopped.

In the Philippines – a sun-kissed paradise of more than 7,000 tropical islands – one in five people live in poverty and the luscious setting shrouds an ugliness which lies beneath the surface.

Only a holistic and networked response to the horrific crime that is human trafficking will be enough to bring it to an end.

In the Autumn 2018 issue of Develop, we introduced The Salvation Army’s innovative community awareness and recovery (CAR) project which was piloted in Nigeria and the Philippines to transform community attitudes and behaviours around human trafficking, as well as support survivors to reintegrate into their home communities and overcome their experiences.

Preying on the vulnerable, traffickers deceive and exploit, enticing people with the promise of dreams fulfilled.

Desperate to support those they love, people believe the lies and accept opportunities to journey away from home unaware of the reality which awaits them.

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“ ...I’m able to move on.

” The Salvation Army is raising awareness of the reality of trafficking, mobilising communities to protect themselves, supporting survivors and helping to improve opportunities at home so the drive to leave is lessened.

a decent wage, it seemed too good a chance to pass up. Mercy was told that all of her travel expenses would be paid.

Mercy was taken to Jordan to work as a domestic maid, but received no pay for her work. All of her earnings had gone directly to her recruiter. When she complained, Mercy was treated poorly, given little food and allowed to sleep only three hours a night.

Initially funded by the Modern Slavery Innovation Fund (administered by the Home Office), the CAR project continues into its next phase with financial support from The Salvation Army UK and Ireland Territory.

‘I thought about ending my life. But I was thinking about my family. I kept telling myself to be strong.’

Through this project we are seeing transformation in people’s lives. Those who once thought that risky job offers were their only opportunity to support their families, now have hope at home.

Eventually, Mercy reached out to the Philippines embassy and they helped her to escape.

One of the women who was involved in the project is Mercy.

Back at home, a Salvation Army volunteer visited Mercy’s community and told her about their CAR project which was supporting survivors of trafficking.

Mercy and her husband were struggling to provide for their three children. She was desperate to earn enough to give her family a good life. So when a friend approached her with an opportunity to work abroad and earn

With the help of the project, Mercy opened a small retail business which provides enough

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money to pay for school fees and other expenses, and was given two goats to breed, raise and sell to boost the family’s income. She also weaves scarves and clothes which she sells through a local organisation.

Joharia is one of the people who stayed with Cecilia, having been picked up by law enforcement at Manila airport when she was on route to work as a housemaid in Saudi Arabia.

Joharia felt supported by Cecilia, whom she affectionately refers to as ‘Nana’. She said, ‘I was really happy because [Cecilia] is like a second Mum to me… Nana made me feel happy, she’s always there to support me.’

Mercy said, ‘My life is very different from before. We can have food on the table every day.

I’m happy because now I’m able to move on.’

As part of the project, host families provide care and accommodation to survivors as they prepare to return home after being trafficked.

Cecilia got involved in the project because she feels called by God to support and care for those who are vulnerable. Though she was nervous to host people, she said, ‘I trust Jesus. I prayed to the Lord, “Help me to accommodate well.” I want to help people to overcome their experiences and to impart awareness [about human trafficking].’

Cecilia is a retired Salvation Army officer (minister) who lives in General Santos, Philippines. Having been actively involved in previous local anti-trafficking projects, Cecilia was keen to get involved in the CAR project when it began and chose to become a host family.

Through prevention, protection and partnership, The Salvation Army is supporting people to reclaim the promise that exists within them and rebuild their lives.

The safe and welcoming environment she provides gives people a place of sanctuary as they recover in the immediate aftermath of their experiences.

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Will you join us?

During 2020, Salvation Army Family Ministries groups, corps and individuals across the UK and Ireland will raise money to support our international anti-trafficking work, such as the CAR project, through the Helping-Hand Appeal, Unseen Promise.

Visit the link on the right to find out more.

How can I help?

With your help, we can bring the injustice of human trafficking to an end.

• £10 could mobilise a community to protect themselves and each other from trafficking • £40 could pay for a seminar which empowers women to find their worth and realise their potential • £76 could provide accommodation, medical care and living costs to a survivor of trafficking How can I access the resources?

• Visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/unseenpromise to watch the videos and download the resources • Order your FREE Unseen Promise fundraising pack by calling 020 7367 4777 or emailing id@salvationarmy.org.uk How can I donate?

