CHRISTIAN AID WEEK

Between May 11 - 17 are seven days of fundraising that make a real difference to the lives of millions of people in developing countries as we help them help themselves out of poverty.

Last year we raised an amazing £40,000 on the Island matched £1 for £1 by the Government, and this year we need your help to do even better.

This year we are aiming to raise £42,564 from the Isle of Man public to help 7,500 in 10 remote villages in a neglected region east of Mavinga in Southern Angola. We are hoping the IOM Government’s Overseas Aid Committee will again generously approve a matching grant bringing the total to £85,000. This will be spent to improve food supplies (seed banks, new crops) as well as improving health by cleaner water (digging a well in each of the villages) and by training midwives. The project also includes mine awareness training and adult literacy.

Almost half of Angola's population is under the age of 15 and life expectancy is only 41 years. It has the third highest child mortality rate in the world with one in four children dying before their fifth birthday. This year Angola celebrates five years of peace but the road to full recovery will take much longer. It will need international assistance for many years to come.

Christian Aid has supported local organisations in Angola since 1985. It has classified Angola as a priority country as so much of its infrastructure has been destroyed. The work focuses on ensuring the government deliver on its promises to invest in infrastructure and development, the prevention of the spread of HIV and helping poor communities to improve their standard of living.

So give Christian Aid a hand and donate what you can.

Your valuable contribution to Christian Aid Week really will make a difference where the need is greatest.