CARITAS Zambia PRESS STATEMENT For Immediate Release
Date: 24th October 2024.
ZAMBIA@60: HONORING OUR HERITAGE, EMBRACING OUR FUTURE THROUGH INTEGRAL HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Today, as Zambia celebrates 60 years of independence under the theme “60 Years Strong: Honoring Our Heritage, Embracing Our Future,” Caritas Zambia proudly joins the nation in reflecting on six decades of resilience, unity, and progress. This milestone not only marks our freedom from colonial rule but also serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to build a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all Zambians.
At Caritas Zambia, we are deeply committed to advancing integral human development—an approach that recognizes the importance of fostering human dignity, improving livelihoods, and promoting the holistic well-being of individuals and communities. In line with the Independence Day theme, we see this moment as an opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to both honoring our heritage and embracing our future.
Honoring Our Heritage
Our heritage is rich with values that have sustained Zambia’s people for generations: community, compassion, and stewardship of our natural resources. These are the very principles that guide our work in supporting rural communities, promoting agroecological practices, and preserving the cultural and social foundations of our nation.
We pay tribute to the wisdom of our ancestors and their commitment to working together for the common good. Their example reminds us that progress must be measured not just by economic growth but by how we care for one another, ensure equitable opportunities, and respect the environment we all depend on.
Our programmes are designed to empower communities through participatory development, recognizing that the solutions to today’s challenges lie in the resilience and knowledge of our people.
Embracing Our Future
As we look ahead, we must remain committed to shaping a future where every Zambian has the opportunity to thrive. Embracing our future means embracing innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. At Caritas Zambia, we believe that development must be inclusive, ensuring that no one is left behind—whether it is through promoting gender equality, enhancing access to education, or supporting youth empowerment.
Our vision for Zambia’s future is one of sustainable development, where economic advancement goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship. By empowering communities with the skills and resources to adapt to climate change and engage in sustainable agricultural practices, we are contributingto to a Zambia where future generations can live in harmony with the land.
A Call to Action
As we celebrate Zambia’s 60th Independence Day, we urge all citizens, civil society organizations, government leaders, and the private sector to reflect on how we can work together to build a Zambia that reflects our shared aspirations. We invite everyone to join us in creating a future rooted in justice, peace, and dignity for all. Let us honor our rich heritage by safeguarding it for future generations. Let us embrace our future by investing in people and ensuring that the progress we make today benefits every Zambian tomorrow.
Happy 60th Independence Day, Zambia!!
Caritas Executive Director
Fr. Dr. Gabriel Mapulanga
Download the entire signed copy of the Zambia@60: Honoring Our Heritage, Embracing Our Future Through Integral Human Development Press Statement here: https://caritaszambia.org/phocadownload/general/Zambia-60-Honoring-Our-Heritage-Embracing-Our-Future-Through-Integral-Human-Development.pdf
