David Burrowes MP (Conservative) for Enfield Southgate, Tim Farron MP (Liberal Democrat) for Westmorland & Lonsdale and Andy Reed MP (Labour) for Loughborough took part in a cross party ‘Slum Survivor’ challenge with Christian aid agency Tearfund and youth organisation Soul Survivor this week, to highlight the plight of 1 billion slum dwellers around the world.
“Living life in a slum is reality for 1 billion people, and by going through the Slum Survivor challenge I’m hoping that the issue of poverty and those communities who have to live without proper shelter, sanitation or clean water is highlighted,” said David Burrowes MP.
Andy Reed MP said: “Being part of the Slum Survivor challenge has been about experiencing just a tiny part of what life is like for these communities. It’s important that we keep up pressure on governments and make sure that they progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, one of which focuses on improving the lives of slum dwellers around the world,” he added.
“Being part of this initiative is an act of solidarity,” says Tim Farron MP. “The Slum Survivor initiative is about reminding governments that this kind of life is a reality for so many people and we need to take action.”
David Westlake, Integral Mission Director at Tearfund added, “Slum Survivor will help educate a new generation of young campaigners to raise awareness of the issues the poor around the world face. By having just a glimpse of what slum dwellers have to live with, we hope it will empower young people to understand how they can be part of making a difference to the lives of so many.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, also gave his support to the challenge and said:
“A sixth of the world's population currently live in slum conditions- a sobering and challenging fact. I commend those taking part in Slum Survivor events, not only for their willingness to get closer to understanding the stark and desperate conditions that so many face, but in raising much needed funds and public awareness for those for whom this life is a daily reality.”
Slum Survivor is an experience designed to help connect people with the lives of some of the world’s poorest people. Over 230 church youth groups have participated in Slum Survivor challenges throughout the country, raising £150,000 to fund life-changing work in Zimbabwe and South Africa .
(Left to right) James Butcher (Tearfund) Andy Reed MP, David Burrowes MP (back), Joseph Colman (Soul Survivor) (right) and Tim Farron MP (front) on their Slum Survivor challenge. Credit: Hazel Thompson
Ends
For interviews, pictures and further information please contact:
The Tearfund media team on 020 8943 7986 or 07710 573 749
Notes to Editors:
- Slum Survivor is an initiative of SoulAction the partnership between Tearfund and Soul Survivor
- Soul Survivor is the largest youth organization in the UK that attracts over 27,000 young people to its summer events www.soulsurvivor.com
- Tearfund is one of the UK ’s leading relief and development agencies, working in partnership with churches around the world to tackle the causes and effects of poverty. www.tearfund.org
- Caption: (Left to right) James Butcher (Tearfund) Andy Reed MP, David Burrowes MP (back), Joseph Colman (Soul Survivor) (right) and Tim Farron MP (front) on their Slum Survivor challenge. Credit: Hazel Thompson