http://salvos.org.au/said/ Master Feed Scribe http://salvos.org.au http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss en Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:20:00 +1100 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:20:00 +1100 http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/12/15/salvation-army-international-development-mission-and-vision-statement/ http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/12/15/salvation-army-international-development-mission-and-vision-statement/ ]]><h1>SALVATION ARMY INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT</h1><p>As the Salvation Army International Development Office continue to enlarge and&#xA0;expand in making a difference in our international community we have needed to update our Mission and Vision Statement. We hope as you read you can capture the heart and essence of why we exist and what we hope to achieve as God continues to open doors for us to make a differnce across the world.</p> <p><strong></strong>&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>SALVATION ARMY INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The Salvation Army International Development Office (SAID) is a department of The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory, working within the field of international aid and development.&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">SAID takes its values and governance from The Salvation Army which is a worldwide, faith based, not for profit organisation.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>MISSION</strong><strong></strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The Salvation Army International Development Office (SAID) exists to address injustice, poverty and its roots, within developing communities internationally without discrimination.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">We do this by working in partnership with women, men and children to meet their physical, economic, social, emotional and spiritual needs in a culturally sensitive manner.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Through this process we aim to see individuals and communities with hope and a positive future.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Our vision is a world restored by the love of Christ, living in dignity and filled with hope.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong></strong>&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>VALUES</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Transformation &#x2013; </strong>We see transformation as a continuing process of positive change, which we foster by responding to human need primarily through development programs.&#xA0; However, we understand at times this may necessitate short-term relief and assistance.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Integrity &#x2013; </strong>We endeavour to be transparent and encourage a spirit of mutual accountability in all dealings with donors, communities and individuals.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Compassion</strong> <strong>and dignity</strong> &#x2013; We see each person as having inherent value with rights and responsibilities. Therefore we seek to invest in the potential of all people, treating them with respect, valuing them as equals and restoring their sense of self worth.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Partnership</strong> &#x2013; We believe that respectfully working alongside communities and other stakeholders will result in the development and implementation of relevant and effective strategies to meet identified needs.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">We believe it is important to provide a bridge between Australian people/organisations with overseas partners so that they have the opportunity to enhance each other&#x2019;s lives.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Cultural sensitivity</strong> - We acknowledge and recognise that all cultures are unique and have innate worth. Therefore our programs are developed jointly with the community in the context of their culture.&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0; <img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/News/Newsletter September/Logo_SAID_Black.png&amp;width=275&amp;height=92" alt="" width="275" height="92"/></p><p><a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/12/15/salvation-army-international-development-mission-and-vision-statement/#comment">Leave a comment</a></p> Alana Zammit Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:20:00 +1100 http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/12/15/providing-a-safe-place-to-dwell/ http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/12/15/providing-a-safe-place-to-dwell/ ]]><h1>Providing A Safe Place To Dwell</h1><p><strong>When the Pakistan floods hit in August 2010, thousands of lives were lost as well as homes, belongings, livestock and farming produce. The Australian public generously donated to The Salvation Army&#x2019;s Pakistan Flood Appeal, which is funding the redevelopment of flood devastated Provence of Sindh. Here many people were forced to relocate to new areas away from the villages they had called home for their whole lives. Captain Kaleem Burton from Pakistan updates us on the process of finding affordable land for people forced to relocate because of the natural disaster.</strong></p> <p>Ahmed Shoro is a small village inPakistanlocated in the southernprovinceofSindh. It is a community that borders one of the main canals that supplies water needed for the agricultural lands owned by large landowners. It is a small community of 600 households with a mixture ethnic groups and religious faiths. Most Muslims owned a plot of land, whereas the Hindus dwelled illegally on the canal banks working as agricultural labourers.</p> <p>In August 2010, the canals overflowed and flooded. Families were unable to protect their homes, made from mud, reeds and tree braches, from rapidly rising water and could only save what they could carry. This devastated many families, leaving them homeless.</p> <p>Captain Kaleem Burton worked along side the community to assess their greatest needs once the floods had subsided. It was recognized by some Hindu families, the need to move from the canal bank to higher ground safe from the monsoonal floods. But as the safer grounds were already owned, the families needed the approval of a landlord. The representatives of the families viewed the land with Captain Kaleem, and were in agreement that it was suitable for them to relocate. They then approached the landlord, a Muslim man and discussions took place.</p> <p>After talking with his family, the landlord said he was willing to assist in providing some land to these families to rebuild their homes a safe distance from the canal. The conditions he set were that the families can come and go as they want, work for whoever they want, but they could not sell the land that they dwelled upon. The landlord said this agreement would last as long as the he lived.</p> <p>This landlord demonstrated compassion, care and a willingness to help those suffering, even though their faith and social status was different to his. Both the families and the landlord agreed to this in writing and the families move onto his land.<br/><br/>Pakistan is a country where people of different religious, social or ethnic groups are often&#xA0;discriminated against and oppressed. It is such care and compassion that provides families with a safer home for their children to grow up in. The Salvation Army will continue to support them through the Sindh Redevelopment project funded by theAustralianEasternTerritory.</p> <p>Captain Kaleem Burton</p><p><a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/12/15/providing-a-safe-place-to-dwell/#comment">Leave a comment</a></p> Chris Smartt Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:19:00 +1100 http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/10/04/australian-youth-ambassadors-serve-tsa-in-fiji-and-ghana/ http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/10/04/australian-youth-ambassadors-serve-tsa-in-fiji-and-ghana/ ]]><h1>Australian Youth Ambassadors Serve TSA in Fiji & Ghana</h1><p><img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/News/Newsletter September/AYAD.gif&amp;width=360&amp;height=287" alt="" width="360" height="287"/></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The&#xA0;Salvation Army International Development&#xA0;Office (SAID) welcomes volunteers Sonia Morshead and Tegan Davies in their role as Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD&#x2019;s) for The Salvation Army in Fiji and Ghana.</strong></p> <p>The AYAD Program sends skilled young Australians (18-30 year olds) on assignments in Asia, the Pacific andAfricato make a positive contribution to development.&#xA0; It is part of the broader Australian Volunteers for International Development Program, an Australian Government, AusAID initiative.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Australian Youth Ambassadors working with The Salvation Army in developing countries are helping to expand the capacity of the Army&#x2019;s medical&#xA0;and social services by developing new programs and training the local staff in new skills</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">At the end of October Sonia headed to Fiji to join the team at the Suva Family Care Centre as a project officer. Tegan will then travel to Ghana, Africa, to join the team at the Begoro Rehabilitation Centre as an Occupational Therapist. We took some time out with Sonia and Tegan before they left and asked them some questions about their roles, their passions, and why they chose to get involved in this adventure.