‘Monday, Save the Children Fund goes directly to local projects From page 34 . “It isn’t good enough for us to just dig into our pockets and give “money. We have to learn about them, and that will enrich our lives. There has to be an ex- change, and we have to learn from each other.” Iv’s not enough, she says, for governments to invest huge amounts of money into hydro- electric projects, hospitals or roads when life for the average citizen is steadily deteriorating. The key is to strengthen the loca!s’ skills so that they can sus- -tain themselves. Groups like Save the Children Fund are working directly with natives in Southern Africa, South Asia and Central America on smaller-scale, life-sustaining pro- jects such as irrigation, improving sanitation and developing better agricultural techniques. ‘We're talking about basic rights like clean water, food, and then we move to education and freedom from exploitation,’ ex- plains Bannister. ‘‘We're not there to impose but to listen and work with the people, because they know what they want. “They do the work — they aren’t given handouts — and gradually they begin to organize for themselves. Once women have 46 There has to be an exchange, and we have to learn from each other. 99 a tap in the village, for example, they don’t have to walk three to four miles to find water so they have time to grow crops, to be with their children.” In comparison to other coun- tries Canada’s international aid record is commendable, but Ban- nister says it needs to do more. - ‘*There’s a lot of talk about need. for children, and a lot of governments are very long on talk and very short on action.’’ The Save the Children Fund of B.C. is always in need of volun- teers. Anyone wishing to help should phone 685-7716. . 7 Parents of autistic individuals invited to attend workshops ‘THE PACIFIC Association for Autistic Citizens (PAAC) is work- ing with the Ministry of Social - Services (MSS) in the development of parent training worksheps, en- titled “Parents — the Key Deci- sion Makers.’’ The workshops wili run from March 2 to Sunday, “June 14, throughout B.C. PAAC will be engaged in pres- enting the workshops for parents of autistic individuals and their extended families. : The presentations will be made “by qualified trainers with the assistance of parents who will also be involved as guest speakers. The sessions will provide in- formation about services available in the communities to parents and answer questions regarding goals for their children. Parents of autistic citizens in B.C. who ate interested in attend- ing the sessions should call their Jchanne Ofsen 8) Through Dan Interiors, Johanne presents a complete shopping experience from furniture to unique gifts and quality kitchen accessories. Our sir offers such fine lines as Kosta Boday lierala, and Arabia of Finland. We also have 2 complete line of cookware, including Cuisinare, R lagnetina, Sigg, and Copperware. Remember us for exciting actylic lines for patio and boaters” 3 A bvidal registry is also available. For those who appreciate the difference. San interiors al South 922-1181 logal. social workers for registra- tion forms and a_ workshop schedule, or call PAAC directly at 879-8888. * PAAC will reimburse parents for travel and meals when they at- tend workshops outside their town, with approval from their local MSS office. NEWS photo Mike Wakefield LIZ AND John Bannister have worked with Lower Mainiand teachers and students on developing a betier appreciation of the cultures of developing nations. Tell me about your student ex- changes to Africa: ‘‘We take stu- dents aged 17 to 25 to Africa. We ’ want them to see how interna- tional development works, to meet the people and to learn about the culture through experience. On our first trip we took students from the Lower Mainland and three young women from the North Shore to Zimbabwe and Kenya.”* When did Save the Chiidren Fund of B.C. begin operating? ‘“We started in 1919, the same year the Save the Children Fund was founded in Britain. In the ’40s we broke away from the British erganizaticn and became autonomous. The Save the Children Fund is a world alliance with 22 member countries. We’re unique in that Save the Children Fund of B.C. is provincial — we're not part of Canada’s na- tional fund. We have a staff of six people and a network of repre- sentatives arvund the province who work with us. That’s really the strength of our organization.’’. What areas of the world has your group been working in recently? “Central America for one, in Honduras. We worked with the U.K. Save the Children Fund on a _ huge project that invoived pulling in water for the people by gravity. We also heiped educate the local health workers, children and adults. In so many of these coun- tries it’s women who do most of the work, including growing the food, so if you educate the woman, you heip the family.” . “There’s also the problem of children who have to work to support their families,- some as soon as they learn to waik. In Honduras we started a school with flexible hours in the marketplace so that working children could go to school after work. “Another project is in Uganda. We're working with orphaned children’ who have lost their parents to AIDS. That’s a huge Guaranteed HarbourView. The view may be priceless, but the rate is nothing short of beautiful. This is, after all, Vancouver's most intimate hotel overlooking the water. Located centre stage in downtown Vancouver, so you can walk to all the hot spots. Right now we're also offering a $20 food and beverage credit per Liz Bannister: In her own words problem. f think AIDS will wipe. out a whole generation — there are some communities where 75% of the people are HIV-positive.”’ How generous bave Canadians been in helping thess. people? “I’m always thrilled with people’s support. People, I think, want to do something to help others. We. have a lot who call us asking. how - they can help.”’ Xs the need basically the in all developing countries? ‘‘The — need varies from place to place, but generally it starts. with water and sanitation, “It seems crazy to go all this way and get excited about a toilct | or look at a pile of fertilizer, but a lot of farmers don’t know how to use them properly and end ‘up poisoning themselves, . and -. the danger is it will get into the food chain. That’s @ pis prokiem in Central America.” night for al! weekend book- ings.Of course, the best views will be going fast, so hurry. Get away fora night or three and make a splash in the city. just call 1-800- 268-9411 or the hotel directly at (604) 691-1991. We'll take care of the rest. single/double occupancy Canadian Pacific 8&4 Hotels & Resorts Waterfront Centre Hotel 900 Canada Place Way, Vancouver, 8.C. Across from the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre and Cruise Ship Terminal.