Iceland

Fossvogsskóli—a neighborhood school—was grappling with damp and associated mold problems on its premises. It was considered unsafe for the health of students and staff, so school officials and municipal authorities were searching for a solution. With mobile classrooms expected to take up to three weeks to arrive, the situation was urgent. After being alerted to the need, Salvation Army leaders Hjördís Kristinsdóttir, Ingvi Kristinn Skjaldarson and Ester Ellen Nelson came together with Fossvogsskóli staff, council workers and the children’s parents with a mission: to convert the first floor of the new Salvation Army building as a temporary school, ready for welcoming the children from grades 2 to 4 every day. Careful planning and collaboration for the cordoned off  ‘school’ area ensures that the children and teachers have a safe and private space in which to study and play.

Samoa

The first students have graduated from The Salvation Army’s inaugural Tutuga Taume Mental Health and Addictions training program in Samoa. The graduation ceremony, which received national coverage, was a “special event” and “a joyous day,” said Nat Senio, the Army’s Partnership Development Manager, who is an alcohol and other drugs clinician and was the course’s lead trainer. The ceremony was the culmination of three years of work that began in 2018 after the Samoan Government had invited the Army to provide church, community and social services in the country.

United Kingdom

Oh Polly has launched an online clothing bank in a partnership with The Salvation Army. The initiative will be supported by returns company ReBOUND. Oh Polly’s website encourages UK customers to donate their old clothes to receive a discount. The choice was made in reaction to the need for sustainable measures as well as the impact of Covid-19 on charities. The Salvation Army has prevented over 235,000 tons of greenhouse gases from being released in the atmosphere each year through its reuse and recycle efforts.

Uruguay

In response to cold weather in Salto, Uruguay—which makes life tough for people living in basic kinds of accommodation—The Salvation Army distributed blankets to those in need. Alongside this practical support, officers and volunteers also offered words of encouragement and hope.

Tasmania

It’s hard sleeping on the streets of Tasmania, but this year’s Salvos SleepOut proved it could become a memory after $94,000 was raised for The Salvation Army’s Street2Home program. Eighty-four locals participated in the 13th Salvos SleepOut, which invites Tasmanians to experience a night on the streets to raise funds for The Salvation Army. 

Pakistan

General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle recently shared in a virtual visit with the Pakistan Territory. An in-person event took place at the territorial headquarters compound in Lahore. The General launched the territory’s new Urdu songbook, encouraging officers to use it during worship and as a prayer book . Two corps plants, Quetta Jaffarabad and Chak No. 95 GB Ghari, were given official corps status, with flags being presented to the new corps.