A monthly news bulletin that takes a look at development issues, provides analysis of global justice issues and keeps you updated with the work of CWS. An alternative to mainstream media sources. Past issues can be read here

March 2014

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FOR YOUR DIARY

Seven Weeks for Water
22 March—World Water Day— Buy a share in a water tank for thirsty Ugandans?
4 April  International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action
7 April  World Health Day— Protect yourself from vector-borne diseases.
17 April Global Day of Action on Military Spending
22 April Earth Day

Share Your Blessings:
Give thanks for the Harvest.  Will you share your blessings with Filipinos in need of food and shelter? 

Aged 6, Heart enjoys clean filtered water thanks to ACT Alliance in Tanauan, Leyte, Philippines.   Photo: ACT/P Jeffrey

Give Thanks for Water
The United Nations has designated 22 March as World Water Day.  Drinking safe water is a luxury that 780 million of the world’s population don’t have.  Drinking unsafe water can be deadly—more than 3.4 million people die every year from water, sanitation and hygiene related diseases.

The Ecumenical Water Network is making a pilgrimage for water justice during Lent.  In the first week’s reflection George Zachariah from India’s Mar Thoma Church quotes Revelation 22:17, “Let everyone who is thirsty come.”  He says water should not be bought and sold as a commodity but is “a free gift for all”.  He challenges readers to take action to reclaim water for the whole community.
The Centre for Community Solidarity (see over) is passionate about clean water for orphans of HIV and AIDS in southwest Uganda.  Show your support by buying water from Gifted or making a donation marked Water for Uganda.

South Sudan: Little Sign of Breakthrough
The third round of mediation talks on the situation in South Sudan is due to begin on 21 March—please join local churches praying for peace.  Both sides in the conflict have violated the January agreement to cease hostilities.  ACT Alliance members report roughly a quarter of buildings in Bor were razed during combat.  Government troops have retaken the town.  ACT was one of the first to restart humanitarian relief to civilians.  Wadalla Peter from CWS partner the Maridi Service Agency has been part of a civil society forum calling for greater involvement, noting it is the people who are dying not the leaders.  More than 700,000 people have been displaced since fighting began in December.

Uganda: Water Brings Life

CWS partner the Centre for Community Solidarity reports that school attendance and achievement has markedly improved now that HIV and AIDS orphans no longer have to make long treks for water.  They  have more time to do homework and help with household chores, collect firewood and tend animals.  With a little more income the families can now afford to run an electric light bulb to help the children study.   Better water, improved hygiene and attention to sanitation needs means the children are healthier.  CWS has supported communities build 540 water tanks since 2008.  Buying water from the Gifted range will enable CCS to build more.

CWS was saddened to hear of the recent death of Rev Ron O’Grady.  Ron played a key role in the National Council of Churches where he held a number of positions, including for a short period acting director of CWS.  He was a powerful advocate for deeper relationships with Asia, working with the East Asia Christian Conference later the Christian Conference of Asia. He was instrumental in drawing global attention to the exploitation of children as a founder of ECPAT (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking) and Asian Christian art.  Through his writings, he shared his wide knowledge, clear insights and strong analysis, including through the Churches Agency on International Issues’ publication on tourism.

Sri Lanka: Oppose Seed Act
CWS partner MONLAR is part of the National Movement for the Protection of Seed Rights.  Recently around 500 people protested the new Seed Act saying it will cause harm.  The movement believes this legislation which says a person cannot import, export, sell, supply or exchange seeds or planting material without certification by the Department of Agriculture will undermine farmers’ rights and threaten biodiversity.

“Poor and small farmers in Sri Lanka cultivated and conserved thousands of different seed varieties for centuries to be used in the future generations and have been able to prevent hunger among all communities making this country self-sufficient in food.  But the introduction of open economy and green revolution destroyed the agriculture in the country allowing local and international agri-business giants like Monsanto to take over the agriculture by introducing their agro-chemicals and seeds only for the sake of increasing their profits. Now their newest introduction is genetically modified seeds which have destroyed the theories of nature and terminated the regenerative capacities,” said convener Rev. Mahamankadawala Piyarathana Thero.

31 March: Receipts
Making a donation that we receive on or before 31 March means that you can claim a tax credit at the end of the financial year.  Download and send in an IR526 form to make a claim.  CWS will be sending out annual receipts to Regular Givers shortly.  Please consider giving your tax refund back to CWS so more people have safe water and new hope.

Mother’s Day Gifts

Look no further than the CWS Gifted range of products for something special for your mother on Mothers Day, 12 May.  If she taught you to garden, maybe buy seeds for a family in Sri Lanka or set up compost bins in Tonga.  If you grew up on a farm, try goats and sheep for a Palestinian family.  CWS will send you a card or magnet to send to your mother.   And if you are a mother who likes the idea of giving to someone who needs it more, drop a hint to your children.  Catalogues are available from Emma.

About Update
Update provides news, information and stories.  Reproduction of items is encouraged with attribution from CWS.  The current and back issues are available.