Since 2007, World Day of Social Justice has been observed annually on 20 February. Through this, the United Nations hopes to mobilse all national governments to implement measures to eradicate any forms of discriminations, inequalities and barriers that people face because of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, disability or culture, so that one’s income, education opportunity, rights to basic care, decent job, shelter, water, and political participation will not be determined by their birth, residence, gender, religion or race; and that one can be free from threats and physical violence.
[ “SHARE” Jul-Aug 2012 – What Has Poverty to Do with Me? ] STEP INTO THE WORLD
Many poor Indians live in rural villages in the forests of Orissa State. These villagers are mainly low castes or tribals with their different religious beliefs. Conflicts among such groups are always happening and that worsen their desperate plight. In 2008, Hindu-Christian violent clashes resulted in many casualties and much economic loss. Tribal hatred has simmered on.
Communities are further marginalised by illiteracy which hinders them from learning new farming or other skills. Moreover, their villages are too remote and they rely only on oxcarts for transportation. This makes it difficult for them to leave and find work in towns and cities.
CEDAR partner Evangelical Fellowship of India Commission on Relief (EFICOR) launched community development projects in twenty villages in Orissa. It organises women literacy class and improves farmers’ livelihood by building their capacities. Leadership training helps facilitate sustainable community development and network among the castes and lead to an inclusive community.
HK$100 trains up one teacher for adult literacy classes
HK$300 supports ten farmers in agricultural training
HK$850 improves the quality of one hectare of farmland soil.
You can donate to support this integrated community project, helping rural communities in Orissa Stateto build up a sustainable development project.
[1] CEDAR is an approved charitable institutions and trusts of a public character under section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. Please click Inland Revenue Department website to check for details. [2] Donations over $100 are tax deductible in Hong Kong with our receipts. [3] Please DO NOT fax any donation information.
