| Christian Aid Week |
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CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 9-15 MAY, 2010 NAN WYN POWELL-DAVIES FROM MOLD INSPIRED AFTER VISITING CHARITY WATER PROJECTS IN KENYA Mother of three, Nan Wyn Powell Davies, 37 of Mold recently visited the slums of Nairobi in Kenya to help the charity Christian Aid highlight its annual fundraising week in May. This year Christian Aid Week (May 9-15) is going back to basics by highlighting the millions of people in developing countries who still do not have access to clean water or sanitation. An ordained minister and a prison chaplain, Rev, Nan Wyn Powell-Davies was one of six Christian Aid supporters from across the UK who saw for themselves the difference that simple sanitation blocks and effective drainage systems can make to the lives of people living in very basic conditions. Nan visited two contrasting settlements, Kiambiu, that has received help from Christian Aid and its partner Maji na Ufanisi, and Matopeni that is 'on the waiting list'. She saw how money raised by Christian Aid has allowed residents in Kiambiu the opportunity to access safe drinking water, start a community clean up scheme and build and maintain private blocks containing showers and toilets. Nan said: “Seeing Christian Aid’s work with my own eyes has most certainly changed me. I used to doubt whether poverty could be eradicated and felt that all we could do was alleviate its effects. But witnessing the transformation of the lives of villages and communities, and seeing people filled with hope, has changed my mind. I believe that if we, here, in Wales, work together, it is possible to eradicate poverty.” Half of the population of Nairobi live in informal settlements. The urban slums are home to 2 million people and this number is growing by almost six per cent a year. As the rains continue to fail and Kenya's rural population struggle to work the land and feed themselves many people are being forced to abandon the countryside and head for the cities, hoping to find work. Nan added, “I have supported Christian Aid since I was a child, and have been a Christian Aid collector in Mold for the past 10 years. This year I’m more determined than ever to raise awareness about Christian Aid. All sorts of fundraising activities have been organised across Wales, and I can guarantee people that the money does reach communities in places like Kenya, and does make a difference. Let’s do all we can to eradicate poverty. “ How your donation during Christian Aid Week could help: |
