DEVELOP SPRING 2022 [ ISSUE 08 ]
UKRAINE
CRISIS Our response to the ongoing emergency situation
HELPING-HAND 2022
THE PROMISE OF A BETTER LIFE
Taking a stand to ensure gender justice is a reality for all people
Combatting child trafficking in Malawi
International International Development Development UK UK
salvationarmy.org.uk/ID
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CONTENTS 05
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UKRAINE CRISIS
MSHT ANNUAL REPORT
HELPING-HAND 2022
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HOPE IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
THE PROMISE OF A BETTER LIFE
SNAPSHOT OF LAST YEAR
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INTEGRATION AND RESILIENCE All photographs are used with the permission of the photographer
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
FUNDRAISE FOR THE SALVATION ARMY
WELCOME TO DEVELOP A message from our UK Engagement Co-ordinator Hayley Still
Each time I sit down to write the Editorial for Develop magazine, I am conscious of the fact that you will be reading these words weeks, if not months, later. As I have noted before, we are not burdened with sharing breaking news. However, we do not want the information within these pages to be out of date or incorrect by the time the ink hits the paper.
On page 12 you can read an article from Major Heather Matondo of the Canada and Bermuda Territory about the Mchinji Anti Child-Trafficking Centre in Malawi which exists to support children who have been trafficked or are vulnerable. Partnership is essential in the response to human trafficking, a point that is highlighted in a new report from the International Social Justice Commission. You can read more about the report on page 6.
That said, we couldn’t publish an internationally focused magazine at this time without discussing the situation in Ukraine and The Salvation Army’s response. It is my sincere prayer that by the time you read this, the violence will have ended. Sadly, I know that even if that is the case, the impact of this conflict will continue to be felt for years to come. The Salvation Army has been present since the beginning of the crisis, supporting those people affected in Ukraine, Russia and neighbouring countries. More details about this response can be found on pages 5 and 24.
We revisit The Salvation Army’s water, sanitation and hygiene project in Kenya, this time with a focus on food security. Read on page 18 about how an integrated approach is impacting all aspects of people’s lives. We also share about the Helping-Hand Appeal which, this year, is focused on our Gender Justice work. We highlight how The Salvation Army in Bangladesh is supporting and journeying alongside sexually exploited women in the heart of Jessore’s red light district (p8).
When globally impacting events such as this take place, we could easily get tunnel vision and direct all our energy and attention to it. Whilst we continue to provide pastoral, practical and prayerful support to those affected by this crisis, The Salvation Army’s community development projects around the world require our ongoing support. In this issue we therefore also share updates from some of our Anti-Trafficking, Clean Water and Gender Justice projects.
The stories in this issue speak of communities working together, and people reaching out with care when others are at their most vulnerable. In the midst of devastation there are glimmers of humanity and hope. May you be inspired by this, and never stop working towards a world where poverty and injustice are overcome.
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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Throughout this issue of Develop you will see icons alongside the articles referencing the UN Sustainable Development Goal that each article applies to. Here is a refresher of what the goals are.
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NEWS
UKRAINE CRISIS In February 2022 the Ukraine conflict began. In the months since, more than four million people have fled their homes to seek safety in neighbouring countries and beyond. The Salvation Army, which has had a presence in Ukraine since 1993, was quick to respond to the emerging humanitarian crisis, and along with its counterparts in Poland, Romania, Moldova, Russia and other European countries, was able to offer practical assistance as soon as the violence escalated. At border crossings, teams of Salvation Army staff and volunteers supported displaced people with temporary accommodation, hot meals and drinks, hygiene items and emotional support. Globally The Salvation Army and its supporters have mobilised to raise funds to support relief efforts. At the time of writing more than $14 million has been raised, with supporters within the United Kingdom and Ireland contributing an incredible $4.5 million of this total. Money raised has come from many sources, from businesses, corps/church fundraising events and individual giving. We are immensely thankful for the incredible generosity we have witnessed.
