CAFOD Preston

INSPIRING, humbling and engaging were some of the words used to describe the Preston CAFOD meeting.

More than 40 people listened attentively to tales from Nigeria to fund raising initiatives in our own diocese.

Louise Cross’ presentation brought the warmth of the Nigerian people to a cold January night in Preston.

She spoke passionately and vibrantly about her experiences in Nigeria with Chris White as part of the Step into the Gap programme.

TRANSFORM

We learned what life is like for people living in the eighth most populated country in the world.

Every day the dwindling river is used for washing and bathing by many

Imagine having to wait and queue up for three days to collect water.

Water catchments are helping to transform the lives of people living in rural Nigeria. Having clean fresh water available close by – something we all take for granted – will make all the difference in people’s lives.

At a water catchment tank in Nigeria

Everyone present at Our Lady & Saint Edward’s Parish Centre in Fulwood felt humbled by the people we heard about and Louise’s experiences in a culture so different from our own.

DELIGHT

On a similar theme, diocesan manager Rosa Trelfa spoke of her delight at the donations received by CAFOD for the people of Haiti.

The Catholic communities of England and Wales have raised more than £1.2m for the CAFOD appeal – every penny of which goes to our partners Caritas Haiti working on the ground in the Caribbean.

CAFOD has been working alongside the people of Haiti for more than 30 years and will continue to support the people there as they try to re-build their lives.

A month on from The Wave in London we learned that 55,000 cards were given to Gordon Brown highlighting our cause for Climate Justice.

The Copenhagen summit didn’t provide the agreements we had hoped for so we were encouraged to lobby politicians on climate justice as the country prepares for a General Election in the spring.

We were treated to an inspiring video highlighting this year’s Lent Family Fast Day – our 50th anniversary of the event. Whether it’s giving up biscuits, wine or sweets we were all challenged to do our bit for our suffering brothers and sisters around the world.

The meeting closed in prayer as we reflected on the situation in Haiti.

“Light shines in darkness, and darkness could not overpower it.” (John 1:5)

Haiti Earthquake – please help

As a member of the Caritas Federation, we are supporting our partners to assist with the relief effort following the earthquake on the Caribbean Island of Haiti on January 12, 2010

As rescuers search for survivors among the rubble following the earthquake, our partners will be carrying out needs assessments.

At present there are no accurate figures of the number of dead and those made homeless by the quake, but it is clear that with a population of around nine million people – with three million living in the devastated capital Port Au Prince – substantial humanitarian assisance will be required.

Any money pledged will help our partners supply water, food, medicines and shelter to the worst affected areas.

Please support our appeal, or the DEC appeal, via www.cafod.org.uk/haitiappeal

You can follow our bloggers on the ground at: http://blog.cafod.org.uk/category/haiti/

And get all the latest news on Twitter at http://twitter.com/cafod

Nigeria? How long do you have??

Some of Chris’s initial thoughts on his return from Nigeria as part of the Step into the Gap Programme:

 

I cannot believe that it has been a month since we departed Nigeria. Everything still seems so fresh and recent, except the heat, I can’t remember what it feels like to be hot now!

Looking back on our time out in Nigeria, there are so many memories that I can draw upon, so when I am asked how was it? What did you enjoy most? … I ask ‘how long do you have?’

There isn’t really one thing that I can single out as being the best moment. Our time spent in Nigeria was so diverse and we had so many amazing moments, from our time in Ajegunle, Lagos in the secondary and primary school, and learning crafts in the women’s centre, to spending time with the CAFOD team and the CAFOD partners in Jos, and then visiting Fr. Leo in Bauchi. We were just so fortunate to see and do all of the things that we did.

CAFOD’s work in Nigeria is centred from Jos, we did not spend much time in the CAFOD office there, but from visits to the partners we could see the vital work that is being done in partnership. It was very interesting to see how far the work CAFOD and its partners spread across the plateau state.

Our time spent with Kuru water was particularly eye opening as we spent an overnight visit with them in the towns and villages where they help the local people to get access to clean water all year round.

The visit to Nigeria was certainly an eye opening one and an inspiring one too. I hope that I will be able to let people understand everything about our trip- but be patient as we have a lot to say!

Chris and Lou will be speaking around the diocese about their visit  – look out for details locally.  Alternatively, if you’d like to invite them to give a presentation at your parish, contact us at the CAFOD Lancaster office.

