Diocesan News01 Dec 08

Children of Derry & Raphoe Diocese Help Fight HIV and AIDS

On Sunday 30th November the united Church of Ireland diocese of Derry and Raphoe held a very special “thank-you” event for children and young people in the diocese. Held at All Saints Church Clooney in Londonderry, it marked the culmination of the Let’s Go Tackle AIDS project.

Over recent months the Lets Go Tackle AIDS diocesan project ran a programme to help children of different ages in the diocese understand better the problems of HIV and AIDS and to raise funds which will help to transform the lives of people living with AIDS across Africa. It has also included special training on how best to present and explain to children the issue of HIV and AIDS.

With a highly imaginative programme this special event gave the diocese an opportunity to thank the children for the all they have done to raise funds and awareness over recent months. Along with dance, music and multi-media presentations on work going on to combat AIDS there was also an opportunity to hear from Tendai Madolo, who has more than 10 years experience of working on HIV and Gender issues in Africa and Europe. 

Talking of the event Bishop Ken Good said “This is a healthy sign that churches are helping to mark World Aids Day on 1st December 2008. There is an urgent need for compassion, awareness and understanding as well as finance. We want to do everything we can to contribute to fighting this disease. As a diocese we are committed to serving the needs of our community in any way we can.

The Lets Go Tackle AIDS project was organised by the Diocesan Bishop’s Appeal representatives and the Let’s Go Team, in partnership with Christian Aid and Tear Fund.