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Mr Mayer this isn't just Mission Impossible, this is Mission
Burundi!! Ian, opening the Winter talks, led us through the
history of this tiny African state colonised by Belgium for its
copper, then abandoned to be ravaged by 30 years of Hutu and
Tutsi civil war. The UN left in 2006, what emerged was the World's
fifth
poorest country with severe illiteracy,
social and health problems. As always the children, half of the population, suffered most.
Several charities e.g. ACT with Churches in Cheshire have
helped with the construction of an Orphanage and School. A Church is
also being built, currently just the roof frame is in place, but worshippers
still walk 3 or 4 hours to listen to
a sermon (from one and half hours upwards). Ian described his visits
over the last 3 years coordinated with Rema
Ministries who work mainly with refugees in neighbouring states
but also help displaced peoples within Burundi (perversely not eligible for
International Aid!). His talk illustrated the tireless youth aid workers
of capital Bujumbura and nearby Highlands. President Nkurunziz, a Christian,
recruits bodyguards from
a local church choir.
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We followed Revd Stella Cole through her typical
day as Chaplain to the 21 years old East Cheshire
Hospice. In some ways
a straightforward 9to5 v 24/7 but in an area that is very unfamiliar to our lives.
Capacity for 40 day care patients and 19 full term beds completes the new phase of development.
21% government
funded and 79% through donations (including Lottery
contributions) to meet their £5500 daily costs. Most of her time its
totally surreal, being independent means that there is more freedom
to offer personal response. e.g. The moving story of a man who was dying of
terminal cancer who wanted to marry his sweetheart. High Street
stores and local ones contributed to transform the hospice into a
nuptial suite. 'Arrighis' donating the wedding breakfast for 40 when
Stella came up with the loaves and fishes. Surprisingly ECH isn't
full of terminally ill patients. Offering respite care for long term
illness such as cancer & MS, many people return to community after
a short stay giving carers and family a well deserved rest.
Balance lies between Christian Charity and religiosity. Increasing bureaucracy is
the bugbear and a constant need for funds and volunteers.
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A packed audience heard Geoffrey
Appleton, Director
for Criminal Justice (Cheshire & Merseyside)
elegantly present his case of
30 years as lawyer and advisor to the County Magistrate Courts,
witty and intelligent, ex capite et ex curia. Also Dr
John Bache, a renowned consultant gave his considered personal view of
sitting as a Crewe Magistrate. Both agreed PC had gone
too far e.g all teenage indiscretions recorded for life will create barriers to future success. Far ranging, they explained they had seen the
system turn full circle from "short sharp shock" to Prisons
as centres for Drug and Mental Health services. The lively question and discussion
session was very receptive and could have continued far longer. They
observed from ancient times there have always
been youth problems but distinguished social misbehaviour from violent criminal activity.
In spite of media-hype, serious crime in Cheshire has fallen significantly.
Concluding there are no easy solutions;a lack of Christian culture, less family structure and increases in drug
usage remain the challenges (+ funding). A donation was made to the Victim Support
Unit.
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