Derry Diocese says 'thank you' to kids

The Church of Ireland Diocese of Derry and Raphoe will hold a special “thank-you” event this Sunday for children and young people in the diocese.

Held at All Saints Church Clooney in Londonderry, it will mark the culmination of the Let’s Go Tackle Aids diocesan project.

Over recent months, the project has run a programme to help children of different ages in the diocese understand better the problems of HIV and Aids and to raise funds which will help to transform the lives of people living with Aids across Africa.

It has also included special training on how best to present and explain to children the issue of HIV and Aids.

With a highly imaginative programme, the special service will give the diocese an opportunity to thank the children for all they have done to raise funds and awareness over recent months.

Along with dance, music and multi-media presentations on work going on to combat AIDS there will also be an opportunity to hear from Tendai Madolo, who has more than 10 years experience of working on HIV and Gender issues in Africa and Europe.

Talking of the event Bishop Ken Good said, “This is a healthy sign that churches are helping to mark World Aids Day on 1 December 2008.

"There is an urgent need for compassion, awareness and understanding as well as finance. We want to do everything we can to contribute to fighting this disease.

"As a diocese we are committed to serving the needs of our community in any way we can."

The Lets Go Tackle Aids project was organised by the Diocesan Bishop’s Appeal representatives and the Let’s Go Team, in partnership with Christian Aid and Tearfund.