Quarterly Bulletin

DEBT AND TRADE PROJECT

The Project conducted economic literacy workshops for Jubilee teams in five provincial towns. The workshops focused on the World Trade Organisation’s regulations; and on-going negotiations on trade cooperation (known as Economic Partnership Agreements - EPAs) between the African Pacific and the European Community (ACP-EC). These literacy workshops resulted in the “Lyambai Declaration” passed by the participants in Mongu at Lyambai Hotel.

From 13 to 15 August, Saul Banda and Muyatwa Sitali participated in the “People’s Summit” (prior and parallel to the SADC Heads of State meeting) in Maseru, Lesotho. The summit, whose main focus was on “Reclaiming SADC for People’s Development,” attracted more than 150 participants. Among other things, it assessed the impact of neo-liberal policies and came up with the “Maseru Declaration” submitted to SADC Heads of States in Maseru.

Muyatwa gave a presentation at Lusaka’s Alliance Française, in the monthly JCTR Lecture series, on whether EPAs will work for the poor. In collaboration with the Economic Association of Zambia (EAZ), CCJDP, and other partners of the Netherlands Institute for Southern Africa (NIZA), the Project conducted a workshop on NEPAD. The workshop aimed at highlighting several aspects of NEPAD, like trade, gender and the Zambian government’s roadmap.

JCTR extends its gratitude and best wishes to two Project staff, Saul and Jack Jones Zulu. Saul is going to Netherlands for graduate studies and Jack has joined SARPN in South Africa.

CHURCH’S SOCIAL TEACHING PROJECT

Elias Nchimunya completed his two-year assignment coordinating the Church’s Social Teaching Project. He is now pursuing theological studies at Hekima College in Nairobi.  We would like to thank Elias for his valuable contributions. Thank you also to Corbinian Kyara from Arrupe College and Pascal Musans from Hekima College, who worked as CST interns from May to July.

The Project coordinated in July and August the monthly lecture series co-sponsored by Alliance Française. The July presentation by Pete Henriot was on whether Zambia’s potentials outweigh its problems.

The Project facilitated workshops at the Jesuit Novitiate in August. Pete made presentations on Zambias socio-economic and political situation to staff meetings of Catholic Relief Service (CRS) and World Vision. The Project hosted an Inculturation Task Force meeting in preparation for a study on reconciliation, and co-sponsored with the Jesuit Social Apostolate Commission a discussion on the 2006 Tripartite Elections.

In September, Simson Mwale and Pete facilitated an intercongregational religious workshop on the Social Teaching of the Church to novices and postulants in Lusaka.

SOCIAL CONDITIONS RESEARCH PROJECT

In August, the Project launched a report, How Free is Free education: The Cost of Education in Lusaka, uplifting many hidden costs blocking access to education.

The Project in June hosted a one-day training workshop on the Basic Needs Basket (BNB) for Lusaka CCJP, women’s groups, and leaders from various parishes. The meeting, facilitated, in two local languages, set local BNB advocacy efforts in Lusaka.  

Innocent Ndashe and Chris Petrauskis facilitated BNB Advocacy Training workshops in Ndola, Kabwe and Luanshya during July and August.

Finally, the JCTR warmly congratulates Muweme Muweme, the Coordinator of the Project, married to Matilda Chibale on 25 August 2006.

Views expressed in the JCTR Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection.