Pactpan Archives - Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network

Pactpan Partners with CUAMM to Lunch “Just in Time in Low Resource Settings”

Leave a Comment / Health and Healing, Pactpan, Pactpan Academy, Pactpan partners / Nnaemeka Ali, O.M.I

Doctors with Africa CUAMM and Pactpan are thrilled to announce an online and free training course called “Just in Time in Low Resource Settings” – (JIT). JIT is divided into seven modules, with each module subdivided into a compulsory unit (recorded lectures) and optional further readings. As can be read from their website, it will equip healthcare workers to work in various facilities proficiently and safely during disasters in high and low-resource settings. In addition to enhancing their preparedness, the programs will assist healthcare professionals by improving their ability to respond effectively in disasters, their perception of preparedness and confidence, and their comprehensive understanding of emergency activities and procedures. Just in Time in Low Resource Settings is being organized by the Italian NGO Doctors with Africa CUAMM in partnership with Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network—PACTPAN. Founded in 1950 by Francesco Canova, CUAMM was formerly called the University College for Aspiring Missionary Doctors. The project’s primary objective was to recruit and educate medical students from Italy and other countries who were enthusiastic about dedicating part of their professional careers to serving in mission hospitals and supporting disadvantaged communities in developing countries (Casagrande, 2016). CUAMM transformed in 1971 following the enactment of Italy’s initial law on cultural, scientific, and technical collaboration with underdeveloped nations. This law recognized the benefits of volunteer work and marked a significant step forward. A year later, the Italian government officially acknowledged Doctors with Africa CUAMM as a volunteer organization authorized to perform institutional functions in developing countries to promote development and cooperation activities (Ibid.). Present in seven African countries – Angola, Ethiopia, Mozambique, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Uganda – CUAMM researches “maternal, child and newborn health; infectious diseases; universal health coverage and equity; nutrition and chronic diseases” (Casagrande, 2016). In addition to CUAMM’s already existing partnership with some countries, hospitals, nursing and midwifery schools, and some universities, its present collaboration with Pactpan will go a long way to welcoming CUAMM to many other African countries. The partnership will help CUAMM train more healthcare workers in the basic principles of disaster medicine and public health emergencies, as well as prepare to understand “the standard operating procedures to be adopted before (preparedness), during (response) or after (mitigation) a disaster”. Just in Time in Low Resource Settings will be delivered in English, and the participants will be able to receive a digital certificate of attendance. The full presentation of the course is accessible here: https://doctorswithafrica.org/en/whats-new/news/just-in-time-in-low-resource-settings/ REGISTRATION: To register for the JIT’s free training, fill out the form here: 👉 For Faith-Based Organizations and Pactpan Network: For Health Professionals and Others: For further information, contact: infojit.2023@gmail.com or usa@cuamm.org 1. Casagrande. (2016, July 1). Our History | A long journey. Doctors with Africa CUAMM. https://doctorswithafrica.org/en/who-we-are/our-history/our-history-a-long-journey/ 2. Redazione_adm. (2023, February 2). JUST IN TIME | In Low Resource Settings. Doctors with Africa CUAMM. https://doctorswithafrica.org/en/whats-new/news/just-in-time-in-low-resource-settings/

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Building Healthy Relationships within the Confines of Our Faith By Fr Adugba Mathias

