GLOBALLINK
TRES ARROYOS – UNITED TOWARDS CHANGE
The city of Tres Arroyos, Argentina, located in the province of Buenos Aires, is home to approximately 60,000 people. It is a prosperous city with many travelling in and out to work primarily in the agricultural sector. The city has experienced an increase in domestic violence. Although domestic abuse is on the rise in the area, in most cases, it remains hidden. A local study found that of all domestic violence cases, only 25% were reported.
To address this, The Salvation Army partnered with local public health services, the Women’s Support police unit and a local domestic violence focused NGO (that only provides individual therapy) to implement project “Unidas Hacia Un Cambio” or “United Towards Change.” The project aims to reassure women that they are not alone, offering victims a safe place to speak about their situations in a group setting.
The group therapy approach encourages women to share their thoughts, opinions
and feelings with other victims in the hope that participants will help each other find sustainable solutions to the problem and break down their social isolation.
Sessions are facilitated by a local psychologist, social worker, pediatrician and a Salvation Army pastor. They occur twice a week in small groups for the comfort of the women.
The program has benefitted many women from the ages of 30 to 72 years who have experienced some kind of abuse in their lives. Some come from the neighbourhood, while others make the trip from 30-40 blocks away. The women are comforted in helping and empowering each other with some breaking the cycle of violence. They have taken an active role in organizing the “Ni Una Menos” or “Not Even One Less” march with other groups, displaying banners and handing out leaflets and other promotional material about the program. As a result of generous donations
Christmas is a magical season—a time of joy and celebration. Across the world people decorate their homes with colourful lights and tinsel and families travel across many kilometres to be together. It is also said that Christmas is a time for children and with that I am reminded of the words of Psalm 127:3: “Children are a gift from the Lord.”
The Salvation Army is privileged to work with children and their families in 128 countries internationally. In many places, the Army becomes the guardian of boys and girls around the world who have been abandoned, orphaned or have simply come from families unable to support them. For these children, The Salvation Army is their family.
This issue of Global Link highlights the Army’s children’s work in Sri Lanka, Poland and Indonesia. Through your sponsorship support, The Salvation Army is able to provide safe homes, clean drinking water, nutritious meals and education to girls, boys and young teens.
We are also pleased to present part one of our two part journey into Tres Arroyos, Argentina. We will take a look at how the Army is supporting victims of domestic violence and making a positive difference in the community. Stay tuned for part two of this inspiring story in the spring edition of Global Link.
To learn more about the World Missions Office and the Army’s work, please visit: saworldmissions.ca.
Merry Christmas!
Major Brenda Murray World Missions Director
made by women across Canada to The Salvation Army’s Women’s Ministries, Unidas Hacia Un Cambio has changed the lives of numerous women in and around Tres Arroyos.
Unfortunately, women are not the only ones that suffer in abusive households; in many cases, children are also
caught in the crossfire (directly and indirectly) causing them to display the same violent behaviours they observe at home. In our next issue, we will take a look at how the children of Tres Arroyos are given a safe place to spend time as they learn methods to manage their emotions and positive ways to treat others.
TRUE LIFE TESTIMONIAL “BUSINESS OWNER”
Ihave three daughters and seven years ago, I learned that they had been abused in their childhood by my brother-in-law. It was very painful. I couldn’t get over it. With the help of a lawyer, I sued my brother-in-law and he received a seven-year prison sentence. He was only there for a couple of months.
As children, both my sisters and I were victims of violence, but we grew up with everyone around us saying, ‘Family is family. Don’t break the family.’
Part of my journey has been realizing that if I want to help my daughters, I need to help myself. I started coming to Unidas Hacia Un Cambio 18 months ago. When I got here, I found that my case was usual. I used to think that abuse only happens in lower classes, not middle class. I didn’t want to bring this to light because I
thought it wasn’t normal.
Unidas Hacia Un Cambio supports me, I feel useful. I believe that I can help someone else by sharing my story and showing that change is possible. I also understand that it’s not easy for women. We need to know that there are people going through the same trials and that it’s possible to get out.”
HAVENS OF HOPE – SALVATION ARMY CHILDREN’S HOMES IN SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka is a beautiful island country just off the southern tip of India.
Unfortunately, since the tragic tsunami of 2004, the loss of life, land and livelihood still affect thousands of Sri Lankans. Children, now emerging young adults, have led very difficult lives, traumatized by the sights, sounds and smells from those dreadful days.
The Salvation Army has three children’s homes where children receive health care, education, nutritional meals and access to social and spiritual activities. The homes work hard to see that each child succeeds in their education by providing tuition for math, English, Sinhala and science, while also enjoying sports, games and music. A library and a small computer lab have been
developed so the children can do proper research for homework and learn computer skills, essential for employment after their studies are completed.
Today, the 100 children in our three homes are making progress in all aspects of their lives. Due to the generous support of sponsors through Brighter Futures Children’s Sponsorship, Dehiwela Girl’s Home, Rajagirya and Swedlanka Boy’s Homes are havens of safety, care and provision.
One of the children is Nilan who was left at The Salvation Army Haven
BRIGHT FUTURE FOR BALI BOYS
Bali is a pearl of exotic beauty for visitors with sun, surf, lush tropical forests and Hindu temples lining the streets. Yet, many tourists are unaware of the sombre reality that faces many local people on the island, a dark side of poverty, human trafficking and families unable to educate and care for their children.
In an effort to alleviate the stresses faced by the poor, the local Salvation Army discovered the need for a church that would also house vulnerable girls from impoverished families. Denpasar Corps 1 & Girl’s Home was the solution. Dutch missionaries took good care of the girls, and today one of those girls is the pastor in charge of the home that Canada
when he was five weeks old. Arrangements were made for his adoption, but the couple changed their mind and since then he has been nurtured and looked after at the Haven, transitioning well into Rajagiriya Boy’s Home.
Nilan, now five, has successfully entered school and recently said this prayer when all the homes gathered for a fun day: “Thank you, God, for my new family—all the people at The Salvation Army who love me.” Nilan and the other children at our homes in Sri Lanka say “Thank you!” to their faithful sponsors who help to keep the homes operating.
now supports through Brighter Futures Children’s Sponsorship.
Similarly, a Salvationist on the island envisioned a home for boys who were abandoned, orphaned or from extremely impoverished families, and his family worked tirelessly to lobby and help finance Denpasar Corps 2 and Boy’s Home.
Over the past year, the Canada and Bermuda Territory has assisted the home for 60 boys by providing an aquaponics project, repairs, renovations, security and safety features, shoes and clothes. This will allow the home to proceed with its government accreditation and continue to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the boys.
The boys worship at Corps 2, which is located on the premises. Some play in the band, while others help and attend youth activities. The boys now have a home, nutritious food, and a chance to go to school—giving them hope for a brighter future.
Hello Donors, How are you?
My name is Deo. Thank you for the new shoes, shirts, belt and the Bibles that I have used for tests at school. I like helping in the garden and sports. I also like to help the officers. I will pray for the donors every day. Thank you for your help. Greetings and prayers, DEO