NZ Freephone A bi-monthly news bulletin exploring development, global justice and the work of CWS. An alternative to mainstream media sources. Past issues can be read here
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For your Diary:
24 April—Remember Victims of Rana Plazz
1 May International Workers Day
3 May— World Press Freedom Day
12 May World Fair Trade Day
13 May Mothers Day—Buy Gifted
5 June—World Environment Day
10 June—Global Day of Prayer to End Famine
12 June—World Day against Child Labour
19 June International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict
20 June World Refugee Day
24 June Refugee Sunday (Methodist Presbyterian) – resources to come.
1 July Refugee Sunday (Anglican)
CWS has launched Operation Refugee 2018, a five day challenge to live on the same food as in a refugee emergency food parcel. It is a practical way to show your support for refugees and channel much needed funds to provide food, education and medical care to those who have fled Syria. This year’s challenge runs from June 16-20. Operation Refugee Lite is a two day version designed for students.
It is a simple process to sign up on line and then invite everyone you know to make a contribution. Once you raise $87—enough to pay for a good quality food parcel in Jordan for a family of 6—we will send you the Food Box. The box contains your food for five days minus the rice. You can earn extra food to improve your diet by meeting your fundraising goals. Read more about what is involved and find cooking hints in the Kete. We are asking schools, churches, individuals and businesses to join the operation to keep the lifeline going to people who have lived through unimaginable violence. Worship resources for Refugee Sunday will be available mid-May.
If you would like to talk it over, contact David Lawson or 021 671 430.
Papua New Guinea Earthquake
A magnitude 7.5 earthquake in February was followed by 100 aftershocks, causing widespread damage and trauma in the provinces of Hela, Southern and Western Highlands. More than 150 people lost their lives and an estimated 270,000 need relief supplies.
CWS is appealing for donations to provide shelter and hygiene kits, water containers, protection, psychosocial supports and other needs through ACT Alliance local church partners. Local unrest and the difficult terrain have made access difficult. Massive landslides will mean communities will need to relocate and the distribution of supplies is difficult. Please remember those affected in your prayers. You can make a donation to help the people who have lost so much.
PCC Visitor
CWS was delighted to welcome the Rev François Pihaatae, the General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches to the office on 13 April. CWS makes an annual grant to their programme. PCC has taken a lead on a number of regional issues, notably climate change, nuclear contamination, ending violence against women by training male advocates and self determination especially for West Papua. François says the nuclear issue is the most important. Test site Moruroa Atoll is cracking and when it collapses, it is predicted to cause a 20 metre tsunami carrying large quantities of nuclear waste. He affirmed the importance of the partnership with CWS and invited participation in their General Assembly to be held in Auckland in October.
Tonga: NZ Government Grant
Thank you for the generous support to the Cyclone Gita Appeal for Tonga. CWS is grateful for a grant from the NZ Government so the Tonga Community Development Trust can repair damaged rainwater systems and provide tools, seeds and other support to household and community gardens. Please continue to pray for a good recovery.
Bangladesh: Rohingya need More Help
More than 876,000 people have fled Myanmar. ACT Alliance is providing vital assistance to refugees: shelter, healthcare and sanitation. The rainy season is due to begin. Partner the National Garment Workers Federation are advocating for protection and sending supplies. You can support the Rohingya Appeal.
South India: EKTA
Congratulations to our partner EKTA which has received permission to open a Children’s Help Desk at the Railway Station, as part of its campaign to make Madurai in the state of Tamil Nadu safer for women and children.
South Sudan: Thank you
“Thanks to CWS that gives us funds to support these girls achieve their dreams. God bless the hand that gives.” Maridi Service Agency
Tuna (pictured) sold bread at a roadside stall but is now grateful for a scholarship to complete her final year at Boarding School. Her father was badly injured in a petrol fire last year and is no longer able to work as a policeman. In 2016 she successfully applied for one of 14 scholarships after hearing a promotion on Maridi FM, run by CWS partner Maridi Service Agency.
Less than 10% of girls finish primary school. According to UNICEF more girls die in childbirth than finish High School. The scholarships are funded through School for Girls and the Christmas Appeal.
Gifted for Mother
Mother’s Day is the perfect time to think Gifted. You could send a girl to school in South Sudan, help Tongans establish good gardens or support a Dalit women in coastal South India to start a new business. Your gift becomes a donation to the local partner and we send you a lovely card or e-card you can give your mother.
New Staff Member
CWS welcomes Steve Hamlin as International Programmes Officer. He has worked most recently with Baptist World Aid in Australia.
Database Administrator
We are looking for a full time Database Administrator and Website Assistant based in Christchurch. Applications close 27 April.
Tax Refund for Donations
Download the IRD form to claim your Tax Credit here. You might like to donate it to help some of the many people in need.
