April 2023

Thank you for being a Partner for Life and part of Christian World Service. Together, we work hand in hand with our local partners to respond to the urgent challenges so many people face. Our partners are doing some extraordinary work to advocate for families and communities facing discrimination and injustice. Your regular donations support people to meet their urgent needs and have a say about matters that affect them.

In Uganda, they have turned misery into health and education thanks to the Centre for Community Solidarity. Ekta is sharing skills and organising campaigns to address gender inequality and provide new opportunities in South India. The Pacific Conference of Churches deepens its efforts to protect the people most vulnerable to climate change.

Thank you for your prayers and solidarity.

 

 

 

Murray Overton
National Director

Our Featured Partners

Centre for Community Solidarity, Uganda

 

25 associations of men and women caregivers of children affected by HIV and AIDS.

54 new rainwater tanks constructed by CCS and the local people in the last year.

1,200 rainwater tanks since 2008, half funded by CWS and half by the family.

Many new piglets and rabbits passed on to other families, now self-sustaining.

In March, the Centre for Community Solidarity completed the third phase of its programme to improve access to clean water in the Isingiro District.  The difference that access to clean water makes is transforming the community.  Many vulnerable women, men and children are benefiting from a household water tank.  They have improved health and more time to attend to household chores or work on the land.  The children can go to school and have more time together.  

The associations meet monthly, contribute to their individual savings plan and discuss matters that concern the community.  CCS provides training on ways to improve health and livelihoods.  Members are keen to learn how to keep growing the food they need to sustain their families when rains fail and the climate changes.

Legina (not pictured) is raising five children who lost their parents to HIV and AIDS. She was one of the final 54 families in this dry, rural area to receive a new rainwater tank earlier this year.

She says, “Life without water is impossible. Water is more important than anything else in our village. Without water, we cannot imagine life. Water saved us during the difficult days of Covid-19. Thanks CWS and CCS for this invaluable water gift for me and my poor family.”

 

Ekta Resource Centre for Women, South India

 

125 students attend Children’s Clubs involving community activities and gender sensitisation training.

65 women trained as human rights defenders

350 women panchayat or local council representatives part

Since 2018, Ekta has run the Children’s Help Desk at the Madurai Railway Station. A team of 12 staff work in three shifts to keep the two rooms open around the clock. In 5 years they have rescued 518 children and reunited the majority with their families as part of a national programme. Staff actively promote the Child Helpline.

Ekta trains young leaders on human rights to education, healthcare and protection from harm. Their programmes combine fun activities with learning. Boys learn to share in chores at home and treat their mothers and sisters with respect. Older students discuss rights and learn how to make their communities safer and fairer. Human rights defenders work in their Dalit and Tribal communities to protect each other and have a voice in local affairs. Ekta worked with 350 elected women panchayat presidents to lead their community for the benefit of all.

 

 

Pacific Conference of Churches based in Fiji

 

 

23 member churches across the region.

Training on safeguarding women and children in churches in Fiji and the Marshall Islands.

Campaigned for climate justice and the safety of the people most vulnerable to climate change.

General Secretary Rev James Bhagwan and Programme Manager Frances Namoumou visited in October. Their presentation explored PCC’s visionary work on development and economics, Reweaving the Ecological Mat. The transcript is available.

CWS helped fund PCC participation at the United Nations Committee on Decolonisation in support of the peoples of Kanaky, Maohi Nui and West Papua as well as contributing to its core budget.

PCC addressed issues of climate, gender justice and self-determination, encouraging the participation of young people.

 

Thank you for being a CWS Partner for Life.

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