31 October 2006
Advent calendar tells modern story of hope at Christmas
Methodist Relief and Development Fund (MRDF) has produced an
Advent calendar with a global perspective.
The calendar tells the story of Sivamma, living in South India. She
is a Dalit, or 'untouchable', a group outside the caste system that
faces much discrimination in Indian society. She has joined a Self
Help Group, set up by MRDF partners, which has helped her community
to access free electricity, learn to read and write and to form
small businesses. By working together with her neighbours, Sivamma
has also successfully persuaded the local government to build a
village primary school, providing opportunities to her daughter and
other children, which were not available to their parents.
Amanda Norman, MRDF Supporter Relations Director said: 'Advent is a
time of hope when we can remember Jesus' concern for justice for
the poor. As Christmas approaches, the inspirational stories in
this Advent calendar remind us of all the small miracles that
MRDF's partners make possible, throughout the year.'
Sadly, unlike Sivamma, most of India's 160 million Dalits still
struggle to make a living, comprising 90% of those living below the
country's poverty line. They face discrimination, reduced
opportunities for education and work, and even violence and abuse.
This Christmas, MRDF is encouraging people to remember communities
like Sivamma's, and provide support for them to gain confidence,
new skills and the means to provide a better future for their
children.
The Advent calendar is beautifully illustrated and has Bible
quotations and colourful images behind each of the 24 windows. It
provides a great opportunity for children and their families to
learn about life in another country as they count down to
Christmas, at the same time helping to fulfil Sivamma's dream that:
'Dalit children will not be born into sadness and poverty any
more.' Through the work of MRDF partners, Dalit women are leading
their communities into a brighter future this Christmas time.