Dear Sir,

Though your pages would you allow me to express my sincere thanks to all of the people of Cork and surrounding area, who lent their support to the work of Self Help Africa, in the past year.

I returned recently from Uganda, where I met with rural communities who have seen their lives transformed as a result of the support they have received from Self Help Africa. These are people who have expanded their farming activities, improved their homes, and are realizing the same hopes and dreams that we all have – to lead a better life and provide a better future for their loved ones.

That they are achieving this through their own toil is all the more satisfying – and is the reason why they speak with great pride about what they have achieved.

They are grateful however for the helping hand, not the hand-out they have received however, and, like me, are grateful to the people of Ireland for their continuing support for these efforts.

So, again, a sincere ‘thanks’ to the people who attended charity events, made donations at church gates, contributed sponsorship support, organised their own events, or lent their backing in some way to the ongoing work of Self Help Africa in the past year.

To you all, I wish a safe, peaceful and happy Christmas.

Yours sincerely.

Ray Jordan,

Chief Executive,

Self Help Africa.