Better World Magazine - December 2023 Edition

Ending Child Marriage

Fighting Poverty with Education

NOV 2023

BETTE R W O R L D

Mum, Why are Some Kids Starving?

TODAY’S YOUTH. TOMORROW’S HOPE.

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Welcome from CEO Melissa Lipsett

BETTER WORLD BRIEFINGS

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News and updates from across the globe

UNTYING THE KNOT

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Child marriage and how young people are leading the fight to end it

POSTCARDS FROM OUR PARTNERS

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Our work in action

EDUCATION: A WEAPON AGAINST POVERTY

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Can school really change the world?

A BETTER WORLD STARTS YOUNG

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To create change, all it takes is one idea

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CURLY QUESTION ‘Mum, why are some kids starving?’

– Mona Luxton

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REFLECTION Daniel and the godly recklessness of youth

1 Timothy 4:12

Cover Image Patricia is part of our Partner’s Child Club in Uganda, where children play, develop skills, and learn about their rights. © Better World Magazine is the biannual magazine of Baptist World Aid Australia. CEO Melissa Lipsett; Publisher Rebecca Oates; Editor Sophia Russell; Writers Heather Keith, Meredith Benson; Design Matthew Huckel; Baptist World Aid Australia began in 1959, and today serves 68 projects with 37 local Christian Partners in 24 countries. Address Locked Bag 2200, North Ryde, NSW 1670 Australia. To find out how to support the work of Baptist World Aid, please contact E hello@baptistworldaid.org.au P 1300 789 991

We acknowledge and honour the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we are privileged to work and live.

(Printed on responsibly sourced paper)

‘Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.’

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FROM OUR CEO

Our Baptist forebears knew how to hope, too. In 1959, the same year Louis’ song was released, Australian Baptists wanted to respond to the crises created by the war, including countless children left orphaned and homeless. Knowing that God loved each of those children made in his image and believing that supporting people with long-term solutions was the way forward to rebuilding the world, Baptist World Aid was born.

RLD M

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Today’s Youth.

Tomorrow’s Hope.

Back in 1959, Louis Armstrong wrote What a Wonderful World. By then, the true extent of Hitler’s Holocaust was known, some of Europe’s most majestic cities were in ruins, and the threat of nuclear war hung above every home. Critics noted the disparity. His response: ‘It ain’t the world that’s so bad but what we’re doin’ to it. What a wonderful world it would be if only we’d give it a chance.’ Louis knew how to hope.

Lately, our team and I have been inspired by the persistent hope and action of young people in our programs and at home. So, we’ve dedicated this issue of Better World Magazine to exploring the impact of the next generation, seeking a wonderful world despite the challenges they face each day.

Although much has changed in our organisation since then, we still hold fast to that same hope for a better world, grounded in our partnerships with local communities. I pray you’ll be encouraged by what our Partners and community members are doing—many of them young adults and teenagers passionate about seeing a better world. In this edition, we explore the issue of child marriage, and how we’re partnering with young people in the fight against it (page 6).

We also look at why education is critical to tackling poverty, and how youth can achieve incredible things when given the opportunity to learn (page 10). Don’t miss being inspired by Hassan’s story, just as I was when I had the privilege of meeting him recently (picture opposite).

Closer to home, I invite you to meet a family of teenagers, and a new generation of young people who are using their time and talents to help end poverty (page 12). And for our Curly Question, Baptist Care’s Mona Luxton helps us form a helpful response to difficult questions from kids about poverty and hunger (page 14).

Anyone can see the many problems our world is facing. But it takes faith and courage to keep hoping and investing in God’s restoration story. Please join me in praying for our young Partners, here and afar, who carry forward our hope for a wonderful world.

Because of Jesus,

Melissa Lipsett CEO Baptist World Aid

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BETTER WORLD BRIEFINGS

43,278

PEOPLE have received food and essentials from our Partner in Syria, in the aftermath of the earthquake.

NEPAL KENYA

WHEN WE EAT, WE LEARN Drought in the Horn of Africa has created a hunger crisis like no other in Kenya. Our Partner’s school food program provides 1,800 students across seven primary schools with two wholesome meals a day, and five schools lacking access to clean water with 10,000L water tanks. This means children now have the energy to learn, play, and get the most out of school.