Leave a Comment / BBI, Health and Healing, Medias, Pactpan / pactpan

The BBI Nigeria steering committee organized a virtual talk show for all cohorts and their mentors. There were also other participants from other countries across the African continent. The presenter of this talk show was Dame Bridget Itsueli, and the moderator was Mrs. Nneka Okekearu. The presenter focused her teaching the young ones how to build purposeful relationships. She stressed the need for networking among men and women since both genders come from God with their dignity and destiny and are only different in looks. Leaning on Pope John Paul II’s teaching in his “theology of the body,” the presenter taught that “we are more than biology, we’re also a theology – our humanity speaks and expresses divinity. We don’t have enough time to manifest our infinite capacities. This tells us that we are a unique, unrepeatable gift. We are different, unique, and gifted to influence our environment. That is, if I am a gift, I am gifted to give fragrance and taste; I am an influencer and not a user – I am a restorer, not a depleter; I positively promote the goodness of God. She enlightened the young ones and charged them not to neglect their humanity in all they do. It is important to know how to love and teach love and be intentional when we love. She listed Eros, Filia and Agape as the three known types of love. However, both Eros and Filia are being harnessed and ennobled into Agape. As humans, we respond to positive affections in different ways; thus, every human relationship must have a purpose. This cannot be without constant nurturing, or else it dies. She affirmed that Love, networking and relationships take a lot of work, effort and sacrifice. Despite this undeniable need for relating, relationships demand boundaries. They must have well-defined purposes and expectations, which, when not met, defeat their aim. There is also a natural desire to couple; we are sexual beings. Even when we give it up in celibacy, we do not detest it but offer what is most precious to us and return it to God. Nuptiality in celibacy does not cease to exist because we are sexual beings; thus, a celibate must work daily on his being sexual too. Even in dating or courtship, you must have a purpose for it; else, it becomes exploitative. In this networking, we find the connectors. There should be mutual benefits, and the focus is not on personal needs. Every relationship must have the desire to will the good of the other. Not in a transactional way but as a gift to the other. Unless we can serve, our relationships are useless and transactional. She noted that boys must not see themselves as victims of female seduction but as gifts to women. They must be taught the truth, or they will become addicted to porn and masturbation due to education in this aspect of their life. The talk also entertained questions about contributions and interactions from the young ones, their mentors and steering committee members. It was finally agreed that this meeting should continue discussing the theme to find proper guidance. The young ones were urged to be open in discussing issues of sexuality and to get guidance from the right source. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email

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Uganda Cohort Extends Charity to Kayunga-Galiraya Community by Devis Ampereza

Leave a Comment / BBI, Pactpan / Pactpan Africa

St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Community and MUBS-Uganda youth conducted a charity visit to Kayunga-Galiraya on Easter Monday as part of the Building Bridges Initiative. They provided items such as clothing, food, and educational materials collected during the Lenten season to the vulnerable members of the Kayunga-Galiraya community. This visit continues an online conversation between Pope Francis and African University students on November 1st, 2022. In that great event, Pope Francis listened to young Africans and heard what they wanted to do for God, the Church, and society in Africa and how the church leadership in Africa could help them realize their dreams. Uganda was selected to participate in this online conversation with Pope Francis, and Devis Ampereza passionately narrated their question to the Holy Father. Their question mainly focused on immigration, citing why most young African men and women leave their homes to seek asylum. Since the Republic of Uganda is the African country hosting the most refugees, the youth are concerned about realizing their dream of ending poverty, war and sales of arms. Nevertheless, despite Uganda’s policies for welcoming refugees, the country still faces economic migration challenges. Furthermore, many young Ugandans are leaving the country to work abroad because they cannot afford to live a sustainable life in the country. Therefore, youth are concerned about working together to end the war, poverty, and young Africans’ voluntary search for asylum in Europe, North America and other developed countries. Even so, the youth still have a spirit of brotherhood and wish all people to live together in harmony with all that is required to sustain their lives. Consequently, the youth conducted a charity visit to embrace inclusivity, welcome everyone as brothers and sisters in one Holy Church and continue with the Holy Father’s Building Bridges Initiative. The youth participated in the celebration of the Holy Mass at St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Community. During his homily, the Assistant Chaplain, Fr. Charles Mpiima, noted that we are today’s church and must make the church what we want it to be. He stated that acts of charity are essential in the Catholic Church because they demonstrate a spirit of brotherhood and hope for the less advantaged. He emphasized that the happiness of those in need is the happiness of God. He therefore concluded by advising the youth to be humble and always learn from the Holy Father, Pope Francis’ humility. Similarly, the Deputy Chaplain, Fr. Raphael Ddamba encouraged the young people to reflect on Matthew 25:35-40 because, whatever we have done for the people of Galiraya, we have done it for God. The caretaker of the area, Fr. Jude Matovu, explained that they serve over 25 sub-parishes, and the people are basically fishermen, farmers, and cattle herders who are always in great need and unable to provide for their families. He greatly appreciated the donated items and thanked the students for thinking about those in need. Additionally, the Parish Council chairperson appreciated the University students for thinking about them and sharing the Easter message with them. This community, displaced from their homes and living temporarily in that area, was pleased that the university students have decided to start their Building Bridges Initiative project with them. They received the gifts items with deep expression of appreciation and happiness.

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