Partnership Spring 2013, r2_Partnership Spring 2013 - Canadian ...

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P U B L I C A T I O N

SPRING 2013

Page 3 Promoting peace through education

Page 6 Your gifts at work: Restoring livelihoods in Japan

Charting a new course for mission F or almost 50 years, Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) has been in partnership with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Since 1999, this partnership has resulted in $34 million being channelled to community development programming in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The world of international development and foreign aid is a complex and changing environment. Government priorities change. Policy frameworks are adjusted. As Robert

Granke, CLWR’s executive director, notes in this issue’s “View from Here” column, CLWR’s relationship with CIDA is not immune to these pressures. While CLWR’s current five-year agreement with CIDA will come to an end later this year, our determination to make a difference in the lives of those living in the developing world will not. This issue of Partnership highlights some of the projects that will be the focus of CLWR’s community development work over the next two-year cycle.

Creating a more sustainable livelihood for people in the developing world will remain a central focus of the work of CLWR. Photo: CLWR/J. Clark.

We are excited to tell you about a project that will soon be underway to improve the livelihoods of farmers in Hetosa, Ethiopia, a region often plagued by drought-related food shortages. We are also enthusiastic about renewed efforts to support the education of children of the West Bank in a way that we are hopeful will contribute to lasting peace and tolerance amongst the diverse populations that call that region home. For those of you who gave generously to CLWR’s appeal following the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami disaster, we are pleased to report on a project that is about to get underway to assist farmers in their recovery from the effects of radioactive contamination caused by damage to the Fukushima nuclear reactor. In addition to these stories, this issue briefly highlights some new and ongoing initiatives in Nicaragua and South Africa. These projects demonstrate CLWR’s commitment to work with partners such as the Lutheran World Federation and Canadian Foodgrains Bank, as well as church partners affiliated with both the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and Lutheran Church– Canada. Together, we remain inspired by God’s love for humanity as we challenge the causes and respond to the consequences of human suffering and poverty, and work towards a world where people live in justice, peace and dignity.

C A N A D I A N LU T H E R A N W O R L D R E L I E F

PA R T N E R S H I P S P R I N G 2 0 1 3

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The view from here By now, you will have heard the news of the realignment of Canada’s principal international development agency, CIDA. The March 21 Canadian budget formed a new Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development by combining international development and humanitarian aid functions with foreign affairs and international trade. A government release indicates that the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) role in the new department will advance the government’s desire to have international aid “advance Canada’s long-term prosperity and security.” CIDA will most certainly undergo changes. Policy frameworks will be retooled as the agency focuses on certain priority countries and establishes key themes for programming support platforms. CLWR will monitor the situation closely to determine how these changes might affect our future programming as we explore new opportunities. What is clear is that the landscape of international aid is changing rapidly, in response to a world that is finding new ways of working and new alliances that best facilitate the delivery of effective and efficient development assistance. Our current five-year agreement with CIDA is about to expire. We remain confident that renewed support from CIDA will be secured as soon as a new call for proposals is issued. In the meantime, we are not sitting back waiting for that opportunity. We are taking action now. In September 2012, the CLWR board approved a three-year provisional plan that provides for financial stability and a clear program plan. We are being proactive as an organization to support programs that are reflective of our mission, of relevance to our partners, and that ready us to scale up activities in order to respond to new funding opportunities.

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In Africa, this three-year plan will support programs in Ethiopia, Mozambique and South Africa, in addition to humanitarian aid directed to the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya. CLWR will remain present in Latin America and the Caribbean with programs in Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Haiti. We continue our tsunami and earthquake rebuilding efforts in Japan and the exciting education and health initiatives in Palestine. We are exploring possible support of at-risk youth in Ukraine. Intentional outreach to youth and young adults is another dimension of CLWR’s strategic plan. Rev. Tyler Gingrich will coordinate youth and young adult initiatives. The first of these is a Global Encounter. We are excited to report that in May, 20 young Lutherans will travel to the Andean region of Peru to see how CLWR is responding to God’s call to be neighbours to all. We also celebrate the vigour of relationships with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and Lutheran Church–Canada that support life-giving international programming. Long-standing partners like ACT Alliance and Canadian Foodgrains Bank increase our impact. CLWR will continue to be your effective and efficient partner so you can change vulnerable lives around the world. CLWR is thankful for the prayers and trust that we receive from our supporters. We need this support more than ever in the coming years. The CLWR board and staff remain committed to excellence so that the CLWR of the future is secure and that we preserve our reputation as a leading development agency in the world. We are grateful for the confidence you have in CLWR and give God thanks for the spirit of generosity that lives among you.

