CWS work in Africa focuses on giving vulnerable people the tools they need to survive. For families of HIV and AIDS orphans in Uganda, this begins with a safe and reliable water supply. In South Sudan, it is supporting local efforts to improve education, income and respect in a country torn by war. During the Ebola outbreak, we supported the National Christian Council of Sierra Leone in providing health education and supporting Ebola survivors and their families. We have worked on improving water supply and provided emergency relief in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe

CWS supports emergency relief in Zimbabwe through ACT Alliance, Christian Care, which responds to food shortages, displacement and political upheaval and the Dabane Trust.

Uganda

Our Partner: Centre for Community Solidarity (CCS)

CCS is making life better for people caring for orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV and AIDS. CCS has organised them into 25 local associations.

CCS teaches farming techniques to cope with changing weather patterns, train on improved hygiene and sanitation, and educate on HIV and AIDS. In addition, they supervise the revolving credit fund and rainwater harvesting tank construction. CWS matches half the cost of a basic tank—the caregiver pays for the rest. The associations decide who will get the next tank by ballot. Some contribute additional funds to build larger tanks. With water on tap, families have expanded production and started new businesses to improve household income.

Rainwater tanks are freeing up time and resources so children can attend primary school. Caregivers cannot afford secondary education so their children are often exploited for cheap labour. In collaboration with caregivers, CCS has begun a new initiative to give young people new opportunities and respect.

South Sudan

CWS has worked with partners in Sudan and South Sudan for many years, supporting humanitarian work in the south of Sudan (before independence) and Darfur. Funding is now focused on assisting one area and in supporting advocacy work for peace and development.

Our Partner: Mission for Sustainable Advancement (formerly Maridi Service Agency)

• Set up and runs 2 preschools and the Maridi High School, with a special focus on promoting education for girls.
• Scholarship programme for girls and some boys – primarily secondary school – and runs student groups on sex education and HIV and AIDS prevention
• Civic and vocational education
• Training programmes for Displaced mothers to set up small businesses and gardens
• Emergency assistance to displaced families as a result of conflicts.
• Manages the only local radio station – Maridi FM
• Income generation
• Peacebuilding
• HIV and AIDS awareness and child protection
• Opportunities for youth, especially former child soldiers, to get a formal education and employment options
• Providing local people with the skills they need to rebuild their country