Joining Hands of the Presbytery of Des Moines supports the full funding of the Millenium Development Goals which includes Goal #2 -- [to] Achieve universal primary education. "Ensure that, by 2015, children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling. It also supports the 2010 World Cup initiative aimed at ensuring that all children receive an education.

Education for All Campaign

http://www.campaignforeducation.org/

UN Millennium Development Goals

http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/poverty.shtml

1GOAL

http://www.join1goal.org/

Joining Hands further supports Partners for Just Trade, an outgrowth of the Presbyterian Hunger Program and Joining Hands, PC (USA).

Partners for Just Trade

http://www.partnersforjusttrade.org

The churches of Audubon, Atlantic, Dallas Center, Indianola and Des Moines - Central all hosted Partners for Just Trade Sales in December 2009.

Sales held in partner churches provided the opportunity to educate shoppers on the importance of fair trade to artisans around the world earning less than livable incomes, and to consumers who have choices to make regarding how the money they spend is distributed.Shown below are photos from Des Moines Central Presbyterian Church.

• 28 million more children are able to attend school since 1999. But 75 million still miss out on education-34 million boys and 41 million girls.

• More than 90% of children in developing countries are enrolled in primary schools and 54% attend secondary school.

Quick Facts
UN Millenium Development Goals

"Partners for Just Trade is a non-profit, Christian organization that builds partnerships between artisans and producers living in extreme poverty and conscientious consumers. We address root causes of poverty through Fair Trade sales, education, solidarity, and a commitment to trade justice."