Nigeria – the experience of my lifetime

Lou’s first reflections on her return from Nigeria with the ‘Step into the Gap’ Programme:

 

A friend who had visited Nepal once told me that nothing he saw in the streets of Wakefield reminded him of his visit. Nepal was literally another world and now I know exactly what he meant.

It is very hard to see anything of Nigeria here at home, it is another world. Going to Nigeria was the experience of my lifetime.  I can honestly say I learnt more about myself and the world in that short period than at any other time in my life. But in many ways, although only one month has passed since we returned, it feels a lifetime ago.

Children looking a photo of Blackpool

From being in the schools in Lagos, to seeing the CAFOD projects in the north, we met some amazing people. We got the chance to talk to children, teachers, sisters, medical staff, kings, priests, about everything from water to Christmas, tax to teddy bears. Every day was a challenge, even if it was just catching the unreliable taxi across the city, but challenges that we enjoyed.

Our first few weeks were spent in the south in the humid heat of Lagos in the Ajegunle slum, where we visited primary and secondary schools and a women’s centre. We taught the children about Blackpool and played endless games of ‘head, shoulders, knees and toes’.

In Jos, in the cooler north, we spent more time with the CAFOD projects. Seeing the massive impact one water catchment has on a community is breathtaking. We saw whole communities pulling together regardless of race, tribe, and religion to build better futures for themselves because now they have hope, they have water.

In Kwa, a district we visited in the north, the river bed runs dry only a month after the rainy season has finished. The women’s daily battle is to find enough clean water to sustain their families and every year this battle gets harder as the effects of climate change take hold of the region.

CAFOD’s partners work hard here with the community, easing the struggle for clean water little by little, building together water filters and water catchment tanks.

So many experiences I had in Nigeria will stay with me forever. I look forward to sharing them with you over the months ahead and all that remains is to say thank you to everyone who made our visit to Nigeria what it was.

Lou and Chris will be speaking around the diocese about their visit – look out for details locally. Alternatively, if you’d like to invite them to give a presentation at your parish, contact us at the CAFOD Lancaster office.

Speak up for CAFOD

Speaking up for CAFOD
Communicating CAFOD’s key messages 

Ahead of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Fast Day in March 2010 we are offering a short training session for volunteers willing to raise awareness of the 50th Anniversary of Lent Fast Day.

The session will cover how to effectively communicate CAFOD’s key messages and will explore how to both personalise and deliver CAFOD talks to our parish congregations.

Celebrating this significant milestone in CAFOD’s history we remember CAFOD’s beginnings, with the commitment to continue the legacy which we have inherited, showing that whilst much has been achieved we remain in solidarity with our sisters and brothers overseas. 

Bernadette speaks for CAFOD

The training will cover:
* how to effectively communicate the key messages we need people to hear
* the ways in which people listen
* ways to both prepare and deliver a talk
* how to get our parishes involved in the 50th Anniversary of Fast Day in Lent this year

It takes place at:
* St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Cadley Causeway, Cadley, Preston, PR2 3RX
* on Saturday 16th January 2010, 11.00am till 2.00pm.    The training is free.

Have you ever considered speaking up for CAFOD?  As a practical expression of our faith, it literally speaks volumes. 

CAFOD has made a tremendous difference to the lives of thousands around the world.  It can continue to do so with your support.  We invite you to  offer your time and skills.   Join us.

To book a place or further information contact the CAFOD Lancaster office on 01772 733310 or email lancaster@cafod.org.uk 

                                           
Thank you for your support.

The Wave

The IMPACT Youth Group from Preston

At 7.30am on a cold, dark Saturday morning we gathered at Preston Railway Station, some of us holding onto warm paper cups of coffee, others queuing to buy Tube tickets, as we waited to go to London to The Wave – anticipated to be the biggest demonstration in the UK around climate change.  Almost 50 campaigners made up this particular party.

Here are some reflections after The Wave from some of the members of the group:

Making banners before the march

Was the day what you though it was going to be?

It was much more than that, it was miles better.  Afnan

Mostly, but the amount of enthusiasm and the number of people were even more than I had imagined.  Jack

It was far better.  Joining the march at Trafalgar Square was awesome.  Patrick

It was really good and went a lot faster than I expected it to – there was so much going on.  Lizzie

It was a lot more fun than I thought it would be.  Penny

Yes, but a bit more peaceful than expected – more chains!!  Joe

It was better.  Real sense of purpose and commitment came through.  Rosa

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside Downing Street

What were the best bits of the day?

