THE JCTR UPDATE: PEOPLE AND ACTIVITIES
WHAT KEEPS US BUSY AT THE JCTR? HERE ARE SOME RECENT ITEMS OF INTEREST
JCTR
STRATEGIC PLAN
In mid-May, all the JCTR staff (minus CSPR staff) went for six days of “strategic planning.” Guided by the very strong hand of an experienced facilitator, we reviewed our strengths and weaknesses, identified more clearly our mission and values, and put on paper our Integrated Strategic Plan for 2005-2007. Now our cooperating partners (donors) are reviewing what we are proposing. Tune in again next issue to see if we are still alive and kicking!
Prior to going away for the planning session, we were fired up with some Ignatian vision by Colm Brophy, the Chair of the JCTR Board of Trustees. Colm focused our attention on the values that a Jesuit institution should live with. The staff found the time with Colm very challenging and rewarding. We will continue training in Jesuit charism for the JCTR.
DEBT CANCELLATION CAMPAIGN
In early June, the Jubilee-Zambia team hosted a day with officials of Zambian media, both government and independent, both print and electronic, to explain the current debt situation in the country. Then a press conference was held in the new JCTR conference room, to present a statement on the HIPC controversy, with endorsement from the heads of the three church bodies, EFZ, ZEC and CCZ.
Charity Musamba was invited to make a presentation on the debt situation and HIPC to the Committee on Economic and Labour Affairs of the National Assembly. Very lively conversation followed. Together let us strengthen the voice for total debt cancellation for Zambia and wider Africa not just for the sake of it but it is our moral obligation to do so and Zambia and wider Africa’s development highly depends on a fresh start.
INCULTURATION TASK FORCE
Our Inculturation Task Force, chaired by the Rector of St. Dominic’s Major Seminary, Father Damian Musonda, has completed a small pamphlet entitled “Traditional Healing: A Pastoral Challenge for the Catholic Church in Zambia.” The pamphlet was launched at a seminar at Kalemba Hall on 30 June, co-sponsored by the Pastoral Office of the Archdiocese of Lusaka. (available from our office)
CHURCHES’ SOCIAL TEACHING PROJECT
Pete Henriot spent a week in Germany in May, providing inputs to conferences on the Millennium Development Goals, the New Economic Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) and the church’s social teaching. Besides Berlin, he visited Munich, where he spoke to the staff of the Jesuit social centre.
SOCIAL CONDITIONS RESEARCH PROJECT
Towards the end of June, the Social Conditions Research Project hosted visitors from Zimbabwe and South Africa under the cooperative arrangements of respectively Silveira House and Justice and Peace Programme. The visit was primarily focused on the JCTR’s popular monthly research activity of the Basic Needs Basket. We hope that the visit will help us to move towards strengthening our cooperative efforts with Silveira House and South Africa’s Justice and Peace Programmeas. But more importantly also is to assist in achieving effectiveness in our work.
VISITORS TO JCTR
The JCTR hosted a visit by Mr. Aeneas Chuma, Country Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Several other visits have included local and international persons interested in JCTR’s work.
Willy Moka, S.J., student of theology at Hekima Jesuit College in Nairobi has been with the JCTR for his pastoral project during June and July.
The JCTR continues to receive students and others doing research papers. We provide information on a number of topics such as poverty, debt, globalisation, environment, church’s social teaching, etc. We feel this service will be strengthened with the completion of our Resource Centre.
NEW VENUE
The new venue for JCTR, behind the chapel at Luwisha House, is now completed. Thanks for the assistance of benefactors and the oversight of Alojz Podgrajsek, S.J., and Bruno Kondrat, S.J. An office space for the Director, a Resource Centre for our library, and a conference room for meetings is provided. Official blessing and opening will be sometime in August or September. You are welcome for a visit!