ISSN 1992-8386 Federation News

World Student Christian Federation NOVEMBER 2009 Bringing EAP to new levels of excellence

SCF’s Ecumenical Assistance Programme W(EAP) took a leap forward in June when the first Excellence Team was trained to evaluate projects. Response from evaluators, participants and funders has all been positive in terms of the future of the EAP, which assists projects of SCMs. The training took place in Amman, Jordan, from 22 to 29 June and was hosted by the Orthodox Youth Fellowship (SCM Jordan) and the Ecumenical Study Centre whose director Archimandrite Prof. Qais Sadiq is a senior friend who supports the Jordanian SCM. Youth and Women in Participatory Education for Development, the EAP project which was evaluated, offers training to women in the Al- Nuzha and Al-Baq’aa Palestinian refugee camps near Amman. The Palestinian women are Participants in the EAP training programme in Jordan included: (from left) Mr. Laith Khalifah (Jordan), offered courses in self knowledge, skills training Mr. Mustafa Alkaylani (Jordan), Rev. Michael Wallace (Aotearoa New Zealand), Ms. Dalia Al Houseini and marketing for their handcrafts. Courses are (Jordan), Ms. Cathy Williams (UK), Mr. Fadi Wahhab (Jordan), Mr. Immanuel Kitnan (Sri Lanka), Ms. Hind led by Jordanian students or senior friends. Farahat (Jordan) and (in front) Mr. Brandon Cook (USA) and Ms. Hannah Satlow (Austria). The field visit was the final part of an external evaluation of the EAP carried out by T. W. who work as trainers in the Jordan EAP project the Jordanian project. Welch and Partners, Ltd. (TWWP). The firm had and guided by Mr. Jim Welch and Ms. Cathy A follow-up training programme focused on realized that the young leaders implementing Williams from TWWP. project cycle management, evaluation and EAP projects vary widely in their knowledge “This is a very good move by the WSCF at the EAP is planned for the Latin America and of project cycle management, reporting, and this crucial time…this is another move to Caribbean region for April 2010. evaluation. They suggested the visit as a successfully involve the Executive Committee Funders of the EAP in 2009 are the German productive way of concluding the evaluation. in the decision making process of EAP. I believe Protestant churches’ development agency, EED; The visit provided exposure to an EAP project that this team can constructively contribute to the Interchurch Organization for Development for the evaluators and training for an Excellence the life of the movements in managing finances Co-operation; the Waldensian Church; and Team. This team will lead the Federation in and projects in order to help the movements in WSCF’s Centennial Fund. their ministries,” Mr. Kitnan said. improving the knowledge of project cycle EED, the principal EAP funder, said it was management and evaluation skills of WSCF Ms. Hind Farahat, SCM Jordan’s General delighted with the evaluation in Jordan and the students worldwide. Secretary, joined those who participated in the way the evaluation process is continuing for the The Excellence Team in Jordan included training to form an ongoing internal Excellence future of the EAP. Team. Student leaders from Latin America and students who are on the EAP Commission: The EAP currently supports projects in the Caribbean and Africa were unable to attend Mr. Immanuel Kitnan (Sri Lanka), Ms. Hannah Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Côte D’Ivoire, Cuba, the Jordan evaluation due to visa problems but Satlow (Austria) and Mr. Brandon Cook (USA) DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Haiti, Hong Kong, will be included in the Excellence Team. as well as WSCF Honorary Treasurer Mr. Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Lesotho, Mexico, Youhanna Kamal Shawky (Egypt) and WSCF The evaluation consisted of a desk study, Palestine, Philippines, Madagascar, Nigeria, staff (General Secretary, Middle East Regional interviews and internal dissemination of the Sudan, Timor Leste and Togo. Secretary and Global Project Manager). The evaluation’s findings. The evaluation team said team was reinforced by Jordanian students it was extremely impressed with the impact of

INSIDE :: Making an impact at UNESCO :: Solidarity with Sri Lanka’s tea workers :: Taking action on climate change