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>&#xA0;</strong></p> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <p><strong>AYAD VOLUNTEER &#x2013; SONIA MORSHEAD</strong></p> </div> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Q1. Where are you going?</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">I will be working in The Salvation Army Family Care Centre - Program Development, located in Suva, Fiji. I will be staying in Suva and traveling between the Labasa and Lautoka shelters.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Q2. What will you be you doing?</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The shelters are predominantly for women and their children who have suffered domestic violence and have no income. Women return to domestic abuse because they have had no other way to survive or support their children. My role is to help women break out of the cycle of domestic violence. By working alongside them, I will help to develop their skills so they can take steps toward setting up something to support themselves and their children. We are aiming to help them create a sustainable income through jobs like selling art to tourists, and after training in sewing they will be able to sell clothing.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">I will also be training staff, writing a policy manual for shelters and administering research questionnaires so that when I leave the shelter the work can continue and expand.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Q3. Why did you choose to get involved?</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">I am a social worker, and passionate about working with people who live in poverty. I want to help people of all ages who are destitute; they don&#x2019;t have help in these developing countries. I want to help them move out of poverty, to see them move forward in their life. The AYAD program is all about skills exchange. Working within a developing community is about me assisting others and passing on my skills, and also about me developing my skills and learning as I immerse myself into the culture. As I learn, they learn.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Q4. If there was one thing in your heart you would like to see achieved, what would that be?</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">To see one mum with her children step away from domestic violence and set up something for herself that enables her to have a sustainable income &#x2013; that would make it all worthwhile. &#xA0;The reason women do return to a domestic violence relationship can be that her self-esteem is so low. If we can help her develop her skills, and show her there is the possibility for her to support herself and her family and live within a safe environment, her self-esteem will lift. The more her self-esteem lifts, the greater the chance of her not returning to this type of relationship.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><br clear="all"/></strong></p> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <p><strong>AYAD VOLUNTEER &#x2013; TEGAN DAVIES</strong></p> </div> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Q1. Where are you going?</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">I will be working at the The Salvation Army, Begoro Rehabilitation Centre, in a remote community of Ghana, Africa. I am excited to be working in Africa, I have already visited Tanzania so I have an idea of what to expect. I am also excited to be meeting new people and hopefully making a difference.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Q2. What will you be you doing?</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">I will be working with children and adults in the rehabilitation centre as an Occupational Therapist. In this area there are many who suffer with disabilities such as&#xA0;cerebral palsy, spina bifida, polio, clubfoot and more.&#xA0;Part of my role will be visiting small communities and educating locals about disabilities in hope to reduce the stigma attached to people living with disabilities. People with disabilities and their families often experience social rejection by their communities; this is sometimes because traditionally it is believed that a disability is due to a curse.&#xA0; I want to educate communities that people with a disability also&#xA0;have a heart, soul and mind, and that they too have a role in society.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Q3. What are you most excited about?</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">I am excited to be getting out of my comfort zone,&#xA0;having&#xA0;the opportunity to live and work with people from a different culture and hopefully improve the health services available to rural Ghanaian people. I have been working in Sydney with people who daily have access to good health care but in these remote African communities people lack access to services that we take for granted in Australia. I want to be able to improve local therapist&#x2019;s skills so they can improve the quality of life for those with disabilities in their own communities.&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Q4. Why did you choose to get involved?</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">I love working as an Occupational Therapist and especially since travelling to Tanzania I have wanted to share my skills with people in developing communities. Since returning to Australia after my volunteer stint I have been working in Sydney increasing my skills and knowledge so I could take up a position like this one in Ghana. &#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Q5. If there was one thing in your heart you would like to see achieved, what would that be?</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">To seeing local people being able to implement the therapies I have passed on for their own people. I want to create something that is sustainable, empower local people, provide skills and knowledge to families and children and I want to see other people accept someone with a disability and include them in the community.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;The AYAD Program is part of Australian Volunteers for International Development, an Australian Government, AusAID initiative. For more information on becoming an AYAD volunteer visit <strong><a href="http://www.ayad.com.au/">www.ayad.com.au</a></strong><strong></strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>&#xA0;</strong></p><p><a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/10/04/australian-youth-ambassadors-serve-tsa-in-fiji-and-ghana/#comment">Leave a comment</a></p> Alana Zammit Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:11:00 +1100 http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/09/30/a-simple-way-to-stop-the-clutter/ http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/09/30/a-simple-way-to-stop-the-clutter/ ]]><h1>A Simple Way To Stop The Clutter</h1><p class="BodyCopy" style="text-align: justify;"><strong><a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/buy-a-gift/gift-catalogue-shop/all-products/">CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR NEW CATALOGUE PRODUCTS</a></strong></p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="text-align: justify;">When is enough, enough? How many trinkets, ceramic bowls, scarves or photo frames can one obtain? How many candle holders, handbags or soap dishes can one store within their home?</p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="text-align: justify;">These days I am completely out of ideas for Christmas and birthday presents. All that I need, I have no problem purchasing myself and all that I want, I already have. How many more bracelets can I wear on my wrist or books can I squeeze into my bookcase? Seriously, how much more do I really need?</p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="text-align: justify;">After the news of an exciting move to a new home on the water at Abbotsford, Sydney, I found myself needing to take inventory of all my "stuff". My new space wasn&#x2019;t going to house all that I had accumulated and the thought of storing it in a box with the "one day I might need this" had become old, it was time my excess found a new home wherever that might be.</p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="text-align: justify;">Through living in a much more confined space I have come to the knowledge that I really don&#x2019;t need all the little things that I have accumulated. The dust collected only brings on the asthma, anyway! I have come to an appreciation of living a little simpler; it now matters more to spend my money on things that make a difference in both my and other lives.</p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="text-align: justify;">So, rather than receiving gifts that have a very short life expectancy within my home or giving gifts that add to the clutter of my family's or friend's homes, I now want to see money spent on gifts that bring lasting change.