Aylesbury LIFE because Learning Is For Everyone

Did you ever notice when talk on the news has been one economic disaster after another for more months than I can remember how news about those worst affected tends to fade away. Well here at Aylesbury Life we aim to put that right and I came across a couple of ways tonight we can give something back to the people of Zimbabwe while some of the politicians at least talk about it. Read more »

I wrote a week ago about possible progress in Zimbabwe and it has been all over the news and the mailing lists since then. But somehow before we see any evidence of real change, for example peace, prosperity and the rule of law, it all seems rather hard to believe. I guess we are living with the state that isn't before the state that is and yet wondering will the next state be better than the last.

I have to say my heart is hoping the strangely named "opposition" has a real good go of governing without military interference. My head is asking if the "agreement" brokered by Mbeki's team will be enough to save the FIFA 2010 South Africa World Cup from relocation, and in any case if it enough to save the people of Zimbabwe from further misery and desperate straights. But I will leave the last word here in the form of a letter from K who is a member of Tearfund's Southern Africa team. Read more »

I thought you might be interested to know if like me you haven't seen the news tonight, that there is possible progress on a Government of National Unity in Zimbabwe. Read more »

Just a brief note this week. I have been writing up curriculum plans for school and with a new course starting across five school years that is not a small thing.

I am mindful, however, of the plight of people in Zimbabwe where nothing happens unless you have US dollars with which to make it happen; thinking food, accommodation, health bills that sort of thing. Just imagine your elderly relative has a leg with gangrene, there is no place in the hospital until you have paid for everything from the bed linen onwards. Just imagine, the queues at the border are to go and buy food using overseas relatives' dollars and then bring it back to feed all the families that are dependent on you. Just imagine, the supermarkets on the other side of the border; they only sell catering size packs. Nobody buys anything else. Read more »

For those who are praying for the people of Zimbabwe a couple of links follow from which I quote this prayer request: Read more »

It is clear the talks about talks between so-called Zim leaders and Zim MDC are not going anywhere, just as Russia decided that political tit for tat was a good enough reason to play hostage with the lives of the people of Zimbabwe.

As a result of China joining in the United Nations veto game, I have decided not to watch the Olympics. Please join me in this campaign and write to your local Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to tell them so.  Read more »

Just in case anyone thinks that unity is just about to break out in Zimbabwe, I have written up today's Zim news elsewhere and include a prayer request here. Read more »

Just in case anyone thinks that unity is just about to break out in Zimbabwe I have collected some of today's Zim news with a prayer request.  Read more »

I am heartened by Archbishop of York Dr. John Sentamu's call for specific help to Restore Zimbabwe today, as 'progress' seemed to be very slow on Zimbabwe at the African Union Summit this week.

I note that the John Sentamu, speaking at the start of the campaign, sets end point goals to include 'peace, prosperity and the rule of law.' 'Prosperity' is important. I wonder how much easier it would have been for those arguing for change at the Africa Union this week if the West had made further and timely progress towards its previously agreed Millenium Development Goals. Read more »

The Zimbabwean Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) is Not about Power But Democracy. I found this clear and credible assertion in the MDC's statement on the Africa Union summit resolution on Zimbabwe -- the one that seems to have let down the people of Zimbabwe. The resolution that seems to lack resolve just as President Mbeki's velvet glove seems to lack the iron fist. Read more »