1 Endowment bounces back

he Board of Trustees of WSCF’s Centennial TFund heard at its annual meeting in May in Geneva how the endowment had suffered from the worldwide financial crisis. At the end of 2008 the fund’s value had dipped by 29 percent. However, by the end of October 2009 the fund had bounced back by 23 percent. Since its establishment in 1990 the fund has supported two General Assemblies and contributed US $250, 000 to the Federation. Because of the crisis the usual contribution from the Centennial Fund to WSCF’s global work was not available in 2009. Some churches and organisations which normally support WSCF have been unable to do so in 2009. WSCF has had to respond to the financial crisis © WSCF/ J.Clarke-Morris by reducing staff and activities The Centennial Fund Board of Trustees met in May, including (from left) Mr. Youhanna Kamal Shawky (Egypt), Dr. Martin Conway (United Kingdom), Prof. Bungaran Saragih (Indonesia), As a result, the 2009 Executive Committee Ms. Inger-Lise Olsen (Norway/Sweden), Ms. Alice-Jean Finlay (Canada), Rev. Jorge Domingues meeting was deferred to 2010, and there (Brazil/ USA). were staff cuts and reductions in spending. The 60 percent Accountant position was Ecumenical Assistance Programme but decided named funds and outreach to potential donors. reduced to a 50 percent Finance and Reporting not to make a larger grant to the Federation. The fund also launched a campaign to seek Officer position. Since September the Project WSCF’s Honorary Treasurer Mr. Youhanna support through wills and bequests. “Your gift Manager has worked only 60 percent and Kamal Shawky said that while 2008-2009 had can make a long-term impact, empowering the the Communications Intern has worked 50 been difficult for WSCF, the financial controls work of young ecumenical leaders nationally, percent. The Human Rights and Solidarity put in place avoided a more serious situation. regionally and globally,” Ms. Marsha Lougheed intern’s contract was shortened. He added that the long-term financial outlook Paige, Fund Development Officer, says. For The General Secretary Rev. Michael Wallace of the Federation is now secure. more information on this programme, contact said that “while the staff cuts in Geneva were Trustees strategized about how to build Ms. Lougheed Paige at [email protected] . painful and it was very disappointing to delay relationships with senior friends around the In May Revenue Canada agreed that WSCF meetings or limit WSCF’s participation in world, endorsing the idea of a global meeting Canada can now issue tax receipts to donors events, WSCF looks to be ending the year in in 2012. there who wish to donate to WSCF. Donors good shape.” A key fundraising strategy is the establishment should send a cheque to WSCF Canada at At the Annual Meeting of the Board of Trustees of funds named in honour of WSCF luminaries. WSCF Canada, P.O. Box 22010, The Colonnade of the Centennial Fund, trustees agreed to assist The board endorsed the launching of the Philip P.O., 131 Bloor St. W. Toronto, Ontario, M5S the Federation by lending US$70,000. The Potter Fund in Geneva at the end of November, 3L7. WSCF Canada’s business number is: BN: board agreed to contribute $5,000 towards the continued work on development of the other 81111 4610.

Lois Wilson passes the baton on

he Very Rev., the Hon. Dr. teaches Religious Studies at lapel,” Dr. Wilson told Federation News. TLois Wilson, a central figure in Queen’s University in Kingston, “Ted Scott was our Secretary for SCM, and WSCF Canada since its inception, Ontario. this movement was symbiotically intertwined has passed leadership of its Board “We are thankful for Dr. Wilson’s with WSCF. The movements gave me a strong of Trustees to former WSCF tremendous efforts to get biblical base for my Christian commitment; a Vice-Chair Ms. Betsy Anderson. WSCF Canada up and running,” world view far beyond the West; an ecumenical Ms. Anderson is Coordinator said Ms. Marsha Lougheed posture in ministry; a healthy and rigorous of Continuing Education and Paige, WSCF Centennial Fund critical approach to religious institutions and to Recruitment at Emmanuel College Development Officer, who met all religious dogma and doctrine; a clear insight in Toronto. Very Rev. Dr. Lois Wilson with WSCF Canada leaders into the political and economic implications of Dr. Wilson, who first became in April. the gospel; and an abiding demonstration of involved in WSCF in the 1940s, has said WSCF “I was first involved with WSCF in my student how men and women can work together as and SCM have had a strong impact on her long, days in the 1940s in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It equals. high-profile ministry. She was the first woman was through interchange with people like K.H. “SCM/WSCF bias for the poor and its solidarity to be elected Moderator of the United Church Ting, T.Z. Koo, Philippe Maury, John and Marie- with working people informed my later work as of Canada, is a former President of the World Jean Coleman, and Hilda Benson that I became Moderator of the United Church of Canada, Council of Churches (WCC) and a former aware of the world Christian community, and President of the WCC, and Senator in the member of the Canadian Senate. She currently proudly wore the small WSCF cross on my Canadian Senate,” Dr. Wilson concluded.

