One big story, one hundred small stories – that’s the vision for our link with the Diocese of Natal. As we look at developing ‘small story’ links between groups within the diocese, we are including links between schools. The opportunity for our children and young people to share their lives with others from a different country will help them to grow as world citizens and kingdom people.

Of course, the question is always ‘how do we do that, then?’ Once we have matched schools both here and in Natal, they will need to talk to each other. This may be through internet conversations, or it may be through visits. Link Officer, the Revd Barbara Holbrook explains: “As we encourage these, we are very aware that the technology and finance that we take for granted here, is often a luxury in Natal. There, some children don’t go to school occasionally because their only school uniform is not dried out from washing – this means that they miss out on meals that day as well”.

Our confirmation fund this year will help to support school links so that these friendships don’t add additional financial burdens to schools in Natal. The funds may be used for travel grants to help with visits or for supporting the technology and costs of developing the links. This way, children and young people in both our Diocese and Natal will be able to grow in their understanding of the world, and the challenge that our faith brings to that understanding.

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