European Christian social justice groups focused on creating employment opportunities for individuals experiencing severe poverty
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Last week, the Eurodiaconia network of churches and Christian NGOs gathered in Santander, Spain, for a two-day meeting aimed at addressing the pressing issue of extreme poverty. The meeting, hosted by Nueva Vida, a Spanish Christian NGO, took place on September 24-25, 2021.
The primary focus of the gathering was employment, with a particular emphasis on offering jobs to those in extreme destitution. The cost-of-living crisis has resulted in a "shrinking of the disposable income" for thousands of families and individuals, making employment an essential tool in the fight against poverty.
During the meeting, various case studies were analysed, including that of Nuvitex, a textile company that trains and promotes labor insertion of vulnerable people, particularly women survivors of trafficking for sexual exploitation. Another facility visited was Casa de Renedo, which provides comprehensive social care to homeless people and those deprived of their liberty.
Participants also discussed proposals for the socio-occupational insertion of vulnerable groups from Christian organizations in Finland, Latvia, Serbia, and Slovakia. Members of the University of Luxembourg shared findings about in-work poverty in European regions.
Effective employment solutions for people in extreme poverty often involve holistic community-based approaches that integrate spiritual support, education, vocational training, and social services. European churches and Christian NGOs work together by leveraging their networks, resources, and community trust to address not only immediate needs but also long-term empowerment and sustainable development.
Key effective approaches include education and vocational training programs, community empowerment and church-based social services, partnerships for sustainable development, a holistic approach addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, and international and cross-border collaboration.
Evangelical Focus, one of the participating NGOs, announced the launch of a campaign called #OneMoreYearEF, inviting individuals committed to their mission to join. However, the organization faces a sustainability challenge.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to exchange best practices, discuss challenges in Europe, and develop policy recommendations. More information about the #OneMoreYearEF campaign can be found on the Evangelical Focus website.
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