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Photo: Peter Williams/WCC |
Dear friends,
We believe that one of the greatest tests of our humanity, of our ability to respond to God's call to be neighbor to one another, exists in Africa today.
Africa, the cradle of humankind, is a continent of spectacular diversity and bold contrasts — where vast potential collides with vast challenge and need, where peace is indeed precious and often elusive, and where the dreams of many are being devastated by poverty and the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Church World Service has accompanied our partners in Africa for more than 50 years — working shoulder-to-shoulder in the quest for justice, peace, and well-being for children, families, communities, and nations. And, while much has been accomplished by many, the challenge persists: Much remains to be done.
Church World Service knows from experience that by working together we can achieve much more than we could hope to achieve alone. That's why we are proud to present the Africa Initiative, a far-reaching, intensive focus on Africa — and on the critical role Africans must play in identifying, designing, and implementing the programs and interventions that will help Africa embrace the future on the foundation of a proud heritage. As we embark on this ambitious journey of hope, Church World Service is bringing together African church, government, business, and civil society leaders to collectively and creatively explore the most promising paths to a future where health, justice, and peace are the commonly-held birthright of every African child and the realized dream of every African adult.
The Africa Initiative focuses especially on children, people living with HIV/AIDS, and the uprooted — whether refugees, migrants, or internally displaced persons. It seeks to address root causes of hunger and poverty affecting these vulnerable groups, and gives specific attention to the needs and rights of African women and girls, who long have faced discrimination and violence.
Please join us in this life-changing journey of partnership and hope. Broad commitment and collaboration in this cutting edge endeavor is vital to its success — and to the long-term well-being of millions of women, children, and men across the continent.
Thank you.
 Rev. John L. McCullough Executive Director & CEO |
 Betty Voskuil Chairperson, Board of Directors |
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