Not everyone is fortunate enough to receive an education. Countries that are ravaged by conflict are in turmoil and very little operates ‘as normal’. The norm for some is extreme poverty and injustice.
There is a Christian charity that aims to help people of all faiths in the Middle East to free themselves. Embrace the Middle East aims to work with local Christian communities to bring lasting change to the Middle East through healthcare, education and community development projects.
Women’s rights are dreadfully low on the agenda in some regions and this is just one of the ways Embrace the Middle East aims to help. Thousands of women growing up in rural areas have been denied an education or made to drop out of school early. Many have also married at an early age as children.
The Life School project aims to teach some of the most vulnerable, disadvantaged women how to read, write and use basic maths. With lessons five days a week over a year, Life School also offers vital classes in health awareness, nutrition, hygiene and vocational training.
Many women are being mistreated or being short-changed because they lack the skills to be independent. Treated as second-class citizens by their families and society at large, many women are vulnerable, afraid and unaware of their rights, especially when it comes to getting an education, voting in elections, choosing a partner for themselves and standing up to violence and abuse.
Take a look at this video from a previous Lent appeal.
Find out more about Embrace the Middle East here.