• Give a donation to your local Salvation Army corps or Family Ministries group • Donate online: www.salvationarmy.org.uk/unseenpromise

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/unseenpromise 13

Violet Ruria

TRANSFORMATION THROUGH TOILETS Read how access to a safe, clean and private place to use the loo is transforming lives in Malawi.

Globally, access to clean water, a place to use the loo and waste disposal systems continue to be a major challenge to many communities. Over two billion people suffer the indignity of open defecation as they do not have basic sanitation facilities such as toilets or latrines. Inadequate sanitation is a major cause of disease worldwide, and improving sanitation is known to have a significant beneficial impact on health, both within households and across communities.

hygiene and sanitation facilities among schools and rural communities.

The impact of the project is already being felt. Through the project, 57 boreholes were drilled or rehabilitated, meaning access to a safe and sustainable water supply is now available to more than 12,000 people. Through a sanitation approach called Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), the project prompted 2,000 households to construct permanent toilets and begin practising handwashing.

In Malawi, approximately four million people lack access to safe drinking water, with 78 per cent of children under two years old experiencing at least one incident of diarrhoea. Access to improved sanitation facilities is still very low, which means many people in rural communities have no option except to defecate outside.

As part of the community engagement element of the project, one hundred health workers were trained to provide hygiene advice, and successful campaigns in schools, making use of drama, songs and health clubs, has helped to spread the message of the importance of hygiene improvement among communities.

In order to address the critical health need of the people, The Salvation Army in Malawi has implemented a three-year project in Karonga, a district in Mzuzu province of Northern Malawi.

Targeting two Traditional Authorities, Kyungu and Kilupula, the main goals of this project are to increase access to safe water and promote

One of the people whose life has been impacted by the project is Felix Mukubwa.

Felix is 42 years old and lives with his wife and four children in a small house in Mwipimei village in Karonga.

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Felix was determined to change his life. He keenly attended training offered by The Salvation Army sanitation group on maintaining hygiene in his home and village. The importance of adequate and hygienic toilet and handwashing facilities was emphasised. As a result of the training, community members encouraged one another to construct pit latrines and handwashing facilities at their homes.

Karonga district, shared the difference that the project has made: ‘Before this project, the health of the people was deteriorating; people were even unable to attend to corps activities. This has now changed as communities have access to safe water and have learnt how to maintain hygiene at their homes.’

In Malawi, sanitation standards in school are very low, resulting in children suffering from diseases such as cholera, malaria, trachoma, schistosomiasis and diarrhoea. These diseases affect children’s physical development, school attendance and academic performance. The lack of separate and adequate sanitation and washing facilities in schools also discourages girls from attending school, particularly during menstruation, affecting their school performance and increasing the likelihood of them dropping out. To address this, the project involves the construction of toilet blocks in five schools in the

Felix recalled what he learnt: ‘We realised that our children were becoming ill often because of poor hygiene in our village. I ensured that I constructed a latrine and handwashing facilities at my homestead to be an example to the rest.’

Felix has transformed not only his life and that of his family but also that of many others in his village as they emulate him.

Captains Amos and Alice Zikatiwindu, who are in charge of The Salvation Army in the

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“

...communities have access to safe water and have learnt how to maintain hygiene at their homes.

”

area, and the installation of a rainwater harvesting tank to enable handwashing. Additionally, the girl’s toilet blocks are furnished with a separate room for menstrual hygiene management to provide privacy for girls.

and counsel girls on hygiene and how to manage menstruation as they mature into adulthood. Since we began doing this, more girls are performing better in schools and are transitioning to higher education, thus escaping early marriages.’

Yohane Mwanongwa is a pupil at one of the schools The Salvation Army is working alongside.

She said: ‘Unlike the old toilets, these new ones are more spacious and friendly. There is water for handwashing right there at the toilet. Previously we had to walk further distances from the toilet to find water for handwashing.’

Through this project, and the stories of the people involved, it is clear to see the impact that something as simple as access to private and safe toilets can have on a person’s life. For a young girl it can mean a continued education and the opportunity to avoid the dangers that come with early marriage. The appropriate facilities, along with a behavioural shift to hygienic practices, will also result in healthier individuals who are more able to use their time to pursue incomegenerating activities.

To further improve the girls’ attendance, ‘Mothers’ Task Groups’ have been established in each community with the purpose of providing mentorship and coaching to girls using culturally appropriate communication methods.

