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Girls on their way to a new school and a more hopeful future in the DR Congo

A chance to learn, a chance in life

REPORTS

Children in Crisis206-208 Stewart’s Road London SW8 4UB

Telephone 020 7627 1040Fax 020 7627 1050

E-mail info@childrenincrisis.orgWebsite www.childrenincrisis.org

Founder and Life PresidentSarah, Duchess of York

Registered office as addressUK Reg Charity No. 1020488Company No. 2815817

Students progress to secondary school in Afghanistan 4 – 5

Learning resumes as Liberia is declared Ebola-free 6 – 7

Building peace by building schools in DR Congo 8 – 9

The Secret Life of the Pencil revealed 10 – 11

Inspiration and materials for in-school fundraising 12 – 13

Marathon efforts rewarded with a fantastic total 14

A round-up of our latest news in brief 15

In this edition:

Where your money goes:

Programmes 78.5%

Fundraising 20%

Governance 1.5%

Our missionWhere resources are few, where education is needed to heal the nation, and where it is too remote for others, our aim is to support children to read, write, think, pursue their life goals and contribute positively to their communities.

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WelcomePeople sometimes ask me, how can providing an education for children be as important as ensuring they have food to eat and clean water to drink.

In my mind, the chance to learn is just as vital. Because just like food and water, education is a form of nourishment and without it, children cannot flourish.

To be treated as ignorant is corrosive to the human spirit. It can lead to people being denied their rights, exploited and humiliated; to being misled, radicalised and drawn into conflict; to a lifetime of low status, low pay and low self-esteem.

These are the realities that all too many children face – and all too many children fear. But together, we are changing that.

In this edition of 'Reports', you’ll see many examples of how your donations are improving lives – from the rekindling of hope and opportunity in post-Ebola Liberia, to

the consolidation of a fragile peace in the DR Congo.

I hope you’ll feel gratified to see how your gifts are making an impact, where education is most needed, where resources are few and where it is often too remote for others to venture.

Thank you.

Koy Thomson Chief Executive, Children in Crisis

Girls in Afghanistan, ready to move on to secondary school – see page 4

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Success in AfghanistanStudents from our Community Based Education Centres move up to secondary school Earlier this year, the 277 children on our Accelerated Learning Programme took their Grade Six exams, which under Afghan Law, each child must pass before graduating to secondary school.

Aged between 9 and 14, these students – two thirds of them girls – had all been out of school before joining the programme, either due to poverty, displacement or lack of opportunity.

It’s a testament to their hard work and your support that every single one of them passed; what an endorsement of all we aim to achieve together.

Jameela makes the leapThis 100% success rate is even more remarkable when you consider just how far some children have come.

Take Jameela for example. At 11, she had never been to school. She couldn’t read and had never held a pen. Now, after three years’ of accelerated learning, she’s achieved a score of 68% in the state exams and is on her way to secondary school; the next step in achieving her dream of becoming a teacher.

It’s a life opening up to new possibilities; a life that is likely to be happier – and healthier.

In a month I will start

secondary school which I am really excited about. My parents are so proud of me – my mother came to the education centre to say thank you

to my teachers. She was crying because of everything they have

done for me.

Jameela

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Children in Crisis in Afghanistan

We’ve worked in Afghanistan since 1997. Under the Taliban, we ran secret schools for girls

Today, our Centres are staffed by local women teachers, with the support of community leaders – including imams

Hundreds of children and over one thousand women have gained an education or vocational skills

Beyond this, they have also gained a voice and the means to become more assertive and resilient – for themselves and their daughters

It’s never too late to learnOur Community Based Education Centres don’t only succeed in supporting younger children into secondary school. For example, our literacy and tailoring classes aimed at girls and women aged 15+ are extremely popular.

In the Gozah Gah neighbourhood, Grandmother Nafas Jan is the oldest participant – and one of the most determined.

Now her grandchildren ask her for help with their homework, which shows how new-found knowledge filters down through family and other informal networks and carries the benefits of your donations even further.

Thank you.

That’s the kind of transformation your gifts kick-start and we’re very grateful.

We know our model of Community Based Education Centres works but we need to expand it. Two new Centres have recently opened up in the Wazir Abad area of Kabul, home to many displaced and marginalised people. There are 45 girls and 8 boys already enrolled whose education and prospects now rely on us. Now we’ve identified a third community still desperate for a Centre; your continued support could help us deliver it.

This is another example of why your support for Children in Crisis is so pivotal.

With a full primary school education under their belt, these girls are better able to reach for their dreams.

Students hard at work learning tailoring skills. Once qualified, they’ll be able to earn money by taking commissions and to save money by making their own families’ clothes

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On 9 May 2015, Liberia was at last declared Ebola-free, enabling us to push ahead with two important initiatives; the Our Words Library project and our Vocational Training Programme for women and young men.

The sense of relief and excitement that such a challenging period had come to an end was

vividly captured in an email we received from Rufus

Mandein, Education Project Manager with our partner, Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Liberia.

