Origins: The Link began in 1989 as a result of the movement throughout the worldwide Anglican Communion for partnership in mission. Over the years there have been many exchange visits between bishops, clergy, young people and others. There are six parish links so far. One of them, Saddleworth, has been working with its partner, Oshandi, first in providing Nursery Education and then with setting up a Home-based Care Team for people with HIV/AIDS. Throughout Manchester diocese cash has been raised to buy a four-wheel drive for an archdeacon, towards equipping the Diocesan Training Centre and towards refurbishing St Mary's Health Centre at Odibo. Also Manchester has been supporting students in Higher Education.
Recent news and current projects: In May and June 2002, Jackie Park (formerly Diocesan Secretary in Manchester) toured Namibia diocese with seminars on Christian Stewardship and for parish treasurers. In April 2003 she returns to continue that work for two years and to be Bishop Shihala's PA. Following a visit in August 2002, Mike and Jill Evans, Headteacher and wife, Trinity High School, in a multi-cultural area of Manchester, the school is actively pursuing a link with St Mary's High School, Odibo. In October 2002, Bishop Shihala and Kelvin Adams, Diocesan Secretary and Treasurer, gave a presentation to Manchester clergy as part of their in-service training. This opened the eyes of many clergy and we hope that many more will develop parish links. On 1 February 2003, Bishop Shihala took part in the installation service of Nigel McCulloch as Bishop of Manchester. The Director of the Training Centre at Onekwaya is coming to Manchester during May and June 2003 to be alongside ordination students from Cambridge who spend time in an urban priority area. Fr Risto Haipinge and a teacher are coming from Etale to join with their link parish of Atherton for their parish mission in June 2003. A Youth Exchange is in planning for 2004 and 2005.
Message: Student Jo Bradbury took her lifestyle for granted - until she discovered the richness of life in Namibia. 'School in Oshandi consists of a class of 15, under a tree with a blackboard, not much else,' she explains. 'But even though the people there have little materially, their happiness inspired me ... In the eyes of these children the west is so much better - I told them not to believe it. They have such a deep sense of community. In just four weeks, complete strangers made me a part of their lives. I have taken so much for granted in Manchester - my health, my education. Not any more.'
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