Ministries

From $5 specs to a $5,000 'slum' - put changing the world on your Christmas list

Eleven-year-old Mamum always sat in the front row in class - and not just because he’s a top student: he couldn’t see the blackboard otherwise. Mamum was short-sighted, but didn’t realise it: he thought everyone’s sight was like that! So he didn’t tell anyone, even though his efforts to focus were giving him headaches. But when a free eye-screening clinic was held at his Bangladeshi school, Mamum’s problem was discovered. Because his family is very poor, Mamum received spectacles at no cost. He’s delighted with his improved vision, and so are his parents.

When community development work began in the ‘basti’ - or slum - of Dyaneshwar Nagar, in India, big changes started happening. Activities such as women’s savings groups and literacy training, preschool classes, health education, immunisation, and vocational training have given people new skills, resources - and self-belief. Working together, they have lobbied the local government to provide some of the services to which they’re entitled. Now, almost all laneways have been concreted and have functioning drains, there’s a garbage collection and a user-pays toilet-block. Some homes even have piped water and electricity. Life is still hard in Dyaneshwar Nagar, but it’s no longer just a ‘slum’ - it’s a community.

“These stories show what can be achieved when ordinary Australians put ‘changing the world’ on their Christmas lists,” said Matthew Maury, National Director of Christian aid and development organisation TEAR Australia.

“From a $5 ‘stocking filler’ like eye care to a $5,000 investment in an urban community, the items in TEAR’s Gift Catalogue make a tremendous difference for children and families living in poverty,” he said.

The new edition of Arguably, the World’s Most Useful Gift Catalogue has just been launched in time for Christmas. It contains 23 gifts - including goats, toilets, school supplies and wells - that contribute to poverty reduction among disadvantaged and vulnerable people in Africa and Asia.

“The catalogue is not only designed to provide real change in developing countries,” said Mr Maury. “It’s also about helping Australians celebrate Christmas in a more meaningful way.”

All purchasers receive a gift card, with a picture and information about the item, which the can give to their friends and relatives at Christmas. They are also sent a tax-deductible receipt.

Call TEAR toll-free on 1800 244 986 for a copy of the catalogue or order online at www.usefulgifts.org
TEAR Australia is a Christian aid and development organisation that works with people according to need, regardless of their religious or political beliefs. It is fully accredited with AusAID and a signatory to the ACFID Code of Conduct.

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