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UN-AFR-AID |
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(United Africa Aid)
· Channelling grants to various parts of Africa, particularly East Africa
·
Supporting specific projects
through partners, especially PHARP ( Peace building, Healing
and Reconciliation
Programme)
· Praying and working for reconciliation between communities, tribes and nations
Aims of UNAFRAID
· to act as a channel for gifts and grants from Trusts and individuals to assist the work of PHARP and other partners in Africa.
· to maintain links with such partners by supporting projects and sending and receiving representatives who can keep us informed of ongoing work.
· to encourage the ministry of reconciliation, especially in areas of conflict in Africa by our prayer – and support for conflict resolution courses in the areas concerned by enabling some key people from those areas to attend relevant courses in the UK and elsewhere.
Channelling aid
The tribal conflict between Hutu and Tutsi in Rwanda and Burundi and surrounding nations has involved much destruction and killing and has left a legacy of hate and hostility. There have been great numbers of refugees in D.R. Congo (formerly Zaire) and Tanzania. Various pressures have resulted in groups leaving refugee camps and heading back home in spite of the dangers. There is a great need for medical and other forms of help. There is also a great need for a process of healing and reconciliation – which cannot come about without some recognition of past wrongs, and repentance and forgiveness on both sides. There are people committed to a ministry of reconciliation and they need and deserve support and encouragement. There are existing agencies and individuals through whom help can be channelled and the need for such help is urgent.
Supporting projects
In August 1996 the Community for Reconciliation responded to a request from MAP International (East/Southern Africa) for a Course on Conflict resolution and Reconciliation. [MAP (the Medical Assistance Programme) is an international organisation engaged mainly in medical aid. More recently MAP (East/Southern Africa) has become involved in Reconciliation ministries and educational work to combat AIDS.] John Johansen-Berg, then pastoral leader, now international director, of the Community, went out to lead the course at a centre near Nairobi. This was the result of similar work he had undertaken in Romania. The Course was attended by pastors and others from Rwanda, Burundi, D.R. Congo (formerly Zaire) and Kenya. In response to a request, a similar course was led by John Johansen-Berg and Jennifer Marsh in Kigali, Rwanda in 1997. Since then the Regional Director of MAP International (East/Southern Africa), Dr Peter Okaalet, has visited Barnes Close and met with members of the Council of Management. Resulting from his request it was agreed that CfR should act as a channel for aid and grants to MAP and other projects in Africa. In 2001 PHARP ( Peace building, Healing and Reconciliation Programme) has been registered as a separate N.G.O. and replaces MAP as one of our partners.
On both visits John has seen the work of Wanjiku Kironyo in the shanty town of Mathare Valley Nairobi. She has organised teams of women there to work to improve the situation of poverty and lack of facilities. SEDS (Social and Eccomonic Development Services) has been formed to promote this work. The local council has provided a grant of land for the provision of a nursery and for basketry and metal workshops, by Wanjiku and further provision for young people has also been made though the Maji Mazuri centre.
Why is CfR involved?
· it is an ecumenical Christian Community having a number of existing links in Africa
· its members are committed to working and praying for justice, peace and reconciliation.
it is also a registered charity whose aims include “the relief of poverty"
A number of contacts have now been established by the Community in Nigeria, East and Southern Africa. We would like to give support and encouragement to initiatives which work for a peaceful and co-operative society in Africa.
UnAfrAid operates within the charity status of the Community for Reconciliation which has a Council of Management for general oversight
CfR Reg Charity No 295113 Co Reg No 2041873
POSTAL ADDRESS:
Un-Afr-Aid, Barnes Close, Chadwich,
Malthouse Lane Bromsgrove, Worcs, B61 0RA
CONTACT DETAILS:
Office
Tel: 01562 710231
Office Fax: 01562 710278
Office hours:
9.30am-5pm (Monday to Friday)
Email:
cfrenquiry@aol.com