This Lent, CAFOD is telling the stories of how we accompany communities who are striving to grow food and care for their families in the face of increasingly severe droughts and floods in South Sudan, in Bangladesh and in Zimbabwe.
Bishop Stephen visited Zimbabwe in October
“I was privileged to visit the Rushinga district in Zimbabwe in October to visit CAFOD projects there. Rushinga is a very remote, dry and hot part of the country. It is the northeast part of Zimbabwe. People will walk 7km for their daily water. They are reliant on the rainy season which with climate change is becoming less reliable than before. Sadly, drought is more common than before. Roads are rough dirt tracks. Children walk 10km to go to school. I was struck by the poverty and vulnerability of the people but also by their joy and most generous welcome. The dignity and friendliness of the people will stay with me forever.
“I saw how money donated to CAFOD changes lives. I visited three schools and a maternity unity where water is provided by drilling a well. Electricity is provided by solar panels and a simple but nutritious porridge meal is provided. I also saw how safeguarding teaching and practice is being introduced to better keep safe women and children. A better world needs all of us and thank you for your offering. It truly does change so many lives and gives the poorest of the poor the help they need to help themselves. With water, electricity and a good meal a day communities and families are changed. They are given the little help they need to move out of the poverty they suffer.
“Thank you for helping them.”
