Educational Resources for Solidarity with Africa

Catholic Relief Services launched the Africa Campaign: Africa Rising, Hope and Healing in 2001. Africa Rising Hope and Healing invites Catholics in the United States to stand in solidarity with their brothers and sisters in Africa through prayer, dialogue and advocacy. In November of 2001, the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops authored a pastoral statement A Call to Solidarity with Africa that challenges the Catholic church in the U.S. to support the Catholic church in Africa in its efforts to work for peace, justice and development on the continent.

We hope that these resources inspire you and your students to understand the challenges faced by African communities, to embrace the hope that comes from the African culture and the faith of the African people, and live in solidarity with our brothers and sisters through prayer, educated discussion and action.

Resources

Democratic Republic of Congo’s Life-or-Death Transition

CRS is promoting a free education DVD and lesson plan developed by our partner, Caritas Internationalis, detailing the conflict in the DR: “D. R. Congo’s Life or Death Transition. ” The film and guide are meant to raise awareness about the plight of the Congolese people and support their transition to from the horrors or violence and oppression to a more peaceful, stable and democratic society that respects human dignity. Recommended use is for junior and senior level high school students.

School-Wide Program for Solidarity with Africa

Involve students, faculty and staff in this "Year of Africa" which includes a once-a-month experience of learning, reflecting and acting. Each school can choose its own way to fit these varied and detailed ideas into the life of the whole school community. The resource includes a theme for each month (September to May), appropriate scripture for reflection, discussion questions for targeted learning, and activity ideas for you to implement in your school. Start your planning early and develop a team to implement the activities.

HIV/AIDS Curriculum

Provides lesson plans that help you teach your students about the HIV/AIDS epidemic and its impact on sub-Saharan Africa. The curriculum uses case studies to help students understand HIV/AIDS, learn about how communities in Africa are impacted by the epidemic, and gives guidelines for teaching your students about foreign aid, and how they can make their voice be heard through advocacy and action.

Africa Retreat

A detailed preparation tool for a six-hour journey of prayer and education for up to 100 students. The resource includes African songs, stories of African people, activities with maps and facts, a learning lunch and a celebration to close the retreat. Ideas for follow-up after the retreat experience are also included.

Africa Stories & Photos

Give your students a glimpse into the lives of everyday Africans. Each of these 10 beautiful photos from Africa is accompanied by a brief profile and prayer.

Solidarity with Africa Prayer Resources

These retreats and prayer services are devoted to solidarity with Africa.

African Recipes

Enjoy these recipes suitable for both large and small groups.

Authors

Catholic Relief Services wishes to thank the educators and writers of these materials. It is your creative energy, your vision, and your passion for justice that has made these materials possible.

Contributors

↑ Top