We are waiting for the minibus to arrive to take us to visit Centro Montalvo who are funded by CA to work on social policy issues and budget monitoring in the DR. It works with Community Based Organisations, networks and local government with the aim of achieving economic justice. P.m. we will visit One Respe working in Haina.
Please continue to pray for us - Geoff, Pippa (CA), Richard, Karen, Philip, Patrick, Jill (CF). N.B. DR is 4 hours behind the UK.
Our first visit was to the Centro Montalvo. Established by the Jesuits, its focus is on poverty and social policy and on Social Development. DR spends a smaller proportion of its national budget on health, education, housing, water and sanitation than almost any country in Latin America. With support from Christian Aid the Centre monitors the process of setting the budget with concern for greater participation by civil society groups, timeliness and, of course, allocation to social aspects. It has mobilised various groups to bring pressure on government, including university students and schoolchildren through a campaign called, in Spanish, “Where’s my money?” Local people are beginning to understand that they will not get improvement in local services if it is not in the budget.
They have had some success in getting more civil society participation in budget making and in putting pressure on politicians. More time has been gained for consultation before the budget is approved and some increased allocation has been made.
After a quick lunch we hurried on to the town of Haina to the west of Santo Domingo. Here Onè Respé works in a marginalized community of poor Dominicans, Haitians and Dominico-Haitians living on government land next to a power station. Here they are working to combat discrimination and racism as well as domestic and community violence and HIV. They provide help with education and health, particularly reproductive health. With the aid of Community Promoters, volunteers from within the community, they work through groups – women, young people and men. They run community schools. All of these involve mixed participation by Dominicans, Haitians and Dominico-Haitians. They have seen some success in terms of reduced domestic violence, obtaining identification papers, gaining better access to health services and children’s education.
In walking through the community we were struck by the poverty but also by the smiles of welcome. Karen soon had a group of young schoolgirls in tow, proudly clutching postcards of Ashby de la Zouch. Most houses lack sanitation, running water and electricity. Water must be bought from tankers. Rosa, one of the promoters took us to see her house. Built of concrete blocks it was a step up from the many flimsy wooden houses. Onè Respé has helped build some better houses.
We were humbled by the welcome were received from people with so little and by the courage of those who work in such difficult situations, often having to confront discrimination and violence. Our two visits highlighted how CA is supporting the fight against poverty at both the national and the grassroots level.
The organist Peter Osborne and Minister Ian Jones preparing for worship.
A photo of Minister Ian Jones taking a photo.
Our second stop was at Cam 3C Community Church in Gloucestershire, where the 'bus was invaded once more, and one local resident drove past us a few times wondering whether we were up to no good before coming to chat to us - it turns out he knew John, the driver and owner of the 'bus.
The Back to Church Sunday bus made its final stop at Taunton North Street Congregational Church. As the church is in the centre of the town, we were able to take to the pavement outside the church to invite passers-by back to church. The local paper came to take a photograph of the 'bus and members of the church, all of which should help remind people of Back to Church Sunday, which takes place this year on Sunday 27th September.
Sunday afternoon. A chance to experience a church set in the heart of the Asian community. Ladypool Road Congregational Church in Birmingham had an informal worship time and then I told them about some of my presidential experiences so far. In turn I heard about some of the projects there including the successful shop which serves a number of needs. It was quite an experience as it was currently the Islamic month of Ramadan and many crowds thronged the streets.
A very exciting weekend for the folk at King Street Congregational Church Newcastle Under Lyme as they celebrate 150 years of the present building. On Saturday the church was open to view records of the church's history and look at a lovely display of wedding dresses worn over the years. They were thrilled with the numbers who dropped in.