2 Young people must take action on climate change

limate change is handed over and there Cone of the greatest will be an ecumenical threats to humankind, service. says Ms. Ruth Aimee WSCF participants Ngotty Essebe of will join the WCC SCM Cameroon, delegation. Dr. who represented Guillermo Kerber, WSCF at The Road Programme Executive to Copenhagen, an on Climate Change for event related to the WCC, said: “No matter Federation’s 2010 what will happen in global theme: Climate Copenhagen, climate Justice. change will continue, “Climate change is the and its consequences clearest example of will continue to affect how the lifestyles of Ms. Ruth Aimee Ngotty Essebe of SCM Cameroon (far right) joined delegates from around the the most vulnerable the older and current world in Mollina for the The Road to Copenhagen event. communities...This generations of the is why building on an global North are compromising the needs of (WCC) United Nations Advocacy Week 2008 ecumenical vision beyond Copenhagen is so younger and future generations, and especially on Climate Change, Migration and the War in relevant. the livelihoods of populations in the global Sri Lanka,” Ms. Ngotty Essebe said. “This vision must have youth as key actors. South,” Ms. Ngotty Essebe said. Many young people have expressed interest Youth and the next generations are those who The September meeting held in Mollina, Spain, in working together to bring Climate Justice will experience the gravest consequences was in preparation for the United Nations forward as a theme and make WSCF a leading of climate change, but youth also have the Climate Change Conference in December in actor in preserving the environment. The possibility to be creative in their responses Copenhagen (COP 15). Federation’s new Advocacy and Solidarity to climate change challenges. Furthermore The event offered youth an opportunity to Committee is developing WSCF’s advocacy Christian youth are expected to play a acknowledge the role they play in global strategy on Climate Justice. prophetic role in addressing climate change.” development and to facilitate a process aimed The Africa region is preparing the 2010 WSCF is also supporting the G-1 Billion, a at defining and implementing future projects Universal Day of Prayer for Students liturgy, youth press agency working to catch the on climate change. which will be celebrated on 21 February with conversation of COP 15. Find out more at the “My specific contribution at this workshop was Climate Justice as its theme. website: www.g-1billion.org . to share my experience on climate change, WSCF will send a delegation to COP 15 as part An online interfaith declaration on climate both my local experience with my SCM, where of its commitment to Climate Justice. The WSCF change is being promoted by the Ecumenical the food crisis is closely related to climate representatives have been invited to join a ferry Advocacy Alliance of which WSCF is a change, and my global experience with WSCF with Christian young people travelling from participant. To sign the declaration, go to: as I took part in the World Council of Churches’ Oslo to Copenhagen, where signatures will be www.interfaithdeclaration.org .

WSCF continues commitment to mission

t is often said that the modern ecumenical Edinburgh 2010 and former WSCF Vice-Chair internet so that all people, especially youth, Imovement started at the 1910 World Mission Ms. Adèle Djomo Ngomedje of Cameroon is on can contribute to planning and carrying out Conference in Edinburgh. However, ecumenical the Events Committee for the celebrations. the conference. Young missiologists are youth organisations such as WSCF had been The centenary celebrations will take place welcome to take part in the Youth Writing and active years before and were a driving force in June next year and will include Orthodox, Multimedia Competition. There is also a Global behind the 1910 conference. Roman Catholics and Pentecostals as well as Discussion forum on nine study themes. The chair of the landmark conference was many more women and people from the South Anyone can get involved in any of these WSCF’s first General Secretary Dr. John R. Mott; than in 1910. projects through their website or through their the Executive Secretary was British SCM leader Facebook groups. Mr. Joseph Oldham. The 1910 conference Ms.Djomo Ngomedje said: “I encourage all marked the climax of earlier gatherings of SCMers to become involved in Edinburgh Protestants committed to bringing the gospel 2010, through the study process, the to the world. It blazed new trails in Christian discussion forum or the writing and multimedia fellowship and cooperation, inspiring women There are several ways to be involved for competition. It is important that young people’s and men to become ecumenical leaders. those unable to attend. The conference and voices are heard in ecumenical processes and With this history in mind, WSCF is now deeply celebrations will be available as live stream on that WSCF continues the involvement we have involved in the centenary celebrations of this the internet. Christians all over the world are had in global ecumenical events since 1910.” important ecumenical event. General Secretary invited to set up their own events. For more information, go to: http://www. Rev. Michael Wallace is the Vice-Chair of The Edinburgh 2010 Conference is using the edinburgh2010.org/.

3 New beginning for Zimbabwean churches and partners

olitical anarchy in Zimbabwe continues to persecution and harassment of opposition campaign, implementation of the Global Pthreaten the fledging peace attained since politicians and civil society activists – and clear Political Agreement and enforcement of EU the signing of the Global Political Agreement by lack of commitment to constitutional reform targeted measures. the country’s main political parties, Zimbabwe and timely, free and fair elections,” the church In October an alliance of Christians in Zimbabwe churches and partners have stated. leaders said. appealed to southern African leaders to salvage Leaders from Zimbabwe’s largest church The Convenor of the Christian Alliance of the country’s power-sharing government organisations, representatives of international Zimbabwe and senior friend of SCMZ, Bishop and prevent bloodshed after Prime Minister ecumenical bodies and church-related Levee Kadenge, said churches in Zimbabwe Morgan Tsvangirai suspended contact with advocacy networks met in Geneva in must not wait for politicians to lead national President Robert Mugabe. September to reflect on the human rights and healing as many of them were involved Since the meeting took place Mr. Marlon humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe one year in perpetrating the violence that rocked Zakeyo WSCF’s Zimbabwe Advocacy Officer, after the signing of the agreement. Zimbabwe in 2007 and 2008. There is an represented the Ecumenical Zimbabwe Hosted by the Zimbabwe Advocacy Office urgent need for Zimbabwean churches to seek Network at the roundtable of the Zimbabwe of WSCF, the meeting was called by the reconciliation among themselves, he added. Council of Churches in Harare. Ecumenical Zimbabwe Network, a group of Rev. Dr. Solomon Zwana, General Secretary One of the participants in the Geneva meeting, church agencies committed to advocacy, of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, Ms. Dadirai Chikwengo, Chairperson of the prayer and solidarity in support of the churches emphasised that his organisation is committed National Association of Non-Governmental and people of Zimbabwe. to working with other church groups to make Organisations, was arrested on 25 October by Only two of the major pillars of the Global social change. Zimbabwean police and accused of “holding Political Agreement have been partially The General Secretary of WSCF and a public political meeting without approval.” fulfilled, the meeting stated – unconditional representatives from the World Council The charges were linked to the call by non- access to humanitarian aid and commitment to of Churches, the All Africa Conference of governmental organisations for the intervention macro-economic stabilisation. Churches and the Lutheran World Federation of the Southern African Development “There has been no satisfactory progress in reiterated their support for unity and common Community and the African Union to ensure that relation to crucial areas such as restoration action in Zimbabwe. the Global Political Agreement was honoured. of the rule of law, commitment to democratic The Ecumenical Zimbabwe Network resolved For the latest news from WSCF’s process – freedom of assembly, speech – as to consolidate its relationships with churches in Zimbabwe Advocacy Office, visit: http:// evidenced by resurgent targeted arrests, Zimbabwe and focus on the conflict diamond zimbabwegeneva.blogspot.com.

SCM Philippines aids the flood stricken n 26 September 33.4 cm (12 inches) of Ecumenical Assistance Programme emergency SCMers used the liturgy during their Regional Orain fell on the Metro Manila area in just grant of US $3,000. SCMP General Secretary Ms. Assembly in October. “Our heartfelt thanks for 16 hours. The rains, caused by tropical storm Christine Guevarra reported that the emergency the prayers and help,” Ms. Guevarra wrote to Ketsana (Typhoon Ondoy) killed over 400 grant allowed Filipino SCMers to provide vital WSCF. people and displaced at least 500,000. assistance. “We were able to distribute some Because of the typhoon, the School for In response to the devastation, SCM Philippines modest packages of basic needs to around 600 Ecumenical Leadership Formation, an Asia- mobilised young people and senior friends families,” Ms. Guevarra said. Pacific programme of WSCF, had to be delayed to provide assistance and relief. Their first SCMP expressed gratitude for the prayers and by one week. Ms. Necta Montes Rocas, the response was to set up a public information solidarity offered by WSCF to the people of Asia-Pacific Regional Secretary, said, “We hotline for people affected by the typhoon. the Philippines. The Advocacy and Solidarity needed to redo everything that we had SCMP then offered emergency assistance to Committee created a liturgy so that students prepared for SELF, but we did not want risk families in need. around the world could pray together for those people’s lives.” WSCF supported SCMP’s work by sending an who lost so much in the Philippines. European