‘I WILL GO TO SCHOOL!’ At 13 years old, Hasri had never been to school.

Living in rural Nepal with her family, Hasri (pictured above) spent most of her childhood supervised by her parents and rarely left her home. This is because she has a disability, and in the village where Hasri lives, children with disability are often excluded from community life—including school.

This changed when Hasri joined our Partner’s Child Sponsorship program and started learning about her rights. A staff member visited the family and encouraged Hasri’s parents to send her to school.

They provided Hasri with books, stationery and a school bag. Hasri loved receiving them, and said to her parents, ‘I will go to school!’

In early 2023, with her parent’s and our Partner’s support, Hasri started grade one at school. Not long after, her family noticed Hasri taking better care of herself, helping with chores, and developing an interest

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in learning—especially reading and writing. Hasri also built friendships with two other children who attend her school. Her biggest wish? That kids who don’t currently attend school would come along with her!

Hasri’s parents are excited to see what their daughter will achieve in the future, and love seeing her smile after a day of learning. ‘She feels happy when she goes to school,’ her father said. ‘When she reads books, that makes her very happy. She just loves it’.

UGANDA AFGHANISTAN

AN EXPRESS DELIVERY Medicines are hard to access in Afghanistan. Clinics rely on international suppliers, and often run low because of supply chain disruptions. To keep their health teams running, our Partner recently secured an EU humanitarian flight to transport medicines into Afghanistan. ‘Now we can continue helping thousands of children recover from acute malnutrition,’ our Partner said.

MORE THAN CHILD’S PLAY Affordable early childhood education is rare in Uganda; most preschools are city-based and privately run. Our Partner opened early childhood centres in three rural churches, so children can enjoy learning skills for life.

The preschools are staffed by trained young people from our Partner’s programs, providing them with a career path. One centre started with 50 children and grew to 80 in less than a year!

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If each Australian household reduced its yearly waste by just 10kg, we’d save close to 93 MILLION KG of waste from going into landfill each year.

‘I want to see change in our community. I want to see our youth have skills and jobs and not drop out of school.’

—KAEM (AGED 15), YOUTH CLUB LEADER IN CAMBODIA

LEBANON

STITCH IN TIME SAVES LIVES Finding gainful employment is a struggle for people living in displacement camps in Lebanon.

Our Partner’s sewing collective provides valuable training, with one group recently making toy octopuses to comfort premature babies. In a 12-month period, 37 people graduated across five sewing programs, held through Partner churches. ‘I have already secured some part-time work!’ one participant said.

NEPAL

SO WE CAN BE SEEN Our Partner in Nepal speaks up for people living with disability, who are often excluded from community life. Recently, alongside people with disability, local project staff lobbied the local government to make disability-friendly provisions in their policies and educated 20 teachers and School Management Committee members on disability rights. Our Partner also helped four schools improve their accessibility by installing features like modified toilets, drinking taps, ramps, and handrails.

CLEAN DELIVERY KITS were distributed to pregnant women in Afghanistan by our Partner.

ADVOCACY

CALLING ALL GLOBAL CITIZENS Baptist World Aid is constantly raising awareness about modern slavery, the environmental impact of fashion, and how we can advocate for a more ethical fashion industry. The team recently spoke at churches, schools, media platforms, documentary screenings, the Modern Slavery Conference, and Sustainability Victoria’s Zero Waste festival. Advocacy Manager Sarah Knop (pictured right) said, ‘When we share what we know, act, and advocate for better, change can happen’.

PAKISTAN BANGLADESH

YOUTH PREPARE FOR DISASTERS One Partner in Bangladesh works in a district exposed to cyclones, storm surges, and flash floods.

Recently they trained youth volunteers in cyclone preparedness, fire safety, and first aid. The youth are now a Community Emergency Response Team, learning about emergency response in a safe, fun way, and acquiring valuable teamwork and leadership skills.

