Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe the work of Tearfund in tackling poverty and how this reflects Christian teachings.

      Key learning points

      1. Tearfund is a Christian charity that aims to tackle poverty and injustice.
      2. Tearfund follows the example of Jesus and reflects Christian teachings and values.
      3. Tearfund works with local churches and organisations in more than 50 countries to tackle poverty.
      4. Humanitarian response, community development, and advocacy and influencing are at the centre of Tearfund's work.

      Keywords

      • Charity - an organisation set up to provide help and raise money for those in need

      • Poverty - the state of being without the things needed for a reasonable quality of life, so that day-to-day living is a struggle

      • Tearfund - a Christian relief and development agency that works to tackle poverty and injustice in vulnerable communities around the world

      Common misconception

      Tearfund only responds to large scale disasters.

      Tearfund responds to both small scale and large scale disasters.

      Teacher tip

      Students should study the work of one of the following: (CAFOD), Christian Aid or Tearfund, so you may choose to only cover one of these in your lessons.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      CAFOD is a Catholic that works with people facing poverty across the world.

      Correct Answer: charity

      Q2.
      Why is helping the poor important in Christianity?

      It increases the Church’s popularity.
      Correct answer: Jesus taught that serving the poor is serving God.
      It allows people to become rich.

      Q3.
      Zacchaeus gave away half of his after meeting Jesus.

      Correct Answer: wealth

      Q4.
      Jesus said, “ are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

      Correct Answer: Blessed, blessed

      Q5.
      CAFOD provides support both in emergencies and for term development.

      Correct Answer: long

      Q6.
      How can individuals support CAFOD’s mission?

      by attending Mass every Sunday
      by buying clothes from Catholic shops
      Correct answer: by donating, fundraising and volunteering

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Tearfund is a Christian and development agency.

      Correct Answer: relief

      Q2.
      Tearfund’s mission was originally inspired by Jesus’ message to bring good news to the ...

      Correct Answer: poor

      Q3.
      Luke 4:18 says Jesus came to set the oppressed ...

      Correct Answer: free

      Q4.
      Tearfund reflects Christian teachings such as your neighbour as yourself.

      Correct Answer: love

      Q5.
      Tearfund campaigned at COP26 to help address the crisis.

      Correct Answer: climate

      Q6.
      Why does Tearfund partner with local churches?

      to raise money for pastors
      Correct answer: to provide resources for sustainable change
      to promote church attendance

      To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: The work of Tearfund, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...