Red Book is out and online The RedBook is now available! of peace and justice,” said Chairperson Mr. Canada, reports on the Also known as The 2008 Annual Report of Horacio Mesones and Vice-Chairperson Ms. Ecumenical Assistance the World Student Christian Federation, Janejinda Pawadee. Programme, women’s it illustrates “the Federation’s vitality “WSCF’s sons and daughters, young women programme, and its continuing drive to spread the and men, raised their prophetic voices in this Zimbabwe advocacy Gospel message of personal and social year, denouncing the structures of injustice office, and financial transformation around the world,” said and commissioning their movements to and administrative WSCF’s Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson promote societies where the values of the information. in the introduction. Kingdom can become a reality,” they added. The book is available “The wonderful work of movements, the The publication includes a review of online at: www.wscfglobal.org . regions and the global level shows the worldwide events, extensive coverage of the commitment of students to the promotion 34th General Assembly held in Montreal,

4 Students challenge UNESCO on higher education

SCF representatives have joined Wother young delegates in challenging UNESCO to include students more when considering higher education. Ms. Charité Nkusi of Rwanda and Ms. Maryann Philbrook of the United States represented the Federation at the UNESCO World Conference on Higher Education in Paris in July. The conference, which had the theme “The New Dynamics of Higher Education and Research for Societal Change and Development,” gathered 1,200 delegates from 150 countries to formulate a vision and international guidelines for the future of higher education. Delegates called on governments to increase investment in higher education, encourage diversity and strengthen regional cooperation. “At no time in history has it been more important to invest in higher education Ms. Charité Nkusi (second from left) meets with UNESCO Director-General Mr. Koichiro Matsuura as a major force in building an inclusive and (fourth from left) and other delegates at the World Conference on Higher Education. diverse knowledge society and to advance research, innovation and creativity,” said the “It was great working with the two WSCF place in the leadership of this group,” Ms. final communiqué. representatives…we held meetings together to Philbrook said. WSCF’s representatives worked hard with review the day, prepare for the next, and come In addition, said Ms. Philbrook, “Through their counterparts from the International up with our strategy, especially since we are networking with other students, student Movement of Catholic Students to make sure unique student movements with a faith-based organisations and ambassadors from around that the viewpoint of Christian students was background. I think this…was a very concrete the world at UNESCO, WSCF continues being taken into consideration. way of working together.” an important part of the global discussion Mr. Christopher Derige Malano, Secretary The student groups active at the conference about the future of higher education.” General of the International Movement of are still working together to form a stronger For more about the 2009 conference, go to: Catholic Students was enthusiastic about the global network to advocate in global forums www.unesco.org/en/wche2009/ collaboration with WSCF. like UNESCO. “WSCF is taking a strong

Federation takes action for Advocacy and Solidarity

SCF’s new Advocacy and Solidarity Committee met in August 2008 and formed The committee’s purpose is to facilitate and WCommittee is supporting human rights a provisional committee. streamline the advocacy and solidarity work in Latin America, the Middle East and Asia So far the committee has worked together of the WSCF by: assisting in discerning and reaffirming the Federation’s commitment online and drafted statements and prayers, advocacy and solidarity priorities; helping to stand in solidarity with the oppressed. which were endorsed and released by WSCF’s emphasize the advocacy dimension of The committee had its genesis at WSCF’s General Secretary Rev. Michael Wallace and annual themes; connecting the advocacy General Assembly held in Montreal in 2008, Chairperson Mr. Horacio Mesones. and solidarity work of the different levels of the Federation; implementing advocacy and which reiterated the Federation’s mandate to They include statements condemning the solidarity strategies; and mobilizing the whole be in solidarity with students and movements silence of the Iraqi government over attacks Federation in advocacy. around the world, especially in situations of on Christians in Iraq during July, the coup human rights violations, conflict, oppression d’état in Honduras and the persecution Federation Vice-Chair Ms. Shantha and natural disaster. of Christians in Pakistan. There was also a Ready said, “The Advocacy and Solidarity It also called on WSCF to continue to advocate statement of solidarity during the week of Committee is amplifying student Christian for justice and peace around the world. floods and typhoons in Asia in September. activists’ powerful voices and providing tools to students all over the world to show The 34th General Assembly recognized The first in-person meeting of the committee solidarity with one another in prayer, thought, a new energy around advocacy work at is planned for November in conjunction and action.” every level of the Federation and a need to with the United Nations Advocacy Week focus and coordinate efforts to best embody sponsored by the World Council of Churches that prophetic voice. The new Executive in New York.

