ALGERIA/

WESTERN SAHARA/

SAHARAWI/

SAHARA DESERT

 

For more information on the Saharawi and how you can be involved check out www.notforgotteninternational.org.

 

Since 1975 more than 160,000 Saharawi have lived in 4 large refugee camps located in the southwestern corner of Algeria.  This area of the vast Sahara Desert is one of the most inhospitable places on earth- temperatures soar past 135 degrees in the summer and can drop below freezing in the winter. 

 

As a Spanish Colony, Saharawi were granted a right to vote for independence in 1975, but before that could take place, Spain withdrew and Morocco invaded, sending the Saharawi fleeing for their lives into Sahara.  Since then, a large mud berm full of landmines separates the refugees from another 65,000 Saharawi who are under Moroccan rule in Western Sahara.

 

CURRENT CONDITIONS IN THE CAMPS

  • Basic food is trucked in from humanitarian organizations, and includes rice, flour, pasta, sugar and lentils. These rations are based on what is given people in a crisis situation, not meant to sustain a nation for more than 30 years. 
  • Most families have been split ever since the invasion.  Many men are in the military or working abroad to earn money.  After age 12, children must get their education outside of the camps.
  • Medical help is limited.  Malnutrition and anemia are common. Many ailments go unnoticed and untreated.  Majority of the elderly suffer from lung problems from so many years in the desert.
  • When students do get college degrees as lawyers, doctors, teachers, engineers, sociologists, politicians, journalists, their only option is to return to the camps.

CHRIST THE ROCK’S INVOLVEMENT IN THE CAMPS

  • Short-term trips:  Short term teams participate in the English center (conversation circles, classes), spend time with families and children and other activities. 
  • Annual Seminars: Religious dialogue to hold peaceful dialogue about Christianity and Islam, and Young Women’s seminars to teach about worth, identity and value and address issues they struggle with.
  • Essalam English Center: Working alongside Saharawi to teach 30-50 adults each semester.  CTR sends teachers every semester for 3-4 months.  Is also a center for relationship building through community activities.
  • Gardens: Supporting the work of a Saharawi Agriculturalist to provide families with gardens to grow their own fruits and vegetables year-round.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

 

PRAY

  • For our involvement.
  • For the peaceful return to their Homeland.

GO

 

Reach Farther by going on a Sahara Desert Trip!

2012 trips available soon:

 

GIVE

  • Gardens in the Desert – Provide growing material/seeds for a family - $50.
  • English/Arabic picture dictionaries for school - $15.
  • Student chairs/desks - $20
  • Salary for English teacher - $125 per month.
  • (These options are available on our online giving page)

 

The Paperwork!

Just a few forms to fill out and you are on your way:

For more information contact the church office @ 730-8383, or e-mail global@christtherock.org