Meet the women who are developing businesses in the face of poverty to provide for their families.
About Us
About Us
Transforming lives in Africa for now and eternity
AID currently works in South Sudan, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo with projects in: microfinance, healthcare, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), agriculture, education, theological training for church leaders and Christian youth work.
You can read about each of these projects in more detail on the different project pages of our website.
1.Why?
The need is great and Jesus calls us to help those in need.
In particular, South Sudan has faced decades of civil war. In the last 10 years alone, over 400,000 have died and about a third of the population has been displaced. Conflict has traumatised millions, particularly women and children. Healthcare, education, agriculture and the economy have all suffered.
South Sudan is ranked 191 out of 191 countries on the Human Development Index (HDI) (which measures factors such as: life expectancy, education and gross national income). It is also one of the most dangerous places in the world to give birth: at least 1 in 100 women die in pregnancy or childbirth whilst 1 in 10 children die before they are five.
Most roads in South Sudan are in a poor state, and isolation and communication challenges are exacerbated by a lack of internet and phone connectivity. Besides conflict and corruption, South Sudan’s situation has been further compounded over the last four years by catastrophic flooding. Pastors are numerous but many have not had the opportunity of much Bible training.
The needs in South Sudan are enormous and we think of these words from 1 John in our response:
“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:16-18
2. Where?
Firstly we work in areas of significant need in South Sudan, Kenya and Uganda.
In South Sudan, we currently work in Yei, Bor and Juba. In Kenya, we work in the dry and dusty region of Marsabit (pictured above). We also work with South Sudanese refugees in Uganda, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Secondly, we work where our projects have the potential to be transformational.
Thirdly, we work in areas where we can find reliable partners on the ground. We have in-depth monitoring and evaluation procedures in place, including local independent audits.
3. What?
AID exists to transform lives by meeting both practical needs and spiritual needs. We believe the two go hand in hand and work together to transform lives for now and eternity.
"If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
James 2:15-17
First and foremost, Jesus gave himself to meet our deep spiritual need. But again and again throughout the gospels he also helps those in physical need.
“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” Matthew 14:14
Our “practical need” projects such as microfinance and agriculture enable people to escape poverty or hunger or some other lack, for the long term. They are most often implemented through local churches, ministers and Christian workers. Some also contain an optional aspect of Bible teaching and spiritual encouragement e.g. the weekly microfinance group meetings or Bible studies offered to all health worker students. All demonstrate Christ’s love for those in desperate need. They do not discriminate and anyone is welcome to take part, regardless of their background or situation.
We also work more directly to strengthen churches by supporting church workers in difficult places and by training Bible teachers and pastor trainers.
4. How?
AID works through close partnerships with local leaders and churches to enable communities to find their own way out of poverty for the long term.
In South Sudan, we often work with the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS), a large and trusted network that reaches across the country. In Kenya, we work with the Anglican Church in Kenya (ACK), another strong and stable network. We carry out due diligence to appoint trusted and local project leaders on the ground who remain in close contact with AID staff.
5. When?
AID was formed following a meeting of the Primates of the Council of Anglican Churches in Africa in September 2008.
At both the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) in Jerusalem and the Lambeth Conference that year, there was great concern for the Episcopal Church of the Sudan (ECS) after the divisive civil war that ended in 2005.
6. Your role!
In 2 Corinthians 9:13 Paul wrote of “the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ”. AID wants to enable Christians who are materially well-off to help people struggling to survive in some of the poorer areas of the world. In this way, AID hopes to facilitate the vital work of the Church so that everyone, both rich and poor, will know more of “the surpassing grace God has given you” (2 Cor 9:14).