vivanews 12

FACEBOOK.COM/VIVATOGETHERFORCHILDREN

INFO@VIVA.ORG

WWW.VIVA.ORG

| ISSUE 12

vivanews

WHAT’S INSIDE

06

The 2012 World Weekend of Prayer by numbers

08 Take our quiz and find out what role you would play in saving a child’s life

10 From a curse to a blessing: Lutalo's journey

16 Viva staff share 15 new ideas for creative interaction with children

02

All the children named in vivanews have had their names and photos changed in accordance with our Child Protection Policy

EDITORIAL

Joanna Mitchell Fundraising Manager

ONE WET WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON RECENTLY I GAVE MY CHILDREN SOME LEFTOVER ICING TO SCULPT INTO WHATEVER THEY FANCIED. THEY MADE FAT, SUGARY CATERPILLARS AND AN ANIMATED DISCUSSION FOLLOWED IN WHICH WE DEBATED WHETHER THE SCULPTURES WERE NOW ART AND TO BE PRESERVED (MY VIEW) OR SIMPLY FOOD IN CATERPILLAR FORM THAT NEEDED EATING QUICKLY (THEIR VIEW). NEEDLESS TO SAY, THE CATERPILLARS ARE NOW HALF AS LONG AS THEY WERE. Children have such innate creativity and energy and it's great to share ideas for ways of making the most of that something we ended up doing over lunch in the Viva office the other day. So we decided to write our favourite suggestions down and share them with you.

Turn to page 16 for a list of top tips for creating, learning, playing and praying with the children in your life.

Giving children our focused time and attention is crucial for

their development, and this vivanews is crammed full of stories of inspiring adults around the world who are giving children that vital care day in and out. Like Amira on page 4, who went out of her way to save young Sunita from taking on the burden of responsibility for her family's welfare at the premature age of 12.

the job (page 18), get the highlights of this year's World Weekend of Prayer (page 6) and even take a quick quiz to reveal what role you would be likely to take if you were part of the team of people needed to transform the life of a child at risk (page 8).

Thank you, as always, for being part of this life-changing work.

This issue also gives you a chance to hear from Viva’s new Chief Executive Andy Dipper about his first few months on

03

WHO car s?

Sunit a( childr centre, in t en's d ay he he black sw ld by the Ne eater) at a pal ne twork

THE CRY OF MANY CHILDREN ACROSS THE WORLD WHO ARE HUNGRY, HURTING, HOMELESS, IS SIMPLE: WHO CARES? MANY OF YOU HAVE BEEN HELPING US TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION AND WE WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT. HOWEVER, WE THINK THAT AMIRA’S GRATITUDE SPEAKS FOR ITSELF…

Dear friends,

Please allow me to tell you about a girl our story too, you and me. Listen and you wicalled Sunita, for her story is a precious one. And it is ll hear Sunita is only 12 years old, but already sh your part in it. own mother died when she was young, an e had to take the role of mother in her household. Her four younger brothers and sisters and keepd her step-mother was making Sunita look after her work in the fields too. It makes me sad the house clean, and also cook for her family and to remember this.

But while this was Sunita’s life, somethin network in Kathmandu, Nepal - a wondg was happening for me too. I am a part of the help children - and through them I wa erful group of different organisations, all working to s receiving training from Viva. This is the have given. piece you 04

Check out viva.org/whocares to meet more children like Sunita whose lives are being turned around by dedicated caregivers like Amira.