‘With a heart of gratitude’Rufus wrote to thank Children in Crisis and our supporters for standing alongside the people of Liberia through the Ebola crisis:

Liberation in Liberia Free of Ebola; free to learn again

Children in Crisis was

the first partner that stepped in with help’, wrote Rufus: ‘You showed

that you care for a healthy people – and the lives of the people you work with.

We are deeply GRATEFUL.

Rufus

Children unlocking creativity through dance as part of the Our Words Library project

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‘You are a true partner’With support from Children in Crisis, Rufus and his colleagues were able to mobilise and raise awareness of the preventative measures people could take to protect themselves from this deadly disease – and the stigmatisation faced by those affected. They also distributed essential health and hygiene packs funded by Children in Crisis supporters.

Now the threat of Ebola has receded, we can once again bring learning centre stage:

Our Words Library (OWL) – has been able to resume school-based activities, giving children access to a wealth of reading material; stories gathered from their own communities then widely shared. Among other priorities, the OWL project is also training teachers to deliver more effective literacy and numeracy classes.

Our Vocational Training Programme – is once again providing vocational training (such as pastry and soap-making) along with literacy, numeracy, business and life skills to women and young men in the remote rural area of Rivercess County. This training has recently been tailored to include a microfinance initiative, to help offset the economic impact of Ebola. On 24 May, 36 women from Jamestown graduated in pastry and soap-making – our first graduations since the end of the Ebola crisis and a cause for great celebration.

Despite deadly Ebola, despite grinding poverty, despite 14 years of devastating civil war, Liberia is a beautiful country rich in promise. Thank you for giving your strength and support to the children and young people here; those who, with confidence and a new-found voice, will be able to write a better future for Liberia.

Top: a pastry-making class in full swing

Bottom: We are delighted that our projects to bring primary school education to Liberia’s children are re-starting

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The recent inauguration of Tubangwa Primary School in Tulambo – the fifteenth we’ve built in the South Kivu plateau region – is a cause for double celebration; not only to recognise how our schools create opportunity through education but also to acknowledge their role in building peace.

We all know DR Congo has a violent recent past. And from 1996, this remote and volatile region saw inter-ethnic conflict flare up between the Banyamulenge and Babembe ethnic groups, stoked by rumour and political manoeuvring at the highest levels.

Only recently has a fragile peace settled on Tulambo, nurtured in part beneath the roof of our new school – no longer rusty and prone to leaks but solid and dependable.

Transcending community dividesIn keeping with all Children in Crisis building projects, local people in Tulambo have invested heavily in their new school. Together, they have provided stones for the foundations and sand for cement. They even diverted a local stream to meet daily water requirements over the eight-month construction period.

They have worked as a united force to create the safe, respectful and caring environment where their children now learn together; Banyamulenge and Babembe, side by side.

Hope for a future without conflict Now we have identified three more communities on the Plateau that urgently need a new primary school to sit proudly at the heart of community life – and we need your help to build them.

Building peace, one school at a timeEducation and reconciliation in the Democratic Republic of Congo

If we don’t have

peace, life is empty. We will lose everything again if

we don’t live in harmony. Children of Tulambo, this is your future.

A local Chief, at the inauguration of Tubangwa Primary School

Note how the new school on (right) overshadows its rusty predecessor (left), setting new aspirations for children on the Plateau

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Building peace, one school at a timeEducation and reconciliation in the Democratic Republic of Congo

It’s not going to be easy. The region is extremely isolated and accessible only by a single unpaved road which is often washed away in the rainy season. It’s going to take such dedication and commitment from the local community, but with your support, we know we can do it.

If you would like to make a gift to support this and other essential work, please call 020 7627 1040 to make your gift. Alternatively, you can give securely online at childrenincrisis.org/donate

Thank you

New schools are a cause for celebration. Thank you.

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Children in Crisis is delighted to have been chosen as charity partner for Secret Life of the Pencil; a stunning photographic project, exhibition and auction which launched in May at the Paul Smith shop and gallery in London.

The ultra-high-definition photographs feature pencils used by some of the world’s leading

creatives and the secrets they reveal – if you only look close enough.

The partnership is particularly fitting due to our yellow pencil logo; a powerful symbol of the potential we’re striving to unlock in children. It was fantastic to see this image up on the wall in such great company.

While the auction of one-off pieces is now closed, you can still buy limited edition prints and posters online at secretpencils.co.uk/shop

A proportion of all profits will be donated to Children in Crisis.

Keep an eye out for future Secret Life of the Pencil events in our next newsletter.

The Secret Life of the Pencil revealed

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Children in Crisis would like to thank show creators, Mike Tinney

and Alex Hammond, and host Sir Paul Smith for sharing our belief in the power of education – and for

their generous support.

Over 200 people attended the opening, including fashion designer, Henry Holland (top left) and host Sir Paul Smith, pictured below with legendary photographer, David Bailey

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It starts early…Get your child’s school involved in fundraising for Children in CrisisWe’re asking students here in the UK to join forces and raise funds to help children in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Burundi and Sierra Leone enjoy the same right to an education – all be it in vastly different circumstances.

It’s also a chance for children here to learn about life in other countries and to gain some perspective on their own experiences of going to school.