Access to decent sanitation facilities is more than just a place to use the loo; it is the opportunity for transformation in all aspects of people’s lives.

According to Magdalena Mbughi, Chairlady of Chikutu Mothers’ Task Group, ‘Our role is to educate

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Ben Gilbert

RESPONDING TO CYCLONE IDAI Ben Gilbert (Team Leader, The Salvation Army International Development UK) shares how The Salvation Army responded to Cyclone Idai in Mozambique.

The Salvation Army has always been well known for responding when people are affected by natural disasters. This has been, and still is, an integral part of The Salvation Army’s mission. Often, when a disaster or emergency situation is featured in the UK media, our team is inundated with messages from our supporters asking not ‘will The Salvation Army respond?’ but ‘what are we already doing?’

This speaks strongly of the understanding that this movement, deeply rooted in social justice and practical response, is called to take action for those in need.

In March 2019, a tropical cyclone which came to be known as ‘Idai’ hit Mozambique and, in the two weeks before it dissipated, caused catastrophic damage across the country as well as in neighbouring nations Zimbabwe and Malawi.

Reaching speeds of more than 100km per hour, the cyclone destroyed homes upon impact, and the resulting heavy floods left people without food, shelter or means of transport. It is estimated that more than 1,200 people were killed, thousands more missing and up to three million homes or livelihoods damaged as a result of the cyclone – one of the worst ever recorded to hit Africa and the Southern Hemisphere.

When responding to large-scale international disasters, it is important to note that we do not fly in large numbers of expatriate experts or paid professionals to co-ordinate the response. We work mainly with our local officers and personnel who volunteer their time above and beyond the commitments they already have, and take a lead from the local Salvation Army Territory in order to guide our international emergency response.

When I received the news of Cyclone Idai hitting Mozambique, my immediate thought was: ‘How are we going to support a Territory that has little over 50 corps to respond to a disaster of this scale?’

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For a small Territory such as Mozambique, to respond at all was a huge task. The model of mobilising local corps volunteers and Salvation Army officers on the ground is effective because they know, better than anyone else, the specifics of their setting and situation. They know the communities and the people affected. Yet they themselves may have been severely impacted by the disaster – by physical damage to their own homes and corps buildings, as well as emotionally in the ordeal of tending to families who are grieving. One divisional commander appointed to an area affected by Cyclone Idai spoke about having to conduct 38 burials in one morning. It’s difficult to contemplate the emotional toll that such an experience can have on those tasked with responding. However, there are also moments of joy within the devastation. Major Dyson Chifudzeni (Project Officer in Mozambique) shared the story

of a woman he met who gave birth to her baby daughter on the day the cyclone hit. She named her baby ‘Idai’.

The key to how the Mozambique Territory responded was utilising every opportunity to get involved in the various daily planning meetings and local grassroots committees responsible for managing the distribution of food. It was essential for The Salvation Army to work in a co-ordinated way alongside much larger organisations, such as the United Nations World Food Programme and Food and Agriculture Organization. By doing so, it demonstrated that as an organisation, although we may not have the same scale of operations or amount of funding as some of the other big humanitarian NGOs, we are working towards the same aims and meeting the same internationally set standards.

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When resources are limited, it can force people to think creatively. In the days following the cyclone, Captain Heather Rossouw, who was helping to co-ordinate the response, said: ‘There is still a lot of destruction but we can also see evidence of rebuilding. The homes that were destroyed by Cyclone Idai are slowly being rebuilt. As you drive along the sand roads, you come across bicycles that are loaded with tree cuttings – anything that can be used to rebuild lost houses. The people are very creative. First they map out how big their house needs to be, positioning tree poles horizontal and then vertically. Once that is done, they mix mud and off they go in getting a house erected!’

Major Dyson also highlighted something that he noticed during the territory’s response: that it was treating people with mutual respect and dignity that had the most impact on their lives. It is the ‘how we respond’ rather than the ‘what we do’ that has a long-term impact on people.

This point is crucial to keep in mind as we respond when disasters take place around the world. I have already outlined how our model in responding to international emergencies is by mobilising the local corps personnel. The fact is, the local Salvation Army are not going anywhere once the relief period is over. They are there when many others have pulled out, and this is certainly the case in the many communities that were affected by Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. The Salvation Army continues to help to rebuild lives and homes.