hat has put w d n a d l i h c a of e family situacotiournage a child to tell their storicye. I th d n ta rs e d un to about how n to their vo t how to en I was able todleifafrnicult circumstance. I was staomugehone cares for them and wilthl liestechildren who them in their them feel safe, to feel that nger in my community, to notice from happening. and to help erstand more of how to see da work with others to stop that me and yet ing s a t e re st also now und sy to hurt or to kidnap and to e m a s e ta, living on tht. I had barely finished my trair,n i un S t e might be ea e m to , n e s for me, th rning abou n training fo Imagine howdiitffwicault life, just as I had beneenwlethaat this was what I had bee with such a God was trying to use me! I k they could start l ti un es m but already try to help her. ti y n a m nt to visit themshe was treating Sunita and e w I ct that I must fa n I y. l i sibilities. r about how Sunita’s fam So I went to viwsaits able to talk to the step-emaothcehild and not have adultinresmpyontraining, it was to trust me. I it was important for her to b ork, a lot of them were even er house. She goes explain that e people I know in the netwrogramme at a church near hs so much happier than Because of thSunita to go to an education p a wonderful mentor, and she i ing that she is near possible for ys of the week, and she has helping her schoolwork, mean struggling to pass any there four da met her. The programme is iracle because before she was when I first er class. This is an amazing m - they have nlsowo it r a ye s i the top of h ll. th g n i ur d e ’s family chalnagtionship with all the childrenc. hA. At a t i un classes at a S g n i h c t a w onderful better re g to chur It has been dvearynwd the step-mother is formiitnag aand her family have startedegcoihnurch is kind to begun to bonat joy to tell you now that Sunod. But they have seen that thloves them. gives me gre not understand my faith in G that God is kind and that he hank you T . e f li ’s a t i un first they didy are beginning to understand S n g this changebioth me and Sunita. n ri b to e m d them, so the n a u he has used yofor your gifts. Thank you from – d oo g o s s i od G Our ur prayers and for your part, for yo With blessings,

Amira Naasme Amira Naasm e in Kathmandu, Nepal

05

Viva(issue12)06&07.pdf

1

20/09/2012

17:25

C

children in Patna, India, prayed specifically for kids who don’t have enough food, and pledged to take more practical action to help children at risk in their local neighbourhood.

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

WE HEARD FROM

CHRISTIANS WHO PRAYED

06

92

15

2

20/09/2012

17:25

young people in Bologna, Italy, prayed for children at risk to know God’s Kingdom on earth, symbolically planting seeds that they then labelled with Kingdom qualities such as justice, love, healing and freedom.

children in Kampala, Uganda, chose to pray for the people who had hurt or neglected them in some way, writing prayers offering forgiveness and sticking them onto a wooden cross.

350

PEOPLE WENT ON PRAYER MARCHES

were put together in prayer for over C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

27

5

CHURCHES

2

Viva(issue12)06&07.pdf

GET THE BIGGERE PICTUR

children decided they wanted to follow Jesus at a prayer event in Petion Ville, Haiti.

& GOD LISTENING & RESPONDING

in the Philippines were so inspired by this year’s WWP they are going to start jointly hosting regular prayer events for children.

Want to find out more about what you were part of this year? Watch the 2012 WWP video at viva.org/wwp

07

Viva(issue12)08&09.pdf

1

20/09/2012

17:26

WHAT KIND OF LIFE-CHANGER ARE YOU?

Expertise, kindness, authority, money.

These are just some of the many things it takes to put a child at risk on a new track towards a better future. But you rarely find all of these things in one place.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

That’s why Viva loves networks so much, because they bring all these elements together. Every person has their part to play, each bringing something different to the table, and the end result is a much wider, stronger safety net for children than any one individual could provide alone. But which part would you play in the team it takes to change a child’s life? Take our quiz and find out...

CY

CMY

K

08

Walking home from work one evening you almost trip over a young girl sitting on the pavement. Although it’s hard to tell through the layers of dirt, you guess that she’s probably only about eight years old. She doesn’t even make eye contact as she holds out her hand to ask for money. What will you do?

Viva(issue12)08&09.pdf

2

20/09/2012

17:26

QUESTIONS...

A Mental - what her future will be, if she’ll even have one

Q1. Your first instinct is to

B Relational - her lack of family, of people to trust and care for her

A Buy her some food while you decide what to do next

C Holistic - where she will sleep tonight, when she will eat next

B Take her to a local shelter or police station to get help

D Emotional - she must feel so unloved, unhappy and fearful

C Find out her story and learn why she is begging

Q5. Looking around, you think

D Give her whatever money is in your wallet

Q2. The first question you ask is A What’s your name?