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During humanitarian crises such as this, The Salvation Army offers support across three stages: • Initial response: this is fast, flexible help where we utilise our existing Salvation Army volunteers to distribute immediate help, eg food, water, blankets, shelter. • Relief: this may include working with reception centres and at transport hubs, and using our own centres to provide short-term accommodation, and helping to provide access to local services. • Recovery: our longer-term response includes helping displaced people to settle in a new location by providing emotional support and practical help in accessing local government services such as healthcare, education and employment. In a crisis, all three of these responses could be happening at the same time in different countries or settings, and our staff and volunteers will be working with the local communities to assess the needs of the people they are serving. Visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/ukraine-crisisappeal for the latest information about how The Salvation Army is responding to the Ukraine crisis. You can also read more about our emergency response work on page 24.
NEWS
INTERNATIONAL MODERN SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING RESPONSE Photo by Tim Tebow Foundation on Unsplash.
The International Social Justice Commission (ISJC) of The Salvation Army has recently published its International Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response Annual Report.
as governments, local authorities and nongovernmental organisations have had to adjust priorities in response to the pandemic, capacity to support trafficking victims has been reduced.
In the report’s Foreword, Directors of the ISJC, Colonels Janet and Richard Munn, highlight The Salvation Army’s position as both a local and global organisation, well placed to address modern slavery and human trafficking at all levels.
The report confirms that throughout a year of challenge and uncertainty, The Salvation Army continued to ‘“fight the good fight” with a co-ordinated, mobilised, dedicated army of practitioners, activists and, in some cases, survivors’.
‘The Salvation Army serves in 132 countries around the world, with national, regional and local leaders readily interconnected and well-informed on the multi-layers of human trafficking. We have influential advocates at strategic levels, and personnel at the neighbourhood level.’
Through eight focus areas The Salvation Army is working in 108 countries worldwide to holistically respond to MSHT. The focus areas are Prayer, Prevention, Participation, Protection, Prosecution, Partnership, Policy and Proof.
The report outlines The Salvation Army’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking (MSHT) response throughout 2021. During this time the global COVID-19 pandemic has continued, and the related lockdowns and travel restrictions have driven traffickers to move their criminal activity further underground and use technology to find and exploit victims. Additionally,
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The Annual Report unpacks these focus areas and, through statistics and stories, highlights how the global Salvation Army has been working through each of them during 2021. The report is available to read on the International Social Justice Commission website: https://www.salvationarmy.org/isjc
NEWS
HELPING-HAND 2022 The focus of Helping-Hand 2022 is Gender Justice – working with women around the world to ensure they have equal access to rights and opportunities, and the freedom to flourish.
and can be completed on a date and time that suits you. Of course, these suggestions will not be right for everyone. Perhaps art, baking or crochet is your passion. Is there a way you can do what you love and raise money for the Helping-Hand Appeal at the same time?
The shocking truth is that one in three women will experience intimate partner violence or nonpartner sexual violence in their lifetime. With this statistic in mind, we have created the One in Three Challenge to inspire people to fundraise for The Salvation Army’s international gender justice projects. Will you: Run, Swim or Cycle 13 miles? Run, swim or cycle 13 – or any multiple of 13 – miles on your own or as a team. Get your friends and family involved to see who can raise the most money! Walk 13,000 steps? Choose whether you complete this in a single day or for a series of consecutive days, or whether you challenge yourself to walk 13,000 steps every day for a whole month. Skydive from 13,000 feet? Take on this daring challenge to jump for gender justice. This is available at 19 centres around the UK
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Fundraising can seem daunting if it feels like another thing to add to the to-do list, but it doesn’t have to take a huge amount of effort. It can be incorporated into activities you are already doing. For example, one Salvation Army centre that runs a weekly women’s group is asking attendees to make a donation if they choose to have the (otherwise free) refreshments. It is not compulsory, so no one misses out on cake if they’re not able to donate, but it is a great way to build up their fundraising total over the year. Helping-Hand will focus on Gender Justice until the end of December, so there is plenty of time to get involved. The Community and Events Fundraising team are on hand to support you in your fundraising journey. Email them at challenge@salvationarmy.org.uk or visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/HelpingHand2022 to set up your Just Giving page.