REBUILDING AFTER FLOODS Catastrophic flooding in Pakistan last year impacted 33 million people and put a third of the country underwater. Our Partner distributed blankets and kitchen items to help families survive and rebuild their homes. People have constructed kitchens on raised platforms, above flood level. ‘Decorating them has been a form of therapy after the trauma of the floods,’ our Partner said.

THESE STORIES HAPPEN BECAUSE OF YOU. ◀ When you give to Where It’s Needed Most, you’ll meet immediate needs and help communities create lasting change. bwaa.co/wnm

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FEATURE

FEATURE | C O M M U N I T Y D E V E L O P M E N T

Untying The Knot Child marriage and how young people are leading the fight to end it

By Heather Keith

Sixty per cent of girls in rural Bangladesh are married before they turn 18.

Celia worked hard at school and dreamed of one day becoming a teacher in her community. But that dream died when she found herself in a forced marriage at age fourteen. Now she lives twelve hours away from her friends and family with a husband she barely knows.

She’s lonely and misses school. And she is also more likely to fall pregnant and experience birth complications.

Child marriage is defined as a union where at least one participant is under 18 years old. Although illegal in almost every country, laws are often easily bypassed. One in five girls and one in 21 boys born today will enter a child marriage.

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Why is this still happening in 2023? Contrary to many assumptions, most people arranging marriages for their children are loving parents seeking the best for their daughters and sons. The long-held perception that marriage will provide ‘protection’ for their child is a significant factor, alongside concerns around family honour and social norms. Child marriage is sometimes used as a method of solidifying social ties and providing security. For many, customary or religious laws encourage families towards the practice, and civil legislation and enforcement are unable to stop it.

But the most common factor by far is poverty.

Almost all children at risk of child marriage live in financially vulnerable circumstances.

The countries where children are most at risk also experience the highest levels of poverty. Sixty per cent of girls in rural Bangladesh are married before they turn 18.

Girls married young are at high risk of pregnancy and birth complications, social isolation, and domestic violence. With their education ending before they’ve acquired skills necessary for work, girls frequently become trapped in lives limited to housework and raising children.

While money changes hands, it’s an oversimplification to think of these girls as being sold. Feeding, clothing, and educating daughters is costly, while marriage can attract a dowry. So, keeping a girl in school could seem a poor investment to her family when giving her in marriage offers immediate financial relief, the comfort of following traditional expectations, and the assurance that the girl has secured a husband.

The problem is rooted in the perception that girls and women have little value beyond being a wife and mother. But contrary to traditionally held perceptions, child marriage perpetuates poverty. Girls are prevented from reaching their potential and adding their significant intellectual power to addressing the challenges faced by their communities.

Baptist World Aid is committed to programs that support community development and offer education on the importance of gender equality. And we’re seeing positive results.

Mukunda Adhikari is based in Nepal where he is Development Effectiveness Advisor for Baptist World Aid Australia. He’s currently conducting research into the causes, effects, and solutions around child marriage.

‘We’ve many programs in Nepal, Bangladesh, Uganda, and Malawi addressing the issue of child marriage,’ Mukunda said. ‘As we work with the local community, we’re seeing young people take the lead in ending the practice—in one Nepali community, Child and Youth Clubs have stopped 13 child marriages since July 2023! More and more communities are saying ‘no!’ to child marriage and dowry practices, and it’s young people leading the way.’

While money changes hands, it’s an oversimplification to think of these girls as being sold.

Child marriage is a violation of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights; the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women; and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Additionally, the United Nations has established 17 Sustainable Development Goals to transform our world by 2030 and ending child marriage is key to eight of those goals.

Ending child marriage is important for those girls and boys being harmed by the practice, but it will also mean we’re making great strides in reducing worldwide poverty.

Sunita is chairperson for Youth Clubs in her region of Nepal. At age 15, she and her clubmates spent two months successfully petitioning Sunita’s father to stop her 16-year-old sister’s forced marriage. Now Sunita advocates for an end to the practice.

WANT TO HELP END CHILD MARRIAGE? A gift to the Vulnerable Children Fund fights child marriage by addressing its root causes. Join us in seeking a fairer world for girls, so whole communities can thrive. bwaa.co/vcf ▶

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BAPTIST WORLD AID

SELF-HELP GROUPS

SKILLS TRAINING

H E A L T H C A RE

◀ Kenya: Our Partner is providing food packages to help people survive the Hunger Crisis. Here, Partner staff Faith and David are helping community members sign for receipt of their package.