Robert Granke Executive director

Promoting peace through education T he history of Lutheran education dates back to the Reformation itself. Some scholars would say the Reformation was as much concerned with education as it was with church and home. Martin Luther noted that “when schools flourish, all flourishes.” He proposed turning monasteries into schools and was instrumental in establishing schools in various towns, including Eisleben, where he died in 1546. Today this strong tradition plays out in communities across Canada and, thanks to support from Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR), in the Middle East. CLWR plans to direct $100,000 over the next two years to assist the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) with its Lutheran schools program. The ELCJHL operates four schools with a total enrollment of 2,000 students. These, along with those operated by other Christian organizations and churches, educate 10 percent of the student population in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Lutheran involvement in education in this part of the world dates back to the mid-19th century when English and German missionaries established a school for Arab girls, the first of its kind in Palestine. CLWR’s funding will focus on Dar al-Kalima Evangelical Lutheran School in Bethlehem. Founded in 1860, the school began a significant restoration and renewal program in 2000 which added science labs, a reception area, and space for staff and administration to better serve its students. Like other ELCJHL schools, Dar alKalima boasts a diverse student body. Its kindergarten to Grade 12 programs are co-educational with girls comprising 46 percent the student body. Nearly 60 percent of the

Students of Dar al-Kalima Evangelical Lutheran School in Bethlehem are among 2,000 that attend K-12 classes in four schools operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Photo: ELCJHL

school’s 304 students come from Muslim families—a testimony to the ELCJHL’s mission of serving its community members regardless of gender, race, ethnicity or religion. Unique to the Dar al-Kalima educational experience is its Complimentary Program which helps achieve the ELCJHL schools’ holistic educational approach. During the last hour of the school day students choose from a wide variety of courses and clubs appealing to their personal interests and talents. These include sports, cultural classes and personal growth opportunities not usually available in their neighbourhoods. Through this program and the regular academic curriculum, Dar al-Kalima and its staff of 29 strive to create an environment for interfaith dialogue that promotes peaceful co-existence among all people, including harmony and tolerance among Palestinians, both Christian and Muslim. The long-term goal is to produce

graduates who will serve their communities as well-educated leaders and visionaries, displaying tolerance and being capable of engaging in constructive planning for Palestine’s future. Although the school charges tuition, the fees currently cover only one-half of the educational cost. As well, Dar al-Kalima and other Lutheran schools accept many students whose families simply can’t afford to pay full fees. About one-half of the students receive some form of financial assistance from a tuition fee exemption fund. With assistance from overseas partners like CLWR, the schools can continue offering excellence in education for many young Palestinians. Through its school program, the ELCJHL provides an ever-present witness to a faith that seeks peace and justice in an oft-troubled region of the world. By supporting the work of CLWR, you are a part of that witness. [With files provided by ELCJHL]



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Growing produce and prosperity ERITREA YEMEN SUDAN DJIBOUTI ETHIOPIA Addis Ababa

UGANDA

Hetosa

KENYA

SOMALIA

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mple land, access to water and a temperate climate are great assets for any agricultural endeavour. The residents of Ethiopia’s Hetosa district can lay claim to all these things, but due to unpredictable rain and a lack of training and resources, many families struggle to grow enough food. CLWR, through our partner Lutheran World Federation (LWF)

Netting placed over apple trees protects fruit from insect damage. Photo: CLWR/I. McKenzie



