About Tearfund.Tearfund fundamentally believes in the power of the local church. It is the driving force that bring people together to fight the fight against poverty in their area. Tearfund's ultimate aim is to help people help THEMSELVES get out- and stay out-of poverty of any kind, be it physical or spiritual. Going into some of the world's most desperate countries, Tearfund work with the locals to help build infrastructures that will sustain long after they have left- ultimately fulfilling their purpose of ensuring people stay out of poverty.
The work Tearfund does around the world is based on the foundations that God has put in place for us- through His example and teachings. Following the Word and having faith and determination, Tearfund goes into these often neglected communities and leave making long term differences. Tearfund focuses on multiple issues, which include: children; government and corruption and water and sanitation. Of course progress and the eradication of horrid problems is still to be made, but thus far, Tearfund through God's grace has transformed the lives of 15 million people through positive change regarding their livelihoods, health, relationships and natural environment. Based in the UK , Tearfund have numerous workers from the UK, working onsite for many months on end, with the community leaders of the city they are in. The opportunity I have been given is to be one of these UK workers for 10 weeks, and this is through international citizen service. Check out this video of what poverty mean to Tearfund. Also check out their insightful website: www.tearfund.org |
About ICS.As stated on the ICS website: 'ICS is a UK government-funded development programme that brings together 18 to 25 year olds from all backgrounds to fight poverty in overseas and UK communities.'
The Department for International Development (DFID) leads the UK's work to end extreme poverty. The department aim to end the need for aid by creating jobs, unlocking the potential of girls and women and helping to save lives when humanitarian emergencies hit. Thus far, through this programme, 2, 390 18-25 year olds from the UK have taken up placements. Under the ICS scheme, anyone interested in volunteering their time aboard in a bid to make a difference, would be working to provide people with better access to healthcare, give people a formal education and work on sustainable development, amongst other things. You are given the opportunity to decide what charity and cause you would like to dedicate your time to. The options include Tearfund, which I chose because it is faith based and is the charity that offered roles that I am very much interested in. Options also include Progressio, which focus on issues surrounding the environment, HIV/AIDS and community empowerment. And of course, many other organisations- check out the site: www.volunteerics.org Personally, I see this as a great initiative from the UK government. It allows young people to better themselves and help others less able to help themselves in some of the world's poorest countries. It's just a shame that it will be coming to an end in 2015. So if you want to volunteer- you should take action now! |