BETTER WORLD MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2023

▶ Nepal: Luana, pictured outside a health clinic, is a Youth Representative for her local health facility management committee. As part of her role, she runs health sessions for adolescents in her area. ▼ Uganda: Mary is a mum and community youth volunteer with our Partner’s Child Clubs. She visits Child Partners, runs fun activities, and checks their wellbeing regularly.

Postcards From

▲ Syria: Our Partner is working with a local church to assist

people after the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria. ‘The global church is the hand of God that can make a difference in people’s lives,’ the church’s pastor said (pictured with his wife).

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DISABILITY RIGHTS

YOUTH PROGRAMS

P A R T N E R S H IP

▼ Uganda: A Partner staff member is sewing a doll for children to play with at their new preschool.

Our Partners ▼ Lebanon: our Partner provides specialised medical treatment to a six-year-old patient with Cerebral Palsy.

▲ Bangladesh: Shubhra works for our Partner

in Bangladesh and supervises projects in rural communities. She’s passionate about helping communities find solutions to poverty.

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FEATURE

EDUCATION: A WEAPON AGAINST POVERTY CAN SCHOOL REALLY CHANGE THE WORLD?

By Meredith Benson

O

ne of the most powerful ‘solutions to poverty’ is perhaps one of the most obvious. The challenge is that this solution remains inaccessible to millions of families today.

Throughout history, influential thinkers, from Plato and Aristotle to leaders like Nelson Mandela, have concurred that ‘education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.’* Hassan (pictured), a young man in Lebanon, exemplifies this sentiment. For him, participation in our Christian Partner’s education center opened doors to opportunities that were unimaginable when his single mother withdrew him from school at a young age.

‘Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.’

—NELSON MANDELA

Growing up in a Syrian refugee camp, survival was the daily focus for Hassan’s family. Globally, 244 million children face a similar fate, robbed of an education and a future due to complex barriers like hunger, poverty, war, political unrest, displacement, and marginalisation. COVID and school closures worsened this inequity, pushing millions out of school. Sadly, in some cases never to return.

This crisis is acutely felt in Lebanon, where 80 per cent of the population are living in poverty, and multiple factors have led to falling education rates.

The impact of COVID, economic collapse, soaring living costs, and widespread unemployment have forced parents to choose between educating their children, or pulling them out of school so the family can afford the necessities.

A 2021 UN survey of 2,090 households found 15 per cent of families—parents like Hassan’s mother—had to stop their child’s education.

Furthermore, one in ten families (and one in four Syrian refugee families) have been forced to send their children to work as a way of surviving.

When education is disrupted, children are at greater risk of harmful practices like child labour. If the trend continues in a community, it can lead to a lost generation.

Thankfully, this is not Hassan’s story. Our Christian Partners are focused on the next generation as the key to lifting communities out of poverty and fostering a sustainable future.

They are dismantling barriers preventing access to education for children around the world.

Hassan attended our Partner’s education centre, which set him up for further vocational training. Finding work at a local factory, Hassan soon became a valued employee. He was earning commendations for his work ethic and dedication as he developed his skills as a carpenter. He even returned to build furniture for the center, ‘My first task was to make a few classroom tables, then I was asked to make more than 100 tables for students in the home tutoring program!’ said Hassan, smiling with pride. ‘As compensation, I earned a considerable sum of money for the first time in my life.’

Hassan has become a role model, sharing carpentry expertise, and learning English, computer skills, math, and life skills. He was always a capable young man. But now, with support, he’s building a business and a sustainable future.

‘I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to show the world what I’m capable of,’ Hassan said.

BUY A BETTER WORLD GIFT AND HELP A CHILD LEARN. Our Arts & Crafts, Back to School and Lunch for Learners cards support our Partners’ work to ensure the future of the next generation. bwaa.co/gift-hope ▶

*Mandela, 2003 11

BETTER WORLD MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2023

BAPTIST WORLD AID

COMMUNITY | A U S T R A L I A

A Better World Starts Young To create change, all it takes is one idea

By Sophia Russell

‘We love supporting global Partners and empowering the whole village.’

