Welcome to the first ‘On Her Terms’ update of 2019
This year marks 30 years since the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This landmark in children’s rights has remained a hugely important reference point for those working for justice for children and young people.

But 30 years on, many children remain left behind, none more so than children on the streets - particularly girls. This is why On Her Terms is so important: we’re outraged that girls and young women on the streets still get ignored, abused and forgotten. We continue to stand with them and are glad you do too.

Umthombo

I recently visited Amos Trust’s long-standing partner Umthombo Street Children (in Durban, South Africa). I spent time with Hloniphile, their girls’ outreach worker, and met a group of young women who are living in the burnt-out shell of a building. Many of them live there with their babies, some with boyfriends who are also on the street.

Hloniphile from Umthombo in Durban, South Africa at the ‘On Her Terms’ conference at Pickwell Manor in Devon — October 2018

Umthombo runs sessions with them and other young women on the street, supporting them to access vital services, rebuild relationships with family where possible and work towards a better future. Although their situations are desperate and the journey is long, Umthombo’s relationship with these girls gives hope — when so many have come close to giving up.

Their approach to working with girls on the street is gaining attention, even from government departments, who want to learn more from Umthombo. You can read more about Umthombo’s work on our website, and in the upcoming spring edition of our ‘Words of Hope’ newspaper. To receive your free copy, simply sign-up on our Home page.

— — — — — — —

International Women’s Day — 8th March 2019

We’re already looking ahead to International Women’s Day 2019 and would love you to join us as we highlight the issues for women and girls living and working on the streets.

If you or your church, or school, or group of friends are already doing something to mark IWD2019 or would like to mark it using our resources and support On Her Terms, please get in touch with [email protected] to discuss ideas.

The ‘On Her Terms’ conference participants enjoying some well-deserved time off on Putsborough beach in Devon — October 2018. Photography: © Amos Trust/Debby Besford

— — — — — — —

Amos Book Club

This month we’re reading: “She is Fierce: Brave, Bold and Beautiful Poems by Women”, collated by Ana Sampson. Our director Chris was given this book as a Christmas present from one of the other members of the team and he’s encouraged the whole office to get it too. You can buy it here.

Finally, please sign up to receive Amos Trust’s E-news which will keep you updated on the rest of our work in Palestine and Nicaragua.

— — — — — — —

Find out more about Amos’ On Her Terms campaign