JCTR Bulletin 4th Quarter 2019

January 2020 marks the beginning of the implementation of the new JCTR strategic plan. As JCTR we want to continue to be active in promoting an enculturated faith, values, environmental stewardship, human rights and empowerment of local communities in the work of social justice, transparency, peace and human integrity. We desire to see a society where the plight of the poor and vulnerable is considered as a matter of national development priority. We would like to see prudent management of public resources with little leakages, if any, of these resources to acts of corruption and other forms of abuse. Social and economic policies and laws as well as national development programmes should all be designed and formulated with a main focus on moving millions of the people from abject poverty and deprivation. The first strategic objective of JCTR is aimed at contributing to improving the political and economic governance of the country which should serve as a catalyst for responding to the needs of the poor and marginalized in Zambia. In essence, we are continuing to focus on social and economic development, as we did in the previous plan but we address a number of key emerging issues which are current and will remain of concern in the next couple of years. The second strategic objective targets the people themselves – including the poor and marginalised, the leaders and citizens to challenge them and educate them to take ownership for their lives. This goal will provide us an opportunity to strengthen the core - the faith and mind-sets of the people (right-holders) and impart relevant knowledge/education for them to adequately claim their rights. This goal will be about developing the long term skills particularly in young Zambians to allow them to effectively participate in different national development processes. Citizens and servant leaders, will be empowered to promote social justice and stewardship for the environment - in a quest to address the challenges currently faced by the poor and marginalised. The third strategic goal focuses on the JCTR as an institution. JCTR has been in existence for over 30 years and the organisation has contributed in many ways to the socio-economic and political life of the country. However, JCTR has faced a number of challenges; externally with a difficult operating environment and internally, with limited funding, high staff turnover among others. In order to successfully implement the Strategic Plan 2020-2023, JCTR has to work on strengthening its operational capacity and expanding its financial base.