If you would like to support The Salvation Army’s international emergency response projects, complete and return the donation form at the back of this magazine, or visit donate.salvationarmy.org.uk/emergency/

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Anne Gregora

IN PURSUIT OF EQUALITY We revisit Jessore, Bangladesh, where The Salvation Army is working with communities to address systemic gender inequality, support women to exit the city’s brothels and equip them to gain economic independence.

In south-west Bangladesh, on the border with India, lies the city of Jessore. It is just over an hour’s flight, or a fairly rough eight-hour journey by car, from the nation’s capital of Dhaka.

The Salvation Army has been running a support programme for vulnerable and exploited women in the area.

When the office first opened, The Salvation Army worked in the brothels to provide support for women and children who are sexually exploited living with HIV/Aids. In recent years the programme has developed to address the root causes of women and girls entering the brothels.

This has included taking action against the crime of trafficking, as well as changing community attitudes and behaviours which don’t allow women to earn an income, force them to flee from the threat of or actual violence and/or push them away from the safety of their families and communities.

If you have spent time in the busy capital, Jessore can feel like a place of sanctuary. From the edge of the city you can walk over train tracks, through fields of rice, and get a sense of rural life as you see people going about their days in their village communities.

But there is a sinister side to Jessore. The city centre is home to a large red-light district where many women experience exploitation daily. These women are either trafficked into the brothels, or enter them with a sense that they have no other means to stay alive. This is not a matter of choice.

This is a societal and structural form of violence against women and girls.

The current programme has three key aims: • To increase the awareness of the women and girls living in the brothels adjacent to The Salvation Army’s centre, that they would

On a street shared with three of the city’s large brothels, is a project office where, since 1995,

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know their options to leave the brothel and, until they leave, recognise their right to live with dignity.

• To provide opportunities for sustainable alternative income through training courses leading to safe and fair jobs.

• To prevent women and girls entering the brothels in the first place by reducing vulnerability and increasing community protection structures.

“

I have become the teacher in my village and have helped all my neighbours learn how to use these methods

The old adage ‘prevention is better than a cure’ holds true in this setting. Working alongside communities to bring an end to the structures, attitudes and behaviours which hold women in a position of vulnerability and inequality is essential to preventing them from entering the brothels. The Salvation Army is targeting four communities which are known to be a source of many women and girls who arrive in the Jessore red light district. These communities are engaged in conversations designed to increase knowledge, change attitudes and encourage the community to collectively develop prevention mechanisms.

”

In the brothels, The Salvation Army builds strong relationships with the women and girls through their outreach worker who has permission to enter the brothels and meet with the women there. One of the girls who has been befriended is Akhi*.

worker, Akhi explained that she was desperate to leave the brothel and lead a simple life. She has other brothers and sisters and wants to have a safe job so that she can care for them financially.

Akhi was born in the brothel. Her biological father has never taken care of her. When she was only nine years old she began being sexually exploited in the brothel. Despite living in a brothel, Akhi was able to complete primary school.

However, as she studied she was at the same time being exploited. The Salvation Army outreach worker regularly sat with Akhi and listened to her story with care, understanding and compassion.

Over time, and as she began to trust the outreach

The programme encourages women and children of working age to pursue training in an area of their skills and interests, believing that this will increase their chances of doing well in the training and securing a fair job outside of the brothel.

Akhi told The Salvation Army that she was interested in becoming a beautician. The

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programme has a relationship with a number of organisations that offer different types of vocational training and so The Salvation Army enrolled her in one that offered beautician training. Over three months Akhi developed her skills, and once her training was complete The Salvation Army supported her to find a local job with a decent employer. Akhi continues to work in this job and is also now pursuing her studies at the same time.

Akhi is one of 11 women and girls in recent months who have been supported into employment. A further 35 are undergoing training and will be provided support to enter employment following their training.

If you would like to support The Salvation Army’s international gender justice projects, complete and return the donation form at the back of this magazine, or visit donate.salvationarmy.org.uk/gender/

She dreams of becoming a police officer once she has completed her studies so that she can help people and communities.

*Name has been changed

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Hayley Still

INSPIRED TO ACT Read how a visit to The Salvation Army’s WASH project in Kenya inspired Aimee Margott to take action against period poverty in her local community.

In April 1921, Kenya’s first official Salvation Army meetings were held in Nairobi. Almost 100 years later, there are more than 1,000 corps and 1,100 outposts across the nation’s two territories.

