International development agency Christian Aid has issued ‘Ministerial Survival Kits’ to UK premier Gordon Brown and five of his newly appointed Secretaries of State in a bid to ensure tackling world poverty is at the top of their agenda.
The kit, which is a gift from a ‘Special Advisor’, has been created by Christian Aid’s policy and campaigns team. Each box contains a photograph and story of a person in the developing world who is suffering as a result of climate change or unfair trade rules.
It also contains a bottle of water, mosquito net, condom, tin of tomatoes and a globe stress ball; visual reminders of Christian Aid’s messages on trade, climate change and HIV. Each item carries a label with startling facts and figures about global poverty.
The kit has been sent to the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Environment Secretary, Chancellor, Secretary of State for International Development and the Minister responsible for Trade Policy.
Sally Golding, Christian Aid chief political advisor, says: “While Ministers adjust to their new roles and take stock of the tasks ahead, the concerns of the poorest people in the world should be at the front of their minds.”
She adds: “The poor should act as [the government’s] new ‘Special Advisor’, a photograph of them a constant reminder of the people the Minister’s decisions will affect and the difference they can make if they choose to.”
You can also buy Christian Aid gifts and support present aid online.