ZAMBIA: ZCCB and World Vision Zambia Formally Partners to Protect Children
Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishop (ZCCB) through Caritas Zambia and the World Vision (Z) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formally work together on protecting children among others issues.
World Vision Zambia Country Director Mark Kelly (Seated Right)
Signing the MoU at ZCCB Kapingila House in Lusaka
Speaking during the signing ceremony held at ZCCB Kapingila House in Lusaka, ZCCB Secretary General Fr. Cleophas Lungu says that the Catholic Bishops of Zambia are looking for stronger partners that would help them realise their 2016-2017 Strategic Plan.
“In view of Bishops Strategic Plan, today we are witnessing the beginning of a relationship of what we would like to understand as a strategic partner with the World Vision. The bishops would like to have strong and reliable partners to translate our faith values and concerns for the young ones,” Fr. Lungu said.
Fr. Lungu added that it is always the desire of the bishops that, Catholic Church’s faith values be translated into actions that will see a better Zambia where children will have and live a better life.
World Vision Zambia Country Director Mark Kelly expressed delight at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding stating that, his organisation shares some similar values as those of ZCCB.
Mr. Kelly said this through World Vision Zambia Grant Acquisition and Management Director WeziKaira.
The MoU between the two organisations recognize their experiences and expertise in the fields of education, health, pastoral and protection of children’s rights, and general response to the needs of the communities to improve children livelihoods. These include water and sanitation, support to small scale farmers and infrastructure development among the poor communities.
The Specific Objectives of this MoU include: Establishment and development of direct relations between the ZCCB and World Vision to foster exchange of practical ideas of good practices and experiences between the two organizations; Partnership in form of resources that answer to the needs of the children in form of awareness; campaigns against child abuse, case reporting, education and generally the creation of safe environments for the well-being of Children; Responding to juveniles who come into conflict with the law; and working with Correctional Centres, schools, communities, parishes and health facilities to protect children and safe guard their human dignity and rights.
Others are reinforcing of spiritual nurture of children, staff and families for the well -being of children; collaborating in facilitating Channels of Hope for Child Protection, Gender, Maternal New Born and Child Health; Celebrating Families including Empowered Biblical Worldview in nurturing holistic ministry, unity and leadership development; mitigating the adverse effects of stigma towards children with disability and adverse effects of Gender based violence and child abuse and promoting human dignity, justice and peace in ZCCB-World Vision’s areas of operations including promotion of child protection through child participation on media programs in radio stations. The two parties may also enter into supplementary agreements in more specific areas as may be necessary to achieve the objectives of this Memorandum of Understanding.
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By Mwenya Mukuka, ZCCB Communication Officer