5 WSCF thanks Sam Kobia for support

utgoing World Council of Churches Mr. Wallace expressed gratitude for the long O(WCC) General Secretary Rev. Dr. Samuel association that Dr. Kobia has had with the Kobia has been thanked for his constant Student Christian Movement. Dr. Kobia was support of WSCF. one of the founders of the Christian Students’ Dr. Kobia finishes his term at WCC at the end Council of Kenya and served as its chair. of 2009 and will be succeeded by Rev. Dr. “We are very grateful that you credit WSCF Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary of the whenever you mention your ecumenical Church of Norway Council on Ecumenical and formation. This reminds others of the ongoing International Relations. role of WSCF in forming ecumenical leaders “During your tenure as General Secretary, and gives support and encouragement to WSCF has rejoiced that we have had a the current generation of SCMers,” Mr. friend and advocate at the highest level in Wallace added. WCC,” said WSCF General Secretary Rev. The good collaboration between WCC and Michael Wallace. WSCF will continue, according to former “We deeply appreciate the very practical help WSCF Co-Secretary General Ms. Beate Fagerli, and guidance you have given us. You have been who works with Dr. Tveit in Olso. She said that an excellent senior friend to the Federation and Dr. Tveit has good knowledge of the Student Williams/WCC Peter we are very grateful.” Christian Movement and will be supportive. Rev. Dr. Sam Kobia

Two new global staff

SCF has introduced two new WSCF General Secretary Rev. Michael Wmembers to the staff team. Wallace welcomed Mr. Quintero Casadiego The Executive Committee has appointed Mr. to the Federation’s staff. “Gustavo is a great Gustavo Quintero Casadiego of Colombia as choice for Regional Secretary. He brings Regional Secretary for Latin America and the much positive energy, plenty of church Caribbean. He began work in September and ecumenical experience and many at WSCF’s regional office in Buenos Aires, communication gifts to WSCF.” Argentina. Meanwhile Ms. Henriette Brachet, WSCF He succeeds Rev. Dan Gonzalez Ortega, Accountant since 2001, completed her who was Regional Secretary from 2005 time with the Federation in June. and has taken up a position as minister in a Mr. Peter Tyler was hired as the new Presbyterian congregation in Mexico City. Finance and Reporting Officer, beginning Mr. Quintero Casadiego, 26, had most in July. He has studied in Zambia and South recently been the publicist and manager Africa and has many years of experience as of communications and publications for an accountant and administrator. the Reformed University at Barranquilla, He has worked as a finance and Colombia. administrative officer for the Lutheran He has been responsible for Website World Federation (LWF) and was project management, design and production for coordinator for the LWF’s database-driven the Presbyterian Church of Colombia and Website MaRs, which provides information the Ecumenical Network of Colombia. to donors, field offices and Geneva staff. Since 2004 he has been working as a He served as director of the youth database consultant for WSCF. department of the Alliance of Presbyterian and Reformed Churches of Latin America Mr. Wallace said: “We are very happy to and as a member of the co-ordinating welcome someone with Peter’s extensive committee of the Youth Network of Religions experience with finance and reporting. His for Peace. skills will enhance our capacity to manage our finances and maintain excellent Mr. Quintero Casadiego studied advertising relations with partner organisations.” and marketing at the Universidad del Litoral at Barranquilla, has a diploma in management He added: “The Federation thanks Dan and is completing a degree in psychology at and Henriette for their work and wishes the Reformed University. Mr. Gustavo Quintero Casadiego them all the very best for the future.”

6 Solidarity project improves lives of tea workers

hristian students living worlds apart are plantation administration. Ccollaborating to work alongside women tea For little more than 1 Euro (US $1.50), they workers in Sri Lanka for justice and equality. must harvest about 24 kilos of tea leaves a day. The Norwegian SCM is cooperating with the The men, on the other hand, work five hours Sri Lanka SCM in supporting Penn Wimochana for every eight hours the women work, do less Gnanodyam (PWG), an organisation working strenuous labour, and still earn the same as the with women on tea plantations in the mountains women, or more. of Hatton in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka project offers leadership training PWG is a democratic organisation run by programmes, workshops on workers’ rights, women for women that was founded in 1976 by kindergartens, scholarship funds, courses in the former General Secretary of the Sri Lanka farming and bio-gas production to increase SCM, Annathaie Abayasekera. It helps women family income. realise their own plight and gain confidence to The partnership also links PWG and FOKUS, a demand fairness. Norwegian forum on women and development. Sri Lanka is one of the world’s biggest tea This connection helps find funds in Norway for producers. Indian Tamil women working at the project as well as support to build offices tea plantations experience suppression as and houses for women tea workers and staff. women, workers and Tamils. The women, Having witnessed the project for such a long who constitute 65 percent of the workers on period of time, the Norwegian SCM is extremely plantations, experience long workings days, Women tea workers in Sri Lanka work hard pleased to say that the project has improved bad health care and heavy demands from the for little compensation. the lives of many women and children.

