Voices of Change

In this episode of Voices of Change, Simon Giarchi, CAFOD's Community Participation Coordinator for Plymouth Diocese discusses a pivotal mountaintop moment that inspired his social justice work, his belief in community participation and the role of the church in motivating action.Time stamps!00:00: Introduction01:00: Quickfire questions04:00: Plymouth06:00: Life changing moment12:00: Campaigning15:00: Community participation27:00: Importance of volunteers29:00: Spirituality and the gospel35:00: Simon's necklace38:00: Simon's visit to Brazil44:00: What gives you hope?46:30: Outro

Join us in this episode of Voices of Change as we speak with Father Patrick van der Vorst. From securing investment on BBC's Dragons' Den for his online art valuation company, to creating the popular Christian Art website, Fr Patrick shares his unique journey into the priesthood. We discuss his appearances on Songs of Praise, his daily reflections combining art and the Gospel, and his path of discernment. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about faith, art, and personal transformation.Time stamps!00:00: Introduction00:40: Quickfire question round04:20: Dragon's Den09:44: Christian Art25:15: Romero cross29:53: Journey into priesthood37:16: What is next for Fr Patrick40:25: Outro

Join Sandun Thudugala, Head of Programs at Law and Society Trust, as he uncovers the layers of Sri Lanka's debt crisis, revealing how it impacts ordinary citizens.Time stamps!00:00: Introduction with Sandun01:07: Quickfire question round06:20: Challenges facing the people of Sri Lanka10:02: Debt crisis in Sri Lanka24:34: How LST are tackling the debt crisis30:13: CAFOD's work with LST31:29: Life of a family in Sri Lanka without debt35:09: How CAFOD supporters can campaign36:52: Future for the people of Sri Lanka39:06: Outro

In this episode of Voices of Change, host Celeste Iyinbo sits down with Clare Dixon, an esteemed advocate for justice and human rights with a remarkable 45-year tenure at CAFOD. Clare's unwavering commitment to defending the rights of marginalised communities in Latin America and the Caribbean has earned her accolades such as the OBE and the Cardinal Silva Human Rights Medal.Listen as Clare shares her inspiring journey from her upbringing in northeast England to her pivotal role in CAFOD's efforts in regions grappling with political unrest and human rights violations. Gain insight into the profound impact of individuals like Saint Oscar Romero and the Jesuit community in shaping Clare's work and worldview.Through personal anecdotes and reflections on significant moments in her career, Clare sheds light on the importance of defending human rights globally.Time stamps!00:00: Introduction with Clare01:30: Can you tell us a saint that inspires you and why?03:05: If you could eat only one food for the whole rest of your life, what would it be?04:53: If you could have dinner with a historical figure, who would it be and why?07:15: Is there something you've always wanted to learn that you never had the time to do before, but you'd love to do now?09:39: Clare's journey into the development sector, human rights and justice work17:03: Inspiring stories from 45 years at CAFOD28:37: Working with Saint Oscar Romero35:31: Why does Saint Oscar Romero hold such significance to CAFOD and its supporters?40:56: St Oscar Romero shrine in St George's Cathedral, Southwark43:40: Message to listeners called to advocated for human rights48:01: OutroFollow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.

In this special International Women's Day episode of Voices of Change, Celeste Iyinbo engages in a deeply insightful conversation with Nargis Nehan, former acting Minister for Mines and Petroleum in Afghanistan. A passionate advocate for women's rights, Nargis shares profound insights into the gender apartheid gripping Afghan women and girls. Listen as she shares the current plight of Afghan women and her unwavering hopes for a brighter future.Time stamps!00:05: What was it that made you want to dedicate your life for women's empowerment and humanitarian sector?04:02: Can you tell us about your work to achieve this goal pre the Taliban takeover?08:43: What critical role did women's rights organisations play before the Taliban takeover?11:15: Where were you when the news broke of the Taliban takeover of the capital?16:20: What is the current situation facing women and girls today in Afghanistan? What are the biggest threats to their well being?18:28: Has a Taliban takeover changed your goals? And also, could you tell us what has been the result in impact of the takeover on women's rights organisations and their work?23:43: What is it like living in exile?26:00: How do you continue to maintain connections with women inside Afghanistan from your current home in Canada? How do you find ways to support them? And do you hope to return to Afghanistan one day?28:51: What would you like to see change in Afghanistan before you return?30:03: How would you describe your relationship with CAFOD?31:41: What is important about CAFOD working in collaboration with local organisations. And I was wondering what can organisations like CAFOD do best to support women's rights in Afghanistan?33:38: What are your hopes for the future in Afghanistan?34:39: Do you have a message for UK supporters?Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.

