Welcome to Develop

A message from our UK Engagement Coordinator Hayley Still

Three years ago, just a few weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine, I sat at my desk to write the Editorial for the Spring 2022 issue of Develop. At that time I expressed my sincere prayer that the violence would have ended by the time the magazine was published. Yet I also acknowledged that even if that were the case, the impact of the conflict would resonate for years to come.

Today, as I write this Editorial three years later, the conflict continues. It is estimated that there have been over 43,000 civilian casualties in Ukraine since 24 February 2022, though the true number is likely to be far higher. Moreover, 10.6 million Ukrainians have been displaced from their homes, either internally or across borders.

In these challenging circumstances, The Salvation Army continues to provide holistic support to those affected. Turn to page 8 to learn more about how The Salvation Army is journeying alongside individuals to address mental health and emotional wellbeing whilst fostering community connections that help people process trauma and rebuild their lives.

Amidst great devastation and destruction during the past three years, we have witnessed remarkable examples of resilience, compassion and collaboration. These qualities are embedded in our emergency response and community development projects around the world. In this issue we explore different expressions of these themes throughout various projects.

Turn to page 12 for an update on the Raising Champion Farmers project in Zimbabwe, where family farmers inspire one another by sharing sustainable farming practices.

On page 16 we highlight news from the Kenya East Territory, where a fifth sand dam has been constructed, providing clean water and improving food security for the communities surrounding the Kalumbi Tujiinue Juu river.

We also explore the impact of international collaboration through our Beyond project on page 20. This theme of global solidarity is also reflected in International Women’s Ministries’ ‘Battle Cry’ which calls for women worldwide to respond creatively to social justice challenges in their communities, contributing to collective global action (page 24).

As you read this issue, I hope that the stories of collaboration and resilience inspire you to keep working for a world of justice, restoration and peace.