As Cornwall hosted the G7 summit of world leaders, ‘Waves of Hope’ appearing across the South West included those from East Cornwall, where Christian Aid supporters from Lostwithiel Methodist Church and the surrounding primary schools – Lerryn, Lostwithiel, St Wenn and St Maybn – all launched their waves, formed from hands made by church members and pupils.
Over the last few weeks Christian Aid supporters across Cornwall and Devon asked their local churches and schools to join the ‘Wave of Hope’ by drawing, tracing, printing or painting a hand and making a display in their home, school or church ahead of the G7, to show the Prime Minister and other world leaders that they stand alongside each other to tackle injustice, no matter where they are. The G7 is made up of the richest countries in the world and with G7 leaders being hosted by the UK Government in Cornwall, this gave a unique opportunity to speak out to help shape a more just world.
Mathew Blunt, Head Teacher at Lerryn Primary said “We’ve been delighted to get involved as one of the smallest schools in the county, it is important to encourage our pupils to think big and look wide and far, taking charge of their own futures”.
Katrine Musgrave, Christian Aid’s Church Engagement and Fundraising Officer for Cornwall and Devon said: “The UK hosts two critical summits this year – the G7 just gone and the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November. Decisions that governments make at these gatherings will affect all of us, now and for generations to come, especially women and girls from the Global South, and other marginalised groups.
“It’s time for the Prime Minister and the world’s governments to take action to address the biggest crises of our time and work together for a just and green recovery – one that provides vaccines and healthcare for all, fights poverty and injustice, and helps end the climate and nature crises.
“Together, we can flood world leaders with our calls for a better future – our voices rising together, no matter where we are. By joining the wave East Cornwall has become part of a much bigger picture.”
The ‘Wave of Hope’ was a venture of more than 70 organisations who form the coalition Crack the Crises, representing more than 10 million people in the UK.