A Why did she choose this spot, what made her end up here?

B There are lots of people around, why hasn’t someone else helped her?

C This area isn’t safe, she could easily be attacked or kidnapped

B Where are your parents?

D I can’t believe she has to live like this, she’s so young and vulnerable

C Have you got somewhere safe to sleep tonight?

Q6. As you continue on your way home you

D Are you ok?

A Call someone you know who has the resources to help her further

Q3. While she speaks you are A Wondering what went wrong in her life to bring her to this point

C

Q4. Your biggest concern is

B Are thinking about the kind of systems that could be put in place to

stop girls ending up in her situation

B Thinking of who you know that could help her

C Take her with you, sure that you can find some way to help her

C Praying for God to help you know what to say and how to help

D Feel guilty that you couldn’t do more and resolve to go back and find

D Completely focused on her, just listening

her the next day

M

Y

You are most like...

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Mostly A: THE CONSULTANT Overseeing the development of the network and offering training, guidance and support.

A good communicator with a positive outlook on life, people consider you interesting, friendly and fun. You’re well organised and your clear-headedness makes you an ideal person to have around in a crisis. You possess a great ability to see and shape the big picture, but this can sometimes mean that the details get neglected, so make sure others keep you tuned in to the impact of your plans on children’s everyday lives.

But don’t stop your strategic thinking your insight, intelligence and passion are vital for transforming whole cities for children.

Mostly B: THE NETWORKER Running the network and building links with key local officials, organisations and churches.

You are a very creative person, full of ideas and always ready to accept a

challenge. You love being around people and are often the one to bring different individuals and groups together.

Sometimes your enthusiasm can run away with you, so you need to surround yourself with people who can help you put your ideas into action. But keep on dreaming and scheming - the problems facing children are complex and constantly changing and we need people with your ingenuity, courage and persistence to help solve them.

Mostly C: THE LEADER Leading a church or community project, a prominent member of the network.

You always seem to know exactly what people need and how to help them, and your confident yet compassionate leadership is greatly respected. You are serving a lot of diverse groups, which means that it’s impossible to have expertise in every area, so remember to look to others for advice on helping children in the best and most relevant way. But don’t underestimate your

influence on those around you - children in your community would be greatly blessed if more people imitated your can-do attitude and your commitment to practically demonstrating Jesus’ love every day.

Mostly D: THE CAREGIVER Working directly with children in a local project or church.

When faced with the problems of the world, your response is to get on with making a difference in your corner of it.

Your steady, patient manner earns you people’s trust and you’re known to be reliable, encouraging and kind. Although the sheer numbers of children at risk can seem overwhelming, don’t forgot to take an occasional look at the bigger picture there are always new skills to learn and helpful people to meet and team up with.

But at the end of the day there isn’t a child on earth that doesn’t need what you have to offer: a listening ear, a gentle heart and an inexhaustible smile.

09

Viva(issue12)10&11.pdf

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

10 00

1

20/09/2012

17:26

“THIS BABY IS CURSED. HE WILL BRING BAD LUCK TO OUR FAMILY. HE MUST BE LEFT TO DIE.�

These are the words that were spoken over Lutalo Kisakye on the day he was born.

His mother, Gloria, had been sexually assaulted by her own father as a teenager and had become pregnant as a result of that abuse.

Gloria's stepmother refused to side against her husband and was certain that Gloria was to blame. As soon as Lutalo was born his stepgrandmother pronounced him cursed and said that to keep him in the house would bring bad luck. She pressured Gloria to throw Lutalo out onto the streets of Kitale, their Kenyan town, saying that he would be better off dead.

11

As soon as Lutalo was born his step-grandmother pronounced him cursed and said that to keep him in the house would bring bad luck… he would be better off dead.