</p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>World of Difference<br/></strong>Since commencing my new role within The Salvation Army International Development Office (SAID) I have been overwhelmed with excitement at the possibilities that are at hand to make a difference outside of my immediate world, through a simple thing like giving or receiving a gift.</p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="text-align: center;"><strong>&#x201C;I now want to see money spent on gifts that bring lasting change&#x201D;.</strong></p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="text-align: justify;">I have discovered the SAID "Gifts That Keep On Giving" catalogue is an affordable and effective way of making a big difference for an individual, family or a community in a developing country. Now this is exciting stuff!</p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="text-align: justify;">Did you know that for just $10 you can purchase a chicken that will produce eggs providing protein, manure for vegetable gardens and offspring so that a family can generate an income? Now that goes a whole lot further than your $10 chicken and chips dinner pack!</p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="text-align: justify;">How about a MobilityAid for the multiple number of children waiting to become mobile? For only $60 you can help provide crutches, calipers or orthopaedic boots &#x2013; changing a child&#x2019;s life forever. Now that beats a soap dish any day.</p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="text-align: justify;">The items chosen for the gift catalogue were specially selected because they help to address one (or more) of the development issues being targeted by the Millennium Development Goals. These are eight goals set out by the United Nations and supporting partners and charities that have the aim of halving global poverty by 2015.</p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="text-align: justify;">One of these goals is "Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases" (goal No.6). The gift of a mosquito net for $25 will prevent a possible death caused by malaria.</p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="text-align: justify;">The way it works is for you or a person making a gift in your name, to donate to a project. The donation is sent to the SAID office in Sydney, which then passes it on to the appropriate Salvation Army territory overseas.</p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="text-align: center;"><strong>The catalogue is an affordable and effective way of making a big difference.</strong></p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="text-align: justify;">The project country then distributes the donations to the local corps or centre that is overseeing the project. You will receive a greeting card with a picture of the item purchased to keep for yourself or to give to your gift recipient.</p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="text-align: justify;">So as you approach Christmas, a birthday or Easter next year, do an inventory of the clutter within your home and rather than receiving or purchasing a less-than-needed gift, consider purchasing a "gift that keeps on giving".</p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="text-align: justify;">See the treasure within another&#x2019;s life and buy a gift that will make a world of difference.</p><p><a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/09/30/a-simple-way-to-stop-the-clutter/#comment">Leave a comment</a></p> Jakki Pollock Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:45:00 +1100 http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/10/04/chickens-and-change-in-tanzania/ http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/10/04/chickens-and-change-in-tanzania/ ]]><h1>Chickens and Change in Tanzania</h1><p style="text-align: left;"><strong><img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/News/Newsletter September/Tanzania-Chick.gif&amp;max=700&amp;preserve" alt=""/>Over 600 Families impacted by the &#x2018;<em>Keeping Chickens for Income Generating Activity&#x2019;</em> Project.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;" align="center"><em>Through the success of the TSA Tanzania Chicken Project, poor households now have increased wellbeing, </em><em>increased family income, increased child nutrition and increased resources.</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">In March this year TSA Tanzania, in partnership with TSA Australia Eastern Territory, implemented an exciting project - <em>Keeping Chickens for Income Generating Activity</em>. This project was established to support poor households in three poor rural communities in Tanzania.<br/><br/>The goal of this project was to strengthen rural livelihood and ensure food security through improved production of traditional chickens. There were two key objectives: 1. to improve production and marketing of traditional chickens in rural communities by poor households; 2. to transform traditional ways of keeping chickens, from families&#x2019; subsistence into an income generation.<br/><br/>Three communities were proposed for this project: Sumve outpost in Mwanza, Sikonge community in Tabora and Mugumu community in Serengeti. In each community, a chicken project committee of five members was established.<br/><br/>Prior to the establishment of project activities, five members from each project management committee were called to attend initial training sessions facilitated by official veterinary doctors hired by the project.<br/><br/>The training sessions covered basic concepts and methods for keeping local chickens for profitability; affordable ways of feeding chickens using local food materials; and vaccinations, care and treatment of chickens. Committee members were also taught how to construct simple chicken-keeping sheds using simple materials such as grasses, trees, leaves, soil and ropes.<br/><br/>The beneficiaries proposed for this project are the poor households, in which older parents and guardians are taking care of orphans and vulnerable children and are already making some efforts to keep local chickens in traditional ways.<br/><br/>Based on this selection process, 300 households who met the selection criteria were identified.<br/><br/>They were invited to attend the initial training sessions to acquire basic knowledge on how to effectively keep local chickens and how to transform chicken keeping from a family subsistence activity to income generation for the family. Also, the beneficiaries were required to construct their own chicken-keeping sheds; this was to show a commitment to the project by the family and to indicate a local contribution.<br/><br/><img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/News/Newsletter September/Tanzania-Chick2.gif&amp;width=230&amp;height=186" alt="" width="230" height="186"/>Each family who received chickens was linked with another selected family that was on the waiting list to receive chickens. When the chickens gave birth to new offspring, each family on the waiting list received four chicks. The continuous distribution of chickens among families worked in the form of a chain.<br/><br/>Six months after this project had been implemented, progress has been positive. At the inception of this project in March 2011, only 300 families were supported with chickens, but at the end of July 2011, the number has risen to over 600 households.<br/><br/>Through the success of this project, poor households that have been supported with chickens are now able to sell some chickens, and are increasing their families&#x2019; income. Children now obtain fresh eggs that improve their nutritional status, and families use chicken residues as compost in their fruit and vegetable gardens.<br/><br/>In correspondence from Tanzania we have received the following: &#x201C;It is not very easy to document all the words of appreciation that were expressed by those who were touched by this project. On behalf of TSA Tanzania territory, we would like to acknowledge the generosity that has been shown by the people in Australia Eastern Territory to provide this support to more than 600 poor households&#x201D;.</p><p><a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/10/04/chickens-and-change-in-tanzania/#comment">Leave a comment</a></p> Jakki Pollock Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:25:00 +1100 http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/10/04/salvation-army-continues-drought-response-in-uganda/ http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/10/04/salvation-army-continues-drought-response-in-uganda/ ]]><h1>Salvation Army Continues Drought Response in Uganda </h1><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/News/Newsletter September/Uganda.gif&amp;width=301&amp;height=228" alt="" width="301" height="228"/>THE Salvation Army in Uganda is responding to drought conditions that have taken hold across much of the Horn of Africa. Children are particularly vulnerable, with malnourishment among under-fives having increased dramatically.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">In one district the government now uses two health centres &#x2013; Magada and Nsinze Clinics &#x2013; solely for the purpose of dealing with malnourished children. The Red Cross and UNICEF are providing food but children and their families have been sleeping on the ground, there is no water and hygiene is a major problem.