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Next Meeting:
Friday 9th September
Ant Clark
Zambian Drama
We see poverty and injustice in developing countries through western eyes. At our September meeting we will be actors for the night, seeing poverty and
injustice in Zambia through the eyes of a Zambian woman, as a worker, a mother and a wife.
The drama that will unfold is one of a woman on a journey through the Millennium Development Goals. These are the universally agreed poverty reduction targets that wealthy and poor countries alike have
committed to achieve.
In 1990 Zambia was listed 130th in the United Nations Development Fund Human Development Index. By 2001, it had fallen to 163rd. Debt relief, education and fairer trade are fundamental to improving the living conditions and future of millions of Zambians.
The drama that we will be acting out consists of eight "moments". In each moment, the woman's needs are blocked, ensuring that poverty prevails, and as the narrator tells the story, we learn how achievement of each Millennium Development Goal could bring hope and a better life to her and her family.
Taking part in the action is not compulsory but we hope members are gregarious enough to take part in what should be a lively evening.
We recognize that not everyone wants to be an actor, but that is fine, just come along and listen.
Ant has also prepared some follow up material in the form of a letter writing kit. As John Howard has shown little inclination to attend the Millennium development Goals Summit in September, he needs lots of encouragement from people like us.
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Celebrating a Milestone
Walk Against Want
(From Oxfam News)
Get out those walking shoes, because Oxfam Australia's Walk against Want is returning to celebrate its 40th birthday in 2006. The milestone event will be held on Saturday 5 March in Victoria.
It will be the final time that Walk Against Want events are held nationally in metropolitan areas. Oxfam Australia has made the difficult decision after extensive research with stakeholders and participants.
"Reduced national participation and a growing number of competing walk-type fundraisers indicate that Walk against Want no longer provides a financial return large enough to support the cost of staging the event nationally," Oxfam Australia Executive Director Andrew Hewett said.
"Beyond 2006, Oxfam groups, schools, community organisations and individuals will have the option to hold their own Walk against Want, with the assistance of Oxfam Australia, so that the tradition can continue.
"Walk against Want has seen a great many successes over the years, providing a valuable link between Australians and impoverished communities -- 40 years is a milestone truly worth recognising and celebrating."
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