Poverty Study of Madeira

In Search of Hope – by Sam Gannon

Seconded to the parish of Tililngdon, the Reverend Dolores has been presented with a challenge.

She’s living in an antiquated house and she’s cold. Furthermore, her new Bishop, Bishop Alice does not approve of ‘showgirls in dog collars.’

Determined to prove the Bishop wrong, she sets about warming her house – who cares if it smells of horse! There is the crochet club, jumble sale, and soup run to organise. And this year, the church bells will ring, no matter what threats are made. Even more so, the newly formed choir will spread a little joy this Christmas, even though they can’t sing – yet! And with a little help from Phil, her bassist, this year could be full of magic.

However, she has a fight on her hands as the townies out in Knob Hill – she must stop calling it that, are trying to stop her from ringing her bells. When Krystal with a K decides to do some volunteer work, Dolores sets out to see just how committed she really is.

Up to her ears in granny squares and squawking choristers, Dolores is revving up for Christmas, yet a deeper darker secret is beginning to emerge!

A secret that could blow the whole parish apart and put Dolores in danger.

(available from Amazon)

EAPN/Portugal and the Regional Secretariat for Inclusion, Labour, and Youth will present a study on the characterisation of poverty in the Region at the Jesuit College.

According to the Vice-President of EAPN Portugal, Agostinho Jardim Moreira, it is the result of 21 months of intense work so that this ambitious study could apply the planned research tools and give back to society and the partners of the Autonomous Region of Madeira a better knowledge about poverty in this territory.

“Over these months we have prepared an initial diagnosis with statistical and qualitative data, with the participation and elements of the Discussion Forum; we have drawn up a map of vulnerabilities; we surveyed 400 people benefiting from different social supports; we deepened this knowledge through 66 qualitative interviews; and we analysed strategies, plans and political measures that contribute to the fight against poverty,” explains the Vice-President.

Agostinho Jardim Moreira points out that the funding from the Regional Secretariat for Inclusion, Labour, and Youth, through the Social Security Institute of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, “was an important investment that should be used to strengthen the fight against poverty.”

In a later and different article the report states that although there is less poverty in the region, many struggle to access adequate social support.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com

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