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The Archbishop of York applauds Faiths Act Blackburn’s efforts to tackle malaria

by: Ushna Mughal

The Archbishop of York, Rev Dr John Sentamu, who has been an advocate for youth empowerment, has shown appreciation towards the combined efforts of Faiths Act Blackburn team members in helping those who suffer from malaria.

Through this campaign 20 young people from different faith backgrounds are coming together to develop creative initiatives that raise awareness and funds for those who suffer from malaria. Archbishop of York,

John Sentamu, supports their efforts by saying:

"As people of faith, we have a responsibility for those with the greatest need, and our action is most effective when our efforts are combined.   It is inspiring to see young people take a lead in such efforts – their energy and passion can make a real and lasting impact in the lives of those who are suffering most.”

Every 30 seconds, malaria kills a child in Africa. On the other hand, a £5 note can buy a bed net that can save two lives that could have been lost to malaria. As part of the international Faiths Act campaign, a programme of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation, young people in the UK can explore the connections between global poverty and life threatening illnesses such as malaria. In Blackburn, this campaign is based at the ExChange Department of Blackburn Cathedral where young people from Lancashire and Yorkshire are developing local action projects, in order to change the situation globally. The Archbishop of York highlights the importance of the issues of malaria particularly and adds:

“I encourage people of all faiths to work together on our most pressing health issues, such as malaria – a disease which kills one million people around the world every year. We must continue to work together here in the UK to show solidarity with our brothers and sisters, both at home and abroad, to support them in their endeavours by raising awareness and funds for this cause.”

Currently, the inspiring young people of Faiths Act Blackburn are working on events such as charity dinners, sport and art auctions, sponsored walks and many other community based projects that will lead up to World Malaria Day (25th April 2010) and beyond.  Aqsa Naeem, a student at Thomas Whitham Sixth Form College (Burnley), who is organising a charity dinner, art auction and other ventures says,

‘My inspiration for this simply comes from the individuals around me; optimistic and high spirited faces of the people in my community enthuse me to challenge misconceptions about faith and embed me with the want to help those less fortunate than me.”

The campaign also allows young people to take on a leadership role and develop skills that will turn their ideas into action.  Khadija Khan a student at Blackburn College comments,Khadija Khan - Campaign Leaders' Team member

 “It is not only people in Africa who will benefit from this campaign, but I myself will also benefit from it as I will meet people from different cultures and religions and be inspired by their ideas.”

In the most deprived areas of the world, people of faith have joined hands to tackle health issues which affect them all.  In the UK, these inspiring young volunteers are building a local hub that they hope will continue to support the poorest in the world.

To find how you can support the campaign or to join the team visit: www.faithsactfellows.org/blackburn