Dear Supporters of "Partners",

The ecumenical campaign of 2008 stands under the title 'Nourishment'. The theme for the next three years is 'That the right to food does not remain a pious hope'. Following the previous two human rights campaigns, we know now that our effort is important, so that even the poorest get that to which they have a right. That is why this year there is an extension with a supporting theme, that 'The right to nourishment demands the political will'. The agencies Brot für Alle, Fastenopfer, and Partner Sein, will see how access to land, water and natural resources, and the right to use them, can be secured. The work of the movement to aid those without land, and farmers' co-operatives, will be at the centre. All are seeking ways to secure the cultivation of daily bread. Partner Sein supports this work, with projects where the help to self-help for the world's poorest is in the foreground.

We should also explain that 'Partner sein' supports the campaign '0,7% Gemeinsam gegen Armut' (0,7% together against poverty'), and is collecting signatures up to Spring 2008. During Lent the big 0,7% flags will fly on church towers and church walls, and more information can be found on  www.gemeinsamgegenarmut.ch. 

Our projects 2008:

This year Partner Sein is making the Philippines its priority. For more than 20 years, projects have been carried out with the 'Philippine Independent Church', IFI, which is known there as the Church of the Poor. With our projects we help to strengthen our sister church in Asia in its struggle for justice and the fight against poverty and ignorance 

To the theme of this yeaer's campaign there are new projects in Rumania, (Building a people's kitchen in Bakau) and in Congo (Bread for the poor in Goma). The close co-operation with selected and reliable local partners is a safeguard that everything given arrives where it is intended. 

We have to thank all those who supported the Lent collection of 2008, to the theme that work should be worthy of those doing it, and who contributed Fr. 100 270 (2006 Fr. 108 450), of which Fr. 10 708 came from Anglican chaplaincies in Switzerland. We were also again grateful for support from the Foundation 'Solidarität Dritte Welt' (Third World Solidarity). 

On behalf of all our overseas partners, we thank you that our you so faithfully support our relief work. You are helping people with very little, in Asia, Africa and also in Europe, to find a life worthy of human beings!