INAUGURATION OF CARITAS PLANTATION CAMPAIGN
Caritas Pakistan, a leading organization dedicated to addressing climate change, has consistently initiated impactful campaigns to promote environmental sustainability. Following the success of its previous campaigns, including the ‘ One Million Tree Plantation’ (2016-2019) and ‘One Million More Tree Plantation’ (2020-2023), the organization launched the ‘Caritas Plantation Campaign’ for 2024-2027. The inauguration took place after Holy Mass, with Bishops, the Executive Director, Executive Secretaries, and staff members gathered to commemorate this new environmental effort. More than 100 participants, including diocesan units and members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, actively participated by planting trees, reinforcing Caritas Pakistan’s commitment to countering climate change and fostering a safer, more beautiful homeland.
Consultation on Strategic Direction of Thematic Areas with Target and Results
(Annual Convention)
The session on ‘Consultation on strategic Direction of Thematic Areas with Target and Results’ facilitated by Mr. Amer Anwer and Ms. Rabia Tariq, focused on the thematic areas for 2024-2027, including Emergency Response, Disaster Risk Reduction, Livelihood & Agriculture, Food Security, Non-Formal Education, WASH, Climate Change, Health, Social Harmony, PWDs, and Gender Mainstreaming. The session covered 56 target districts, with two groups conducting a SWOT analysis—one addressing Livelihood and the other focusing on WASH. Both groups provided in-depth insights during their presentations. Key recommendations included greater inclusion of women, improved budgeting, staff capacity building, establishing a monitoring structure, and working on sustainability, phase-out, and exit strategies. Mr. Amjad Gulzar (Executive Director of Caritas Pakistan) appreciated the difference initiatives implemented & pleaded to make more people interest in various components & provide new possibilities for all individuals, he urged that our contribution have to be highly relevant & should facilitate positive changes.
Participants also emphasized the need for better documentation for communication with stakeholders, showcasing Caritas Pakistan’s work and impact, and enhancing the organization’s capacity to mobilize people, particularly by involving disabled individuals in various initiatives and projects.
Consultation on Education in Emergencies
(Annual Convention)
The session on ‘Consultation on Education in Emergencies’ commenced with an exercise inviting participants to articulate their understanding of the term “Emergency Response.” Responses highlighted key themes such as prompt action, regular updates, coordinated efforts, recovery, collaboration, and assessment. The session then introduced the Caritas Pakistan Emergency Framework, which outlines the structure and responsibilities of the Emergency Response Team. Participants reviewed significant emergencies addressed by Caritas Pakistan, including the 2010, 2017, and 2022 floods, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the 2021 drought, the Biparjoy disaster, and the Jaranwala incident in 2023. These examples provided a comprehensive context for understanding the scope of emergency response efforts.
Participants were then divided into two groups for focused discussions. The first group explored the engagement of volunteers in Caritas Pakistan during emergencies. Key issues included identifying, recruiting, training, and building volunteer capacity. They also discussed maintaining a robust volunteer database, recognizing volunteer contributions, and recommending an Annual Volunteer Convention at both national and diocesan levels to promote volunteerism.
The second group addressed education in emergencies, emphasizing non-formal education. They discussed the assessment and enrollment of students, raising awareness, engaging with parents, and ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs). These initiatives aim to foster inclusive education during emergency situations.
Youth Conference – 2024
The 10th Annual Youth Conference, organized by Caritas Pakistan and took place on August 16-17, 2024, at Boland Hall, Multan. The event began with an opening prayer led by participant Irfan Bhatti, setting a reflective tone. More than 50 participants from various dioceses introduced themselves, sharing their expectations for the conference.
Mr. Samuel Clement, Executive Secretary of Caritas Pakistan Multan, outlined the conference’s primary goal: empowering young leaders to actively engage in their communities and contribute to sustainable development. Mr. Aneel Mushtaq, Executive Secretary of Caritas Pakistan Faisalabad, highlighted the significance of youth involvement in social and economic progress. His Excellency Bishop Yousaf Sohan, delivered the keynote address, urging youth to lead with integrity and compassion.
The conference included discussions on the role of youth in development, led by Mr. Ambrose Gill, and group work on new avenues for youth development. Two panel discussions followed, exploring opportunities for youth in various sectors and Caritas Pakistan’s plans for youth engagement. Participants shared their experiences, fostering deeper connections.
The conference concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Amjad Gulzar (Executive Director of Caritas Pakistan), a symbolic walk, and a group photo, celebrating a decade of empowering youth under the theme 10 Years, One Mission: Shaping the Future Together.
