Editorial: Welcome to Develop

A message from our Editor, 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 However, we do not want the information within these pages to be out of date or incorrect by the time the ink hits the paper.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.