Welcome to Develop

A message from our UK Engagement Co-ordinator Hayley Still

This is a special issue of Develop as we mark 25 years of International Development in the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory.

There have been a few changes over the years, including the team’s name; the unit started life as the ‘Overseas Projects Office’ back in 1997. The way we work has also adapted and changed, but the commitment to working in partnership with territories around the world to overcome poverty and injustice has remained. You can read a little more about our journey over the past quarter of a century on page 5. We also share about the values which underpin our current working practice on page 7.

In 2020 we held the first annual International Development Week, an opportunity to explore, celebrate and support The Salvation Army’s work around the world. These events have included social media challenges, a virtual quiz night, special episodes of the Develop podcast, videos from colleagues around the world and a song written by Music and Creative Arts called ‘God’s Love is Enough’!

During ID Week this year we are celebrating with a week-long photo exhibition at International Headquarters – a journey through 25 years of partnership and progress. Gathering the photos for the exhibition has been a fascinating and inspiring experience as each one represents a project that has touched the lives of countless individuals and communities around the world. Flip through to the central pages of the magazine for a snapshot of some of the photos that are featured in the exhibition.

Also in this edition we introduce the focus of next year’s Helping-Hand Appeal. 2023 will see the theme shift to Clean Water with The Salvation Army’s integrated WASH project in Malawi being featured. Read more about this on page 8.

On page 26, read about The Salvation Army’s international modern slavery and human trafficking response and how Zonal Communities of Practice are being used to strengthen the global network.

We also share an update from Tanzania (p 33) with Captain Sinana outlining how communities are improving their livelihoods through livestock banking and village savings and loans associations.

Financial donations are of course necessary to ensure we can continue to support international community development and emergency response projects, but prayer is also an essential resource. Read on page 12 how you can pray specifically for our different areas of work.

We hope you enjoy looking back though our history in this edition, and that the project updates inspire and encourage you as we continue to work together for a world where all people can experience life in all its fullness.