Do The School Run – ideal for Walk to School Month in OctoberThe School Run, with support from our school run partner, Usborne Publishing, is designed for schools that like the structure of an organised challenge.

It offers colourful fundraising materials such as posters and stickers, and curriculum-based lesson plans which support the key concepts of global learning – including human rights and social justice.

Students start by choosing a school in Afghanistan, DR Congo, Liberia, Burundi or Sierra Leone then set out to run (walk, jog, swim, cycle, hula hoop or roller skate) the distance between this and their own school; you simply divide the distance between the number of students, teachers and parents taking part.

For more information or to order a fundraising pack, visit childrenincrisis.org/school-run

Alternatively, you can contact our events team on 020 7627 1040 or via events@childrenincrisis.org

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It starts early…Get your child’s school involved in fundraising for Children in Crisis

Do your own thing – like the students at City of London School‘Freestyle’ fundraising efforts are also very welcome. For example, after a secret ballot, boys at the City of London School chose Children in Crisis as partner for their annual Charity Appeal, which is entirely co-ordinated by the students.

The boys have set an ambitious target – to raise £70,000 over the course of the year and to create the most successful school appeal in the country.

Among the activities planned or already undertaken are: a sponsored leg-waxing for two of the Sixth Form boys, a whole-school sponsored walk, a 48-hour sponsored row, a wine-tasting evening and numerous non-uniform days and cake sales.

Many thanks to the boys, their teachers and their families for showing such commitment and support.

It's fantastic to have

this opportunity to work with such an effective and dedicated

charity this year’,

says Tutor for the Charity Appeal, Edith MA. Bugilimfura.

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London Marathon raises £120,000 – and counting…Huge thanks to those who ran in 2015; inspiration aplenty for potential runners in 2016In April, Children in Crisis staff, friends and family members turned out in force to support our 49 runners in the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon, cheering them on to an extraordinary total of over £120,000.

Huge congratulations and thanks are due to all our runners, but we’d like to give a special mention to Peter Rioda, our fastest finisher, who completed the 26.2 miles in 2 hours 50 minutes – a remarkable achievement.

Peter first encountered Children in Crisis through his employer, Sanne, who have been supporting our work in Liberia since 2008. It’s wonderful to see how this association has developed into such a significant commitment – thank you Peter.

Of course, everyone has their own reasons for running and if you’re itching to get your trainers on, please let us know.

Register your interest for 2016Fancy joining our team for the 2016 Virgin Money London Marathon? To register your interest, please contact our events team on 020 7627 1040 or via events@childrenincrisis.org

If you go on to receive your own place through the ballot and intend to run for Children in Crisis, please also let us know.

Cardine still smiling at mile 19!

The Simms brothers complete the Marathon in 3h44

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Unfolding crisis in BurundiWith regret, the recent political uncertainty and associated deterioration of security in Burundi have caused us to put our work with the marginalised and impoverished Batwa population temporarily on hold. Our partners and the communities we work with are fully behind this decision. They know that Children in Crisis and our supporters remain committed to Burundi and that we’ll start up again as soon as it’s safe to do so. We’ll keep you posted.

Breaking new ground in Sierra LeoneWe are delighted to report that building work delayed by the Ebola crisis is now underway in Sierra Leone and our new home and rehabilitation centre for children with disabilities is starting to take shape. WESOFOD, our local partner NGO, is particularly proud that this building will be the first in the area to have piped water, which means no more struggling with hand pumps for the children.

Barristers’ Quiz Supper raises almost £4,000Earlier this year, Maitland Chambers kindly selected Children in Crisis to be the beneficiary of their annual Quiz Supper at the Royal College of Surgeons. Huge thanks to them – and to our brilliant quizmasters; Children in Crisis Trustee, comedian and City businesswoman, Julia Streets and journalist, writer and comedian, Rowan Pelling. The event raised a fantastic total of £3,925.

Pilot loan project aids education in DR CongoOur Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) are returning some very encouraging results for isolated, rural communities in DR Congo. In the absence of banks, our VSLAs give members the chance to save money or to take out small loans. A recent report shows 60% of VSLA members have used the service to pay for school costs (books, uniform etc.). In VSLA households, 19% more children are going to school. We are now seeking support to roll out this pilot project so many more communities can benefit.

Exciting new partnership forgedFollowing a thought-provoking blog-feed on the importance of words, we are excited to announce a new partnership with Cornwall-based writing agency, Stranger Collective. Watch this space for further developments.

News in brief

Children cared for by WESOFOD are excited about moving into their new home soon

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aperChildren in Crisis

206 - 208 Stewart’s Road, London, SW8 4UB

T: 020 7627 1040 E: info@childrenincrisis.orgwww.childrenincrisis.org

Founder and Life President: Sarah, Duchess of York Registered office as above Registered charity No. 1020488. Company No. 2815817

Children in Crisis protects and educates children facing the toughest hardships in countries affected by conflict or political instability.

Thank you to all our runners – and all their sponsors – for their fantastic

efforts in this year’s London Marathon. Turn to page 14 to see how much they raised…

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