I have named this morning ‘s Gospel conversation “Tackling Food security and Climate change” Furthermore, it begs the question. How are we in Winnipeg, that is all of us, are treating God’s Creation?
For today it will entail a virtual journey to Uganda, the birthplace of Archdeacon Godfrey Mawejje, Priest at St. Clements, Selkirk; as we hear and learn about ways to combat Food Insecurity
and address Climate change.
We all bear witness to the unparalleled philanthropy of our Anglican Church in Canada the PWRDF which is achieved through your generous giving. Embracing and responding to Christ’s commandment “Love One another as I have loved you” (John 13.34).
Not unlike the story of Creation, it started because of the deadly chaos surrounding a mine explosion in Springhill, Nova Scotia. Coal is Canada’s second largest mineral resource, it is second to petroleum. The 1967 explosion in Springhill mine resulted in 75 fatalities.
It also prompted the Anglican Church in Canada , that is all of us and other Canadians to respond with assistance for the stricken families. One year later,1968 The Primate’s World Relief PWRF was established by the Anglican Church of Canada Later The words and development were added. In its mandate, PWRDF organization directly donates funds following local or global disasters, or match funds sent in by Canadians.
PWRDF also encourages and promotes recovery and sustainability of and in the many countries around the world. PWRDF works on the ‘ground” with local officials recognising their capabilities, giving them leadership positions, and it has one of the lowest administration fees of Canadian charities.
During the United nations Decade for Women( 1976-1985 the theme, Equality, Peace, Development) we were informed (as if we didn’t know) that women hold up half the world, we are now in 2022 absolutely nothing has changed.
This PWRDF video details the determination of a remarkable woman Josephine Kizza and her late husband, both teachers and their efforts in agrogeography as she calls it and her actions on Climate change. Josephine and her late husband named the first and all the projects which started in the 1980s after St. Jude the patron Saint for “desperate cases and lost causes.”
The project we viewed is also called The Community Poverty Reduction Through Food Security Improvement and Adaptation to Climate Change project.
It is a practical primer developed by Josephine Kizza and her late husband, on how to lessen hunger, malnutrition and poverty in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. The St. Jude family project received $124,000 from PWRDF for the first time in 2017 ended its first year with 40% of participants families consuming three nutritious meals per day.
This achievement was attributed to crop diversification and improved production which has encouraged them to grow, prepare and eat healthy meals. Farm productivity increased 39%
as farmers adopted agro-ecological practices that included making organic fertilizers such as Bokashi, and growing of cover crops-legumes).
35,000 Moringa tree seedlings, were planted as it is thought to contain a numerous nutrients with medicinal properties boosting the immune system. This observation is positioned as a long-term strategy and preventive measure for COVID-19 infection.
Funding went towards the infra structure build of Eight community bio-fertilizer centres; eight plant nurseries for vegetable and tree seedling plus eight water harvesting pits for a continuous water supply were created. Also the Toyota Cruiser purchase made a big impact during the Covid induced ban on public transportation.
More than 45% of project participants earned an equivalent of $50USD from their farm sales. It was a great step for the youth who not only had income but stopped cutting down trees which promoted land flooding. Participants know now that wood burning for charcoal fuels global warming.
We are very proud that that PWRDF our Global charity, has an outstanding reputation for financial commitment but for strengthening the personal lives of the people who help to carry out their Global mission in God’s name. Your valued contributions ensure that this dynamic gift of giving makes the world a gentler place.
June Marion James, O.M.M.D.
Peoples Warden, SBAC.
* Photo credit:
Bill Wegener, taken in a school in Uganda