Hayley Still
HOPE IN THE HEART OF THE CITY With the focus of the 2022 Helping-Hand Appeal being Gender Justice, we share about the work of The Salvation Army in Bangladesh, who are journeying with communities to address gender inequality and supporting vulnerable and exploited women in the city of Jessore.
In the Autumn 2021 edition of Develop we introduced the 2022 Helping-Hand Appeal. This year the focus is Gender Justice – working with women around the world to ensure they have equal access to rights and opportunities, and the freedom to flourish. The videos and resources for this year’s appeal highlight The Salvation Army’s ‘Unidas hacia un Cambio’ (United Towards a Change) project in Tres Arroyos, Argentina, which supports women and children who have experienced domestic abuse. Through group therapy sessions, women can share their experiences in a safe and caring environment and get practical support to end the abuse. For the children, fun and engaging sessions entitled ‘Learning Through Play’ help them to find non-violent responses to different situations and take part in breaking the cycle of abuse in their families. Domestic abuse is just one aspect of genderbased violence and, in turn, addressing this is just one aspect of our Gender Justice work.
Alongside ‘Unidas hacia un Cambio’, The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory has funded work in South Africa aimed at growing The Salvation Army’s gender justice work there, and also supports a project with women who have experienced or are experiencing sexual exploitation in the brothels of Jessore, Bangladesh. In addition to these specific projects, we also work to ensure that gender equality is mainstreamed throughout all the projects for which we provide technical and financial support. Gender-based violence is a global issue. A woman of any age, class, economic status or culture group may experience genderbased violence. One in three women around the world will experience intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual abuse in their lifetime. However, research shows that while gender-based violence crosses all socioeconomic groups, women living in poverty are disproportionately affected. With less capacity
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She is hopeful that she can continue on this path
” to leave, the experience of abuse is more likely to be increased and prolonged for women living in poverty. This is certainly the situation for the women that The Salvation Army is journeying with in Jessore, Bangladesh. At the heart of the city is a sprawling redlight district where many women experience exploitation on a daily basis. These women have not chosen this path; rather many have either been trafficked into the brothels or entered them in the belief that this was their only hope for survival. For almost 30 years The Salvation Army has had a project office within walking distance of three of the city’s large brothels. It is from this base that the team run a support programme for vulnerable and exploited women in the area. The team have strengthened their relationships with the women living in the brothels. This means the women can share their honest feedback about the project and help shape its future. Local ownership is essential for the success of a project, and so a
key component has been ensuring that it is the women and community members themselves who identify problems, propose the solutions and set the priorities of the project. The project aims to support vulnerable women and children that The Salvation Army has connected with, ensuring the women are economically secure and helping children to return to education. The long-term aim is that women can support themselves through sustainable, safe and fair livelihoods, free from exploitation and violence. Numerous activities take place which work towards achieving the aims of this project. These include delivering training in a variety of topics, from functional literacy and numeracy to human rights and health awareness. Along with local partners, The Salvation Army supports women to find alternative sources of income by providing skills training and helping women to find safe employment or set up their own small businesses. For the children living in the brothels there is a drop-in centre where they can play games, access educational support and
