GLOBALLINK
InternationalWomen’s Day is celebrated on March 8.
InternationalWomen’s Day is celebrated on March 8.
In March 1911, more than one million men and women joined together in solidarity to call for women ’ s equal participation in society. One hundred and thirteen years later, International Women’s Day continues to be celebrated on March 8 by millions of people around the world.
The theme for this year is “Inspire Inclusion,” which not only promotes the inclusion of women but ensures they feel a sense of belonging and are empowered. This day supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 5, which is gender equality.
In many of the projects supported by The Salvation Army’s international development department, gender equality holds a key place as we ensure
everyone is treated equally and has the same opportunities available to them.
By Major Heather MatondoI recently visited the street outreach program in the Kenya West Territory, which is supported by the Brighter Futures Children’s Sponsorship program, and was privileged to hear the stories of young mothers who participate in the program.
Faith was living on the streets in Eldoret, Kenya, when she met Dan, coordinator of the street outreach program, and was invited to participate. Her life has completely changed since then. She regularly attends the program and is learning how to cook and helps with gardening She is hoping to enhance her skills so that she will be able to get a job in a local restaurant
It’s Spring! Don’t you love it when
you wake up one day and suddenly notice the seasons have shifted?
Winter has given way to spring, as we see buds emerge on trees and flowers popping up through the cold, damp soil. This transformation signals the promise of warmer days ahead.
The Salvation Army’s mission states we are to be a, “transforming influence in the communities of our world.” As a partner in international humanitarian relief and development programs such as the ones highlighted in this issue of Global Link, it is our hope that we contribute in some small way, to alleviating suffering and promoting lasting positive change in the communities we serve. Through impactful initiatives, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals facing adversity, working towards a more resilient and equitable world for generations to come.
We believe that by remaining committed to our mission and working together with our dedicated partners and supporters, we can sow seeds that generate a ripple effect of hope and compassion across borders.
Your continued support empowers us to turn aspirations into actions, bringing about positive transformation to the forefront of our global efforts. Together, we can build a brighter future for all Thank you for being an integral part of our journey
Sincerely,
Lt-Colonel Brenda Murray
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Faith spends each day at the program with her baby, and before she leaves, receives milk to feed her child that night. She feels at home and likes that she is part of a family. Faith has been empowered by the street outreach program and is being given the opportunity to learn essential skills that will be beneficial to both her and her baby.
May we join together on March 8 to celebrate young women like Faith as we aim to ensure that the needs, interests and aspirations of women and girls are valued and that they are equally included.
In Paraguay, the South America East Territory is using innovative, strategic programming in four centres around the capital of Asuncion to provide children with transformational educational support.
Due to the under resourced educational system, children in Paraguay only attend school for half days The Salvation Army in the San Lorenzo, Capiatá, Viñas Cué and Rayito de Luz communities offers students a safe space to learn, make friends, and increase their individual skills with the Curious and Brave program. For two hours each day, dedicated teachers offer tutoring and remedial assistance with homework.
This has been vital in ensuring children who previous could not read, write or count, have caught up with their peers. A third hour is dedicated to additional learning activities, such as science experiments and group work. During this program, children are encouraged to ask questions and express themselves in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.
A social worker also works with the children and their families, ensuring that each child is provided with the individual care and support needed to succeed
In San Lorenzo, 12-year-old Tobias attends the Curious and Brave program, and most enjoys the board games the children play together. While previously unable to read, Tobias is now not only reading, but receiving the highest grades at school In addition, his family has noticed a huge increase in his self-confidence and enthusiasm for learning
In partnership with the Norway, Iceland and The Faeroes Territory and The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory, Canada and Bermuda is able to provide funding for the teachers, social worker, educational materials and games which allow the South America East Territory to continue providing this transformative ministry.
In a commitment to global empowerment, The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda is actively working to ensure access to quality education for women and girls worldwide. As part of our initiatives, we have taken measures to launch two sewing schools in March 2022, specifically tailored to empower women in low-income areas
In the Sheikhupura Division of Pakistan, 20 women enthusiastically used the opportunity to learn valuable sewing skills, addressing the prevalent challenges of limited skill training opportunities in rural Pakistan. Simultaneously, a second sewing centre was established at territorial headquarters in Lahore, where 18 students were accepted into the program, further expanding the reach of this important initiative.
After completing the three-month program, certificates were presented to the graduates, signifying their commitment, ambition and diligent efforts. A graduate expressed deep gratitude, saying, “I am profoundly thankful to The Salvation Army and its leadership for empowering our community with these invaluable skills. They have benefited us as we can use these skills at home and to earn money. ”
In its pursuit of enriching self-reliance and fulfilment within the local community, The Salvation Army continues to create positive change, offering hope and resilience to women globally Through these initiatives, we contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering women to create lasting change in their lives and communities, one skill at a time.
By Jacqueline TingleAdevastating wake of destruction was all that was left of a small suburb of Pangasinan after super typhoon Egay made landfall in the northern region of the Philippines on July 25, 2023 Although the region is prone to severe storms and flooding during that time of year, it was clear to local authorities that the impact of this storm was more severe than anticipated, and a state of calamity was declared for the small community of Sta Barbara
Because of severe flooding, basic needs, such as food and safe drinking water, became inaccessible for many. In co-operation with local governmental agencies, a Salvation Army disaster relief team was deployed to co-ordinate the distribution of food, water and cleaning supplies to more than 600 families in the affected community.
Thanks to the generosity of the people of Canada and Bermuda, in the weeks that followed, more than 3,000 people whose homes were uninhabitable due to prolonged flooding, received a glimmer of hope. Not only would they survive their ordeal, but they would have the resources they needed to rebuild and regain a solid footing to help them move on from what had seemed to be a hopeless and insurmountable situation. As one community recipient exclaimed, “The relief operation conducted by The Salvation Army was essential for our survival”.
The local corps officers and soldiers of the Sta Barbara corps remain committed to their community as they offer ongoing assistance and support to those who need it most