Somalia: educational consquences of huge floods
31 May 2024
Heavy rains have flooded schools in Somalia's central Hiran region, forcing over 37,000 students out of school. The flooding has damaged learning materials and classrooms, displacing many students to distant locations and complicating efforts to resume education. Parents fear the disruption will negatively affect their children's performance in upcoming national exams, and local teachers are concerned about the long-term impact on education. Parents are urging the government to establish schools on higher grounds to avoid future disruptions. Last year, the government organised special exams after similar flooding incidents. Officials say they are committed to ensuring students can participate in exams despite the current challenges.
A UN report has revealed record levels of methamphetamine and synthetic drug production in East and Southeast Asia, primarily sourced from the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. Historically known for opium and heroin production, the area now sees massive methamphetamine production, fuelling the illicit economy by an estimated $80 billion a year. Political instability, especially in Myanmar's lawless frontier regions, has exacerbated drug production. In 2023, a record 190 tons of methamphetamine were seized in the region, 89% of it from Southeast Asia. The report also noted record seizures of ecstasy and the increasing presence of ketamine, a powerful anaesthetic used both medically and recreationally. Drug networks have diversified, spreading production from Myanmar's Shan State to other regions in the lower Mekong River basin.
‘Goodness of God’ tops worship list again
23 May 2024
'Goodness of God' by Bethel Music has topped the Premier Praise Worship 100 List for the second consecutive year. The 2024 list, released on Pentecost Sunday, highlights contemporary worship anthems and classic hymns which resonate with Christians. 'I Speak Jesus' by Charity Gayle climbed to fourth place, while timeless hymns like 'Be Thou my vision' and 'Amazing grace (My chains are gone)' remain popular. Premier's director of content, Charmaine Noble-McLean, praised the spiritual heritage and enduring significance of these songs and hymns, emphasising their role in bringing comfort, hope, and glory to Jesus.
Canada: giving thanks for Canairelief heroes
23 May 2024
On 11 May family, friends, and many people who were involved in the Biafran airlift during the Nigerian civil war gathered at St Andrew’s Church, Toronto to dedicate a memorial plaque to four Canadians who died when their plane carrying food and medicine crashed on 2 August 1969. The plaque also honours all ground and air crews who worked for Canairelief and Joint Church Aid. Their work resulted in the largest non-governmental humanitarian airlift in history, funded entirely from public donations. Prayer Alert’s editor, David Fletcher, attended the ceremony, which also recognised the founders of Canairelief, one of whom was his father, Henry Fletcher. For more information, a full-length documentary about Canairelief (‘Operation Lights Out’) is available online to rent or buy.
PM calls a general election on 4 July
23 May 2024
Rishi Sunak surprised many by calling for a UK general election on 4 July, aiming to secure a fifth term for the Conservatives. Parliament will be suspended shortly, marking the start of a five-week campaign. Sunak's decision, earlier than anticipated, came after April's inflation fell to 2.3%, providing him with a narrative of successful governance. Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer seized the moment, positioning the election as a chance for change from Tory 'chaos.' SNP leader John Swinney and other opposition figures echoed similar sentiments. This election, the first since 2015 not requiring parliamentary approval for the date, will feature new constituency boundaries and require voter ID. It follows a period of political turbulence, marked by scandals, cabinet resignations, Boris Johnson's resignation, and Liz Truss’s brief tenure.
Rishi Sunak has pledged 'comprehensive compensation' for those affected by the UK's infected blood scandal, following a damning public inquiry. The scandal, which involved the infection of 30,000 people with HIV and hepatitis through NHS treatments in the 1970s and 1990s, has led to around 3,000 deaths, with more expected. The inquiry found that authorities exposed victims to unacceptable risks and attempted a cover-up, marking it as the NHS's largest treatment disaster. The Government, reportedly setting aside £10 billion, will outline the compensation plan, covering categories like injury, social impact, autonomy, care, and financial loss. Sunak condemned the scandal as a 'day of shame for the British state' and assured the House of Commons of the Government's commitment to funding the compensation. Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer also apologised for Labour's past involvement and supported swift compensation for victims. The inquiry's 2,527-page report emphasised that the disaster was avoidable and involved deliberate concealment by officials.
CofE church attendance up!
23 May 2024
Average weekly attendance at Church of England services rose nearly 5% in 2023, marking the third consecutive year of growth. Children's attendance increased by almost 6%. Although total attendance remains below 2019 levels, the gap has significantly narrowed. Justin Welby praised the efforts of clergy and congregations, highlighting the rise in children's participation as particularly encouraging. The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, emphasised the positive impact of focusing on outreach, new Christian communities, and revitalising parishes. The full Statistics for Mission report will be released in the autumn.
More than fifty cases of cryptosporidium have been confirmed in Brixham, Devon; around 17,000 households were instructed to boil their water. The Health Security Agency reported 57 cases, up by eleven since last Friday, with more expected. Pennon Group, South West Water's parent company, announced £3.5m in compensation for affected customers while reporting £166.3m in profits. The boil water notice has been lifted for 14,500 homes but remains for 2,500. The outbreak, probably caused by animal faeces entering a damaged pipe, has led to increased health measures and support for local businesses.