Inspired by her mother’s story, Aline is now the founder of her own charity, African Dream Movement, which helps other young people affected by conflict and poverty.
Now a strong young leader in her own right, Aline’s story, and that of her mum’s, is a powerful reminder of how basic support for people at their toughest moments can continue to change countless lives into the future.
There have been so many more of those tough moments in the last two years.
All of us have seen our lives turned upside down by this awful pandemic. But in a time that tested many of us, you were one of those remarkable people who never stopped looking beyond your own street and your own borders – to those who needed help in other parts of the world.
From the monthly donors, the cash supporters, the Concern Gift givers, to the legacy pledgers. From the fasters, volunteers, activists, to the advocators, the campaigners, the runners and trekkers - even through lockdown you found ways to continue this lifeline of support. And that compassionate spirit – of never giving up – is truly inspiring to our teams on the ground.
For that I want to thank you.
In these last two years, I have often thought of a woman I met in Liberia during the Ebola epidemic of 2014, named Denise.
Denise was a community health worker who, armed with health leaflets, a thermometer and her knowledge of how to stop the spread of the virus, went out day after day, knocking on every door to save lives in her community.
Denise’s commitment to keeping her community safe was astounding. When I asked her about the risks to her own life during what was a truly terrifying epidemic, she simply replied,
‘This is my job. I cannot sit home in fear.’
Tragically, while Denise was focused on protecting others, she did eventually contract Ebola herself. Not long after this photo was taken, she became very ill and never recovered.
I keep the photo of Denise here on my desk, to remind me of her professionalism, her determination and above all, her incredible bravery that saved so many. The courage of front line health workers such as Denise resonates now even more powerfully during this pandemic.
When I look at the photo of us together now, I know that her selflessness lives on in the people she saved.
I cannot tell you how heartening it has been for us here at Concern, that supporters like you have continued to show such resilience and kindness in this time of unprecedented global need. Because the truth is, that it is an extremely challenging time.
If there is one thing that really hits home for me during my time at Concern, other than the incredible kindness of supporters like you, it is this phenomenal strength and the bravery of people who we work with.
That’s why the final story I want to share with you is of one of our own staff member, Martha, from South Sudan.
Seven years ago, she was one of 2 million people displaced during the brutal civil war in her country. She arrived at the Concern nutrition centre with her youngest child – both were ill and severely malnourished.
Within a matter of weeks, her child was healthy again. Martha also slowly recovered her health, and was determined to stay at the treatment centre and help other mothers like her.
She went on to study at night, taking all the training available, and is now helping to run the centre.
I was in South Sudan at a great time a few years ago. A peace agreement was in place and Martha and the team were able to leave the camp and join the Concern 50th anniversary celebration.
Looking radiant in a long red sparkling dress, that evening Martha told me that she was there to celebrate her own achievement and that night would dance for the first time in years.
These are the people who astound me with their humanity in the midst of the most inhumane, horrific situations. They inspire me every day and remind me why I am here.
The world may be going through a tough time right now, but I hope that these stories help to remind you that there’s much to be hopeful for.
I have stayed with Concern for all of these years because of the impact that I’ve seen. Your support is what makes that impact possible; it’s what makes Concern so effective, and what enables us to assist people today, not tomorrow or next week.
And it enables us to stay, long after the news story has moved on, to help communities rebuild and recover.
From one humanitarian to another, thank you.