In a recent address at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in Mongu, western province of Zambia, President Hakainde Hichilema emphasized the importance of utilizing established Church structures to deliver relief services effectively to those in need. His remarks underscored the value of partnerships with well-established structures such as Caritas and other Church units, highlighting the opportunity to leverage existing networks and resources without duplicating efforts. President Hichilema articulated that there is no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to humanitarian aid and relief services.
Strengthening Community Support
Caritas as a key partner: Operates under the auspices of the Bishops Conferences, ensuring alignment with Catholic social teachings and pastoral priorities. The organization's multifaceted approach encompasses development assistance, humanitarian aid, and social services tailored to meet the needs of diverse communities.
Through partnerships with local communities, governments, and organizations, Caritas promotes sustainable development and empowers individuals and families. Their initiatives span crucial areas such as emergency response, healthcare, education, child protection, food security, and advocacy for human rights and social justice.
Building on Networks for Effective Outreach
The collaborative efforts advocated by President Hichilema align with Caritas's mission to deliver impactful, sustainable support. By tapping into established networks and resources within the Church, the government can streamline its relief efforts and ensure that support reaches those who need it most.
This approach not only optimizes the delivery of services but also fosters community resilience and empowerment. By leveraging the expertise of organizations like Caritas, the government can extend its reach and make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable populations.
Leveraging Church structures reflects a strategic and pragmatic approach to addressing humanitarian challenges. By embracing existing platforms like Caritas which have a long-standing presence and expertise in community outreach, the government can efficiently extend its support to vulnerable populations.
This article explores President Hichilema's emphasis on leveraging Church structures for effective relief services, particularly highlighting the role of Caritas in extending support to vulnerable populations.
REVIEW OF ONE YEAR IN OFFICE FOR THE UPND GOVERNMENT - A LOT NEEDS TO BE DONE FOR THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE
“Amen, I say to you, insofar as you did it for one of these least of my brothers (and Sisters), you did it for me.” (Mt 25: 40)
PRESS RELEASE: 28th August 2022
President Hakainde Hichilema and Vice President Mrs. Mutale Nalumango took over leadership of former president Edgar Lungu led patriotic front, at a time when the world was reeling from a global pandemic, and an economy under severe stress, in addition to a mounting debt crisis. These economic challenges combined have continued to cause both high levels of Poverty and inequality in the country. During campaigns, the new dawn Government assured the citizens of returning to its development trajectory and economic prosperity, Country with a development that considers the inclusion of all citizens, leaving no one behind. Furthermore, the UPND promised that it would invest in the people to cultivate a human resource base, putting ample resources to preserve the welfare of the citizens without discrimination and provide health care, education, and investments in agriculture and mining.
This statement on the UPND's first anniversary is informed by the Churches' prophetic role that inspires it to speak out on behalf of the poor and marginalized in society. Guided by values of the dignity of every person, solidarity, the common good and subsidiarity, we make this analysis, in order to contribute to the search for solutions to the current crisis, hoping that Government will address the areas of concern that need attention.
Download the entire UPND's One Year in Government - CARITAS Zambia Review here https://caritaszambia.org/phocadownload/general/Caritas-Zambia-Review-One-Year-UPND-Government.pdf
“CCMG PVT Verifies the ECZ Official Results for the Presidential Election Reflect the Ballots Cast at Polling Stations”
16 August 2021
Introduction
Today, the Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) is releasing its verification statement on the accuracy of the presidential results. CCMG conducted a parallel vote tabulation (PVT) for the presidential election as part of our comprehensive monitoring of the 2021 general elections. As we stated during the preliminary statement, CCMG completed its PVT by 12 noon on Friday 13 August 2021 with over 99% of our monitors having sent in their observation reports. Had it proved necessary, CCMG would have released its PVT estimates if we had any indication there was manipulation of the official results. We commend the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for fulfilling its constitutional duty with honour and are grateful to them for not having to do so. CCMG now confirms that its PVT verifies that ECZ’s official presidential results reflect the ballots cast at polling stations.
Download the entire CCMG Verification Statement on the Accuracy of the Official 2021 Presidential Results here https://caritaszambia.org/phocadownload/general/CCMG-Verification-Statement-16-August 2021.pdf
POLL DAY INFORMATION
When u enter the polling station you will be taken to:
- *Table 1.* where identification and verification in the register will be done.
- *Table 2* Your right tip of the thumbnail will be inked.
- *Don't go with painted nails*
- Then you will be given a Presidential Ballot paper which is *stamped at the back*
- *Table 3* You will be issued with Ballot papers
All the Ballot papers *Must* *be stamped* at the back.
You will then go to the Booth to mark your preferred candidate. Choose only one per Ballot paper.
Then place your Ballot papers in the correct Ballot Boxes.
1. *Orange* for Presidential
2. *Red* for MP
3. *Purple* for Mayor/ Council Chairperson
4. *Black* for Local Government/ Councilor.
When in Doubt Please feel free to ask the poll staff.
Your Vote Your Right,
Your Vote your Voice.
RESPECT FOR HUMAN DIGNITY
Caritas Zambia believes in the dignity of every person made in theImage of God. Therefore, Caritas Zambia shall treat every human being with respect and compassion.
JUSTICE AND SOLIDARITY WITH THE POOR
We commit ourselves to creating an environment where the poor are not oppressed but can claim and access their rights.
ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY
We are committed to good stewardship of resources to our stakeholders, the beneficiaries and among ourselves. Accountability shall include being faithful to our organizational objectives.
RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
As stewards of the earth we endeavor to promote the integrityof the environment by respecting biodiversity and ecologically sensitive areas.
GENDER EQUALITY AND EQUITY
We actively support women and men to have equal access to and control over productive resources and benefits as well as existing opportunities.
HARD WORK AND COMMITMENT TO THE CAUSE OF DUTY
We remain duty bound for the improvement of people's lives.
MUTUAL TRUST AND HONESTY
We have undivided belief and truthfulnessin the way we relate to oneanother in what we do.
A Zambian society which upholds tenets of democracy (promotes people participation)
FOCUS AREAS
- Electoral Process
- Constitutionalism
- Parliamentary work
- Decentralisation