Australian SCM’s remarkable influence chronicled

t has nurtured future prime ministers, high In a Review in Praxis, a WSCF Asia-Pacific struggles and strengths; Icourt judges and distinguished educators. regional publication, Avril Hannah-Jones said the evolution towards Now the Australian Student Christian the story is inspiring. “The ASCM encouraged gender equality; the Movement (ASCM) is the subject of a Christian involvement in Australian and movement’s remarkable “fascinating” new book, A Century of international public life by relating Christianity influence; and reasons Influence: Australian Student Christian to the issues of the day.” for its decline. She Movement 1896-1996, by historian Dr. Dr. Howe draws on a rich range of material tells an inspiring story of Renate Howe. from libraries, private collections and oral committed discipleship; The book was published in July 2009 by the histories to tell the story of a movement and of the search for the University of New South Wales Press. A whose influence has extended well common good in universities, number of launches have been held, including beyond its formal membership. schools and churches and for one at the University of Melbourne where “Renate Howe makes a major contribution A u s t r a l i a n and international society,” Dr. 150 Friends of the ASCM gathered for a to Australia’s religious, intellectual and Langmore added. function hosted by the Victorian History social history through her rigorous analysis, Dr. Howe, Honorary Fellow at Deakin Promotion Group. perceptive insights and graceful writing,” said University’s School of History, Heritage and Dr. Howe notes in the history that two former Dr. John Langmore, Professorial Fellow at the Society, is the author of a number of books prime ministers, three high court judges and University of Melbourne. exploring the intersection of Australia’s social several prominent educators were all members “She illuminates the ASCM’s ambitious and religious history. To order A Century of of the ASCM. foundations; its theological and political Influence, go to www.ascm.org.au.

In Memoriam – Dorothy Nyland s. Dorothy Nyland, a life-long Methodist, international travels began with a group trip in continents. In her later years, she returned to Msocial justice activist and enthusiastic 1935 to Japan and the Philippines, which she Cleveland where she worked for the Methodist supporter of WSCF, died on April 4, 2008, 11 continued on her own across parts of China Church Federation and cared for her elderly days short of her 103rd birthday. and Korea. parents. She was a long-time advocate for peace Ms. Nyland had a long life of service in both She attended the 1939 World Conference of and beloved by many for her pioneering work Methodist and ecumenical programmes with Christian Youth in Amsterdam, where she met in race relations and in developing Christian university students around the world. She was many church leaders. From 1940 to 1959, she student leaders. born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1905 and completed was national staff for student ministries with the Ms. Nyland left a significant bequest to WSCF, a degree in Religious Education at Boston Methodist Board of Missions in New York, where one eighth of her entire estate. General University in 1929. she supported WSCF’s work on international Secretary Rev. Michael Wallace expressed the She started her work with students at the students and community projects. Federation’s deep gratitude for the generosity University of Oregon during the 1930s. Her Her visits and friendships extended across the she showed WSCF over many years.

7 In Memoriam World Student Christian Federation Contact information

Inter-Regional Office Ecumenical Centre, 5 Route des Morillons, Margaret Flory PO Box 2100, CH-1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland. s. Margaret Flory, a strong supporter of Tel: +41 22 791 63 58 Fax: + 41 22 791 61 52 MWSCF over many decades, died in October Email: [email protected] in the United States, aged 95. Website: www.wscfglobal.org

