Greater Manchester: Parishioners inspired by Central American visitor

An aid worker from Central America has travelled to Altrincham, in Trafford, Greater Manchester to speak about the importance of development work in improving the lives of communities across her region. Parishioners at the Parish of St Hugh and St John, Timperley, were visited by Montserrat Fernandez, the Central America Programme Manager for aid agency CAFOD, who spoke about the charity's vital work.

She spoke about how the charity works with women and young people in the region to tackle issues like environmental exploitation, peace following armed conflict and education projects.

Ciara Hogan, CAFOD's representative in Altrincham who attended the talk, said: "It was so wonderful to hear Montserrat discuss the work of CAFOD in Central America and the projects taking place in Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. We got to hear about the work being done in Central America and saw CAFOD's work come alive."

After her talk, parishioners enjoyed tea and biscuits and had a chance to ask Montserrat further questions about her work.

Ciara continued: "Many in the audience had links to Central America in some way and those who came to listen were really receptive and had some great questions."

CAFOD's first overseas project was in the Caribbean island of Dominica in 1962. Today, the charity works across Latin and Central America and the Caribbean with local and national organisations to tackle poverty, protect the environment, work towards peace and to respond in emergencies.

Find out more about CAFOD's work in the region at cafod.org.uk