Date posted:
LLL generously supported the vital overseas aid and development work of the Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) with $24,000 allocated to sponsor key initiatives, including farming partnerships in the East African nation of Burundi and micro-enterprises in impoverished regions of Nepal.
Support for the ALWS Ambassador Bootcamp and Walk My Way events, both held in Adelaide, was also included in the sponsorship package.
The farming partnership and micro-enterprise programs each received a one-off sponsorship of $5,000, aimed at improving the livelihoods of families and developing communities in some of the poorest parts of the world.
The farm partnerships in the provinces of Ruyigi and Cankuzo, two of Burundi's most food-insecure regions, train locals in modern farming techniques and provide seeds, animals, tools and equipment to help communities increase food production and generate more income.
In Nepal, ALWS is working with communities at risk of poverty and being marginalised to equip and provide seed funding for locals to start or expand micro-enterprises, like farming, tailoring and grocery stalls, that can support their families.
Business training and equipment such as tools and sewing machines are provided, which helps empower participants to develop sustainable livelihoods.
Lauti Tharu's family used to rely on her husband's seasonal labouring income from work in India, but by participating in the program, she was trained as a tailor and provided with a sewing machine.
"I have become independent," she said.
"I don't have to wait for my husband to send money so that we can get what we need and I have started to make children's clothes too."
The inaugural Ambassador Bootcamp, held at Adelaide Oval in September, brought together 37 teachers and principals from 16 schools in Lutheran Education South Australia, Northern Territory and Western Australia (LESNW) region.
The aim of the workshop was to develop a deeper understanding of humanitarian aid and the impact educators can have by helping connect the hearts of students with communities in need worldwide.
AFL star Aliir Aliir inspired the gathering with his story of resilience that took him from Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, where he was born, to the pinnacle of his chosen professional sport as an elite player with the Sydney Swans and Port Adelaide.
Participants were also privileged to hear from Mary Obara, Program Manager of the Lutheran World Federation Kenya Somalia Program, who shared her experiences and insights from working on the frontlines of humanitarian aid, providing valuable context and real-world examples to further ignite the passion of the attendees.
Teachers left the enriching two-day workshop empowered to develop a toolkit and action plan to inspire, equip and encourage students to explore their connection to human rights, social justice and development, with individualised support from ALWS available upon returning to their schools.
LLL staff and friends joined with other Lutheran organisations for the LLL-hosted Walk My Way event in October to raise money for the ALWS.
A full recap of this wonderful day can be found on here.
Feature photo: Richard has joined a Farm Partnership in Burundi to buy a plot of land, through training he has increased his farm production to support his family and community.
Above: Tara has improved her agricultural techniques to generate an income and become sustainable through the Nepal micro-enterprise project.
Photos (above and below) Guests heard from Aliir Aliir, Port Adelaide Football Club player, as part of the ALWS Ambassador Bootcamp.