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make friends in a safe and caring environment. The team also works with communities in the areas surrounding the city, to raise awareness about the dangers of early marriage and the importance of women’s rights. Riya* (25) is one of the women The Salvation Army has met through this project. Riya was born and raised in Jessore, along with four brothers, by her mother and father. When Riya was around 13 years old, her parents arranged marriage for her. Though this was not what she wanted, Riya agreed to marry due to family pressure. Riya soon realised that her husband was addicted to drugs, and when she tried to address this with him, he beat her up. After four years of marriage, Riya gave birth to her first daughter. The abuse continued throughout her marriage and Riya eventually decided to leave her husband. Riya moved back in with her mother, who had since divorced, and they struggled financially. Despite finding some work as a casual cleaner in a local hotel, Riya and her mother did not have enough income to support the household. Riya started to work as a call girl. Men would call her to different houses or hotels, where she would stay for an hour or occasionally the entire night, and she saved the money she was earning. However, after a short time, her husband returned for a few days. He then ran away, taking all the money Riya had
saved for her future. Some time later, Riya realised she was pregnant and was deeply concerned for her child’s future. She considered abortion but her mother told her to keep the baby. The pregnancy was difficult, and with little income Riya did not have enough money to pay for hospital delivery. She received support from a few organisations, but there were still outstanding fees owed to the hospital where the baby was born. Through the project, The Salvation Army came to know of Riya’s situation. They were able to pay the hospital bill and ensure better treatment of her new-born baby. The Salvation Army recognised that Riya could start a small business to grow her income and not return to work as a call girl. The team helped her to access training in tailoring, and through networking with another organisation Riya received a sewing machine. She now gains a good, regular income by sewing and selling clothes. She is hopeful that she can continue on this path and support her family through this small business. The Helping-Hand Appeal for our Gender Justice work will run until the end of 2022. For more information, or to donate to the appeal visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/helpinghand2022 *Name has been changed
SCAN TO DONATE
Major Heather Matondo
THE PROMISE OF A BETTER LIFE Major Heather Matondo, Sponsorship Co-ordinator for the International Development Department in the Canada and Bermuda Territory, shares about The Salvation Army’s work to combat child trafficking in Malawi.
Malawi is known as the heart of Africa, and while many tourists flock to the country to enjoy the adventure, wildlife and scenery, The Salvation Army is busy combating something else that many people may not even be aware of – human trafficking. It is estimated that 30 million people are being trafficked worldwide, many of whom are deceived by the promise of a better life. Whilst the global average of children is 20 per cent of all victims, in many parts of Africa children make up the majority of those who are trafficked. The main factor which drives human trafficking in Malawi is poverty with 50.7 per cent of the population living below the poverty line. Mchinji is located on the west side of the country, just a few kilometres from the border with Zambia. This area is one of the major receiving districts of trafficked children and it is here that The Salvation Army established the Mchinji Anti Child-Trafficking Centre. The purpose of Mchinji is to rescue children from trafficking
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and improve their physical, economic and socioeconomic wellbeing. Isaiah 61:1-2 says, ‘The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.’ The centre can accommodate up to 40 children and not only provides a physical space to stay but also access to counselling, education, medical care and spiritual support. Another important component of the programme is to teach various life skills such as carpentry, tailoring and farming, which will help provide a sustainable income. Once the children are rescued there is an intentional effort to reunite them with their families or communities. The Mchinji team continue to follow up and provide support to the children and their families. Kandaya is one of the children The Salvation Army has supported at Mchinji. One of six siblings, Kandaya (14) dropped out of school at a young age to help provide an income for his family by doing casual labour. One day Kandaya’s family was approached by a man named Mr Banda who presented an opportunity for one of the boys to travel with him to work on a farm. Alongside the farm work, which would generate income for his family, the boy would have a place to live and an opportunity to attend school. An advance payment was made up front and Kandaya’s family released the boy to Mr Banda. Mr Banda travelled with Kandaya to Zambia, but then left him in the care of a taxi driver to transport him to the farm. Upon arrival, things looked good. The farm was big and there were lots of cattle. Kandaya believed this would be a good opportunity both for him and for his family. However, the promise of a better life was not Kandaya’s reality.
