Support for Others

We have met a few times with the members of the St Vincent De Paul Society within the Parish.  They visit the sick, elderly and needy in the area and give support where they can.  The members relayed their concern for some vulnerable people particularly during the forecasted famine period, December to March. Fortunately, due to donations from people in Scotland the SVP will be able to assist 17 identified people; maize, beans, salt and washing soap will be issued monthly during the lean months.  It is difficult for us to imagine what it will be like during these lean months; to us “famine” is a word we have read in books or footage and photos viewed in the media.  To us famine is something in the distance, however, it is very real to people here.  I wonder how the children will cope, particularly during the Christmas holidays.  During school time children are used to eating a cup of porridge provided by Mary’s Meals but as one parent said, she will not be able to provide food midday; her family will get one small meal daily. It makes you reflect how much we eat and perhaps waste at home and how comfortable our lives are in UK.  I am aware many people struggle in U.K., but not like this.

SVP are dependent on donations from well wishers. Once again, with donations from people in Scotland, SVP now have a little fund for assisting individuals in an emergency and recently solar lights were purchased for some students to allow them to study in the evenings.

3 students and 2 SVP members with new solar lights

SVP member with provisions for the lean months