Working with partner organisations and through its local congregations, the Kenya East Territory is active in a number of sectors such as community development, emergency relief, sports and health. The Salvation Army has also worked alongside communities to strengthen the public education system by establishing and supporting almost 500 schools across eastern Kenya.

Ten years ago, the Kenya East Territory implemented its first WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) project for schools in rural areas of the country. Aimed at developing school facilities and promoting good hygiene and health practices, the project was a huge success in improving the learning environment and outcomes for over 13,000 children.

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Building on the success of this first project, a second phase began in 2013 with a broader, community-integrated strategy in which both schools and their surrounding communities would be actively engaged in the project.

Recognising the importance of an integrated approach to achieve long-term sustainability, the project incorporated WASH, community health, agriculture and nutrition, targeting 40 schools.

Children act as agents of change within their communities, so school engagement, as well as the development of school facilities, is an important starting point for achieving far-reaching transformation. Community development was the cornerstone of this project as it leads to a greater degree of community ownership and participation, and therefore, sustainability.

Alongside financial and technical support provided by The Salvation Army, local field co-ordinators were assigned to defined geographical areas where they were responsible for facilitating community mobilisation and providing ongoing coaching and support.

As a result of the project, there is improved access to safe water through drilling of boreholes and provision of rainwater harvesting tanks to schools and community members. Alongside the construction of new toilets and handwashing facilities in schools, health clubs were also established to improve hygiene practices and knowledge of menstrual hygiene among girls and boys. This improved knowledge has reached beyond school boundaries into the surrounding communities.

The patron of the school health club at Musuani Primary School noted the value of the children’s involvement in the clubs, and their impact on helping to make the project a success:

‘One important thing that the children have learnt through the health clubs is responsibility.

They are the ones who take care of the equipment… and teach other children how to take care of themselves. This is important because they [also] practise these activities at home.’

This project has also had an impact beyond the local community. In April 2019, as part of its Transformers course, members of Hythe Corps travelled to Kenya to witness The Salvation Army’s mission and community development work there.

Aimee Margott was one of the attendees. During the trip she was inspired to become practically engaged in social justice issues affecting her local community. Aimee shares her experience:

installed toilet facilities and washrooms. The previous facilities were completely dilapidated.

This had meant that for up to one week (maybe even longer), every 28 days girls would miss out on their education as they stayed home from school because they were unable to manage their period during this time. With the new facilities, they can continue to attend school, manage their periods and keep themselves clean by using the washroom facilities and get an education.

It was quite an experience to be part of a ribbon cutting for the opening of a new toilet block, but it was clear to see how important these brand new, brightly coloured and clean toilets were to the school community, and the smiles on the children’s faces were contagious!

This was the first time I had ever set foot in Africa and I was initially struck by how breathtakingly beautiful Kenya is. During the trip we visited a number of people and I was moved by their overwhelming kindness. They opened their homes to us, provided us with food and gave us gifts. Though, materially, they had very little, people lavished us with generosity and it was truly inspiring.

This trip was eye-opening for me. Although I knew that poverty exists all over the world, it wasn’t something I had really thought seriously about until witnessing its effects in Kenya. Missing out on education because I couldn’t afford to manage my period is unimaginable for me. For the girls I met, it was their life. This was a huge shock, and something that I think about frequently.

One experience which stood out for me was our visit to The Salvation Army school in Thokoa which, as part of the WASH project, now had newly

When I returned home from Kenya, I did further research into ‘period poverty’ because I knew I wanted to do something very hands-on to help.

I was shocked by the statistics that I found online about period poverty in the UK – for example, one in ten girls have been unable to afford sanitary wear.

During my research I came across The Red Box Project and immediately emailed them, asking to get involved. I soon became the co-ordinator for my local area in Folkestone.

exciting news and something that The Red Box Project has been fighting for.

Although the project might be winding down at the end of 2019, there are still parts of the country in which period products are still needed until the Government’s scheme begins. You can find your local Red Box Project at redboxproject.org and get in contact at redboxprojectuk@gmail.com to see how you can donate or set up in an area that is not already covered.

The Red Box Project quietly ensures that no young person misses out on their education because of costs associated with their period. We place red boxes into schools filled with donations of sanitary towels, tampons, hygiene wipes, underwear and tights. These products are kindly donated by the local community who drop them off to our donation points.

