About Us

Caritas Zambia is made up of two units, which used to exist as separate departments under the Catholic Secretariat, an administrative agency of the Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC). These are the Governance Unit, also known as the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) and the Human Development Unit also known as the Catholic Commission for Development (CCD). The CCJP was established in the Zambia Episcopal Conference in 1984/85, under the Social Education Department while the CCD has been in existence for over 30 years.

The Governance Unit focuses its work on trying to realize a just and peaceful world. It undertakes activities of varied nature, consistent with its aims and objectives. These activities are always carefully planned to respond to the real social needs of our society in light of our Christian faith.

The Human Development Unit on the other hand is the official development agency of the Zambia Episcopal Conference. Its mandate is to promote integral human development and to contribute to the Church’s wider vision of integral Evangelisation. In times of disaster, the Human Development Unit is also mandated to carry out emergency relief operations.

Vision

A Zambian society where every person is free to fully attain integral human development and live in harmony.

Mission

The Catholic Centre for Justice, Development and Peace (CCJDP), a Faith Based Organisation, inspired by gospel values and the Social Teaching of the Church, will promote integral human development, economic justice, social justice, human dignity and empowerment of the less privileged in society through conscientization, advocacy, research and training, and istitutional strenghtening.

Strategic Objectives

Spirituality

Increased participation of Christians in issues of justice to enhance integral evangelisation.

Governance

Empowered Communities in the dioceses that actively engage in their development and demand responsive governance leading to greater accountability and service delivery.

Poverty

Empowered communities in dioceses that are able to challenge attitudes, systems and institutions that are impoverishing them, in order to attain sustainable livelihood.

HIV/AIDS

Increased social justice in the area of HIV/AIDS among the communities in the dioceses.

Capacity Development

Enhanced capacity of Caritas Zambia to delivering quality services to all the dioceses and wider society.

Values

The following Gospel Values guide Caritas Zambia:

Respect for the dignity of every person

Justice and solidarity

Acceptance and trust

Just remuneration

Hard work and commitment

Transparency, stewardship and accountability

Self-sustainability

Mission Statement and Core Values of Caritas Zambia

Inspired by the gospels, and the Social Teachings of the Church, the Caritas Zambia commits itself to strengthening the capacity of dioceses in awakening God's people, especially the poor, to their evangelical call and the promotion of integral human development through theological reflections, conscientisation, capacity building, advocacy and working in solidarity with other stakeholders. The values guiding the Caritas Zambia work includes respect for human dignity, equity, common good, participation, solidarity and integrity of creation.

Programmes, Structures, Approaches and Themes

The Church translates its role in various ways and this takes the form of projects or programmes. With regard to implementation, this is done at different levels and includes specialized departments or Commissions. Of particular focus for this Strategic Framework Paper are the two Commissions and the Health Desk, which make up Caritas Zambia..

Strategic alliances

Caritas Zambia networks with both Church-based and the non-Church-based organizations both locally and internationally.