—CARINA CULLEN

When the Cullen family walks past plastic bottles on the side of the road, they don’t just see rubbish. They see an opportunity.

Carina and Warren Cullen live in Biloela, Queensland with their five children, and they’ve been members of Biloela Baptist Church for over 20 years.

People driving by Biloela often pollute the surrounding bushland with discarded containers. So in 2019, when the State Government launched a program providing a 10 cent refund for every container handed in for recycling, Warren came up with an idea.

‘He thought we could clean up the environment, turn the trash into cash, and use the money to help change lives,’ Carina said.

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The Cullens decided to raise money for Baptist World Aid’s Matching Grant Appeal— where donations to help people around the world in poverty are combined with funding from the Australian Government.

Being adventurous teenagers, their children filled bags while exploring bike paths and stormwater drains. ‘It was a fun competition to see who could collect the most!’ Carina said.

Their efforts paid off: in 2020, the Cullens raised $550 for people experiencing poverty with 5,500 containers. One of Carina’s proudest moments is when her son found a large sum of money on the side of the road and chose to donate it. ‘Our kids were encouraged to focus on others, not just themselves, when they could see their efforts making a difference,’ she said.

These days, the Cullens collect cans and bottles all year round with their friends, workmates, and neighbours, and all proceeds go to the Matching Grant Appeal. ‘We love supporting global Partners and empowering the whole village,’ Carina said.

‘That’s a pretty amazing thing to contribute towards.’

Youth are often dismissed by society, but in God’s kingdom, you’re never too young to make a difference.

In Brisbane’s Moreton Bay, Allie Litke (pictured middle) remembers running her first fundraiser when she was 14. ‘My school leadership group provided us with money to run a fundraiser,’ Allie said. ‘We made pancakes, and put the money towards efforts to rescue children from sexual exploitation and human trafficking.’

This ignited a passion for finding creative ways that help as part of God’s mission. Today, Allie’s an intern at Lifepoint Church, Rothwell and studying primary education. She has gathered support on behalf of her church for several ministries, but her most memorable fundraiser started with just a stack of envelopes.

Early this year, Lifepoint’s missionary partner in Colombia needed a house to run programs for local teenagers. Allie helped her church raise the money with an Envelope Fundraiser. Creating a wall of envelopes labeled from 1 to 150, people chose one and donated the correlating dollar amount.

They raised $15,000 on top of regular giving.

‘It was wonderful to see people be so generous,’ Allie said. ‘Actions speak louder than words. You can tell someone Jesus loves you, but when you’re serving them, that can be really powerful.’

Allie’s advice to eager young fundraisers is to get support. Her schoolteachers, pastors, and older friends provided valuable advice over the years. ‘Then just give it a go!’ she said. ‘You may not achieve what you want the first time, but even a small amount makes a difference.’

WANT TO FUNDRAISE IN CREATIVE WAYS? We’d love to help you! Partner with us and start your own fundraiser, with our support. bwaa.co/fundraise ▶

YOUTH RAISE THEIR VOICE In a packed tent on a sunny Saturday afternoon, over 330 teenagers sat enthralled. Kerry Hilton from Baptist World Aid shared the story of Sunita, in Nepal, who helped prevent her 16-year-old sister’s arranged marriage. He asked how the girls in the room would feel if they came home from camp to find their family making similar arrangements. He encouraged everyone from Scripture: ‘don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity’ (1 Timothy 4:12).

The teenagers, from 23 Baptist churches across New South Wales, had gathered for State Youth Camp. They spent time with Kerry praying for an end to poverty and learning how they can make a difference, as part of the body of Christ.

Many campers wrote letters of encouragement to children in our Partner’s Child and Youth Clubs, posting them in a bright yellow letterbox stationed at the campsite. They were also invited to give to the Vulnerable Children Fund, and help improve quality of life for children living in communities experiencing poverty. When young people everywhere are empowered to use their voice, change isn’t far to follow.

