A CHRISTIAN Aid worker is coming to Petersfield on Sunday to share his experiences of working with communities on the edge of survival in rural Ethiopia.

Tekalign Kebede

Tekalign Kebede, who is responsible for projects encouraging resilient livelihoods in South West Ethiopia, will be interviewed during the morning service at St Peter's Church, Petersfield which starts at 9.30am.

In his first visit to Hampshire Tekalign will explain how climate change is threatening ways of life as pastoralist farmers struggle to find water sources in parched land.

But communities are being given hope through Christian Aid projects which are encouraging and supporting them to diversify by producing honey or soap and cream from Aloe Vera.

The charity is also giving cows to those identified by communities as the very poorest which can transform a family’s life in surprising ways.

“No-one can speak at a community meeting until they have a cow,” Tekalign said.

“By giving a woman a cow she can not only feed her children milk and sell the surplus, she also has a voice.

“She can speak out against female genital mutilation or forced marriage or any other injustices in her community and she is listened to.

“Many women are also joining cooperatives or self-help groups which help them with education or savings as well as providing mutual support.                                                                               

“Projects funded by Christian Aid help transform communities so that its members are no longer trapped in poverty but can live instead of simply surviving.

“I am delighted to be given this opportunity to visit Petersfield and share with supporters the reality of the incredible difference their fundraising is making.”

One of the projects Tekalign works with, HUNDEE, will feature in this year’s Christian Aid Week which runs from May 10 to 16.

Christian Aid’s regional coordinator for Hampshire, Charlotte Page, said: “Tekalign’s visit will bring home to us how we need not feel either remote or powerless, but by contrast how our support is helping communities becoming more resilient and is transforming lives.

“Everyone is welcome to come and hear Tekalign speak at the service which will be followed by a bring-and-share lunch at 12.30pm. Do join us for one or both.

“It is a perfect way to help us prepare for Christian Aid Week when hundreds of supporters across the county will take part in door-to-door collections or local fundraising events.”

To find out more about this year’s Christian Aid Week visit http://www.christianaid.org.uk/getinvolved/christianaidweek/ or email southampton@christian-aid.org.