Kandaya only received one meal a day, was instructed to bathe himself in the same river where he brought the cows to drink, was not allowed to attend school and had no time to play. Kandaya often thought of leaving, but at the age of 14 he did not know how he would be able to get home. One day while herding the cattle, a child protection worker approached Kandaya and brought him to the labour office where the police became involved. After Kandaya was rescued, he was blessed to be placed in the care of The Salvation Army at Mchinji. While there he learned to write his name, received counselling, was able to learn new life skills and started attending church. He now has a much more positive outlook on life and would one day like to become a teacher, but would also like to farm so that he can help his family and local community. He believes that now he truly has the opportunity of a better life. Prevention is another aspect of the work at Mchinji. Knowing that the rate of child trafficking is so high in the area, a lot of time and resources are put towards education and awareness-raising activities. Child anti-trafficking prevention teams bring awareness to entire communities and schools, but also to specific individuals such as taxi drivers, truck drivers and bicycle operators. The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory partners with the Canada and Bermuda Territory to provide funding to the Mchinji Centre. The Salvation Army in Malawi is working at all levels to ensure a cohesive and holistic response to human trafficking. We are committed to working together across territories and do all that we can to ensure children are safeguarded from the dangers of human trafficking and given the opportunity of a bright future.
SNAPSHOT OF Anti-Trafficking With high rates of unemployment, only exacerbated by COVID-19, the region of Mizoram in northeast India has high vulnerability to human trafficking. Boys and young men are particularly vulnerable to labour trafficking, whilst women and girls are most commonly trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The Salvation Army in the India East Territory has worked to increase its capacity to respond to the issue of human trafficking. This has involved volunteer training for more than 280 people from 15 corps, awareness campaigns and workshops reaching over 7,000 people and the repatriation and support of 23 survivors of trafficking.
Clean Water In Kilome, Kenya, people were struggling to access clean water. The Salvation Army worked alongside the community to construct a sand dam across their local riverbed. Rainwater is collected in the dam and naturally filtered. It can then be accessed year-round. Grace Mutiso, a member of the project, said: ‘Through The Salvation Army we have gained water. I have saved a lot of time and money not having to search for water. We have also improved health and hygiene in the community. Now we have safe and clean water to drink so we are less vulnerable to diseases.’
Emergency Response At the end of December 2021, the Philippines was hit by Typhoon Rai (known locally as ‘Odette’). Hitting communities in 11 of the Philippines’ 17 regions, the typhoon damaged 2.1 million houses, initially displaced nearly 3 million people and claimed the lives of 409 people. The Salvation Army in the Philippines was quick to respond to the humanitarian need. The United Kingdom and Ireland Territory provided funding for three rapid response projects in different areas of the country. Amidst the ongoing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Salvation Army provided grocery items, drinking water and hygiene kits to more than 3,000 families.
LAST YEAR Food Security In the Democratic Republic of Congo, years of unwise agricultural practices and deforestation have caused the population of protein-rich foods such as edible insects, mushrooms and game to diminish. Therefore, The Salvation Army has worked alongside communities to combat the related challenges of malnutrition and high infant mortality by reintroducing edible insects. Caterpillars represent the cheapest animal protein that a person in a rural area can access to meet their daily nutrient intake. In addition to the nutritional benefits, any surplus can be sold to boost household income, and the planting of trees for the caterpillars’ habitat leads to welcome regeneration of the local environment.
Gender Justice In Tres Arroyos, Argentina, The Salvation Army provides group therapy sessions as well as practical help and legal advice to women who have experienced domestic violence. The women’s experiences are all different – some have experienced physical abuse whilst others, such as Marta, have faced psychological abuse. Marta was married for 25 years before the abuse began. Her husband’s manipulative behaviour escalated, and she chose to leave when he threatened their daughter with a knife. Marta had very little self-esteem, but as part of the group her confidence has grown. She said, ‘You have to keep moving forward, with the help of others … This group really helped me to truly value myself.’
Income Generation Tanzania is overwhelmingly rural, and 60 per cent of households use livestock rearing to support their income. In Ilembo, Tanzania, The Salvation Army is working with small-scale farmers (the majority of whom are women) to improve their livelihoods and food security. The project involves improving livestock quality, training in enhanced livestock management techniques and the facilitation of village savings and loans groups. Alongside addressing material poverty, the project also aims to strengthen community relationships so members can work together to overcome shared challenges. In areas where women have traditionally been excluded from the conversation, this project provides opportunities for leadership and income generation for women.