Aimee’s story is a reminder that we must not sit back when confronted with poverty and injustice. There is always something we can do to make a positive impact, whether locally or globally, large or small. Indeed, William Booth’s challenge to his son, after witnessing the poverty on the streets of Victorian London, holds as true for us today as it did all those years ago: ‘Go and do something.’

Recently the UK Government announced a scheme which will cover schools with free period products from January 2020. This is incredibly

“

...it was clear to see how important these brand new, brightly coloured and clean toilets were to the school community, and the smiles on the children’s faces were contagious!

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Raise funds for our international community development projects

James Thomson

FUNDRAISE FOR THE SALVATION ARMY Help break the cycle of poverty and join Team Sally Army on a once-in-a-lifetime challenge as we conquer North Africa’s highest peak – Mount Toubkal! Trek the ‘Mountains of Mountains’ whilst getting a first-hand glimpse of local Berber culture and experience the stunning scenery of Morocco on this epic African adventure.

Whether you have a personal connection with The Salvation Army or you just believe in the good work that we do, please join our team as we take on a three-day trek / five-day trip of the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The whole trip will be a unique life-changing experience, with money raised going to support an area of work of your choice.

If this trek adventure isn’t for you, why not join our 2020 London Marathon team. For the first time you will be able to choose to raise funds for any area of The Salvation Army’s work. Each year 35,000 runners take part in this iconic event – make 2020 your year!

By becoming part of #TeamSallyArmy you will be helping the most vulnerable people around the world, providing hope to those who need it.

Learn more about our events by visiting the website below, or email the team at: Email: challenge@salvationarmy.org.uk Phone: 020 7367 4819

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/fundraise-for-us 30

FINANCIAL BREAKDOWN Our Vision:

INCOME 2018/19

General £37,696.13

A world without poverty and injustice.

Anti-Trafficking £26,128.81

Monthly Release

Our Mission: Our mission is to equip, empower and enable communities around the world to defeat poverty and injustice, and to work with them to build a better life and future. We engage people to comprehend injustice and take action to restore our world as a place where justice, dignity and equality are a reality for all people.

Clean Water £224,801.16

Legacies Response Emergency £9,840.14 Gender Justice Mission Support Allocation

Legacies

How We Work

The Salvation Army International Development UK is an umbrella term for the community development work that The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland supports around the world.

This work is divided into six themes, four of which sit within the International Projects Office (Clean Water, Emergency Response, Food Security and Income Generation), and two of which sit within Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery (AntiTrafficking and Gender Justice). We are also responsible for overseeing the transfer of funds for the UK’s Mission Support Allocation (money donated through the annual Self-Denial Appeal).

By providing financial and technical support to projects within these areas, The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland is helping people all over the world to tackle poverty, fight injustice and build a better life and future.

The following pie charts show a breakdown of the money that was donated to The Salvation Army’s international work during the 2018/2019 financial year, and in which areas this money has been spent.

Some money received during this time will not be spent this financial year as it will fund programmes which will run for more than one year.

If you would like to make a donation to support The Salvation Army’s international development work, please use the donation form on the back of this page or visit the link to the right.

Monthly Release

Food Security £7,037.62 Mission Support Gender Justice £1,050.57

Restricted Donations

Income Generation £16,297.31 Restricted Donations Income Generation £51,443.61 Mission Support (Self-Denial) Gender Justice £584,658.46

Restricted Reserves

Legacies (Restricted Food Security International) £978,162.00 Monthly Release £63,865.79

Emergency Response Clean Water

EXPENDITURE 2018/19

Anti Trafficking

Monthly Release

Anti-Trafficking £252,373.92 AntiTrafficking

Clean WaterSupport £125,158.73 Mission Emergency Response £156,503.97

Mission Support Allocation

Clean Water

Institutional Programmes

Food Security £39,764.00 Gender Justice £0.00 Income Generation

Food Security Emergency Response & Recovery

Income Generation £70,224.60

Gender Justice

Institutional Programmes £100,023.81

Food Security Mission Support (Self-Denial) £507,042.39 Emergency Response Monthly Release £55,030.00 Clean Water

donate.salvationarmy.org.uk/id/ 33

Anti Trafficking

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The Salvation Army International Development UK 101 Newington Causeway London SE1 6BN 020 7367 4777

salvationarmy.org.uk/ID The Salvation Army is a church and registered charity in England (214779), Wales (214779), Scotland (SC009359) and the Republic of Ireland (CHY6399)