Rubem Alves, Brazilian theologian and poet, Africa Regional Office described her as “one of the most outstanding PO Box 14782, Nairobi, Kenya. leaders of the ecumenical movement of the 20th Tel: +254 20 2730220 Fax: + 254 20 2730223 century, because her eyes had the power to see Email: [email protected] trees when they were only seeds.” Asia-Pacific Regional Office Born in Wauseon, Ohio, in 1914, she attended 18/F, Room 1&2, 280 Portland Street Ohio University, where she earned a BA and Commercial Building, Mongkok, MA. There she began her student ministry as the Kowloon, Hong Kong. Tel: + 852 238 525 50 director of the Westminster Foundation. Fax: + 852 278 239 80 After studies at Union Theological Seminary in Email: [email protected] New York City, she was commissioned in 1944 Europe Regional Office by the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions Kálvin Tér 8, 1091 Budapest, Hungary. and taught at the Tokyo Christian Women’s Tel: + 36 1219 5166 Fax: + 36 1216 5115 University. Stony Point Center Stony Point Email: [email protected] In 1951 she was appointed director of the Ms. Margaret Flory Latin America and Caribbean Presbyterian Office of Student World Relations, Regional Office where she began shaping the church’s Camacua 238, 1406 DOF, Capital Federal, understanding of its role in a global community She journeyed to Geneva for the dedication of Buenos Aires, Argentina. of celebration and suffering. Her mission was to Tel: + 54 11 4631 219 the Margaret Flory Conference Center at the Email: [email protected] “push out the walls of the church so that people John Knox International Reformed Center, an of every race and nationality could sit side-by-side organization she supported over many years. Middle East Regional Office and believe in Christ as our eternal hope.” PO Box 11-1375, Beirut, Lebanon. In his condolence message WSCF’s General Tel: + 9611 341 903 During this period she was an organiser of Secretary Rev. Michael Wallace said, “While Fax: + 9611 341 902 Email: [email protected] the historic Student Volunteer Movement we mourn her passing we also give thanks quadrennial conferences. for Margaret’s wonderful life. WSCF pledges North America Regional Office Ms. Flory worked for 36 years at the Presbyterian to continue her work and vision through the Inter Church Center Margaret Flory Fund to support students in 475 Riverside Drive Suite 1370 Church (USA) developing programmes such New York, NY 10115 as the Junior Year Abroad, Frontier Internship in new frontiers of ecumenical study and service.” Tel: + 1 212 870 2470 Mission, the Overseas Scholarship Programme The Federation was represented at Ms. Flory’s Fax: + 1 212 870 2528 Email: [email protected] and the Bi-National Servants Programme. She funeral by US Trustees Rev. Alice Hageman and attended 10 WSCF assemblies and in 1995 she Rev. Dr. Bruce Rigdon. helped mark the Federation’s 100th anniversary, Contributions to the Margaret Flory Fund of Support WSCF attending the senior friends meeting in Berlin and Dear WSCF Supporter, thank you for your interest the WSCF can be sent to: Trustees of the WSCF in, and support for, the Federation and its work! If the 31st General Assembly in Côte D’Ivoire. USA, Inc., Rev. Jorge Domingues, 475 Riverside you would like to support the Federation financially please either: In 1980 Ms. Flory retired, calling it “restyling” Drive, Room 1340, New York, NY, 10115, USA. • Send us a cheque made out to the World Student and wrote three books, travelled extensively, Christian Federation and post it to us at the Inter- connecting with former students and associates Regional Office address above or; around the world. • Make an electronic bank or wire transfer to our bank account in Geneva - Banque Cantonale de Genève, Case Postale 2251, CH-1211 Genève 2, Switzerland (BIC/SWIFT BCGECHGGXXX) as follows: Subscribe to Federation News World Student Christian Federation - US Dollars - To subscribe to Federation News please email [email protected] with the subject line Federation News subscribe. Please provide Account # L 0790.08.11 – IBAN CH95 0078 8000 your name and postal address including postal code. Subcriptions to Federation News are free. If you do not have access to L079 0081 1 email please post the same information to the Inter-Regional Office in Geneva, address below. World Student Christian Federation - Euros - Account # U 3226.54.80 – IBAN CH86 0078 8000 U322 6548 0 Federation News is published twice a year by the WSCF Inter-Regional Office in Geneva. // Editor: The General Secretary, Alternatively, if you would like to contribute towards [email protected] // Managing Editor: John P. Asling, [email protected] // Communications Intern: Maryann Philbrook, the longer-term movement building fund of the [email protected] // Designer: Marcus Thomas, [email protected] WSCF, please replace the account name with “WSCF Centennial Fund”. Thank you. WSCF Inter-Regional Office

Ecumenical Centre, 5 Route des Morillons, PO Box 2100, 1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland :: Tel: + 41 22 791 63 58 :: Fax: + 41 22 791 61 52 :: Email: [email protected]

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