THE Sword of the Spirit hopes to establish more personal contacts next year in its work of spreading "a true Catholic international outlook and the commitment that results from it." Its annual report published this week describes the Sword's talks and study aids given to adults and school children over the year.
YCW hits
Projects included: informal parties to encourage international friendships, 21 study conferences in schools, pen-pal correspondence between youngsters in England and abroad, shipment of 20,000 books to Africa and Asia, directing volunteers for work abroad to overseas agencies and. in December, establishing a special committee to spread understanding about Latin America. After surveying their work, the report says, members "realised that the Sword still operated within a relatively small circle". To reach a wider audience they felt more personal contact was essential and that "top priority should be given to establishing such contacts at every educational level". The Sword had hoped to form its own scheme called Volunteers for International Aid to send nonsalaried oorkers to developing countries but has not yet started it.
Africa Centre
During the year the Sword publishedfour booklets and last December started a monthly publication with the Africa Centre calledHinsley 'louse Newsletter. The name is taken from the building at 38 King Street, Covent Garden, London, which houses both organisations.
In its annual report also published this week the Africa Centre announced that its appeal for funds to cover the costs of purchasing and remodelling Hinsley House has brought in £50,000, two-thirds of the amount needed. The rebuilding, considerably held up the Africa Centre's programme of conferences, courses and social gatherings, according to the report, although the number of small private parties for Africans and English people increased during the year. The Africa Centre published six pamphlets, replied to numerous requests for information, speakers and visual aids and worked with Sword of the Spirit on schools conferences and sending books to Africa.