AMECEA/CCC: Zambian Government Praises Catholic Church for Child Care Initiatives

Mwenya Mukuka

The Republic of Zambia’s government has lauded the Catholic Church for its unwavering commitment to providing essential care and support to the most vulnerable members of society, particularly children.

Speaking on behalf of Hon. Doreen Mwamba, the Minister for Community Development and Social Services, Mr. Kelvin Samiselo expressed appreciation for the quality of care offered by Catholic-run child care facilities and orphanages, both within Zambia and around the world.

The minister’s remarks came during the opening of the two-day Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) Convening, themed “Strengthening Catholic Care for Children in the AMECEA Region; Reading the Signs of the Time Together.”

While acknowledging the remarkable work carried out by the Catholic Church, Mwamba highlighted the importance of treating institutional care as a last resort due to its potentially negative impact on the growth and developmental milestones of children.

In her speech, the minister emphasized the long-standing collaboration between the government and the Catholic Church in various sectors. She stressed the significance of all stakeholders coming together to ensure that children separated from their families are reintegrated into family-based environments or alternative care options that provide them with the love and support they require. These alternative care options, as mentioned by the minister, may include foster care, adoption, and kinship care arrangements.

“Such options may include foster care, adoption, and kinship care arrangements,” she noted.

Furthermore, Mrs. Mwamba highlighted the timeliness of addressing the theme of the convention, which focuses on re-evaluating the way children are cared for globally. She reaffirmed her government’s commitment to partnering with the Catholic Church in this noble endeavour.

“Children are a great asset to every nation, and as such, they ought to be cared for very well, so that the future of our great nation, Zambia, and the entire African continent is guaranteed,” said Mrs. Mwamba.

Mrs. Mwamba also underlined that child care reforms aim to ensure that children receive nurturing and caring family environments that foster their growth and well-being. She emphasized that a family is the best place to nurture a child’s growth and development, as research has consistently shown.

“The safe environment for a child is a family, unless it is not in the best interest of the child,” she concluded.

The Zambian government’s recognition of the Catholic Church’s dedication to child welfare underscores the importance of collaboration between organizations and institutions to secure a brighter future for the nation’s children. This collaborative effort between the government and the Catholic Church reflects a shared commitment to providing children with loving, nurturing, and caring environments that promote their development and well-being.

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