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">When Salvation Army assessment teams became aware of the situation they stepped in to provide 200 mattresses, 200 jerrycans, 200 wash basins, 500 long bars of soap and 100 jerrycans of liquid soap. Plans are under way to sink a borehole so there is a constant supply of clean water. The Salvation Army's support is greatly appreciated. It is making a small but significant difference to the children and their families.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The staff in these compact health centres work day and night to look after more than 250 children. The night before The Salvation Army delivered the mattresses one child had died. Another nine were buried only a few days earlier. But the problem seen in the health centres is just the tip of the iceberg. There is a large number of malnourished children in the surrounding villages. The local government has started a campaign to encourage villagers to bring their children to the health centres before it is too late.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">In one of the villages a Salvation Army project officer met a young woman, Nalongo. Her name means &#x2018;mother of the twins&#x2019;. She told him that her breast milk had run dry, probably because she had not eaten sufficiently. Once a day she tries to feed the babies porridge made of cassava flour, which is not very nutritious &#x2013; but it&#x2019;s all she can afford.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Mothers like Nalongo are in a very difficult situation. The project officer encouraged her to go to the local health centre with her children. In the meantime she was one of the more than 700 families who benefited from food provided by The Salvation Army. Each family received 15 kg of maize and 10 kg of beans.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">More projects are planned and an international Salvation Army team is on its way to assist the Uganda Command.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">* Image: TSA talking to a community in Uganda</p><p><a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/10/04/salvation-army-continues-drought-response-in-uganda/#comment">Leave a comment</a></p> Jakki Pollock Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:38:00 +1100 http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/10/05/jenny-sets-out-to-visit-her-sponsor-child-in-kenya/ http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/10/05/jenny-sets-out-to-visit-her-sponsor-child-in-kenya/ ]]><h1>Jenny Sets Out To Visit Her Sponsor Child In Kenya</h1><p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">In August, Jenny Kearns from our Gosford Corps, set out on her first solo overseas adventure to visit her sponsor child, Emmanuel, in Kenya. As you read Jenny&#x2019;s story you will be inspired too, to cross the seas, and make a difference in the life of another in a developing nation.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>MY TRIP TO KENYA by Jenny Kearns</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Well what an amazing trip, incredible country and such beautiful people!</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">It&#x2019;s always been a life long dream, since I studied about Kenya when I was at school, to one day be able to visit. But at that stage of my life I had no idea just how many different facets there would be to this journey and just how meaningful it would be to me.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">On the&#xA0;10^th August, I set out for Kenya (by myself &#x2013; for what it&#x2019;s worth, this was only my second trip overseas ever and &#xA0;I have never travelled by myself before &#x2013; I am 57 years of age!). Knowing that everyone at Gosford Corps was praying for my safe journey gave me great support, and knowing my God was with me all the way, I had great confidence.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Three Reasons For Going To Kenya:</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Firstly, I have a sponsor child through The Salvation Army who is in Kakamega (Western Kenya) and I was looking forward to meeting him face to face.&#xA0; Not an opportunity everyone gets, so I felt very blessed to be able to do this.&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Secondly, I have been a uniformed member of Scouts Australia for the past 20 years. The Salvation Army runs the Scouts in Western Kenya and I was invited to attend a Scout Camp. Also, as part of my Scouting commitment, I wanted to visit the grave and former home of the Founder of Scouting, Robert Baden-Powell, who is buried at Nyeri at the foot of Mt Kenya, a two and a half hour drive north of Nairobi.&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Thirdly, I wanted to go on a safari, especially to see the elephants of which I am very fond. Amboseli has many elephants.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">On Saturday 13^th August, after spending a couple of days inNairobi, I flew out to Kakamega (an hour&#x2019;s flight).&#xA0; I was greeted by Captain Jane Wanyama who is just the most gracious lady. Her husband is the Territorial Youth Secretary and she is his assistant, as well as being the Child Sponsorship Secretary.&#xA0; I worshipped with them at a little Corps not far from THQ.&#xA0; The building is worn out, broken down with no electricity and they are gradually getting donations of goods and money to build a new church.&#xA0; So far only&#xA0;the foundations have been laid.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/News/Newsletter September/Jenny-2.gif&amp;width=255&amp;height=318" alt="" width="255" height="318"/>On the Monday I went to visit my sponsor child, Emmanuel, who is 15 years old. His mother didn&#x2019;t speak English, although her gratitude was obvious as we shared some special moments together as one mother to another.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Whilst speaking with Emmanuel he shyly said that all he wanted was to complete his schooling and will I continue to sponsor him?&#xA0; We take it for granted in Australia that we will all get an education and it just means so much to these young people in Kenya and other countries. Without an education they have little hope, but to receive an education, as well as learning all about Jesus, is just so special. I assured him I would continue to sponsor him until he had finished all his studies.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Wednesday was my last day in Kakamega and I was attending the Scout Camp which was being held on the grounds of the local Salvation Army Primary School. It was wonderful to see Scouting so active in this part of the world; the smile, salute and left hand shake transcend all cultures, languages and nations &#x2013; we were all just brothers and sisters in Scouting - and of course in this instance, in Christ, so it was extra special!</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The Kenyans love to sing and dance in everything they do and, as in the service on Sunday, the Scouts also sang and danced on parade.&#xA0; Many of them do not have uniforms because they cannot afford them so they wear their school uniform or the Salvation Army uniform.&#xA0; Scouts Australia are hoping to get some uniforms across to them shortly.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">My visit was far too short, governed by work commitments. However, if you have ever thought of going on mission - do it!&#xA0; These people consider your visit as a great blessing to them although I can assure you,&#xA0;it is you who will be truly blessed, as I have been.&#xA0;&#xA0; If you have ever considered sponsoring a child, then take the step of faith that God will provide for you because He will and does. &#xA0;The money does go where they say it will go and I have seen first hand the difference it makes in the lives of these children and their families.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Jenny Kearns<br/>Gosford Corps</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">* Photo: Captain Jane, Jenny, Emmanuels Mother and Sister.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p><p><a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/10/05/jenny-sets-out-to-visit-her-sponsor-child-in-kenya/#comment">Leave a comment</a></p> Jakki Pollock Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:37:00 +1100 http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/08/24/food-distributed-to-680-families-in-uganda/ http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/08/24/food-distributed-to-680-families-in-uganda/ ]]><h1>Food Distributed to 680 Families in Uganda.</h1><p style="text-align: justify;">The Salvation Army in Uganda is responding to the drought crisis that is developing in some parts of the country. As is being seen across the horn of Africa, people are dying because of a lack of food and water.<br/><br/>In central eastern Uganda, thousands of families have had poor harvests for the past five years, either because there was too little rain or &#x2013; at other times &#x2013; because there was so much rain that floods have destroyed the crops. The Salvation Army has been working in the area, distributing food to needy families &#x2013; in some places The Salvation Army is the only non-governmental organisation providing food.