Chairman’s Message
I am filled with gratitude and joy as I pen down a few words for the Annual Report of Caritas, Pakistan as during the year, we received unwavering support and commitment for our community development programs and initiatives. This year has been significant for Caritas Pakistan particularly for the Jaranwala Humanitarian Response, for climate resilience and for building initiatives and developmental interventions through community mobilization at the grass root level.
Caritas Pakistan has always been, at the forefront of responding to emergencies in the wake of natural disasters and man-made tragedies like we faced this year. Our emergency teams together with community volunteers worked around the clock to execute a timely and speedy response for the people in need at Jaranwala. It was never an easy task; but our team showed commitment and dedication. Affected families were supported with food & non-food items to help reduce their suffering. Caritas Pakistan also opened six Caritas Community Schools to ensure that children who were left out, or denied education after the incident continued their studies.
During this year, our agricultural initiatives have not only enhanced food security for our people, but have also empowered small farmers with sustainable practices that respect our environment. By introducing innovative farming techniques and providing essential resources, we have seen an increase in productivity and the strengthening of our local communities. Laudato Si Week 2023 was also observed with the theme “Hope for the Earth” which reminded us about the existing environmental challenges and the road map to be adopted to save our planet. During this year the 8th batch of NCDC (National Community Development Course) passed their training and this program empowered the youth to have the capacity in project management, community mobilization, and social development components.
In addition, we also achieved important milestones including the 10th Annual Children’s Assembly & the 10th Women’s Conference, both aiming at enhancing their awareness on social issues and acknowledging their services to society. The Pakistan Catholic Bishops Conference also had a program with the children of Jaranwala to show their solidarity with them. The ‘One Million More Tree Plantation’ Campaign’s target was achieved this year which indeed is a great collective team achievement.
At the end, I want to express my deep gratitude to all the Bishops of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops Conference, the staff, volunteers, and members of the Board for their continued dedication and support. Your commitment is the foundation of our success, and I am hopeful that in the coming year, we will be able to achieve much more.
Thank you for your continued support and belief in our mission.
God Bless you all.