YATE and Thornbury welcomed an inspiring visitor responsible for projects encouraging resilient livelihoods in Ethiopia during two open events.

Tekalign Kebede, who is responsible for projects encouraging resilient livelihoods in South West Ethiopia, visited the towns during his first trip to the region earlier this month to talk about the charity organisation Christian Aid and its work in South West Ethiopia.

His visits to St Mary’s Church in Yate and the Methodist Church in Thornbury on Saturday, March 14, saw around 40 visitors learn about how South Gloucestershire’s supporters are helping to change the lives of people in rural Ethiopia and see evidence from previous projects.

The events aimed to offer encouragement to all those supporters who go door-to-door collecting during Christian Aid Week and who arrange local events as well as for those who would like to hear first hand about the work Christian Aid does to tackle poverty.

Mr Kebede said: “Projects funded by Christian Aid help transform communities so its members are no longer trapped in poverty but can live instead of surviving.

“I am delighted to share with supporters the reality of the incredible difference their fundraising is making.”

Emma Nutbrown, a Christian Aid media co-ordinator, said “The events were really inspiring. It was fascinating to hear first hand details of how Christian Aid partner organisations are helping people to help themselves.

“We heard of one woman who joined a community group coordinated by a Christian Aid partner which allowed her to save tiny amounts of money and then gave her a loan of around £3.50 which allowed her to start a shop and lift her family out of poverty.

“It brought home in equal measure how inequal the world is and yet how even small amounts of money can give people the opportunity to make a huge difference in their own lives.

“Yate and Chipping Sodbury respond well to Christian Aid Week, with about £5,400 being collected each year through door to door.

“This events gave people a chance to speak with authority about projects in Ethiopia during the week and it is also our chance to thank them for their amazing support and give them the opportunity to see the fruits of their work."

Christian Aid is a Christian organisation that works globally for profound change that eradicates the causes of poverty, providing urgent, practical and effective assistance where needed.