Congolese Ambassador to join charity
climb of Ben Nevis
Released: 22.11.07

 

It has just been announced that Mrs Eugene Compton, Ambassador for the Democratic Republic of Congo, is joining Bishop Renato Cardoso, other UCKG senior clerics and London-based church members in a sponsored climb of Ben Nevis on 28 November. Their aim is to raise £1.6 million to save the UCKG HelpCentre in Peckham, south London, before the end of this year.

The money is needed to purchase a property at 176 Rye Lane Peckham, which has been rented for use as a HelpCentre for the last ten years.

Over this time, the Peckham HelpCentre has made a priority of supporting young people who are trying to escape addictions or gang life. However the church never turns anyone away and has programmes for the old and sick, prisoners, singles and families. Faced with a real possibility of closure at the end of its lease, the church concluded that the best solution was to buy the premises.

Ambassador Compton and the other sponsored climbers face quite a challenge on the mountain. At 4,409 ft (1,344 m) Ben Nevis is highest mountain in the country; and weather in the highlands of Scotland is not necessarily hospitable in winter, with snow on many summits.

“I am a Christian, first of all and have been a UCKG church member for eight years,” said 45 year old Mrs Compton, who is the mother of three children. “As a human being as well as an ambassador I believe it’s good to contribute to charitable activities in the country where you live.

“I am an African who was brought up to be sporty and I enjoy swimming and walking, so six hours up Ben Nevis and four hours back does not seem daunting. What is important is to set a good example to children and help those young people in Peckham. After all, the UK helps my country, Congo, in economic and social terms. It’s good for me to do something to contribute to the UK.

Like Bishop Renato and the other climbers, Mrs Compton is realistic about the demands of the climb. They are all preparing well, with full professional support from climbing experts and technical clothing suppliers. However she shares their view that raising £1.6 million in a few weeks is the bigger challenge, but one that will be achieved.

Bishop said: “We believe that we owe it to the people of Peckham to succeed, and our members from Stamford Hill and all over London are working to make it happen. We have donations and pledges to the value of £849,000 so we’re more than half way there.”

Peckham has long term issues with crime, guns and gangs and UCKG aims to continue combating these by offering youths a better alternative to street life in a new and improved HelpCentre. 

This will include a brand new, fully equipped Youth Centre to provide training, encourage academic excellence, and promote sound life skills. CLAIT (Computer Literacy and Information Technology) courses will be available along with mentoring services, careers guidance, and leisure space and activities.

The HelpCentre approach, which is based on young people reaching out to young people, is very successful. It connects well with youngsters, understanding the mindset and peer pressure of youths today. UCKG’s experience with hundreds of youngsters in Youth Groups across the UK has shown that even the most problematic young people can change for the better and contribute positively to society.

Further information about the Peckham HelpCentre and the sponsored climb of Ben Nevis are to be found on the website http://www.thebennevischallenge.com.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

UCKG is a Christian church and registered charity that offers a range of practical support activities alongside spiritual support and comfort. It was formed in 1977 and is active in some 100 countries as a church in the mainstream Pentecostal tradition. It reached the UK in 1995 and has gone from strength to strength, providing support and spreading the Christian faith.

The UK Department for International Development’s (DFID) programme of development assistance to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has increased rapidly in recent years. From £5.56 million in 2001-02, DFID had £62 million available in 2006/7 and spending is set to increase further to £70 million available in 2007/8, as long as the country’s current transition process remains on track.

DFID’s current programme is focused on:

Re-establishing security and reforming the justice sector;

Supporting the transition process, including the holding of democratic elections;

Investing in transport links, health and education services;

Providing humanitarian aid; and

Improving the management of natural resource exploitation for the benefit of all the DRC’s people.

DFID works closely with the Government, multinational and bilateral donors and NGOs to achieve these objectives in DRC.

For more information please contact Jenny Walton or Lucy Andrews on 023 8071 3020 or Francessca Lewis at UCKG on 0207 686 6033.