Creating Change that Lasts Takes a Global Community
In June, at the 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church, Episcopal Relief & Development showcased stories and voices from our global community. An interactive map wall introduced convention attendees to the people who bring our work to life. They come from hundreds of different countries, communities and cultural backgrounds. What connects them is a shared dedication to creating positive change that not only endures, but which can be cultivated and spread.
The members of our global community highlighted below all share something else in common.
Can you find the connection?
Lukasi, program participant, Tanzania
Lukasi lives with his wife and children on a small farm in Lamaiti, Tanzania. Unfortunately, low rainfall and poor-quality seed results in unreliable crops, low yields and lost earnings. He joined a Savings with Education group—established by the Anglican Diocese of Central Tanganyika’s Development Services Company and supported by Episcopal Relief & Development—where he attended a presentation about conservation agriculture techniques and maintaining a kitchen garden. “It’s the best solution to ensure a good harvest,” Lukasi said, explaining that his family has plenty to eat, can pay school fees, is saving significant money and has started building a house. Paying it forward, he’s teaching his neighbors to do the same.
Stephannie, program participant, United States (Alabama)
When tornadoes ripped through Alabama and other areas of the South in March 2022, Stephannie’s house and farm were destroyed. Thankfully, the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama had a long-standing ministry in that area. In partnership with Episcopal Relief & Development, the diocese was able to help Stephannie, her family and others in the community remove debris and provide supplies to rebuild. Stephannie was so grateful for the help in clearing her farm that she and her son helped others by joining in at events funded by Episcopal Relief & Development to distribute blankets, clothes and supplies to those in need.
Marwan, partner staff, Jordan
Marwan is a sign language teacher with the Holy Land Institute for the Deaf (HLID) in Jordan, a program supported by Episcopal Relief & Development. Born to Palestinian refugee parents, he has been deaf since the age of three. Supported by his family and HLID, Marwan received an excellent education that inspired him to help other young people. He pursued two degrees in special education, and he believes that “if the child cannot come to the school, the school should go to the child.” Marwan strives to set an example for other deaf people, especially children.
Valery, program participant, Brazil
Valery has lived her whole life in Manaus, Brazil. She participates in the Amazônia Resilience Initiative, a program partnership between Episcopal Relief & Development and the Episcopal Diocese of the Amazon that addresses food insecurity by providing monthly food debit cards. In 2019, Valery and several friends started the Transformation Welcome Center project, a support system for the local LGBTQIA+ community in Manaus, especially young people experiencing homelessness. “It was tough for me growing up,” she shared, “but I know it’s much worse for others.”
