Development & Relief

Thanks - Christmas Star Project

This year's Christmas Project supported educational work in rural areas of Bangladesh. These are schools of WDRC partner, the Church of Bangladesh. Many of the rural families would not be able to give their children an education if it were not for these mission schools. Methodist mission partner, Sarah Hall (below), works with the Church of Bangladesh as an educational advisor.

Thank you if you took part.

Donations should be made out to 'World Development and Relief Fund' and sent to the office.

2011-12 Projects Powerpoint

Download powerpoint of current partners and projects

Can TAX help the poorest in Guatemala?

Many poorer countries cannot afford to improve public services such as healthcare even though there are many huge international companies based within their borders. However, these companies are not paying the tax due to the government. In Guatemala, WDRC is cofunding development work with Christian Aid Ireland. Healthcare with partner Bethania is being supported but so is advocacy work in an attempt to help the government obtain the tax that is rightfully theirs. This can then be invested in the state's health system which can benefit the very poorest. To understand this a little more, watch the video below and the short video explanation about the whole problem at the Christian Aid Ireland website .

VIDEO: Tax in Guatemala

News from WDRC

Download latest edition of theWORKS here

WDRC service materials

WDRC has produced service material for churches for 2011-12. They can be adapted for use within a harvest service. The material highlights the work of 4 partners whose projects all relate to water - agriculture, sanitation, drinking and civil rights. The sermon notes, children's talk and partner/beneficiary stories are all accompanied by slides (but use of the material does not depend upon having the technology to run powerpoint). There is also a powerpoint of all the current WDRC partners.The same materials can be adapted for harvest.

Downloads:

WDRC Service Outline 2011 - 2012
Service Slides
Looped WDRC Projects 2011 - 2012
Timed WDRC Projects 2011 - 2012

Horn of Africa Appeal - update

The Methodist Church in Ireland is encouraging congregations to support the Horn of Africa Appeal through the World Development & Relief Fund. All donations are being used with partner organisations on the ground in partnership with the Methodist Relief and Development Fund of the Methodist Church in Britain.

Cheques should be payable to: 'World Development and Relief Fund' and sent to the World Mission and Development Office. A note should accompany it stating that it is for the "Horn of Africa Appeal'. So far £40,000 / € 44,000 has been received. Thank you.

Latest news:

Over 12 million people have been affected by the severe drought in Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti. Thusands of animals have died which is a disaster for the pastoralist and nomadic peoples. Over 440,000 people are receiving humanitarian assistance in Dadaab, Kenya - the world's largest refugee camp. Gifts from our appeal are channeled through MRDF and are supporting relief efforts in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia. This is co-ordinated by the ACT Alliance, an MRDF partner. Gifts are providing food, water and temporary shelters. People are also receiving clothes, blankets and water cans. Children under 5, who are at high risk of acute malnutrition, are receiving nutrient-rich foods to supplement their diets. Vulnerable families in the Oromia region of Ethiopia are also being helped with food and anti-malarial medication. Funds will also help people rebuild their lives aftyer the crisis - livestock, drought-resistant seeds and the repair of boreholes.

WDRC Annual Report

News of all our current partners and projects are contained within the latest WDRC report which reaches all Methodist churches in Ireland via autumn synods. You can obtain individual copies from the office.

You can find out about where and for what donations to WDRC are used as well as some words from our Convener, Rev. Sonia Hicks.

Need a speaker or resources?

Tim Dunwoody, the World Mission and Development Officer, is available to take services and other meetings. He would be delighted to visit your church/group. Tim has travelled to a variety of WDRC partners including those in Nepal, The Gambia (Nov. 2010), Israel/Occupied Palestinian Territories, South Africa , Zimbabwe and Zambia (July 2011).

The office can also provide powerpoints, service outlines, ideas and guidance etc

Seeking funding from WDRC?

WDRC has one application window each year. This is open from November to December. Interested organisations should contact the office by email and request a Stage 1 Application Form and Guidelines. This is the only method of application. It is a two stage process. Stage 1 Applications must be received by the last day of December. The Committee is not currently receiving applications from India.