Since October 2007, the Gifts of Hope program has provided a simple way for Salvationists and friends of The Salvation Army to support needy children, families and communities around the world. Rather than buying conventional gifts for Christmas or other special occasions, Salvationists can purchase goats, mosquito nets, medical supplies or other gifts of hope on behalf of a friend or family member.
“We have been very pleased with the response so far,” says Major Gillian Brown, associate director of world missions. “We’ve marketed the Gifts of Hope campaign each October, anticipating that people would utilize the program in their Christmas gift-giving. We expect to see greater support and interest as the program continues.”
The Gifts of Hope marketing materials say that they are “guaranteed to make a big difference.” That’s a strong statement. Here are some reports to back it up.
Water in Liberia
Without water, there is no life. That’s why The Salvation Army is creating new wells and rehabilitating old ones in Liberia.
The community of Ganta does not have a well for safe drinking water. The people get their water from a nearby river, which means they frequently get sick with typhoid and diarrhea. In order to assist them, the local Salvation Army corps has organized a community group that will manage the use and maintenance of a well. With the support of the Gifts of Hope program, the people of Ganta will be able to afford its construction. Each family is expected to contribute a small payment weekly to ensure sustainability.
In Mount Coffee, the community has started digging a well, and will need to dig further to a depth of 12 metres to ensure they get clear and clean water. The Salvation Army corps has partnered with the tribal leader and other community members to establish a plan to maintain and secure the well. At a cost of $3,200 USD to cement the well and establish a hand pump, it would be impossible for the Mount Coffee community to complete this project. Through the Gifts of Hope program, The Salvation Army is making the impossible possible.
The William Booth Elementary and High School has an empty well. At nine metres deep, it sits dry and useless, and without the money to dig further, the community is unable to access much-needed water. The Gifts of Hope program is partnering with the school to rehabilitate the well to benefit its students and families in the community.
At a cost of only $30, the gift of water is an affordable way to give the gift of life.
Livestock in Tanzania
In Tanzania, livestock such as cows and goats are a source of income and nutrition. But for those living in poverty, livestock are a luxury few can afford.
For $300, the Gifts of Hope program can purchase a cow that will be shared by one or more families. Some of these cows will be dairy, providing milk for personal consumption and perhaps sold for revenue. Within a dairy-cattle scheme, additional members of the community can benefit when the cows breed and their offspring are distributed.
More frequently, cows are used for farming purposes. “Through the Gifts of Hope campaign, the Koleli Corps, Serengeti District, was able to obtain an oxen-driven plough,” says Frederick Urembo, projects officer, Tanzania. “This cattle project is now supporting the community to expand their gardening and farming activities.”
A goat for a family costs $40. Goats provide milk and meat for families and are easy to care for and breed. The Salvation Army in Tanzania has assisted 2,000 people through its goat-banking scheme, which helps families keep their goats in a community setting.
“Through this program the daily income of poor rural community members has increased, the nutritional status of family members has improved and the residues collected from goats have been used to fertilize vegetable gardens,” says Urembo.
“In partnership with the Canada and Bermuda Territory, we have been able to provide basic training skills, facilities and goats for poor rural families in order to establish sustainable goat-banking schemes,” he says. “Every family selected for the scheme is required to construct a goat-keeping hut using local materials by applying the knowledge given during the training sessions. This confirms their commitment to the program and ensures sustainability.”
Education in Malawi
In Malawi, a child needs a uniform, pen, paper and books to attend school. Due to poverty and the HIV/AIDS pandemic, many orphans and vulnerable children do not have the resources necessary to get an education. A gift of $40 ensures that a child has all the basics.
“Through the direct assistance of the Gifts of Hope program, 100 orphans and vulnerable children received school uniforms and were encouraged to go to school,” says Major Godfrey Payne, officer commanding, Malawi.
“In addition, the Gifts of Hope program has supported and strengthened 30 kids’ clubs through the provision of scholastic materials,” says Major Payne. “With 1,018 children on the roll, we have seen an average monthly attendance of 10,000. As well, 300 local leaders and 30 volunteer teachers received training in managing and operating the kids’ clubs.”
The kids’ clubs offer educational support, psychosocial counselling and community fellowship. Without this program, many of the children would fall prey to illegal or harmful activities. Instead, they are developing their psychological and social capacity and growing into responsible citizens. “The kids’ clubs are a turning point for our children and the community as we can see the bright future in them,” says a leader of the Thyolo kids’ club.
With greater support from Canadian and Bermudian Salvationists, The Salvation Army in Malawi can assist more children and give them a brighter future.
“Our school was struggling to death and ready to close,” says a volunteer teacher from Nguludi School. “But when the support of the Gifts of Hope came to us, the school and our kids’ club was resurrected and now we can serve our children effectively.”
For more information about the Gifts of Hope program, or to purchase gifts online, please visit salvationarmy.ca/giftsofhope