Christian Aid Week 2026

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 2026

Where Hardship means Hunger….Urban Farmers can Grow Hope.

 

Christian Aid is an international charity, founded by churches in Britain and Ireland more than 80 years ago. We work in partnership with a network of churches, organisations and people of all faiths and none. Together, we deliver vital programmes of work and raise awareness and funds to help drive lasting change.

Christian Aid week comes around annually; it is our opportunity to make a change for others within 7 days. In 2025 we raised the fantastic sum of £3,775.26 locally (including Gift Aid), which went towards the total for the UK of £4.5 million.

This year the focus is Kenya and in particular Nairobi. The city has an estimated population of 5.3 million of which 7 out of 10 live in debt, and 60% live in settlements. The housing in the settlements is basic, often one room with few services and little space between them. It is in one such settlement we find ‘Beacon of Hope’.

Beacon of Hope was established in 2022 to provide health services especially for those with HIV and Aids. Since then, they have provided Day Care for children, schools and help for young people seeking employment. The main concern has always been the level of poverty with poor health and high levels of malnourishment. The response has been the creation of the project ‘urban farmers can grow hope’. This project experimented and created methods of growing food in any small piece of land available, including growing in containers, horizontal screening with hanging pots, planting on roofs etc. Costs are kept low by making organic fertilisers from what is available, collecting water, using weather resistant seeds and quick growing food items. From providing food and, where possible, selling any excess, life has improved for many.

In one such settlement we find Fridah; her husband died suddenly and she found herself without support and unable to feed her family. From the centre she gained support and care, gained skills in growing her own food and eventually selling her own produce and those of others. She learnt to take on the responsibilities her husband had previously and is now more able to care for her children and looking to the future with confidence.

We have 7 days this year from 10th – 16th May to raise funds to support such groups as Beacon of Hope and the partners they work with throughout the world.

In Wenvoe we plan to:

  • Distribute donation envelopes throughout the village, with information on how you can donate
  • Hold the coffee morning event ‘Cake, Cake and More Cake’ on 16th May from 10.00am – 12.30pm, in the Church Hall (see advert)
  • Hold an assembly in Gwenfo CiW Primary School and a ‘Silent Disco!’ on 15th May (see advert)

If you have any questions, please get in touch on 07516112897, or email judebillingham@ ya-hoo.co.uk.
Many thanks,
Jude Billingham