Although he was the result of a horrible act, Gloria still loved Lutalo and couldn’t bring herself to abandon him. However, she was terrified of being cast out of the house and left to provide for herself: she was still only 17. So when Lutalo was just five days old, Gloria took him to the local police station and begged them to find somewhere for him to live. They agreed and took Lutalo to a nearby orphanage, fairly certain that he wouldn’t live out the week – Gloria’s family had prevented her from breastfeeding him, leaving Lutalo dangerously weak.

Remarkably, the staff at the orphanage were able to nurse Lutalo back to full health, and it didn’t take long for them to discover who his mother was and where she was living. They wanted to help her take care of Lutalo again, so they offered her a place on a hairdressing course they were running. Gloria felt a burst of confidence after the training and was desperate to get away from

12 00

her father and stepmother. So when she heard from a friend in Uganda, just over the border, that there were job opportunities there, she decided to take Lutalo and make a fresh start in Kampala.

However, when they arrived in the city things were not as bright as Gloria had hoped. She struggled to find a steady job, only picking up

Gloria said she wasn’t fit to be Lutalo’s mother; that she couldn’t provide for him and she wanted him to have a ‘proper’ family. occasional shifts at a small hairdressing salon, and she could barely afford the rent on the tiny room that she and Lutalo, now two years old, shared. Gloria quickly became disheartened and sought

solace in the company of a local mechanic who seemed friendly.Yet when she fell pregnant he didn’t want anything more to do with her, and he soon disappeared, leaving her with the prospect of yet another hungry mouth to feed.

Close to giving birth to her second child and feeling that she had no other option, Gloria found a children’s home in the neighbouring district and asked that they take Lutalo, now three years old, and find someone to adopt him. She said she wasn’t fit to be his mother; that she couldn’t provide for him and she wanted him to have a ‘proper’ family. The project saw that it was desperation that was leading Gloria to give up her son, not a lack of love. So they told her they would care for Lutalo temporarily while she got back on her feet; they told her they were part of a city-wide network, in which many different organisations and churches were involved, and that together they would help her. And they were as good as their word.

“He is a blessing.

All my children are a blessing to me.”

Gloria with her new husband, their daughter Beatrice and her sons Mwanye and Lutalo (right)

Through the Kampala network Gloria was able to receive a loan to buy her own salon equipment and pay the first two months’ rent on a small shop. This helped her to keep her head above water while her business began turning a profit.

Someone from a church in the network also introduced Gloria to a savings club in her neighbourhood, a group of local people in similar situations who joined together to keep each other accountable for their use of money.

Gloria now saves 20,000 shillings

(about £5) every week for her children’s futures.

Earlier this year, at the age of seven, Lutalo was able to begin living with Gloria and his half-brother again.

The network gave the family a home start-up pack that included a mattress, some bed sheets and a mosquito net. Lutalo has also been able to start school for the first time, as the children’s home where he used to live now pays for him to attend a primary school near Gloria’s work. He has a new little

Earlier this year Lutalo was able to begin living with Gloria and his half-brother again

sister too: Gloria recently got married, to a kind and gentle man who knows all about Lutalo’s history and welcomes him with open arms, and he and Gloria have had a baby girl together.

Gloria’s family were certain that bad luck would surround him, yet Lutalo is now a bright and happy eight-year-old in a loving, stable home. In fact, thanks to the Kampala network, Gloria considers Lutalo to be the very opposite of the ‘curse’ his step-grandmother once labelled him: “He is a blessing. All my children are a blessing to me.”

13

THANKYOU! 57

churches participated

31 organisations benefited

Nepal: In addition to the many children’s projects that took part, 57 churches participated in the Viva Equip training this year, enrolling more than 100 pastors, church leaders and childcare workers between them. Amongst other things they have all been handed vital skills for working with children who have suffered some kind of sexual abuse or exploitation and have been taught how to identify and reduce the instances of that occurring.