Violet Ruria
INTEGRATION AND RESILIENCE Following on from her article in the Autumn 2021 issue of Develop, Violet Ruria once again shares about The Salvation Army’s clean water, sanitation and hygiene project in Kenya, this time highlighting the food security aspect of this integrated project. In 2009, The Salvation Army Kenya East Territory implemented the first phase of its clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) project located in rural parts of eastern and central Kenya. This initial phase was focused on 40 rural primary schools and resulted in over 15,000 children gaining access to safe water and improved sanitation facilities as well as hygiene knowledge and skills for behaviour change.
recorded impressive results, the gains made were gradually being wiped away by the increasingly severe impacts of climate change. The Salvation Army in Kenya recognised that the complexities and uncertainties of climate change meant it was unsustainable to continue using traditional approaches to community development. They therefore adjusted their approach to community development, shifting to a resilience approach, empowering local communities to embrace a preparedness mindset.
The second phase took place in the three counties of Kitui, Machakos and Makueni, and nutrition, community health, agriculture, gender justice and human rights were introduced as key components of the project.
Therefore, ten years since the project was first implemented, a third phase began, and its name was altered to reflect the changed approach – MSETO Resilience Project. The word ‘MSETO’ is a Kiswahili word used in this context to mean integrated. The third phase is ongoing and focuses mainly on preparing
During these first two phases more than 100,000 people were reached with improved access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. Yet whilst the project
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Photo by Signmund on Unsplash.
and building the capacity of communities to absorb the shocks and adapt to the stressors of climate change and transform their lives in the face of related complexities and challenges. Poverty and the impacts of climate change affect all aspects of people’s lives, and so it only makes sense for projects to be integrated in their approach.
the COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened this trend. According to the 2021 multi-agency report The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, while the pandemic’s impact has yet to be fully mapped, it is estimated that up to 811 million people were undernourished during 2020. It is also understood that hunger is significantly worse in countries with agricultural systems that are highly sensitive to variations in rainfall and temperature and severe drought, and where the livelihood of a high proportion of the population depends on agriculture.
In the Autumn 2021 edition of Develop I wrote about the hygiene element of this project and its impact on children’s education. As outlined above, integration is key to ensuring this project is a success. Improved hygiene in schools is essential, and supporting people to become food secure is also a necessity.
Extreme climate conditions such as droughts and floods in Kenya are exacerbating people’s vulnerability to food insecurity in rural areas. This phase of the project is therefore placing increased emphasis on taking communities through a preparedness process to minimise the adverse effects of
Following years of steady decline, since 2014 the number of people experiencing hunger around the world is increasing, and
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these weather events – for example, by encouraging the preservation of some grazing fields to be used during droughts as well as utilising rainwater harvesting structures for use when there is water scarcity. The food security aspect of this project involves increasing agricultural productivity through the introduction of farming solutions such as conservation agriculture. Farmers have also been encouraged to form groups of up to 25 to support one another in compost manure making and peer training. Additionally, kitchen gardens have been encouraged to help supplement families’ diets. The project also aims to improve knowledge and practices on good nutrition by providing training on nutrition and proper food handling and mobilising families to support school feeding programmes. One of the women who has been part of the project is Rose Mumbua. Rose is a member of Ilalambyu community which is located in the eastern part of Kenya and often drought stricken. Rose lives with her husband, two sons and grandmother and is responsible for ensuring they have enough food to eat. Rose first heard about The Salvation Army’s project through her children’s school. As a result she became a member of Pamoja Women Group, an investment group which was set up as part of the project. Rose participated in an exchange visit to The Salvation Army’s Thika Resilience Centre for training, focused on the establishment and management of kitchen gardens using different technologies. She also attended training held at her children’s school on good
nutrition, that was especially created for caregivers and community health volunteers. After being equipped with the knowledge on kitchen gardens, Rose established her simple kitchen garden using the vertical garden technology. She said: ‘I was lucky enough to get a chance to attend the training organised at the Thika Resilience Centre by the MSETO project. I learnt about the various kitchen garden technologies that can be used at the household level. Among the technologies learnt, I chose to adopt the vertical garden technology while using common sacks that are readily available. When the production is good, I am assured of getting nutritious vegetables for my family. I even get some surplus that I have been able to sell and get cash to cater for some household bills and even pay school fees for my kids.’ Rose has also introduced two of her neighbours to kitchen gardening and they are in the process of establishing their own gardens. Rose added, ‘I’m grateful to the Salvation Army project for giving me the opportunity to learn such important skills and empowering me as a member of an investor group and as an individual.’ The pandemic has undoubtedly impacted this project. Imposed restrictions including school closures have caused delays and disruption to the roll-out of certain project activities. However, as restrictions have gradually been lifted, the team have been able to continue working with communities and have seen increased engagement.
