Happy Labour Day To The Kiwis

The word ‘labour’ seems to have many negative connotations about it:

• -       Difficult or arduous work
• -       Giving birth
• -       In contrast to management, those who are ‘the people’

It all started in 1840 when a New Zealand carpenter called Samuel fought for the right of an 8 hour working day. Before that employers could demand that their staff work crazy hours without compensation for overtime.

Samuel Duncan Parnell

Since then, around the world people have kept demanding their work rights. These include maternity leave, overtime, safe working conditions and holidays.

Unfortunately not everyone has been able to achieve these well deserved standards.

At Afri-Lift we work with the most underprivileged young people in Nairobi. Even though they finish school and get some training, getting a job is a real challenge. We have seen many young people who have been given on-the-job training but never paid. We've also seen them work without contracts, days off or any form of payment for months on end. The reason they continue working is that they live in hope of getting paid and full time employment.

The Bible states that working is good for us. Ecclesiastes mentions several times about people enjoying the fruit of their labour. There is great satisfaction in performing a job and getting paid for it. Mentally, socially and physically employment is good for you.

Last week we had the privilege of helping a young man get ready for a job interview. We gave him a mock interview and put him through the ropes of how things may go. By the end of the two hour session he walked away with more confidence and had a plan on how he was going to achieve getting further interviews. Next year we are planning on doing this on a larger scale for young people who are job hunting.

So while the rest of the world is working, New Zealanders will be enjoying a day off celebrating Labour Day. We wish our Kiwi friends a splendid day and thank them for being the spearhead for the rest of the world in this area.

Please remember to keep praying for the young people of Kenya. While the unemployment rate is said to be 43%, in reality, if you are living in a slum that figure is doubled. However, we are believing God for an even brighter future for our young people.

Please pray and believe with us.