A community group identifying their needs in Tanzania  photo by Chris Enns

The ability to reach 70,000 more people in seven countries – that’s what a recent announcement from the Government of Canada through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) means to the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC). 

The announcement by the Honorable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation came in late December and promised over $7 million in funding for CRWRC programs.

“We are so grateful to the people and the government of Canada for this support,” said CRWRC Director Ida Kaastra-Mutoigo.

The funding came in response to two proposals submitted by CRWRC in early 2011.  The first is for $5.611 million which will be received over five years.  It will be used to reduce poverty and increase food security among vulnerable households in Mozambique, Honduras, Mali, Bangladesh, and Tanzania. 

“This funding will enable CRWRC to work with 12 partner organizations in these five countries and help 65,000 people with their food security, economic growth, and governance capacity,” Mutoigo explained.

The second project is for $1.678 million which will be received over four years and will enable CRWRC to enhance the health, security, and life skills of young people in Senegal and Nigeria. 

“This funding will support CRWRC as we work with 5,000 adolescents in 71 communities to address high risks to their health including HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, early unwanted pregnancies as well as violence and sexual abuse,” Mutoigo added.

Earlier in the fall of 2011, CRWRC also signed a $688,000 contribution agreement with CIDA that is being used to support maternal and child health programs in Malawi and Bangladesh. 

Each of these programs is contingent upon CRWRC raising a portion of the program costs from individuals and churches in Canada. 

“In total, for implementing the two proposals, we need to raise about $500,000 each year,” said Mutoigo. “The ratio of CIDA contribution to CRWRC contribution is 3:1, which means that every dollar donated towards these programs will result in four dollars in ministry.”