JCTR Bulletin 3rd Quarter 2019

We are blessed with articles traversing a wide range of issues. We encourage JCTR readers to take time to read all the articles presented in this issue of JCTR Bulletin. In this editorial allow me to briefly share with you highlights of the new JCTR strategic plan. In our continued efforts of promoting social justice and upholding the dignity of humanity, especially for the poor, JCTR has developed its fourth plan in the last 9 years. JCTR 2020-2023 strategic plan builds on previous successes over the years and draws inspiration from the Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus as well as from the Church’s Social Teaching. Strategic emerging issues and the theory of change guide the thinking of JCTR strategic plan 2020-2023, leading up to the long term change or development goal, namely “improved quality of life for the poor and marginalised people and communities in JCTR operational areas”. Our vision is for a country where social justice for all is respected and upheld, and a society where people are truthful to their faith and ensure that no one among them is allowed to wallow in poverty and deprivation. This is keeping in line with the Catholic Social Teachings which places an emphasis on preferential option for the poor. All efforts should be made to uplift the standard and quality of life of all persons. Political and community leadership should prioritise addressing the plight of the poor and vulnerable in their respective communities. National policies, laws and programmes should be well tailored to improve the quality of life for the poor and vulnerable. We recognise that all activities that we implement are not simply relieving the short term consequences that poverty and deprivation bring to communities, but working strategically on addressing the drivers and pillars of this state of poverty. In our mission, we seek to promote Christian values, thus bring about a realisation on how people should relate to one another and sympathise or empathize with those less privileged than themselves. Further, we work to empower people and communities with the knowledge and skills to make decisions on their own development and most importantly hold accountable those entrusted with power. In enhancing justice and equality for all, we will promote care for the environment, taking into account the poverty and deprivation occasioned by environmental degradation and the effects of climate change. Acommon thread running through all our interventions is the advancement of policy alternatives and working on devising innovative and appropriate pro-poor policy options.