Noreen McGinnity Reports on
CAFOD's Family Fast Day
CAFOD are an international development charity who reach out to people living in poverty with practical help, whatever their religion or culture. It is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church and through the global Church network, one of the largest in the world, they have the potential to reach everyone. CAFOD campaign for global justice, so that every woman, man and child can live a full and dignified life.
This year’s CAFOD Family Fast Day is on Friday 4th October. It helps us to support people like Daniel from Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
DRC is in the heart of Africa, it is the size of Western Europe and blessed with the gifts of clear blue lakes, surrounded by lush green hinterland, mountains and rainforests. It has the second largest rainforest area in the world which are of global importance. Its population is 110m with the average age of only 15.6 years. Farming contributes to 40% of total income and 60% of the workforce. Mining of copper, gold, diamonds, cobalt, uranium, coltan and oil has an estimate worth of US$24 trillion. Despite its resources, colonial history has left it one of the world’s poorest countries with 80% of the Congolese people live in extreme poverty (under 2 US$ a day)
As in many countries, they have the additional problem of conflict between pro-government forces and rebel groups. In DRC the fighting is for control of the mineral-rich North Kivu province. Since March 2022, the fighting has intensified, and people have been forced to flee their homes, seeking sanctuary and shelter in church compounds, schools or in large makeshift camps around the outskirts of Goma. Civilians suffer the most. There are more than 5.6 million internally displaced people in DRC. Mpox cases have recently surged in areas affected by conflict.
Through CAFOD’s work in Goma alongside local experts and dedicated members of the community, they’re tackling the injustices of poverty, climate change and conflict throughout the country. It is hard for young people to get either a good education or find sustainable work to earn money to support their families. Poor infrastructure and limited access to health services are making the injustice of poverty so much worse.
Daniel Chamba Louis is 21 and comes from a family of 12 children. Daniel’s family didn’t always have enough to eat, despite both of his parents working. He was not able to go to school. He had to support his family by finding work as a child and earning money to pay for food. “We grew up in a life that is not easy. It was a life of struggling all the time.” While looking for work, Daniel met some other young men who were learning carpentry skills with CAFOD’s local partners. Daniel was determined to develop his skillset. He signed up to an eight-month
carpentry course where he learnt to make all kinds of different pieces of furniture. “I loved everything they taught us,” he said. The CAJED (Concerted Action for Disadvantaged Young People and Children) training centre in Goma is CAFOD’s partner. CAJED operates a training centre that provides a safe space for women and men of all ages to learn new skills like carpentry, tailoring, mushroom farming as well as how to start and run a successful business. Simon is a local professional carpenter and teacher at the training centre. He was the man who first recognised Daniel’s diligence: “I saw that Daniel is one who understands things quickly. I am proud when I see the young people that I trained who are now independent.” The CAJED training centre and workshops like it need our continued support. Simon says: “I would love for people in the UK to keep helping these young people so that those on the streets can get occupations in order to have a better life.” Daniel is now a professional carpenter with his own small workshop, where he makes hardwearing tables, chairs and doors and sells to his local community. “My life is this carpentry. I am living well with people and able to earn honest money.” “I never want anyone to go through the life I had when I was younger. If God helps and this work expands, then I can maybe train some young people in the area, who are walking around just like I was.”
Please give to CAFOD’s Family Fast Day Appeal in our parish collection or online at cafod.org.uk Let’s come together and support our sisters and brothers, so that more people like Daniel from Democratic Republic of the Congo can learn the skills they need to build brighter futures for their families.