<br/><br/>Following recent landslides in a mountainous region, food was distributed to 680 families.<br/><br/>Staff from The Salvation Army's command headquarters and International Emergency Services visited villages in the Namutumba district near Mbale to assess the needs of 4,000 families. Projects are being arranged for food and sanitation goods to be supplied. Boreholes will be drilled to ensure water is available to the most needy of families, even as the drought takes a greater hold.<br/><br/>The message from the Uganda Command and International Emergency Services is simple: please pray for the situation and support this work in any way possible.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Report from International Emergency Services<br/>International Headquarters</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/News/Africa2010/Maize.jpg&amp;width=522&amp;height=390" alt="" width="522" height="390"/></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;<span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Uganda: the maize looks green but rains came too late for harvest</span></p><p><a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/08/24/food-distributed-to-680-families-in-uganda/#comment">Leave a comment</a></p> Jakki Pollock Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:42:00 +1000 http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/08/23/the-salvation-army-is-responding-to-east-africa/ http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/08/23/the-salvation-army-is-responding-to-east-africa/ ]]><h1>The Salvation Army is responding to East Africa </h1><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>As the drought crisis in East Africa causes worldwide concern, The Salvation Army is responding to the situation using its local knowledge and personnel to provide immediate relief. There are no Salvation Army officers in Somalia or Ethiopia so the focus of relief efforts is currently on northern Kenya.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Assessments carried out by The Salvation Army's Kenya West Territory and government sources have shown that the nomadic people of the Turkana region of northern Kenya face widespread starvation. Three rainfall seasons have failed, livestock has died, milk production has dropped and food stocks have depleted.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Water is scarce and people in the region travel, on average, more than three kilometres to access water. Schools are closing because they lack funds to pay for food and water.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The Salvation Army is initially addressing the water situation, using water tanks (known as bowsers) pulled by tractors. The tractors and bowsers were bought in 2005 as part of a previous International Emergency Services project. Water will be collected from boreholes and large water tanks on Salvation Army properties and taken to communities and schools in Turkana.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The International Headquarters of the Salvation Army have provided almost $50,000 to cover fuel and maintenance costs for two tractors for six months, as well as the wages of drivers and assistants. These funds will also be used to improve storage facilities of schools and villages. The project's implementation follows consultation with the Kenyan Government, local officials, the Red Cross and Oxfam.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The scheme will provide around 5,000 villagers and 2,000 school children with clean, safe water. This will have further benefits of decreasing the distance travelled to fetch water and reducing the risk of women being abused as they seek water in isolated locations.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">In addition, through The Salvation Army schools WASH project, administered by Marshall Currie (Project Officer for Kenya East), has rolled out the installation of rain water harvesting tanks. These will provide water for drinking, cooking and school sanitation in many rural primary schools. Many of these schools are in semi-arid areas that have been hit hard by the drought and their tanks are empty.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Marshall Currie says that, &#x201C;in the longer term, The Salvation Army wants to be involved in helping communities become more resilient to the shock of drought, through projects that enable farms to access water and adopt irrigation and other improved farming practices&#x201D;.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The Salvation Army in Kenya is continuing to monitor the situation in the north of the country. Representatives from The Salvation Army's International Emergency Services in Kenya will help with further assessment and preparations.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p>&#xA0;</p> <p><img style="float: left;" src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/News/Africa2010/.jpg&amp;width=361&amp;height=224" alt="" width="361" height="224"/></p> <p>&#xA0;</p> <p>&#xA0;</p> <p>&#xA0;</p> <p>&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><br/>Kenya, thirsty women (2)&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p><img style="float: left;" src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/News/Africa2010/Teenager-Girls-Water.jpg&amp;width=370&amp;height=246" alt="" width="370" height="246"/></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;Kenya, children coming to collect water</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/News/Africa2010/Desert.jpg&amp;max=700&amp;preserve" alt=""/><br/><br/>Kenya, dry Turkana</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><br/>&#xA0;</p><p><a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/08/23/the-salvation-army-is-responding-to-east-africa/#comment">Leave a comment</a></p> Jakki Pollock Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:25:00 +1000 http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/25/the-salvation-army-in-norway/ http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/25/the-salvation-army-in-norway/ ]]><h1>The Salvation Army In Norway </h1><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The Salvation Army In Norway Provides Comfort and Support Following Explosion and Shooting.</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>SALVATION Army officers in Oslo have coordinated a response to meet emotional and spiritual needs following the bomb blast in the capital on Friday 22 July and the subsequent shooting incident on the island of Ut&#xF8;ya.</strong> More than 90 people are known to have died in the two attacks, with hundreds more injured or otherwise affected.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#x2018;Our thoughts and prayers go to those who have lost family members and friends, and we will also continue in prayer for those who have been injured,&#x2019; said the head of The Salvation Army in Norway, Territorial Commander, Commissioner Clive Adams. Letters of condolence have been sent to His Majesty King Harald and Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The Salvation Army&#x2019;s territorial headquarters for Norway is in close proximity to the buildings most affected by the explosion, but no injuries were sustained by staff and the building was undamaged. In cooperation with the police, the headquarters was opened up to the local community as a refuge before the whole central business area was evacuated at 6:15pm.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">On Saturday 23 July, Colonel Jan Peder Fosen (Chief Secretary for Norway) prayed with other church leaders in Oslo Cathedral before meeting with Salvation Army leaders to discuss the ongoing response.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Sunday will be a time of prayer and reflection for the people of Norway and Salvationists have been asked &#x2013; by email and the web &#x2013; to wear their uniforms in order to provide a visible presence on the streets. As they come to terms with what has happened, many members of the community want to talk about their experiences with someone they can trust. Messages of appreciation have already been contributed to The Salvation Army&#x2019;s Norwegian Facebook page, such as &#x2018;Thank you for opening the doors ... it is not easy to be alone now&#x2019;.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">In addition, Salvation Army centres in and around Oslo will be specifically opened for prayer and a special service will be held at The Salvation Army&#x2019;s Oslo Templet (church), attended by senior Salvation Army leaders.</p><p><a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/25/the-salvation-army-in-norway/#comment">Leave a comment</a></p> Jakki Pollock Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:15:00 +1000 http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/13/begoro-rehabilitation-centre/ http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/13/begoro-rehabilitation-centre/ ]]><h1>Begoro Rehabilitation Centre</h1><p><strong>Ghana and Begoro</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Issues related to disability are very complex in Ghana. When a child is born with a disability, there is a traditional belief that it is the result of a curse on the family. Parents can be advised to leave the child next to a river, for the river god &#x201C;to take the child away&#x201D;.