Act for Peace

Important events coming up in NSW and VIC ahead of our federal election. And keep an eye out for announcements for QLD.' There's never been a more important to show solidarity and support for Australian Aid!

This month, people of different faiths commemorate important celebrations on religious calendars around the world. Today is Shrove Tuesday when many Christians mark the end of Shrovetide, the pre-Lent period. Ash Wednesday begins the following day, marking the beginning of the Lent period when Christians prepare for Easter, commemorating the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert. Our Muslim brothers and sisters are also commemorating the most important period on their religious calendar, with a month of strict fasting from dawn until sunset marking Ramadan. Muslims will break their fast at the end of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr when friends and families will gather for festive meals and to exchange gifts. We stand in solidarity with the communities around the world that we serve during this time of worship.

#aidmatters 🕊️

“A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you.” — Bob Proctor Yengusnesh is a key part of the long-term solution in a program that provides a holistic, sustainable pathway out of poverty, supporting participants to rebuild their lives. Addis Ababa is home to some of the most vulnerable refugees and communities in the world. But with Yengushnesh’s dedication and support, people like Tsehay* are working towards a brighter future. Find out more about their inspiring story in our online article: https://lnkd.in/gJFXebJR Act for Peace gratefully acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP). *name changed for privacy Photo credit: Genaye Eshetu/Act for Peace Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Peace is desperately needed in the Middle East. Act for Peace’s Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) provides volunteer opportunities for passionate peacemakers to make a difference. 🕊🌏 Do you want to know more? Read our article online and hear from a returned Ecumenical Accompanier (EA) who shares some insight into her experiences and the value of the EAPPI program. https://bit.ly/3QzoQGC

Please share with anyone who may be interested in this contract evaluation project. Job opportunity: Evaluation – Refugee Programming in India and Sri Lanka   Act for Peace is seeking expressions of interest from a local evaluator to conduct a combined summative evaluation during March to May 2025. The evaluation will cover two projects in Sri Lanka and India: Strengthening the Sustainability of Sri Lankan Refugee Return and Reintegration (‘SLRRRP’) project and the Encamped Sri Lankan refugees have preventive support and health care treatment leading to improved health (‘Refugee Health Program’).     Please refer to the Terms of Reference for further details, and submit your expression of interest by 2 March 2025 to fxavier@actforpeace.org.au and sdoyle@actforpeace.org.au and include: · A proposal including methodology · Timeframe for undertaking the assignment (must be completed by early May 2025) ·A quote/costing for completion of the work · CVs for any consultants who will be involved in delivering the assignment

Recognising the dignity of every human being is at the heart of social justice and furthering peace and equality.   Today, on February 20, World Day of Social Justice, we honour our program participants whose stories are part of a global transition to a better future. Stories like Bukonzo’s* - a refugee who fled war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo to seek safety in exile in Ethiopia where she now has hope to improve her financial situation and create a stable life for her family. Stories like Daniyel’s – who returned to his homeland in Sri Lanka after spending years in exile in India. Now he helps others returning to their homeland to reintegrate and rebuild their lives. Stories like Noh Myar’s - who has been living in a refugee camp in Thailand for over 30 years and now works in the camp management team, helping create a safe environment for fellow refugees from Myanmar. Stories like Alaa’s who works to ensure Syrian and Palestian refugees in Jordan have the skills and knowledge they need to provide for their families in the future. Thank you for acting for peace in the world. Together, we’re creating a world where people uprooted by conflict and disaster have a safe place to belong.  We join the United Nations in committing to a “holistic approach that weaves environmental sustainability with social justice”- this year’s theme. We believe that creating a sustainable future goes hand in hand with policies that fight poverty, reduce inequality, and open up equal opportunities for all. Read more about World Social Justice Day: https://bit.ly/4hJKCDE The Middle East Council of Churches The Border Consortium (TBC) Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo

Our International Programs Coordinator, Sarah Doyle, has lived through two cyclones in Vanuatu and understands the impact a disaster has on the community.  "I remember feeling so afraid and unsure if I would survive the night when the cyclone reached us," recalls Sarah. "The hurricane force winds and flying debris endured for almost 12 hours overnight." "Community members had to work together to rebuild homes and meet daily needs. The incredible resilience and collectivism of ni-Vanuatu people to overcome and stand together inspired me to engage in humanitarian efforts and do the work that I’m doing today.” Read Sarah's experience working with local communities to prepare, respond and recover from natural disasters. https://lnkd.in/gWy6ftAR

You could say it with chocolates…you could say it with flowers…but nothing says ‘I love you’ quite like a life-changing goat! This Valentine’s Day, give a gift for peace – whether it’s for the love of your life or your Galentine, celebrate love and friendship with a gift that changes lives. Head to the online store to check out the range of gifts. Happy Valentine’s Day lovebirds! https://lnkd.in/g2MNHtqF

The postie has been! Check your letterboxes – the summer edition of The Link Magazine is hitting supporter post boxes around the country. So pop the kettle on and put your feet up, there is plenty to read and reflect on in this edition. We hope this edition sparks conversations around many dinner tables this week. You’ll find stories of change, tales of hope and messages of peace. We hope it inspires you to continue living generously and acting for peace in the world. Hard copies will arrive in the post, but you can also read the magazine online: https://bit.ly/4jWLAOc