At the CWU Annual Conference 2001 it was decided that the Union should develop and consolidate a African Fund and become more directly involved in the support of developmental projects in under-developed countries so that, in our own small, but direct way, we can help to make a vast difference to the lives of people less fortunate than ourselves.

As Trade Unionists we all subscribe to principles of fairness and justice for all. We believe that society should provide the basic needs for its people. Sadly, as we all see on our televisions and in the news on a regular basis that in parts of Africa as in other poorer parts of the world this is not the case.

The men, women and children in the poorer parts of Africa live in abject poverty made worse by the existence of drought and famine, denying these people including the growing children access to the basic ingredients of life such as food, medicine and even safe water. Added to this is often the problem of political instability, which prevents the people from helping themselves and basically renders them helpless. These harsh facts of poverty and devastation will not be cured by awareness alone

We have a great opportunity, some would even say a duty to look beyond our own immediate needs to the needs of others to provide our support and our knowledge to assist the people of Africa to overcome their daily hardships. Despite the enormity of these problems for a relatively small outlay a tremendous amount of work can be achieved on the ground giving the people of Africa hope.