Jason Emmett
EMERGENCY RESPONSE International Project Adviser for Emergency Response, Jason Emmett, shares how The Salvation Army mobilises and responds in disasters and emergency situations.
The ongoing crisis in Ukraine, and its effect on people both there and around the world, has left many with a sense of uncertainty. This, coupled with the continuing impact of the global pandemic fuelled by COVID variants and a lack of even distribution of vaccines, has further disrupted stability.
Army is responding. When news of the situation in Ukraine was shared in the media earlier this year, donations were forthcoming before an appeal was even advertised. Perhaps due to The Salvation Army’s history and reputation as emergency responders, it is now almost an expectation that we will be there supporting with both practical and pastoral care. Indeed, we often are. However, the response will be different in each situation.
Whilst governments are eager to return to a state of normality, global humanitarian need is continuing to rise. Published by the United Nations, the Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO) has revealed that 1 in 29 people worldwide continue to require humanitarian assistance. This is an increase from 1 in 33 in 2020 and 1 in 45 in 2019 and is the highest need seen in decades.
As emergencies vary, so too must the response. A one-size-fits all approach will not be effective. The context and needs of the communities we aim to serve are vastly different. Additionally, a response could last weeks, months or, in some cases, years and during this time the support required can also change.
Political conflicts and natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and tropical storms, only worsened by the impact of climate change, continue to contribute to the complex humanitarian need, impacting the very services that look to support communities.
It may be frustrating for people to hear answers which have a level of uncertainty, but how we work with our colleagues in different countries as well as local communities, governments and partners shapes the way we respond. In all areas of our work – community development and emergency response – we aim to be led by the communities we are walking alongside.
When a disaster or emergency hits the headlines, I am often asked how The Salvation
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For many, their understanding of humanitarian response is shaped by what is shown in global media – the distribution of short-term life-saving provision such as food, hygiene items, medical care and shelter or accommodation. This is undoubtedly an important part of the response, to ensure that immediate needs are met. However, this temporary, reactive aid is only the start of the journey of supporting communities affected by disasters and emergencies. The Salvation Army Catherine Booth Hospital is situated in state of Tamil Nadu, India, and serves the community by providing accessible healthcare. In May 2021 India saw a surge of COVID-19 cases with all government hospitals stretched to capacity and many in short supply of medication and oxygen. Catherine Booth Hospital was able to provide qualified staff to support the response, but the necessary equipment to help those affected by COVID-19 was identified as an additional need. This project, which was funded by a donation from ASDA, made it possible to purchase portable X-ray machines, ECG machines, cardiac monitors and other vital equipment at a time when increased prices made it difficult for the hospital to resource itself. Additionally
an ambulance was purchased to enable the transportation of patients. To address the issue of oxygen shortages, an oxygen plant was also installed, and supply run to all beds to release the hospital’s burden of using canisters. In a different approach within the pandemic response, The Salvation Army in southern Africa sought to provide hygiene and food vouchers for 500 families. This approach, referred to as ‘cashbased intervention’, looks to address immediate needs more rapidly through the distribution of money, rather than purchasing and distributing items for people. The aim is to reduce the need for and cost of logistics, and to support local economies through demand. Such an approach works well in contexts where shops are easily accessible with good stock levels. The provision of vouchers enables those affected to maintain a choice, control and dignity. This is not always possible, of course, and where people were far from shops, food and hygiene parcels were provided as needed. At the time of writing it has been a few weeks since the conflict in Ukraine began and in that time we have seen the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since the Second World War. It is difficult
The Salvation Army is both global and local. Globally, we can provide a network of support which goes across borders, and locally The Salvation Army has long-established relationships and networks through its presence of established corps as well as education and medical institutions. We are equipped to support those in need no matter the challenges or unique situations we face.