One church in Butwal was so inspired by the training they received from Viva that they have now begun an outreach programme for children and women who are vulnerable to sexual abuse, domestic violence and trafficking. The

14

80%

said it was the best training they ever had

community have responded very positively to this new ministry, as Butwal is right on the border with India and is known as one of the major trafficking transit points.

The Philippines: The network in Manila has long been encouraging its members to take part in the Viva Equip training, insisting that “to succeed in our vision for every Filipino child to reach their potential, child-caring organisations need to be able to provide the best quality services for children and their families.” This year 25 organisations signed up to Viva Equip to begin to do just that, and they have even had their new and improved levels of quality validated by members of the government’s Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Thanks to you, Viva Equip is helping to bring the best possible care to children across the world. So take a quick look at what you’re making possible with some of the highlights from the most recent rounds of training in Asia…

More than 80% of the projects that went through the Viva Equip training classified it as ‘the best training they had ever had.’ The remaining organisations all considered it ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’.

India: 31 organisations across Delhi, Patna and Dehradun have benefited from Viva Equip in the last year and none more so than a children’s home in the capital city. They confessed they had been feeling so discouraged that they were considering closing, which would have left the 85 children they serve unsupported.Yet thanks to Viva Equip they now “feel so positive about the future of the organisation. It is very motivating, things are changing for the good.”

“Thank God for Viva Equip!” “I loved doing this training next to others in my community also working with children, we formed some good friendships and working relationships for the future.” “Before Viva Equip our organisation stuck to traditional ways of doing things, even if they no longer worked. Now this training has taught us how to give help that is relevant to

“Viva has taught us to always dream for the best and be excellent.” “Viva Equip has given us a new vision of empowered

the problems children face.”

children, families and community for the years ahead.” “This training is a lifeline

for us.” “The senior leadership staff have more unity now, after Viva’s training, and we are more conscious of respecting each other’s views. We are making better decisions for our project, for the children.” “Thanks to Viva’s

training, several instances of abuse to children have been dealt with including legal complaints against the perpetrators. Now our children are safer.” “The material was so excellent and the presentations were helpful and very interesting.”

“We soared like an eagle after the changes brought about by this training.” “Viva trainers make the sessions so personal - they find out the specific ways your organisation is helping children and they support you in making that area of work the best it can be.” “After

Viva Equip, advocacy for children was made one of our top priorities.”

“Now we see the importance of caring for our people, and make sure that we have staff briefings every day where each person gets to share and we pray together. The atmosphere

“We bless God and we bless you, we have learnt more than we can say.” “The learning was not only in the classroom, it was in real life as we were here is so much happier now and more positive, the children feel it too.”

working with the children every day. This was so helpful to us all, including the children themselves, as they could watch also what we were learning for their own good.” “I was most

impressed by the integrity of the trainers, these excellent people who were so godly and wise.”

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT HOW YOUR COMPANY OR COMMUNITY GROUP COULD START MAKING THIS KIND OF DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE'S LIVES? VISIT VIVA.ORG/EQUIP OR EMAIL US ON INFO@VIVA.ORG

15

FUN FAMILY IDEAS! Although the situation of children is different in each country Viva works in, our staff say that one thing is true in every place: children always want to feel loved and valued by the adults around them. It’s a simple thing, but it’s not an easy thing. Whether we live in one of the world’s poorest villages or one of its wealthiest cities, there are days when it’s hard to find the time, creativity, or energy to meaningfully engage with children. So different members of our global Viva team have shared some creative ways they've found to interact with the children in their lives, to inspire your time with the children in yours.

everyday activities

WALKIES!

01. We read with our kids every night, usually going through a book series. At the moment we’re reading through Beast Quest with our son! Mark S, UK office 02. My husband and I enjoyed doing DIY projects with our children when they were at home - gardening, carpentry, housework, etc. It gives you time to spend with them and also teaches them to do things for themselves. Shelagh W, UK office 03. We cannot have a pet, but sometimes my husband asks to borrow the neighbour's dog to take to the park. My children love to run and play with the dog and it uses up lots of their energy, and also they have to look after it on the walk home and hold the lead so they learn to be responsible.