Being filmed for CAFOD; assembling with lots of other people who there for the same cause; the MARCH!!  Afnan

Looking back across the river and seeing that it was still just as busy on the other side; seeing people of all ages and all walks of life coming together; my blue hands!  Jack

Josh and his extremely loud chanting; the far too early train trip with Terry. Imogen

Sitting on the lion;  ’Hey you, give us five, help our planet to survive!’  and painting myself blue.  Joe

The march; the TV interview; painting my face blue.  Penny

Taking part in the workshops before the march; seeing the sights – no 10 Downing Street; listening to Alan on the train.  Lizzie

The whole march; being under Big Ben for the first Wave; being painted blue.  Clara

The march; the coffee and sit down after the march; the amazing atmosphere.  Rosa

 

 What’s the message you’d like to give to world leaders in Copenhagen? 

What do we want??

Raise the stakes, make big promises and actually keep them.  Afnan

Don’t leave it too late.  Take the bold step necessary to bring about change.  Now.  Patrick 

Climate change is an important issue in the lives of so many people and more need to be done to reduce its effects and support the people affected by it.  Jack 

CLIMATE JUSTICE!!  Think of those who really need help.  Imogen 

Pull your finger out Obama!  Joe

Getting the best deal to  lower carbon emissions is the most important thing they can do.  Clara 

Protect the vulnerable in the world before defending the rights of the rich and secure.  Is it right that they suffer the effects of climate change and we stand by and watch?  Rosa 

 

The banner says it all

How did you feel at the end of the day?

Exhausted, but completely empowered and ready to take action.  Afnan

Tired.  Penny

Buzzing.  Clara

Pleased with myself. Joe

Empowered and buzzing.  Imogen

Satisfied and proud.  Lizzie

Exhausted, but good.  Rosa

Shattered, but with the tiredness a sense of accomplishment.  Patrick

 

Glad you took part?  Why?

Of course! It was an opportunity of a lifetime and to be part of something that was so historic and that would open people’s eyes was amazing. I’m so glad I can say that I was there! (:  Afnan

Very glad, because I feel we were part of something really huge that wouldn’t have been so good without us!  Lizzie

 

Yes, I felt a real sense of being part of something big.  Imogen

 

Yes!  I feel we have done something for the world.  Joe

 

Yes – there was a real sense of solidarity and tangible postive energy.  A brilliant day.  Rosa 

 

Absolutely.  It’s part of our faith and responsibility to show witness and to speak up about injustice and the need for climate justice.  Patrick

  

Chris Bain, CAFOD's Director, walked with us for part of the march

Home sweet home

So, if you don’t know by now, we are back!

Arriving back in to Heathrow Airport was a revelation! It seems really bizarre to us that Christmas is in full swing now… it felt like we were in the end scene of a Hollywood Movie. If only our families had noticed us arrive.

Chris and Helen with CAFOD staff in Jos

Looking back over our time in Nigeria, we have managed to cram in more things into 5 weeks than seems possible. From our time in Lagos working with some of the poorest communities imaginable, to raffles at church bazaar’s auctioning off cars, sofas and fridges. From the busy and hectic roads of Lagos, we moved to Jos where the only things keeping us awake at night were the noisy crickets and all night praise of the local Pentecostal church.

Mr Sunday tells Lou and Cletus about water catchments in Lardang, Kwa district

Towards the end of our trip, conversations turned from the work that we were doing with the CAFOD partner organisations to what our first meal would be back home and cravings for Match of the Day and MILK!  Lou demanded luxurious cereal and Chris requested a nice lamb joint. Mmmmmmmmmmm. Luckily our Mums are very patient and understanding of us.

Chris with Agnes and Moses at Zawan orphanage - Zawan Jos

We are now looking forward to going back up North to see everyone back at St.Mary’s, CAFOD Lancaster and all the primary schools… not forgetting our fave…. Fr.John Foulkes! We have a lot to talk about, so beware… you need to be good listeners.

Thank you for being so patient with our updates, at times it has been hard to have access to internet points, and even then it was a struggle to get things sent off! Hope you could grasp a real picture of our amazing experiences out in Nigeria.

Our last thank you has to be to all of the people in Nigeria who welcomed us so warmly and made our trip so rich.

PS Cheers Helen!!

Preston Advent Service

Children from Holy Family and Our Lady & St Edward's Catholic Primary Schools

Over two hundred Preston children came together to pray and to celebrate the start of Advent.