BETTER WORLD MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2023

BAPTIST WORLD AID

CURLY QUESTIONS | M O N A L U X T O N

‘Mum, Why Are Some Kids Starving?’

Should we avoid discussing confronting topics with the children in our lives?

Hunger and poverty are confronting issues. When the children in our lives ask a question like, ‘why are some kids starving?’ it’s tempting to try to protect them from experiencing negative emotions like anxiety or fear by downplaying the issue, or avoiding it all together.

But in an age of online content, mobile phones, and live streaming, children see and understand more than we realise, and it’s important to help them process what’s happening in the world around them, as difficult as the conversation may be.

So where to begin? Children are like mirrors sometimes—they learn from what they observe and hear from the adults in their lives. So, a good place to

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start is with us reflecting on our own views, opinions, and biases before discussing complex topics like this one with the children and young people in our life.

We could start by thoughtfully asking ourselves the questions—why do we think hunger exists in a world where there is plenty of food for everyone? Why are we fortunate enough to live in a place where food is readily available, and largely affordable? What are some of the ways we could address poverty and hunger in our world today?

And then, after some honest reflection, here’s one way we could approach an answer to this question, if posed by the youngsters in our life: ‘Kids starving is a sad and serious issue. The truth is, there are places in the world where families don’t have enough to eat, and this is terrible and unfair. It’s happening for many reasons. In some places, changes in

the weather mean not enough food grows where they live. Where families are living in poverty, they might not be able to afford enough food. Sometimes added problems like wars, disasters, or other challenges make it hard for people to get the food they need.

The other truth is, there has always been hunger in our world. And God has always cared about it.

And he wants us to care too. It can be sad, but we remember that God is always at work.

There are many people, including governments, organisations, and individuals, who are working hard to help these families and children. And there is always positive change happening, even during huge challenges.

As a family, we can make a positive impact. God can work through his people, and he wants to work through us.

Hunger and poverty are big problems, but by working together and being caring and compassionate, we can help make a better world for everyone. Remember, every small act of kindness makes a difference in someone’s life.’

It’s important to explore and validate children’s feelings—your explanation should be ageappropriate, and tailored to their understanding and emotional readiness. This can be challenging work that stretches your parenting muscles, but these conversations present a great opportunity to emphasise empathy and compassion, to learn together, and to share encouraging stories of how people are working to address hunger and poverty today. You could read a Bible story showing how Jesus cared for vulnerable people with love and dignity—and how he did not shrink back from difficult conversations, or from confronting injustice.

It’s best to avoid language such as ‘poor’ or ‘less fortunate’ and instead highlight that these are valuable people made in God’s image.

Then, you can speak about unjust systems and circumstances, and the lack of resources and opportunity that lead to poverty and hunger.

Finally, it is okay to admit we don’t have all the answers, but rather embrace these conversations as an opportunity to learn, pray and act together.

Mona Luxton is the Clinical Supervisor at BaptistCare.

DEVOTIONAL

DANIEL AND THE GODLY RECKLESSNESS OF YOUTH ‘To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning.’—Daniel 1:17 Throughout history, children and young people have been instrumental in launching social movements against injustice.

Young people across the world have spoken up for centuries when they see that something is not right. With youth, comes a clarity about right and wrong that can become muddied as we age.

Daniel, growing up under a foreign and oppressive regime but having found favour with those in power, had every opportunity to choose a ‘safe’ path for his own life. He could have ‘towed the party line’, kept a low profile and lived his life in comfort. But even as a young man, in his late teens/early twenties, Daniel chose faithfulness to God’s commands. ◀ SCAN HERE TO READ MORE OF ‘A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM’ A DEVOTIONAL ON HOPE AND JUSTICE FOR ALL GOD’S CHILDREN, OR VISIT BWAA.CO/DEVOTIONAL

OVER 300,000 CHILDREN AND YOUTH

TOOK STEPS TOWARDS

A BETTER FUTURE THIS YEAR, THROUGH THE WORK OF

OUR PARTNERS.

Want to be part of this story and more? Become a Better World Ambassador, and explore practical ways you can act for a better world—for today’s generation and the ones to come. bwaa.co/bwambassador ▶