Catiuska V, Latin America office 04. We love reading as well as writing stories and poems together - making up rhymes about almost anything, from the serious to the downright ridiculous. The important thing is that we create them together. Martin T, UK office

& Andy D

16

K in the U his family

05. Before my girls go to sleep I try and get them to share with me some stories of the day, what has been great or interesting or tough, maybe at school or with friends. Andy D, UK office

growing together

special

occasions

06. My youngest daughter loves flowers, so I always tie flowers around the stair banisters and her chair on her birthday. Jo M, UK office 07. Even though both our kids are grown up, our family always makes a point to decorate the Christmas tree together every year, no matter what else is going on or whatever plans they have with friends. Paul K, North America office

aughter & her d Isobel B da in Ugan

08. Every Sunday we have made a pudding as a family. The best one we’ve ever had was a delicious treacle tart. Jackie W, UK office 09. My wife makes Saturday morning pancakes once in a month - it makes my children get out of bed. And me too! Joel P, Latin America office 10. When someone in our family has been away - like for a school or work trip - we always go to the same place for ice cream to celebrate that person's return. Jo M, UK office 11. When I was growing up my parents would let us have these ‘lounge sleepovers’ every few months. We were allowed to drag all our duvets and pillows downstairs to curl up and watch a film, then the whole family slept on the lounge floor. It can’t have been that comfortable for my parents, but us kids thought it was the best thing ever. Beth G, UK office

sharing faith

12. We all take it in turns share an to lead fa y of the mily pra ir thoug have you yer time hts or B doing cra s, getting ible read zy things ings from the child but ofte (like acti ren to n you als the day. n o g Sometim o g et a grea ut the w Jo M, UK es they hole gen t insight office into how ealogy o Gary K f Jesus!)

God is sp & his k 13. We ids in In eaking to have spe dia children cial shells a time a . and ston s we pra es for pra y for diffe yer - we rent peo 14. Loa p ut them ple. Isobe ds of my in a jar o l B, Africa knowled ne at sing-a-lo office ge of Bib ng tapes le st m o y ri verses a es and c parents nd stori used to haracters es stick play for is thanks catchy tu in your h us in the to the nes. Beth e a car. It’s a d o ver the G, UK o mazing h years w ffice ow 15. In o hen the ur home y’re set we have to when we a small c pray and ross that make re God answ the child quests to ren mad ers a pra God we e at chu yer we g Gary K, A stick the rch, and o back to sia office m on the the cross cross. Wh and see en it and sa y thank you.

BIBLE SING-A-L ONG

17

CEO GO. ON THE

The real story, the real heart of the work, is not in an office – it’s in the lives of the caregivers, pastors, donors and ordinary people who are out there ‘running the race’.

They are obeying the message of Hebrews 10-12, which calls us to persevere, to draw near to God and to embrace the running of the race set before us, firmly fixing our eyes on Jesus. Whatever the course, wherever it takes us, I believe God wants us to put him front and centre so we can follow his lead: loving the unlovely, serving the poor, protecting the vulnerable. It is such an encouragement to me that over the last three months I have seen so many inspiring people doing exactly that, because lots of that great stuff in Hebrews is exactly what God used to draw me to work at Viva.

For a while I was running my race with Tearfund partners in Afghanistan, Nepal, Kenya and Sudan. Before that it was in the IN THESE FIRST THREE helicopter industry and then back in the classroom studying for an MBA. MONTHS AT VIVA I’VE BEEN CAUGHT UP IN A WHIRLWIND Most recently it was with Release International, supporting local OF LEARNING THAT HAS, SO Christians who, despite persecution, FAR, TAKEN ME FROM are growing the local church in OXFORD TO LONDON, some really tough places. But now DENMARK, UGANDA AND THE God has shifted the landscape again USA. I’M QUICKLY and I find myself heading up an DISCOVERING THAT IF YOU amazing global team, passionate WANT TO LEARN ABOUT THE about seeing children set free from VIVA FAMILY YOU NEED TO poverty, injustice and oppression, GET TO KNOW THE PEOPLE and dedicated to working in unity WHO ARE PART OF IT. to build God’s Kingdom.

