WE welcome the Government's initiative to make the fight against poverty in Africa a top priority at the G8 Summit in Edinburgh, where leaders of the world's richest countries are gathering.

MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY is a unique alliance of charities, trade unions, celebrities, campaigning groups and faith communities who are mobilising to drive forward the struggle against poverty and injustice.

The campaign is calling for trade justice, cancellation of debt, and more and better aid.

The Chancellor, Gordon Brown, has announced that some of the unpayable debt of the poorest nations will be written off.

This will give the poorer countries a chance to spend more on education and health. If people are healthy and educated they are then stronger to improve their own communities and build sound infrastructures.

This then gives people the skills and confidence to remove injustices and transform corrupt regimes.

In 1970 the UN set a target of each rich nation to give 0.7 per cent of their global output to the poorer countries. This has never been met. Why not now?

Local schools, churches and community groups from Bury have been very enthusiastic about the campaign and have been active in raising awareness of the vision to put an end to world poverty.

Many people have bought the MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY white armbands. Some will be travelling to Edinburgh on July 2 to take part in the rally.

A giant human chain will be created round the city in order to give a message to the G8 leaders that enough is enough.

Even people who are unable to go to Edinburgh are asked to show their solidarity by wearing their white armbands at their school or place of work on Friday July 1.

Is it fair that someone dies of hunger every three seconds? Is it fair that people in Ghana struggle to grow more and more cocoa beans for less and less money? Their children are unable to receive proper health care and education and they don't even have the delight of tasting the lovely chocolate that we all enjoy.

The trade barriers enforced by Western governments prohibit them from turning their cocoa beans into chocolate. The endless grind of poverty goes on while Western multi nationals get richer and richer.

The people of Bury are already making poverty history by supporting 44 orphaned children in Uganda through our charity, Bury African Outreach.

For the last seven years they have given regular donations by standing orders. This has enabled the children to be supported throughout their education and to be given a loving home. Also, some of the older children who have completed their education are now getting good jobs and helping other disadvantaged children.

If everyone who wants to see an end to poverty, hunger and suffering speaks out, then the noise will be deafening. Politicians will have to listen says Desmond Tutu.

If you wish to get involved with making poverty history, please contact Cafod, Oxfam, Christian Aid, or visit the website www.MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY.org

If you wish to support the orphans in Uganda, please ring 01204 883164 or email: bafricanoutreach@aol.com

PAULINE ROE,

BETSY KEATING

Bury African Outreach