Mary Lilly Driciru, MSMMC
Catholic Relief Service (CRS) has commended the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA) for their dedication, commitment and hard work.
“ACWECA’s ability cannot be underestimated as exhibited through strengthening the Secretariat, institutional building, heroic regional work, the reawakening of the prophetic role in the region. I have nothing to give in return but prayers!”
This submission was made by the Regional Technical Advisor – Microfinance, Livelihoods & Economic Strengthening, Mr. Anthony Mangeni, who delivered a message to the 18th ACWECA Assembly on behalf of the CRS Team.
CRS also appreciates their partnership and collaboration with ACWECA.
“We are honored to be part of ACWECA and its awakening prophetic voice. I want to express gratitude for the best practices we have enjoyed and cherished in the past and look to the future with hope because we are sure of this continued collaboration,” Mangeni noted.
The Assembly was informed that CRS also collaborated with ACWECA in Strengthening the Capacity of Religious women in Early Childhood Development (SCORE ECD) which is a project that promotes holistic development of children. The first phase of the project ran from 2014 to September 2017. The project which is coordinated by CRS with support from Conrad N. Hilton Foundation is implemented in three countries in Malawi, Zambia and Kenya in the ACWECA region.
CRS which was founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the United States to serve World War II survivors in Europe is still growing strong by partnering with organizations like ACWECA. They are reaching out to more than 130 million people in more than 100 countries on five continents.
For over 75 years, the mission of CRS has been to assist impoverished and disadvantaged people overseas, working in the spirit of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) so as to promote the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person. Although their mission is rooted in the Catholic faith, their operations serve people based solely on need, regardless of their race, religion or ethnicity. CRS engages Catholics to live their faith in solidarity with the poor and suffering people of the world.
Mangeni added that some of the key areas shared in joint ventures and partnerships include: addressing poverty and war situations; socio political tensions; Covid-19 pandemic; advocating on behalf of the vulnerable. This is motivated by the example of Jesus Christ who encourages us, his disciples, to love one another as he has loved.
According to the Regional Technical Advisor for Microfinance, Livelihoods & Economic Strengthening In its mission, CRS promotes human development by responding to major emergencies, fighting disease and poverty, and nurturing peaceful and just societies; and serving Catholics in the United States as they live their faith in solidarity with their brothers and sisters around the world.
CRS enhances people capability to reach their full potential by building capacities to ease suffering, provide development assistance, and foster charity and justice.
