1. Connecting lives around the world

2. With our help, SCIAF works in 16 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, including Burundi, India and Nicaragua.

3. I n d i a i s t h e w o r l d ’ s l a r g e s t d e m o c r a c y a n d s e c o n d m o s t p o p u l o u s c o u n t r y w i t h a p o p u l a t i o n o f o v e r 1 b i l l i o n p e o p l e ! I n d i a i s h o m e t o a n a m a z i n g v a r i e t y o f c u l t u r e s, l a n g u a g e s, r e l i g i o n s a n d n a t u r a l e n v i r o n m e n t s. H o w e v e r p o v e r t y, p a r t i c u l a r l y i n r u r a l a r e a s, r e m a i n s a h u g e p r o b l e m.

4. What do you think life is like for people in India?

5. India - facts and figures Population: 1.2 billion Size: 3,200,569 km2 Capital: New Delhi Life expectancy: 63 years Poverty ranking: 134th poorest country in the world Literacy rate: 78% Languages: 16 official, most common - Hindi. Religion: Hindu, Muslim, Christian, other Currency: Indian Rupee (INR) Main exports: iron, steel, precious stones, machinery, chemicals, vehicles, tea

6. BIG ISSUE - HUMAN RIGHTS Every human being has human rights, including the right to food, the right to education, the right to health care and the right to extra care if they have special needs. But sometimes people have to fight for their rights. In a country like India with such contrasts between rich and poor, where slum communities neighbour shiny high-rise buildings, human rights are going to be a really important, particularly for vulnerable groups within society like those living with disabilities.

7. In India, disability can be a source of stigma and shame. Many of those who live with a disability are hidden at home and denied the care and education that would allow them to lead a full and independent life. Local authorities and employers in India still remain uninformed or unconcerned with the needs and potential of people living with disabilities. So one of SCIAF’s local partner organisations in India – the Association of People with Disability (APD) - organises people living with disabilities to campaign for their rights to education, employment and social benefits.

8. APD works with disabled children and their parents in the slums of Bangalore (southern India), encouraging them to see their abilities, not just their disability. APD focuses on the long-term development of young people and aims to give them the skills, care and practical help that will enable them to live independent lives. Meet Bibi - one of our global neighbours. Despite losing the use of both her legs when she was just 5 years old, 15-year-old Bibi (pictured) now leads a colourful life and has hopes of becoming an artist one day – because of APD.

9. When she was younger, Bibi’s mother took her to an APD school where Bibi was provided with a wheelchair, school books and a uniform and was eventually able to complete her school education. APD has encouraged and supported Bibi’s artistic talents by providing her with teaching and materials. Bibi has been able to take part in art competitions and has even won a number of prestigious prizes. APD is helping a number of children and young people living with disabilities to develop their skills in art and SCIAF is part of that journey.

10. T h e w o r k o f A P D … T r a i n i n g f o r t h e p a r e n t s o f c h i l d r e n l i v i n g w i t h d i s a b i l i t i e s Campaigning for the rights of people with disabilities M e d i c a l, e d u c a t i o n a l & v o c a t i o n a l p r o g r a m m e Care and physiotherapy A r t & c r a f t s Training provided, including information technology (computing) and sewing S c h o o l s Horticultural training centre Workshop which makes mobility aids, including wheelchairs & walking frames

11. SCIAF partner organisation: Association of People with Disabilities (APD) Project Number: IND 282 Location: Bangalore, India Amount Needed (each year): £40,000 £150 buys books and school uniforms for 10 children living with disabilities. £500 pays for the home-based education of 5 children with severe disabilities who are unable to attend school.

12. Lord Jesus, We ask you to care for and support those who have to struggle for their human rights. We particularly think today of people living in India. We ask for you to bless the work going on at APD. Teach us all to remember our duties to protect the rights of others. Remind us that our lives are connected with our brothers and sisters in India and right across the world. Amen

14. To find out more >> www.sciafyouth.org.uk/youth/connect

15. SCIAF 19 Park Circus, Glasgow G3 6BE Tel: 0141 354 5555 Email: youth@sciaf.org.uk Web: www.sciafyouth.org.uk SCIAF is the official international aid agency of the Catholic Church in Scotland. It is also Scotland’s leading aid agency. SCIAF responds to emergencies around the world and supports partners in 16 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. SCIAF also campaigns for a more just world. SCIAF (Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund) is a company limited by guarantee. Company No. 197327. Recognised by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator and by the Inland Revenue as a charity. Charity No. SCO12302 Photo credits: Sean Sprague, Sephi Bergerson, APD