“Walking with God” was held at a packed St Anthony’s Catholic Church in Fulwood on Thursday 3rd December and was supported by CAFOD and by the Diocesan Faith & Justice Commission.  

Children from Ss Mary & Michael Catholic Primary School

Our Lady’s Catholic High School and seven of her associated primary schools remembered the poor throughout the world as they contributed with music, dance and drama.

St Bernard's Catholic Primary School with their reflection 'Tick Tock'

Our Lady’s headteacher Nigel Ranson said “We have been able to work as a family of schools to prepare for Christmas in a special way. From reception in primary school right through to year 11 at high school children have worked together to produce a wonderful family celebration, remembering real Christian family values.”

St Anthony's Catholic Primary School looking happy!

Afterwards, CAFOD Lancaster Diocesan Manager Rosa Trelfa, said “The children were superb – a real credit to their families and schools.  They brought alive the key messages of Advent with their song, dance and drama.  And their singing of the song from Swaziland was brilliant!  Remembering that we are part of a wider global family is an important part of our preparations this Advent.  We have much to be thankful for and tonight we remembered those in need overseas with our prayers and with our practical support through CAFOD.”

Newman students ‘wave’ for action

The students are collecting signatures on t-shirts for The Wave - a human petition

Students from Newman College, Preston, Jack and Lizzie wrote this letter to the local newspaper the Lancashire Evening Post, and it was published on Tuesday 1st December. 

They’re part of a CAFOD Action Group at the college and yes, action is very much part of what they’re doing.  Read their letter.

To Bauchi and beyond…

Our last five days have been very eventful. It feels like we have driven across most of northern Nigeria and met half of the population.

Let us begin with our time in Bauchi. It was bound to be a good visit over the weekend when we were offered beer within seconds of our arrival at Fr. Leo’s house.

The purpose for our visit here was to observe and take part in the Youth Formation project set up by Leo and led by local young people, Sharing Education and Learning for Life. The project focuses on a variety of topics in 6 modules that engage young adults with life shaping issues and assists them to make conscious choices on how they will live their lives and shape their communities.

The module that we took part in was on peace building module, which was particularly relevant to the recent violent crisis between Christian and Muslim communities. This experience has given us the inspiration and the encouragement that work like this taking place here in Nigeria, could have a really positive impact in the communities back home in the UK.

The rest of our time in Bauchi was taken up mostly by some much needed leisure time and a chance to see more of the Nigerian countryside. We visited Yankari national park where we had the chance to take a dip in the natural hot springs and venture out on a short safari excursion. Being in the hot springs was an odd experience, relaxing but somehow uncomfortable as children, men and women of all ages seemed to gather near to us and stare even more than usual.

On safari we saw a few animals, including a distant elephant!!! Evenings spent in Bauchi were a bit of a treat as Leo’s house includes the very hidden during the day ‘Brooks Bar’, the only Irish bar in Bauchi state- let’s just say 7am starts weren’t easy.

From Bauchi we went straight to Kuru water a CAFOD supported partner project. Cletus and Shegun accompanied us on an overnight visit deep in the bush. Water supply is a huge problem for many rural Nigerian communities. The struggle to find constant and reliable water supplies all year round is all too common and an issue that has worsened over the past 10 years.

If people are lucky enough to have access to water, the sanitation of it is a troubling issue. This is where the work undertaken by Kuru Water comes in to play. During our time spent with this project we visited four different communities engaging with Kuru water to work together towards solutions for constant and clean safe water supplies. Kuru water has a variety of strategies for communities to put into place depending on their situation and geographical environment. On our visit we saw wells, water catchment tanks, water filtration units and storage tanks collecting water from the surrounding hills.

The stories we heard from the local people describing their struggles before the introduction of these simple water collection points and the impact since, clearly establish how important the work Kuru water has done and continue to do here is. The communities we met were diverse in religion and faith but yet were more unified than anywhere we have seen before.

Talking to Cletus it is clear that his work involves a lot of patience. Each community has to be ready to work together themselves and with Kuru water to be successful. This can be a very long process as Kuru water needs to be sure that each of the communities will take on the responsibility and ownership of the water points before installation.

It is so hard for us to put everything we have learnt and seen with Kuru water into this blog. The work they are they are doing is so important and inspirational. The nature of this trip has involved in us meeting so many people including kings, chiefs, and hundreds and thousands of people of the communities. Not to mention the things we saw and experienced that we hadn’t before during our time in Nigeria.