<br/><br/>The shame and stigma can be so fierce that mothers will not take their children to early childhood clinics for weighing and immunization,&#xA0; and often do not see the need to give them an education.<br/><br/>The Begoro Rehabilitation Centre is strategically addressing these issues, operating from a rural area of Ghana, giving the most disadvantaged access to education, health care and rehabilitation treatment.</p> <p><strong>Begoro&#x2019;s highlights of 2010</strong></p> <ul> <li>The number of admissions to the Rehab Centre increased to 63, six more than in 2009</li> <li>The number of consultations on outreach was 2,308 which reflects an 11% increase from 2009</li> <li>18 people were assisted with surgery</li> <li>693 therapy consultations were given to outpatient children</li> <li>Two staff members were promoted to senior occupational therapy assistants after performing that role for more than 15 years</li> <li>Seven young adults with disabilities publically declared their love for Jesus and were enrolled as Junior Soldiers</li> <li>The Centre&#x2019;s goals for mission were achieved by drawing the children and mothers closer to God through Sunday school activities.&#xA0;</li> </ul> <p><strong>Challenges ahead</strong></p> <ul> <li>The need for a reliable and stable source of funding for at least a 3 year period, for the running costs and quality care</li> <li>The rehabilitation workshop requires a fulltime technician and a carpenter to improve the patients&#x2019; timely access to rehabilitation equipment</li> <li>There is still an existing need for a qualified special education teacher due to the increase in children with cerebral palsy and some with learning difficulties.</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: justify;">During the last financial year, the lives of many children and adults were touched through the services offered at Begoro. The Centre has been supported through the generosity of many donors, and continues to rely on them!</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory has agreed to fund a 3 year project&#xA0; at Begoro, to assist with running costs and staff training. To help us reach our target, you can support Begoro through a monthly centre sponsorship&#xA0; of $25 a month, or through the&#xA0; purchase of a health related item from our gift catalogue.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&#xA0;</p><p><a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/13/begoro-rehabilitation-centre/#comment">Leave a comment</a></p> Jakki Pollock Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:29:00 +1000 http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/11/mdg/ http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/11/mdg/ ]]><h1>Millennium Development Goals</h1><p style="text-align: justify;">The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are an eight-point road map with measurable targets and clear deadlines for improving the lives of the world&#x2019;s poorest people by 2015. It was an agreement to a new global partnership signed in 2000&#xA0; by the United Nations.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">As a Development agency, SAID (Salvation Army International Development) has joined the United Nations&#x2019; efforts to take action in helping put an end to extreme poverty.The MDGs give SAID a focused guideline in which to execute its community programs.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">For example, when we fund sewing school projects through our Gift Catalogue, we are both contributing towards MDG3, which empowers women in developing countries with equal opportunities in their society; that way they will be able to generate an income for themselves and support their families. It is about empowering people to become self-sustainable&#x2026;Working with communities to find solutions to their issues.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Just like the old saying: &#x201C;Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime&#x201D;.<br/>&#xA0;<br/>Next time when you see any of these colourful pictures throughout our communications and website, you will know exactly what we&#x2019;re talking about!</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Together we are partnering with developing communities to put an end to poverty!</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">THAT&#x2019;S POWERFUL.</p><p><a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/11/mdg/#comment">Leave a comment</a></p> Jakki Pollock Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:29:00 +1000 http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/11/happy-birthday-mitchell/ http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/11/happy-birthday-mitchell/ ]]><h1>Happy Birthday Mitchell</h1><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Mitchell has just turned 10.</strong> <br/>Like most boys his age, he loves cricket. But there is something very special that sets Mitchell apart: He has a heart for sharing the message of the Bible with everyone, and he does it in a very practical way. At Easter when everyone else made a hat featuring bunnies and eggs, Mitchell constructed a hat that told the Easter story!<br/><br/>This year for his birthday, Mitchell decided that he did not need any birthday presents. Instead, he thought of the people all around the world that are in greater need than him, so he decided to ask all his friends and family to donate a gift on his behalf from the Gifts That Keep on Giving Catalogue.<br/><br/>He had a lot of fun at his indoor cricket party, and through this special occasion he and his guests donated $300 towards development projects! <em>Inspiring or challenging?</em><br/><br/>Partnering with developing communities can be established in many simple ways! As one of our younger partners, Mitchell has set the challenge!</p><p><a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/11/happy-birthday-mitchell/#comment">Leave a comment</a></p> Betsy Pineda Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:29:00 +1000 http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/13/hello-im-your-sponsor/ http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/13/hello-im-your-sponsor/ ]]><h1>HELLO! I'm Your Sponsor</h1><p style="text-align: justify;">As the Hurstville songsters toured around Singapore and Malaysia during Easter 2011, a pleasant surprise awaited Bob and Yvonne Todd in Kuala Lumpur. Their sponsored child appeared amidst the audience.&#xA0; Here is their story of how they met Vinoth.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">'Hurstville Songsters', to which we both belong, visited the Children&#x2019;s homes and senior citizens homes run by the Army in Kuala Lumpur in the week before Easter.&#xA0; We had received a Christmas card from one of our sponsored children with a recent photo of him and knowing that we were going to visit children&#x2019;s homes in the area we sent a photo of us and advised him of the songsters visit. However, we did not know if we would be anywhere near where he lived and therefore had no expectation of meeting him.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">We entered the hall at the Ipoh Boy&#x2019;s Home, and stood on the platform to present our program to the boys seated in front of us. I noticed a boy of about 14 years looking at me and immediately thought of the photo I had.&#xA0; During our singing, every time I looked at him he was looking at me.&#xA0;As soon as we finished I went down to him and asked him his name and he replied &#x201C;Vinoth&#x201D; and I said &#x201C;O, Vinoth, I&#x2019;m Mrs. Todd, your sponsor,&#x201D; and turned to call my husband.&#xA0;Oblivious to the discovery, Bob was pumping up the soccer balls that we were leaving for the boys, and He was completely taken by surprise. The emotions quickly passed to the whole group&#x2026;with many &#x201C;tearing up&#x201D;.&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">We were able to put our arm around Vinoth and have several photos taken with him. What a wonderful experience knowing that we were doing something worthwhile in this young man&#x2019;s life, and what a blessing for us! This experience put a face to our sponsorship, and made a significant impact on all of us.&#x201D;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Bob and Yvonne Todd</p><p><a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/13/hello-im-your-sponsor/#comment">Leave a comment</a></p> Jakki Pollock Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:29:00 +1000 http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/13/child-sponsorship/ http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/13/child-sponsorship/ ]]><h1>Child Sponsorship</h1><p style="text-align: justify;">The Salvation Army child sponsorship program offers you the option of sponsoring an individual child or a children&#x2019;s centre for a monthly contribution of $25.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The program is currently actively focusing in the following 10 countries: Myanmar, Pakistan, Kenya East, Mozambique, Ghana, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Through child and centre sponsorship, you are contributing to provide primary education and in some instances&#xA0; help support secondary education or vocational training for older children. This is an opportunity that changes the child&#x2019;s entire life!