18

What I’ve seen so far is incredible: 35 networks of fantastic organisations and churches, grown and guided by Viva to be the best they can be, 6,500 compassionate caregivers equipped and supported to help children day in and day out – working together like this is enabling us to make a difference in the lives of 810,000 children! What an amazing privilege and opportunity; I thank God for this work.

Of course it’s been a tiring few months of running, with a steep learning curve, not to mention the personal transition for my family (my wife Emma and our three girls Jessica, Charlotte and Polly) into a new home, new schools, a new church and new friendships. But I’m still keen to keep on the track, seeing more of Viva’s work and meeting more of the people involved, and that includes you.

Thank you to those of you who have so faithfully offered Viva your prayers and your time. I’d love to get to know as many of you as I can, so please feel free to get in touch. My email is a.dipper@viva.org or you can connect with me on Twitter @andydipper.

In the meantime let’s each keep on running our race: focusing on God’s purposes, honouring him and reaching out into a broken world with the fragrance of Christ.

Standing together,

Andy

Andy Dipper | Chief Executive

e s a h c

r u P WITH A

E S PO

R U P

WEAR WATCH TAKE ...this pretty 60’s-inspired coat by ethical fashion company Nomads Clothing. 20% of the sale price will go to Viva, and the rest of the profits go to a community manufacturer in India which is committed to paying local employees a fair wage.The striking blue pattern, patch pockets and chunky buttons make this coat a stylish way to shop ethically.

Wrap up at viva.org/purchasewithapurpose

...the story of Samson and Delilah unfold in a new and different way. Based loosely on Bible characters, the tale is set in the Central Australian desert: when tragedy strikes the eponymous duo they flee their small rural community and embark on a journey of survival, learning hard lessons about life and love along the way.

The fact that 20% of the DVD sale price goes to Viva only makes this quirky independent film, which won the Cannes Film Festival in 2009, doubly worth watching.

Buy it now at viva.org/purchasewithapurpose

...a step for Fairtrade by sending your kids to school in Fairtrade cotton.The website makes it easy, offering a list of all the shops where you can buy school uniforms made with Fairtrade cotton. In the words of actress and Fairtrade ambassador Jessica Hynes,“I am a mother who wants mothers the world over to realise the same dreams for their children as mine. Choosing a Fairtrade cotton school uniform is a small way for me to help the women who grew the cotton have enough money to send their own children to school.”

Get stepping at step.fairtrade.org.uk

19

Children are suffering. We all know that.Thousands of people are working to help them. We all know that too.

Yet the problems persist. Children are still suffering. In cities all over the world there are projects doing great work, but a lack of money, people and time means there is a limit to what they can achieve alone.

We need to work together.

Imagine what would happen if the people caring for children joined forces. If childcare workers, local churches, governments and international charities came together to tackle the issues faced by children.

Whole cities would be transformed.

Together we would have the power to bring about real change for children, not just chipping away at the surface of the problems but fighting them right at the root.

At Viva we are doing just that.

Through 35 city-wide networks we are increasing the unity, quality and impact of work for children at risk, our joint action training 6,500 caregivers and changing the lives of over 810,000 children around the world.

Viva, Unit 8, The Gallery, 54 Marston Street, Oxford, OX4 1LF t: 01865 811660 Mixed Sources Product group from well-managed forests, controlled sources and recycled wood or fibre. www.fsc.org Cert No. SA-COC-09174

e: info@viva.org

w: www.viva.org

Viva is an operating name of Viva Network. Viva Network is a company limited by guarantee no. 3162776, registered charity no.1053389, and registered in England at Unit 8, The Gallery, 54 Marston Street, Oxford, OX4 1LF, UK