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Awakened

The Awakened church

Join a community of believers as we help people across the motherland help themselves out of extreme poverty.

Join the movement

Be a part of the power of the Awakened Church

Poverty is robbing people of their freedom, their self-esteem and their futures. But there's one thing that poverty can’t handle: the power of an awakened church.

We’re working with local churches and other Christian organisations across Africa and the Caribbean, to empower people to overcome poverty through the creation of groundbreaking self-help groups (SHGs).

Become an Awakened speaker

Are you passionate about ending poverty and injustice and confident in public speaking? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to use your gifts for God’s glory as part of our Awakened speaker programme.

You’ll be joining a groundbreaking movement of people who are pushing back against injustice and inspiring others to put their faith into action. You don’t need any professional experience to join our team – we will provide you with all the training and resources you need to start sharing the vision of Awakened at church events and groups. Let’s awaken the church together.

Apply to become an Awakened speaker

Sign up here

Awakened is a ground-breaking initiative that empowers people to overcome extreme poverty through the creation of smaller community groups, called self-help groups. 

It’s a very similar concept to what is known as susu in Ghana, ajo in Nigeria, or pardner in Jamaica. Each SHG consists of 15-20 people who voluntarily come together and start saving small amounts of money each week. Group members learn to use the gifts and talents they already have to find their own long-lasting solutions to poverty. From the group’s savings, they share loans to set up small businesses, helping their families and communities flourish.

£10 a month could set up and support a new self-help group. Join the revolution and awaken people’s hope today.

Donate now

Awakened People

Lives are being transformed as people are being empowered to step out of poverty and into new possibilities.

SHG households are up to 50 per cent more able to provide for their families. Training helps them adapt farming methods to cope better with flooding or drought.

Women are becoming more independent, starting businesses and having a voice. Daughters are going to school and there’s a reduction in the incidence of female genital cutting (FGC) in communities where an SHG is present.

SHG group members have their sense of purpose, dignity and hope restored. They are more self-confident, less anxious, and likely to pursue new opportunities.

Members are encouraged to be good stewards of God’s earth – engaging in more sustainable farming practices.

The savings culture helps individuals manage their finances, avoid predatory moneylenders (loan sharks), access education and healthcare, and plan for the future.

Woman and man speaking in a small bookshop

Credit: Tom Price/Tearfund

Join the revolution

People like you make this work possible.

By joining Awakened, you can help people like Abraham to use their gifts and talents to overcome poverty. Your support will put the power back into the hands of people living in poverty.

When you sign up, you’ll receive regular email updates to show you how your giving is changing people’s lives. We’ll also include ways in which you can pray with us as we seek God’s face and intercede for this amazing work.

£10 a month could set up and support a new self-help group. Join the revolution and awaken people’s hope today.

Donate now

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Learn about our work and stay in touch with all things Tearfund. Hear about our news, activities and appeals by email.

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Poverty is not God's plan. You are. Support our work and change lives.

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©2022 All Rights Reserved. Registered Charity No.265464 (England and Wales) No.SC037624 (Scotland). Tearfund, 100 Church Road, Teddington, TW11 8QE | 020 3906 3906 | info@tearfund.org

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