1 week Ago
Youngsters in Bolton are making their own symbolic call for peace in the world as they stand in solidarity with families affected by conflict. Children are making paper doves, the bird used to symbolise peace, in the run up to Christmas. The young people are members of the Young Church at Christ Church in Heaton , and are supporting Christian Aid's 2024 Christmas Appeal.
This year the appeal is sharing stories from South Sudan where millions of people are sheltering, having fled the conflict in neighbouring Sudan. Joanna Steele, a Young Church leader, said: "We’ve been making Doves of Peace in order to support Christian Aid’s campaign to demonstrate hope and prayers of peace. "The doves are on display on a golden tree at the front of church.
"All the children worked hard to create them, while thinking about those living in conflict. "They wanted to show how they are praying for world leaders to do more to encourage peacebuilding." This year’s Christian Aid appeal is focusing on the plight of refugees in South Sudan (Image: Supplied) This year's Christian Aid appeal is centred on the struggles of more than four million homeless refugees in South Sudan.
Christian Aid has been active in South Sudan since the 1970s, working with churches and other partners to promote peace and deliver lifesaving supplies. The organisation also trains community champions in the prevention of violence against women and supports farmers in climate-resilient practices. Last year alone, Christian Aid and its partners supported more than 43,500 people.
However, as the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan worsens, with new families arriving daily to seek refuge, the need for support is 'greater than ever.' Christian Aid's UK supporters have enabled the Smile Again Africa Development Organisation, a partner of the charity, to deliver a programme providing financial assistance to refugees in the Wedweil Refugee Settlement. James Wani, country director of Christian Aid South Sudan, described this as 'a lifeline for families who have left everything behind to survive.
' He said: "Offering financial assistance means people can prioritise their own specific needs and decide how to meet them. "It’s a programme which brings choice, hope and dignity to people who’ve lost so much. "As well as meeting their immediate needs, families are also using the financial assistance to establish new incomes to support them in the longer term.
" This Christmas , donations from carol concerts and special services will help to boost funds for these kinds of projects. To find out how to get involved, visit christianaid.org.
uk and click on appeals..
