Youth Group Studies/Supports the Millennium Development Goals

At its last meeting, members of the youth group discussed the MDGs:

1. Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger
2. Achieve Universal Primary Education for Children
3. Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women
4. Reduce Child Mortality
5. Improve Maternal Health
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases
7. Ensure Environmental Sustainability
8. Create a Global Partnership for Development

(Learn more about the MDGs here.)

For 2007, the Vestry of Emmanuel Church committed 0.07% of its income to the support of the MDGs (approximately $2,300). The youth group was allocated $500 of that amount. One of the ways that we can help to make these goals a reality is by supporting Episcopal Relief and Development. They have a "Gift for Life" catalog that allows contributors to choose how their gifts are used. So, the youth divided into three groups, studies the catalog, and decided upon the following gifts:

12 mosquito nets to stop the deadly sting of malaria ($144)

2 sets of ten seedling trays of drought-resistant seeds to grow stronger communities ($60)

2 shares of vitamin and general medicine kits to help prevent malnutrition ($120)

a year long animals and agriculture program to help families to become self-sustaining ($180)

total cost - $504

If you would like to learn more about ERDs Gifts for Life program, visit them here.