40th Anniversary
Concern's 40 years | |
40 years dedicated to reducing suffering and fighting hunger and poverty. Now in 2008 Concern’s work is needed more than ever.A small group of determined people started Concern in response to appeals from missionaries working in war torn Biafra in 1968. Africa Concern, as it was then known, was formally established in the home of Kay and John O’Loughlin Kennedy on 19 March 1968. Africa Concern with the Knights of Columbanus launched an appeal in June 1968 for the famine in Biafra with the slogan S.O.S – Send One Ship. It was later described as one of the most ambitious relief projects ever mounted in Ireland. On 29 September, a 600 tonne ship named the Columcille arrived at Sao Tome, a Portuguese island off the coast of Biafra, filled with vital supplies of powdered food, medicines, and batteries. In 1970, a huge cyclone hit East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and the public were asked to respond. Africa Concern simply became Concern. Continued workSince then, Concern has gone on to work in over 50 countries, responding to major emergencies as well as working in long term development programmes. Today, with more than 3,200 staff of 50 nationalities, Concern operates in 28 of the world’s poorest countries, helping people to achieve major and long-lasting improvements in their lives. The main areas of focus are health and nutrition, education, HIV and AIDS and livelihoods. Concern continues to respond to emergencies. Its disaster risk reduction programme also aims to prepare people for disasters in vulnerable areas. Concern’s work is funded by members of the public, governments and other donors. In 2008, hunger and poverty continue to devastate lives in the developing world. Unfortunately, the fact remains that Concern’s work is needed now more than ever. 2008 marks an opportunity to look back at the work Concern has done, to thank all those people who have made it possible and to renew Concern’s efforts to help people living in extreme poverty and hunger. | President pays tribute to ConcernThe contribution of thousands of Irish people to the work of Concern was acknowledged by the President at a reception in Aras an Uachtarain. Read more. Four decadesOn 13 February, the Irish Times published a special supplement about Concern and its work called “Four Decades – Concern 1968 – 2008: Marking forty years of working to eradicate hunger”. A selection of these articles is available here.
Irish Department of Foreign Affairs praised for aid roleConcern Worldwide has acknowledged the role of the Department of Foreign Affairs in developing an internationally recognised high quality aid programme. Click here to read the full article. International leadership needed on issues of ConcernIn this article, published in the Irish Times on 12 February, Concern CEO Tom Arnold recalls Concern’s origins and examines how Ireland can respond to the challenges posed by global poverty today. Click here to read the full article. Concern in the newsIn 2008, coverage of events relating to Concern’s 40th anniversary will appear in online media. Below are links to relevant stories. Hunger in 2008 – the facts |
