Going Global With Youth: Africa

Volume 7, Issue 6

February 2007

In This Issue:

In some parts of Western Africa, it is customary to plant a seed when a child is born. The seed is often planted with the umbilical cord taken at the birth of the child. The seed eventually takes root and grows into a sturdy tree, reminding all that the child existed in the village. This powerful act brings forth a greater call: a Call to Remember, a Call to Recognize the Giftedness of each Individual.

February marks the celebration of Black History Month. We often run the risk of selective memory when it comes to history or the recognition of the giftedness of people. Black History Month has helped us as a nation to pay particular attention to the history, accomplishments and shared contributions of African Americans. Perhaps it can also serve to challenge us to remember a continent that is easily forgotten. Africa is part of all of us and has much to teach us. The people of Africa cling to extraordinary hope in the face of unimaginable suffering. Their stories invite us into the Paschal Mystery as a lived reality in our world. Indeed, we are called to remember Africa, not as a passing celebrity-led fad, but in a manner that celebrates the gift of all people, brings forth the offering of our very selves for the sake of others, and strives for a deeper connectedness rooted in love, compassion and hope.

Through this issue, we underscore the U.S. Bishops invitation to all of us to "mutually enrich each other in mission [as] we engage one another as sisters and brothers in Christ... The critical challenges and enormous potential facing Africa today serve as the opportunity for and test of our mutual solidarity. Our response to this vocation of solidarity with the Church and the peoples of Africa enables us to express love "in deed and in truth" (1 Jn 3:18), a love that creates no borders and sets no limits to what might be accomplished together in Christ. " (A Call to Solidarity with Africa, Washington, DC, USCCB, Inc., 2001, p. 31.)

LIFE IN THE FIELD

CRS Africa: Catholic Relief Services works in over 30 countries throughout Africa. In the effort to respond to the needs of this great continent, CRS works to enhance human dignity, empower the people that it helps, and strengthen and support partner organizations. The work of CRS in Africa ranges from food security programs to peace building, from HIV/AIDS antiretroviral therapy to civil society building, from emergency response to general health, among others. Not surprising, the stories of hope and resilience of the people with whom CRS works are as varied as the work itself. Listed below are links to stories and resources that can assist you in bringing Africa to the young people you serve:

CALLED TO ACTION

Dollars for Darfur: Supported by the Save Darfur Coalition, Dollars for Darfur is a high school student initiated fundraising effort to help end the conflict in Sudan. Half of the money raised will go directly towards supporting humanitarian efforts in Sudan; the other half assists the advocacy efforts of the Save Darfur coalition. Visit the Dollars for Darfur website to obtain resources and learn more this effort to engage young people in the effort to help the people of Sudan and foster change in our world.

Ecumenical Advocacy Days: The Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD) will take place in Washington, DC, March 9-12, 2007. Approximately 1,000 participants from various Christian denominations will focus on the theme, "…and How are the Children?" Prayer, keynotes, workshops and lobbying on the Hill are the main components of the event. A number of Catholic Religious Orders and organizations are sponsors. More information and registration can be found on the EAD website.

ACTIVE SOLIDARITY

Solidarity with Africa: Numerous education, prayer and retreat resources are available to help you foster awareness about, action for and solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Africa. Visit the Africa page on the CRS education website .

Operation Rice Bowl's Online Community: Operation Rice Bowl is the official Lenten program of Catholic Relief Services, and calls Catholics in the United States to reach out in solidarity with the poor around the world. As you begin your preparations for Lent, don't forget to sign up for Operation Rice Bowl's online community! Members of our online community receive weekly reflections during Lent that highlight a different Catholic Relief Services program and offer suggestions for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that help you learn about the joys and challenges of our brothers and sisters overseas. Each year the online community grows and we receive great feedback on the weekly email reflections that help guide your Lenten journey in a spirit of solidarity with the poor. Also, this year each email will contain a link to a Spanish version of the reflections. Countries highlighted this year are Mexico, Pakistan, Angola, Cambodia, and Niger. Sign up for the online community or invite your friends and family to become a part of Operation Rice Bowl's online community this Lent!

Fair Trade Links to Africa: February is an exciting month for Fair Trade chocolate! Not only do many of us enjoy St. Valentine's Day sweets, but this February 14 also marks the official launch of Divine USA, a farmer-owned chocolate company that began in the African country of Ghana. All year long, the CRS "Raise Money Right" program helps students, parents, and educators buy, sell and give Fair Trade Divine chocolate as a way to support farmers of the Kuapa Kokoo. This Valentine's Day we are delighted to celebrate Divine's expansion in the United States. With this new company, chocolate lovers will have new products, such as a Mint Dark Chocolate bar, and the farmers of Kuapa Kokoo will have more opportunity to participate in the building of a new business model: promoting farmer decision making and profit sharing.

Although Ghana is considered one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, it still suffers from high rates of malnutrition and ranks 138th out of 177 countries in terms of development. With Fair Trade, the farmers of Kuapa Kokoo can sell cocoa — a key ingredient in chocolate — for fair prices which benefit individual families and the community as a whole. They also serve on the Divine Board of Directors to help make decisions about Divine products, such as new packaging that reflects African iconography. But currently only two percent of Kuapa's cocoa is sold on Fair Trade terms. With a new company in the United States, the farmers have the chance to capture some of the value of the $14 billion U.S. candy market! Educators, students and other chocolate lovers can help Kuapa Kokoo farmers by buying, selling and giving Divine chocolate through Raise Money Right. Order Now and look out for Easter products beginning February 15.

GLOBAL THOUGHTS

Peace for the Children of God
(composed by Bishop Desmond Tutu and published in a new resource compiled by The Roundtable Association of Diocesan Social Action Directors and the National Pastoral Life Center, Living God's Justice: Reflections and Prayers, Cincinnati, OH: St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2006.)

O God, all holy one, you are our Mother and our Father, and we are your children.
Open our eyes and our hearts so that we may be able to discern your work in the universe,
and be able to see Your features in every one of Your children.
May we learn that there are many paths but all lead to You.
Help us to know that you have created us
for family, for togetherness, for peace, for gentleness, for compassion, for caring, for sharing.

May we know that You want us to care for one another
as those who know that they are sisters and brothers, members of the same family,
Your family, the human family.

Help us to beat our swords into plowshares and our spears in to pruning hooks,
so that we may be able to live in peace and harmony,
wiping away the tears from the eyes of those who are less fortunate than ourselves.
And may we know war no more, as we strive to be what You want us to be: Your children.
Amen!

MEDIA WATCH

Amazing Grace: February 23 marks the release of a powerful film, "Amazing Grace," that focuses on the abolition of slavery and the inspiration for the writing of the gospel song of the same name. The movie is sure to elicit opportunities for dialogue, historical review, and the study of modern slavery (e.g., trafficking). Education and prayer resources are available for all ages.

Lives for Sale: This eye-opening documentary investigates human trafficking, a modern-day form of slavery that impacts over 27 million people around the world and is the world's third most lucrative illegal commercial activity. The PBS schedule, resources, and copies for purchase are available online.

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