Ethiopia, will begin a project with the community to ensure that Hetosa’s valuable resources are used to their full capacity, and the people there can grow enough food to feed themselves year-round and earn a good living through the sale of surplus fruits, vegetables and dairy products. LWF Ethiopia is well-versed in projects such as these, with over 30 years of experience; past projects have improved the livelihoods of participating farmers as well as their communities. The project is multi-dimensional, addressing interrelated issues such as water management, transportation, finance and marketing. It will focus on providing training and resources to men and women equally, as opportunities for women to improve their livelihoods are not common in Hetosa, even though they are responsible for much of the agricultural work. To make better use of Hetosa’s existing water resources, river diversions, wells and springs will be constructed to water crops. Cooperatives of male and female farmers will be formed to help farmers share their resources and market their produce. The project will support micro-financing institutions that can supply capital to cooperatives. Easier access to loans for women and men will enable farmers to buy improved seeds, fertilizers and other inputs they previously couldn’t afford. All these efforts will be tied to training in irrigation and other agricultural techniques to ensure farmers are able to use their new resources effectively. Growing marketable crops is one part of the solution. The other is getting those crops to market. While

in an Ethiopian community Hetosa is less than 50 kilometres from two major towns and only 140 kilometres from Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, up until now there hasn’t been money for transportation to these markets. As well, farmers lack knowledge of best marketing practices. Through this project, farmers will be connected with marketing training through the Ethiopian government’s

cooperative promotion office. This will include an innovative system for passing along market updates. Since many of Hetosa’s residents are illiterate, rather than posting written information, it will be passed along by cell phone, which many people own or can access. Increased access to micro-finance loans will make it possible for farmers’ groups to arrange for transportation

to nearby towns and cities. In close collaboration with the people of Hetosa, CLWR will tap into the promise of the community, increasing their self-sufficiency and providing the tools and skills to build productive livelihoods. Full ownership of the project will belong to the local community when CLWR and LWF finish their work in the district.

To improve water management, temporary water diversions formed with sandbags will be replaced by more permanent structures made of concrete. Photo: CLWR/E. Oduro



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Your gifts at work: Restoring livelihoods after Japan’s earthquake and tsunami O n March 11, 2011, a devastating 9.0-magnitude earthquake struck the northeastern coast of Japan, triggering a massive tsunami that washed away several coastal cities, destroyed critical infrastructure and crippled thousands of businesses. Nearly 19,000 people lost their lives and around 300,000 were made homeless by the disaster. Within a week of the disaster, CLWR launched an appeal and Canadian Lutherans responded generously. With ACT Alliance partner Church World Service (CWS) already on the ground in Japan, some funds were initially utilized to assist with the provision of basic needs of food, water and sanitation at over 100 evacuation sites. Two years later, after this story has all but disappeared from the pages of our newspapers, many people in the region are still struggling to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. Farmers have been particularly hard hit. A major consequence of the disaster was damage to a nuclear power plant in Fukushima Prefecture. Emissions from the damaged power plant contaminated farmland in the surrounding district and subsequently, rumours about the safety of food grown in the region spread. While some products did indeed begin to test above limits set for radioactivity, some rice and many vegetables and fruits were showing no signs of contamination. Frustration mounted as restrictions on shipments from the region caused sales to fall, thereby adversely affecting the income of many small-scale producers.


Agriculture department workers collect soil samples from a dried-up rice paddy in Soma, about 50km from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Photo: Reuters Alertnet/Issei Kat

To address these needs, in 2013-14 CLWR will allocate just over $90,000 from the Japan appeal to fund an agriculture regeneration project in the Fukushima area. Again, the funds will be channelled through CLWR’s partner Church World Service, which is taking the lead on managing the project. The centrepiece of the project will be the production of detailed landparcel scale maps that will document soil contamination levels. In total, radiation levels will be measured on some 7,000 land plots operated by over 2,000 farmers. Information will then be mapped using Geographical Positioning System technology.