Join Celeste Iyinbo in a deep dive with Bishop Stephen Wright on Voices of Change. Explore the profound significance of Lent, discover unique insights into the art of prayer on the go, and learn about Bishop Stephen's inspiring journey to becoming the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle and the Chair of Trustees at CAFOD.Time stamps!00:53: Quickfire questions round! Could you tell us about a saint that inspires you and why?02:32: If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?03:13:  if you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?04:04: could you share with us your favourite walk and why it holds significance for you?05:52: Bishop Stephen, as chair of trustees at CAFOD, what are your key priorities in steering the mission and vision of CAFOD?07:46: What motivated you to take on this role? We're gonna speak later about your total background and how you got, how you started and everything, but how did you end up being a chair of trustees?09:53: So what's been the most rewarding aspect, I would say, of your new role?16:13: Bishop Stephen, could you tell us then a little bit more about, you were kind of saying how you've got into your current sort of role, but your origin story, how you became a Bishop? Because I found out that you've had quite a really interesting life and I believe you qualified as a barrister as well in a former life as well. How did it all start?20:13: So for anyone who's new to the church, would you mind Bishop Stephen, explain a little bit more about why Lent is so important and why we do practice prayer, fasting and giving during the 40 days of Lent.29:16: Do you have a message for followers and supporters of CAFOD and to everybody who's listening to our podcast.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.

Join Celeste Iyinbo in an inspiring conversation with Nana Churcher, an award-winning international talk show host, motivational speaker, and CAFOD volunteer. Delve into Nana's incredible journey filled with success, motivation, and profound insights. Listen now for an empowering episode.Time stamps!00:00: Intro00:36: Tell us a little bit about you and your journey.01:34: So tell us about a saint that inspires you and why?02:11: And if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?02:55: If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be? And why?03:43: And what's the best piece of advice you've ever received in your journey as a TV host?05:01: So, first of all, you mentioned your TV show. I'd love to know more about it. How did you start the Nana Churcher show? And also, what is the aim of the show?10:43: So you've actually interviewed so many people from all walks of life? Do you have a person or couple of people? Perhaps that really stuck out in your mind?12:28: What motivates you Nana? What keeps you going?13:11: Could you share how your faith inspires then and influences everything that you do?14:42: I mentioned that you're also a volunteer as well. With CAFOD. Could you tell us a little bit about that. What is your volunteering role, and how long have you been doing it?18:28: What would you say then to people who might be interested in volunteering. But they don't know if it's for them? 21:20: Tell me about that time that you were so close to meeting Oprah who I know is one of your favourite people. What happened?27:01: What would you say to people that are struggling to get that positivity or to feel like they've got a place in the world, they can make a change, or just to feel happy?32:19: OutroFollow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.

Dive into an enlightening conversation on "Voices of Change," CAFOD's impactful podcast series, featuring Lucy Esipila, the pioneering first female Regional Coordinator of Caritas Africa. In this upcoming episode set for release, Lucy shares profound insights into pressing climate change issues facing Africa, progress since her participation at COP27, and priorities for COP28. Delve into her journey, her pivotal role within Caritas Africa, and the transformative power of her faith. Tune in for an enlightening conversation filled with perspectives on climate justice.Time stamps!00:00: Intro00:34: Can you start by telling our listeners a little bit about yourself and your journey to becoming the regional Coordinator of Caritas in Africa? 02:20: You highlighted four significant approaches that are key to building resilient communities in Africa. Would you be able to just tell us about them?04:54: Can you tell us a saint that inspires you and why?06:55: So what is one item that you couldn't live without?07:52: If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would that food be? 08:43: What is one thing that you've always wanted to learn that you haven't had the chance to learn yet?09:28: Best thing about living in Togo?12:32: How important is your faith in what you do, in your role, you know, this amazing role that you've got. How does your faith play into that?14:13: Could you share with us your perspective then on climate change issues, specifically facing Africa and the progress that's been made since your participation in COP27?21:04: You touched on agroecology. Would you be able just to give our listeners just a brief sort of explanation to clarify what that is and why it's so important now?25:53: So with the world leaders attending COP28, what do you believe should be the top priorities for this conference? 29:09: So is that what you mean by having a just transition?33:21: Is there a particular message of hope or inspiration that you'd actually like to give out there, share with our listeners about your work with Caritas Africa and the ongoing fight against climate change?35:39: OutroFollow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.