to know what the situation will be by the time this magazine goes to print, but there is already an enormous humanitarian need. The Salvation Army has a presence in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, so was quick to support displaced people with food, emergency accommodation and support in figuring out their next steps. At present, the International Development team, as part of the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory, is working with our local partners and colleagues to meet the immediate need of refugees. But as these needs frequently change we are ready to adapt. We are also looking to the future to consider what people’s needs might be in months and years ahead.
If you would like to financially support The Salvation Army’s international emergency response projects, please visit bit.ly/Donate_ EmergencyResponse or use the form at the back of this magazine.
There remains a lot of uncertainty, and so we are grateful for people’s generosity and flexibility in understanding that money given can be used in the immediate response as well as the long-term support of communities affected.
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Can you help us to raise funds for our international community development projects?
Angela Carlucci
FUNDRAISE FOR THE SALVATION ARMY Fundraising events are a fantastic and fun way for people of all ages and abilities to help raise valuable funds for the work of The Salvation Army. Whether you want to achieve a life-long ambition, push yourself to the limit, or bring your community together to support some of the most vulnerable people in our society, your fundraising event really will make a difference to the work that we do. There are hundreds of ways to support The Salvation Army, from pounding the pavement in one of our many runs, hopping on your bike in the London to Brighton Cycle Ride or even taking on a skydive! For more sedate activities, why not take on a sponsored silence, host a tea party, ask for donations to our work instead of birthday gifts, or maybe take on a hair shave to raise funds? Whatever you want to do, we have an event for you. Every mile you cover and penny you raise will help The Salvation Army be there for those that need us most. For the adventurers out there, we are pleased to invite you on our newest fundraising challenge – The Northern Lights Trek. This three-day trek, taking place in March 2023, will see you trek across Iceland’s frozen fjords and witness the stunning Aurora Borealis
at first hand. Starting off in Reykjavik, and then trekking over 30 km through the land of fire and ice, you will finish your trip with a visit to the Blue Lagoon and a celebratory dinner. Whatever you decide to do, we will be here to support you throughout your fundraising journey. From our fundraising pack, filled with top tips and materials, to our administration support, we’ll be here to motivate and guide you and make sure you have the best experience possible. By becoming part of #TeamSallyArmy you will be helping the most vulnerable people in society and providing hope to those who need it most. Would you like to learn about our events? •
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Visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/fundraise-us for general fundraising information OR https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/walks-and-treks/ iceland-northern-lights-trek to learn about our Northern Lights Trek. Alternatively, contact the team directly at challenge@salvationarmy.org.uk or call us on 020 7367 4819
30 www.salvationarmy.org.uk/walks-and-treks/iceland-northern-lights-trek
HELPING-HAND 2022
GENDER JUSTICE The Salvation Army is taking a stand for women and girls, to see gender justice a reality across the globe. Will you join us?
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Take on an individual Use our free resources Make a donation to challenge or work as a to tell your community support international team to raise money about Helping-Hand gender justice projects
salvationarmy.org.uk/helpinghand2022
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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)