Interestingly, the company contracted to complete this work is based in Belarus. It developed its expertise in the mapping of radioactive contamination following the Chernobyl nuclear accident in 1986. Once collected and mapped, the information is expected to play a key role in planning agricultural production in the region. Some contamination is believed to have resulted from runoff from mountain and forest areas following heavy rains. Taking into account local hydrology and topography, the maps will provide a way to interpret and predict which plots might be subjected to ongoing contamination. It is also hoped that the maps will provide the basis for strategic farming decisions. Knowing the extent to which an individual parcel has been contaminated, a farmer can then choose from a list of crops, depending on their tolerance to the presence of radioactive material in the soil. Participation of individual farmers in the survey process is a key component of the project. Up until now, farmers have received information from government officials with a degree of scepticism. It is hoped their direct involvement in the collection of data will translate into a higher degree of trust in the results and a willingness to implement recommended decisions on crops. Other potential beneficiaries are the 290,000 residents of Fukushima City who would consume products grown in its hinterland.

Off to school in Nicaragua S ending children to school in Nicaragua is a challenge for many rural families given that required school uniforms, shoes, backpacks and supplies can cost the equivalent of a month’s wages. For about 750 children, this burden has been lessened by the Christian Education Program of the Iglesia Luterana Sínodo de Nicaragua (ILSN), a partner church of Lutheran Church–Canada. The program, which is run in all 23 ILSN congregations, provides students with the requisite supplies. They attend regular school classes in the mornings, and in the afternoon, head to the community church where teachers and deaconesses provide tutoring and homework support for the children in math, Spanish and other subjects. A portion of the time is also set aside for Christian education and cultural activities.

Paula del Carmen Martinez, deaconess of the Church of Christ the King in the community of the Realejo has seen first-hand the impact the program has had on many young lives. “Thanks to God and the donors, the children have received the wonderful gift of studying.” For several years now, CLWR, in partnership with Lutheran Church– Canada, has been assisting the ISLN by providing scholarship funding for 250 children per year and will continue to do so over the next three years. In addition to the school program, CLWR will also continue to provide funding for the ILSN medical clinic in Chinandega. The clinic, which operates one day a week, is staffed by a doctor and dentist. On average, they see 40-45 patients and dispense common medications free of charge.

Quilts and We Care kits light up faces of Nicaraguan children. Greeting them is Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel, Director of Missions and Social Ministry, Lutheran Church–Canada. Photo: CLWR.

Addressing HIV and AIDS in southern Africa

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ccording to the United Nations, no region of the world has suffered more from HIV and AIDS than Africa. Almost 70 percent of worldwide deaths from the virus have occurred there. HIV and AIDS is a major public health issue for communities across southern Africa, the hardest hit region on the continent. It is here where CLWR’s partner, the Lutheran Communion of Southern Africa (LUCSA), is proactively motivating, enabling and strengthening its 16 member churches to respond urgently and purposefully to the epidemic. HIV and AIDS programming of LUCSA member churches has supported over 100 communitybased projects. Treatment is provided for those infected by the virus, care given for children orphaned by the disease and training is being given to pastors providing counselling to affected families. Advocacy work is being done by LUCSA to “mainstream” HIV and AIDS at all levels of the church to prevent the spread of the disease, deter gender-based violence and promote universal access to medications. Over the next three years, CLWR is targeting $150,000 of support for LUCSA’s HIV and AIDS programming. In doing so, CLWR joins other North American and European churches in facilitating the witness of LUCSA to the people of southern Africa.



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Checklist for CLWR Sunday 2013 ✓ Pick a Sunday ✓ Book a guest speaker ✓ Access resources at www.clwr.org Guest speakers available by contacting CLWR. Worship resources including scripture reflection, prayer petitions and hymn selections available soon at www.clwr.org

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Partnership is a publication of Canadian Lutheran World Relief ©2012. Material from Partnership may be reproduced for use by congregations. For additional copies, contact: Canadian Lutheran World Relief 600-177 Lombard Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0W5 Phone: 204.694.5602 or 1.800.661.2597 (CLWR) Fax: 204.694.5460 Email: [email protected] Vancouver: Fikre Tsehai, Program Manager for Refugees 80 East 10th Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3L 4R5 Phone: 604.540.9760 or Toll-free: 1.888.588.6686 Fax: 604.540.9795 Email: [email protected] Waterloo: Refugee Program – Eastern Region 101-470 Weber Street N, Waterloo, ON N2L 6J2 Phone: 519.725.8777 or Toll-free: 1.888.255.0150 Fax: 519.725.8776 Email: [email protected]

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