Christian Aid Week
Christian Aid Week 2023
For 2023, the focus is on Malawi and people like Jen, a farmer who would like to plant better seeds, secure a fairer price for their crops, and build happier futures for their children. If you would like to help, envelopes will be available on 14th and 21st of May at St. Leonard’s. Thank you for your support.
https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/key-appeals/christian-aid-week
“Jen’s oldest two boys have gained tertiary education places, which is very rare for young people from her rural area. One has a place at a prestigious polytechnic and one at a well-known college – it’s even on one of Malawi’s banknotes. Jen works hard to provide for her children. But she can barely scratch a living from the soil. Soaring costs of food, fuel, fertiliser, school uniforms and school fees are crushing dreams and keeping her family in poverty. Now, Jen has had to make a choice. One no mum should be forced to make. Rising costs mean Jen can pay for only one of her sons’ college courses. Help this strong and determined mum provide for her family’s future Jen desperately needs to earn more, so that her oldest son Mathews can study as well. His place at a prestigious college is reserved for a year, so Jen remains hopeful that he’ll be able to start his course.
The erratic weather is affecting Jen’s profits. ‘The result is that our harvest is very little,’ she says. But Jen remains resilient. ‘We say, let’s work hard so that the money will help the children go to school,’ she smiles.
Jen and her husband have two acres of pigeon peas, but they are struggling with the effects of the climate crisis. The rainfall is unreliable, and there are more storms, flooding and stronger winds. The pigeon pea is a tough plant, able to withstand a lot – just like Jen. But to make the most of her crop, Jen needs to plant good quality seeds and sell for the best price possible, and not to unscrupulous middlemen.
This Christian Aid Week, you can help dreams come true. Your gift could help farmers like Jen plant better seeds, secure a fairer price for their crops, and build happier futures for their children. Please help this strong and determined mum provide for her family’s future”.