&#xA0;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Through sponsorship, children also receive food, basic health care and spiritual support, and centres receive funding for their daily operations. At present 2024 children and 87 centres are sponsored through our program, making this our contribution towards MDG2 and the fight against poverty.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Visit <a href="http://www.salvos.org.au/said">www.salvos.org.au/said</a> or call us on 02 9266 9775 to request a child sponsorship info pack today!</p><p><a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/13/child-sponsorship/#comment">Leave a comment</a></p> Jakki Pollock Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:26:00 +1000 http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/13/malawi-mission-trip/ http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/13/malawi-mission-trip/ ]]><h1>Malawi Mission Trip</h1><p style="text-align: justify;">In Apirl, a team of seven Australians ventured to Malawi on a mission trip organised by &#x2018;Hands Abroad&#x2019; at the SAID office, in conjunction with JOURNEY from the UK. Here is an insightful interview of Rachel, one of the team members, as she reflects on her time and experiences whilst abroad.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>1. Who are some friends you made in Malawi, what are their stories?</strong><br/>One of the girls at the Mchinji Anti-Child Trafficking Centre, Janepher, was rescued from a brothel. She was orphaned at a fairly young age and trafficked by her sister who is also working as a prostitute. As she is unable to return to her family without running the risk of being trafficked again, the people at the centre are keeping her longer. She has received sponsorship that will enable her to complete her schooling all the way through to college. She is very bright and I believe she has an amazing potential!</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>2. What happens at the centres you visited?</strong><br/>At the Mchinji Anti-Child Trafficking Centre, the children that are rescued are given food and accommodation, where they stay for about four months. During this time, they receive an education.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The border police work with the Salvation Army and contact them at any time to pick up trafficked children. Often the children being trafficked will cross the border after dark so the people at the centre need to be ready to respond to a call at any time.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">We attended a human trafficking sensitisation meeting at a remote village. The villagers were taught about child labour laws and ways to identify a potential trafficker. At the end of the meeting one of the chiefs from a surrounding village stood up and said that he had never heard of human trafficking before, he had no idea that he had essentially trafficked a child but now he knew, he was going to make it right.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The preschool that we visited accommodated many orphaned children under five. They had recently received a donation of five cots with mosquito nets, some coloured paper and pens for the children. It was great to see how excited the people were about the donations. The main room had broken windows, which during winter makes the place very cold. The cots have no blankets or mattresses. The preschool is there primarily to educate the local children and has no way of feeding them or generating money to continue running.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">We had the opportunity to visit areas that are benefiting from a pig project. The community that receives the pig decides who it should go to and once that family has the pig they breed it. When the pig has its first litter, the family gives two of the piglets back to the community to give to two other families and so the cycle continues. Pigs provide meat for the family to sell and use themselves. This then empowers the families to become self -sustaining.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The HIV/AIDS centre provides testing and counselling. People in Malawi are often discriminated against if they have HIV/AIDS. In the past, people who have tested positive, have seen no reason to continue living because in their culture, having HIV is like living with a severe disability and many people have committed suicide.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Thankfully, due to The Salvation Army&#x2019;s counselling program they are able to see past their condition. They are placed in support groups which are given a crop of maize to sustain themselves. This crop provides them with a steady income and food. They have a machine which uses the dead leaves and stalks from their crop to make fuel for their fires which can also be sold in the local markets. The centre also had a small sewing room which they use to teach children and some adults how to sew. The skills that they learn there, enables them to start up their own tailor business in surrounding communities.&#xA0;<br/>&#xA0;<br/><strong>3. How did you react to what you saw?</strong><br/>Seeing people living in mud huts and houses made out of discarded shipping containers was disheartening, but seeing how they all seemed so happy with what they had made me think about how I treat the things I have.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">I don&#x2019;t think I reacted much at the time but when I look back at what I experienced in that day, I was definitely shocked. Shocked at the poverty I saw, shocked at how little people seemed to have, shocked at the work ethic, but mostly shocked to realise that I was rich and part of a minority during my time in Malawi... I earn in a week more than they earn in a month!&#xA0;<br/>&#xA0;<br/><strong>4. How has this experience changed you?</strong><br/>I am, now more than ever, aware of the large amount of resources and support around me. I have become more generous, giving in any way I can, knowing that even a small amount of money can mean a lot to someone in need.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">I realise now how lucky Australians are to be able to go to government funded schools, to have government funded university degrees, to have a land that is free of malaria, rabies and tuberculosis, to be able to be trained in first aid so that sores don&#x2019;t become badly infected and to have access to clean water and hot showers. <br/>We have so much to be thankful for, yet we often take it for granted complaining about the very things people don&#x2019;t have in other countries.<br/>&#xA0;<br/><strong>5. What would you say to anyone thinking about going on a Mission Trip?</strong><br/>Overseas mission trips are great opportunities, and they are challenging in many ways. They edify you and humble you at the same time. Be ready to embrace a completely different culture and see things in a different light! <br/>It will change your life in ways you could never imagine.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Make sure you have a strong support group at home and remember that people at home will see the change in you straight away. Let them adjust to the change and be aware that things will have changed at home for you too. Take an interest in what has been happening in the lives of people here when you return.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Remember that what you see on your mission trip is only a small sample of what happens. There will always be some way for you to help in your own community.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">By all means do overseas mission if your heart is set on it and if it is what God is calling you to, but also be aware of the things you can do at home. Home is as much a mission field as any other country! <br/><br/>Rachel</p><p><a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/13/malawi-mission-trip/#comment">Leave a comment</a></p> Jakki Pollock Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:25:00 +1000 http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/13/thank-you/ http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/13/thank-you/ ]]><h1>Thank You!</h1><p><strong>Your Financial Contribution to Development</strong><br/>From:&#xA0;1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011&#xA0;Total <strong>$400,508</strong><br/>A growth of <strong>21.9%</strong> since last year</p> <p><strong><br/>GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING: </strong>Our main tool to fundraise for projects.<br/><strong>The top five items sold during this time were:</strong><br/>Chickens&#xA0; 2,736<br/>Goats&#xA0; 407<br/>Educational Material&#xA0; 263<br/>School Desks&#xA0; 247<br/>Children&#x2019;s feeding program for a day&#xA0; 174<br/>Total Purchases <strong>$205,890</strong>!</p> <p><strong><br/>PROJECTS SUPPORTED <br/></strong>The major projects supported during the previous financial year include:<br/><em>Ghana:</em> Equipment for Begoro Rehabilitation Centre <br/><em>India South East:</em> Women&#x2019;s empowerment seminar <br/><em>Kenya East:</em> Variety Village Poultry Project<br/><em>Kenya East:</em> Equipment Joytown School for the disabled, variety village kitchen &amp;&#xA0;water tanks for Corps<br/><em>Mozambique:</em> Poultry Projects,&#xA0;support for officers &amp;&#xA0;sewing machine and training course <br/><em>Nepal:</em> Nepal sewing school<br/><em>Philippines:</em> Sewing machines for Lapu Lapu School<br/><em>Tanzania:</em> Poultry Project</p> <p><strong><br/>EASTER REPORT<br/></strong>31 March 2011 &#x2013; 6 May 2011: This year&#x2019;s chicken Easter campaign intended to support poultry projects for Begoro rehabilitation centre in Ghana and Mchinji Anti-Child Trafficking Centre in Malawi. During this time you purchased 1,627 chickens at $10 each.