TSalvationArmypersonnel in Ukraineorganizing schoolsupplies.
he first day at a new school can be both exciting and frightening for any young person, especially if that child has found themself, by no fault of their own, in a new country, with new customs and a new language. The desire to fit and not stand out for all the wrong reasons is high on the list of priorities as they prepare to enter the classroom with the added hope of creating positive and lasting friendships
Through your generous support, the Canada and Bermuda Territory has been able to assist The Salvation Army in Eastern Europe in responding to this need by providing children who have been displaced by the conflict in Ukraine with all they need to get off to a great start in this new school year
By Major Brian Slous
This fall, 700 children in the nation of Georgia received clothes, backpacks and school supplies, while in Romania an additional 4,000 backpacks loaded with school supplies were distributed.
As many are beginning to wonder when, or if, they will be able to return to the place they once called home, The Salvation Army remains committed to support the most vulnerable during this period of extended upheaval and uncertainty. It is our hope that one childhood lesson learned, in the midst of conflict, is that there is a God who not only loves them but hears and answers their prayers.
A BEACON OF HOPE
The Salvation Army is committed to ensuring children around the world have access to a quality education The Vila dos Pescadores neighbourhood of urban Cubatão, Brazil, faces many challenges, including access to children’s education The Salvation Army is working to change that The Vila dos Pescadores Community Programme supports more than 200 children and adolescents, aged six to 17
The community program began in Vila dos Pescadores 36 years ago, when a local Salvationist, Cristina, saw a need and sprang into action. She began tutoring children in reading and writing skills from her own home in Vila dos Pescadores, until The Salvation Army was able to expand in the area. Since then, the program has become a beacon of hope in the community.
“The Salvation Army is like a mother, because the parents know they can leave their children here and go to work peacefully,” says Cristina, who is now retired but continues to volunteer her time with The Salvation Army.
A new project in partnership with The Salvation Army Brazil Territory will continue support to the children of this community with a well-rounded education, including reading and writing, math, dance, computer skills, health, and more The program also offers children special educational opportunities for learning, such as field trips and celebrations
Thanks to your generous contributions to the Brighter Futures Children’s Sponsorship Program, The Salvation Army is able to provide children and families around the world with the tools and skills they need to have a bright and prosperous future.
By Robyn Goodyear
HOPE THROUGH CLEAN WATER IN RWANDA
CBy Manjita Biswas
lean, accessible water is critical to good health, and yet over two billion people live in countries where water supply is inadequate
Like others in the region, the Rwimiyaga community of Rwanda has been facing challenges to access clean water, which affects other aspects of life, such as health, hygiene, agriculture, food security, and more
People from this community travel two to three hours to search for and fetch water Even then, the water is not clean, causing waterborne diseases, especially to children
Through its local partner in Rwanda, the Canada and Bermuda Territory recently commenced a three-year safe water project to provide clean drinking water to the children and communities in desperate need in Rwimiyaga With a total budget of USD $345,000, the project will help establish four boreholes and water tanks at schools to provide safe, consistent water sources; teach families about proper hygiene practices; and promote nutrition through farming and vegetable demonstration plots More than 6,000 people, especially women and children, will directly benefit through this project
“Our children used to travel long distance to fetch water, sometimes they arrive at school late,” says Claudine, a member of the Rwimiyaga community, with a smile “God has answered our prayers! Now we can see the future is bright through this project”
Claudine and others in her community are grateful to The Salvation Army for helping to provide life-saving water that can be collected in a timely fashion to allow people, particularly mothers, to focus on earning, their children’s education and their family’s well-being
