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Christian World Service

Terms of Reference

• supports development programmes working for long term change
• responds to emergencies
• educates within Aotearoa New Zealand
• advocates and campaigns for change

Recommendations

(1) That Assembly affirms the work of Christian World Service and encourages parishes to support the Christmas Appeal and emergency appeals.

(2) That Assembly encourages youth groups and parishes with young people in them to participate in the Wipe Out Poverty programme.

(3) That Assembly encourages all parishes to select a lay person to act as Parish Link to Christian World Service

Report

1. Support for the Work of Christian World Service

1.1 Presbyterian support for the work of Christian World Service continues to be extremely high. The 2001 Christmas Gift Appeal was up again on the previous year raising a total of $499 736. Over two-thirds of all Presbyterian and Cooperating parishes supported the Appeal. The average amount raised by Presbyterian parishes was $652 (an increase from $631 the previous year).

1.2 Many individuals and parishes also contribute generously to emergency appeals. The major appeals in the last two years have been for Afghanistan (refugees and earthquake victims- $90 000), El Salvador earthquake ($44 000) and Indian earthquake ($78 000). In recognition of Christian World Service's ability to deliver help in crisis situations, we also received over $400 000 each year from the New Zealand Government for emergency relief in El Salvador, India, Sudan, Afghanistan and for Palestinian refugees.

1.3 There has also been a large increase in the number of people contributing monthly via direct debit to Christian World Service's work. This type of giving is greatly appreciated as we can then assure our partners of ongoing funding enabling them to make long term plans.

2. Supporting Development Programmes

2.1 Christian World Service continues to support approximately 40 projects in 20 countries around the world. There is great variation in these projects as groups seek ways of overcoming poverty and injustice in their own communities. The projects range from a women's heifer project in Uganda to agro-forestry and income generating in Bangladesh, rainwater harvesting in Zimbabwe, a programme for young people living on the streets of Brazil and literacy training in Bougainville.

2.2 Due to an increase in Christian World Service's income, we have been able to apply for an increase in the Government subsidy we receive for our development programmes under the Voluntary Agency Support Scheme (VASS). In 2001-2, we received $840 000 of VASS funding.

3. Working with the Association of Presbyterian Women (APW)

3.1 Christian World Service greatly appreciates a close working relationship with the Association of Presbyterian Women (APW). The APW/MWF Special Projects for the last few years have focused on Christian World Service's partners in Fiji (SEEP), El Salvador (Las Dignas) and Sudan (New Sudan Council of Churches Peace Process). APW groups around the country do an amazing job of fundraising for their annual special project. This year, the Christian World Service video and study series featured the work of Las Dignas to complement the fundraising being undertaken and these resources have been in great demand.

4. Wipe Out Poverty

4.1 The most exciting development of the past two years has been Wipe Out Poverty-the youth programme designed to encourage young people to take action against poverty around the globe. Youth Topics, a poster resource is produced three times a year focusing on issues of interest to youth- for example, child labour in the manufacture of sports shoes and footballs. September 2-8 is Wipe Out Poverty week and young people are being invited to have a "a splashing time cleaning, washing, wiping and shining anything you can lay your hands on - and at the same time raising money for communities in need".

4.2 The Wipe Out Poverty Team also participated in the Parachute youth festival where they highlighted the issue of third world debt.

This new programme has been possible because of significant seeding funding from the Council for World Mission (via the Presbyterian Church). We are extremely grateful for this support.

5. Parish Link Programme

5.1 Parish Links are volunteers who promote the work of Christian World Service in their parish and the wider community. We now have over 250 Parish Links throughout the country who promote the different appeals, encourage their church to use Christian World Service's educational resources and become involved in campaigns. Parish Links receive regular information from Christian World Service and meet together regionally at least once a year.

5.1 The Parish Link programme is proving to be a very successful way of keeping the work of Christian World Service before parishioners. Approximately one-quarter of all Presbyterian parishes have a Parish Link and our aim is to double this number in the next two years.

Jill Hawkey

National Co-ordinator

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