<br/>Total Amount Raised<strong> $16,270!<br/></strong></p> <p><strong><br/>OTHER DONATIONS<br/></strong>Besides Gift catalogue purchases, you also donated directly into projects.&#xA0;<br/>Total Amount Given<strong> $194,618!</strong></p> <p>&#xA0;</p><p><a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/07/13/thank-you/#comment">Leave a comment</a></p> Jakki Pollock Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:24:00 +1000 http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2010/09/08/volcano-hit-communities-in-dr-of-congo/ http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2010/09/08/volcano-hit-communities-in-dr-of-congo/ ]]><h1>Volcano hit communities in DR of Congo</h1> <p>The village of Kibirga, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, no longer exists. The village, 35 kilometres from Goma, was one of five communities buried on 16 May 2010 when Mount Kirisimbi, a volcano that had lain dormant since 1952, erupted. At least 47 people lost their lives and hundreds more lost their houses, belongings and livelihoods.</p> <p>The Salvation Army reacted quickly and implemented a project providing clothing for the affected population. Panga, an elderly man who lost all 16 members of his family, remembers with gratitude the help provided by Lieutenant Jean Marc, the local Salvation Army officer (church minister).</p> <p>The lieutenant was among the first people to arrive with assistance &#x2013; he even helped to find land to bury the dead.&#xA0;More than three months on from the eruption, the people are still in a desperate situation.</p> <p>They live with host families or in one of three camps. The area where they lived is destroyed and they won&#x2019;t be able to return there.</p> <p>Aid doesn&#x2019;t seem to have reached these people and, in an area that is already struggling with the results of decades of civil war, this seems to be just another tragedy.</p> <p>However, there is some good news. The local government has allocated new land for 240 families and The Salvation Army is looking to see how it can support the new community. The Salvation Army has a good reputation and experience with other projects in Eastern Congo and Lieutenant Marc and Project Officer Captain Tsilulu have many ideas about how they can help.</p> <p><img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/Disasters/Congo-disaster.jpg&amp;amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;preserve" alt=""/></p><p><a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2010/09/08/volcano-hit-communities-in-dr-of-congo/#comment">Leave a comment</a></p> Betsy Pineda Tue, 24 May 2011 15:01:00 +1000 http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2010/08/16/pakistan-relief-appeal/ http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2010/08/16/pakistan-relief-appeal/ ]]><h1>Pakistan relief appeal</h1> <p>Rain is continuing to worsen the situation and there is fear the number of 14.1 million affected may raise significantly in the coming week.</p> <p>Operations of several relief organisations are now based in five provinces trying to reach the flood affected populations.</p> <p>The Pakistan Meteorological department issued flood warnings during this week, putting 4 Punjab and 8 Sindh districts on alert as a new peak flood is expected to hit the Guddu, Sukkur and Chashma barrages.</p> <p><br/>Persistent bad weather is still impeding access to affected populations, with many areas only accessible by air.</p> <p>The Salvation Army has now launched an appeal to contribute to the relief of the victims of this natural disaster in Pakistan.</p> <p>Please follow this <strong><a href="https://salvos.org.au/donate/secure-online-donations/?appeal=drpakistan">link</a></strong> to donate online.</p> <p>&#xA0;</p> <p><img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/Disasters/Pakistan1.jpg&amp;amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;preserve" alt=""/></p> <p><img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/Disasters/Pakistan2.jpg&amp;amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;preserve" alt=""/></p> <p><img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/Disasters/Pakistan3.jpg&amp;amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;preserve" alt=""/></p> <p><img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/Disasters/Pakistan4.jpg&amp;amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;preserve" alt=""/></p> <p>&#xA0;</p> <p><img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/Disasters/Pakistan5.jpg&amp;amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;preserve" alt=""/></p> <p><img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/Disasters/Pakistan6.jpg&amp;amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;preserve" alt=""/><img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/Disasters/Pakistan7.jpg&amp;amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;preserve" alt=""/></p> <p><img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/Disasters/Pakistan8.jpg&amp;amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;preserve" alt=""/></p><p><a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2010/08/16/pakistan-relief-appeal/#comment">Leave a comment</a></p> Betsy Pineda Tue, 24 May 2011 15:00:00 +1000 http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/05/03/thank-you/ http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/05/03/thank-you/ ]]><h1>Thank you! </h1><!--?xml version="1.0"?--> <p><img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/Campaigns/Email-Header.jpg&amp;amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;preserve" alt=""/></p> <h2>A big thank you&#xA0;</h2> <p>A big Thank you to all those who participated in the <a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/donate/gift-catalogue-shop/product/chickens/">Chook Challenge</a>!<br/>So far we have registered 1600 chickens sold....but the orders are still arriving particularly from corps&#xA0;and salvo centres. So you will know the final tally in the July newsletter.</p> <p>&#xA0;</p> <h2>Highlights</h2> <p><a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/news/2011/04/21/chicken-dance/">Ruth and Miriam's chicken dance</a> harassment technique has brought a wonderful participation from THQ,&#xA0;with a total of 239 chickens donated.&#xA0;&#xA0; &#xA0; &#xA0;</p> <p><strong>The top three donors for THQ are:</strong><br/><span> </span></p> <ul> <li>Level 7 <span> </span> &#xA0;<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>36 chooks</li> <li>SAID<span> </span> &#xA0;<span> </span>&#xA0;&#xA0;<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>35 chooks&#xA0;</li> <li>Property<span> </span>&#xA0;&#xA0;<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>33 chooks</li> </ul> <p><span>&#xA0;</span></p> <p><span>&#xA0;</span></p> <p><br/><strong>The TOP three donors for AUE are:</strong><br/><span> </span></p> <ul> <li>Sydney Congress Hall <span> </span>100 chooks</li> <li>Salvos Stores<span> </span> &#xA0;50 chooks (committed)</li> <li>Level 7<span> </span> &#xA0;36 chooks</li> </ul> <p><span>&#xA0;</span></p> <p><span>&#xA0;</span></p> <p>Petersham corps has already donated more chickens than the total amount of congregation members!<br/><br/></p> <h2>The Super heroes</h2> <p><br/>Remember Snowy?? The chook pet of a lovely child in Earlwood Corps?Well, Snowy and his owner Samuel put their best show on Easter Sunday. They were both the SUPER HEROES&#xA0;of the day and even got the whole congregation doing the chicken dance.<br/>It was also an emotional time for Samuel, Snowy and the other kids, as this was Snowy's farewell.&#xA0;His family decided to send him to a farm where he can be free to sing as he wishes...The life every super chicken deserves!</p> <p>Here are a few pictures of the day.</p> <p><img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/Campaigns/Samuel_Entrance.jpg&amp;amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;preserve" alt=""/></p> <p><img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/Campaigns/Samuel_Car.jpg&amp;amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;preserve" alt=""/></p> <p><img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/Campaigns/Samuel_Superstar.jpg&amp;amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;preserve" alt=""/></p> <p><img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/Campaigns/Goodbye.jpg&amp;amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;preserve" alt=""/></p> <p><img src="http://salvos.org.au/image?src=/scribe/sites/said/files/Campaigns/Earlwood-Pics.jpg&amp;amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;amp;max=700&amp;amp;preserve" alt=""/></p> <p>Thanks for your support, and look forward to another chook challenge next year!</p> <p>The SAID team</p><p><a href="http://salvos.org.au/said/news-and-reports/2011/05/03/thank-you/#comment">Leave a comment</a></p> Betsy Pineda Tue, 03 May 2011 11:16:00 +1000