Catholic Justice and Peace Commission organizes various training workshops and seminars to train the Christians and the community on matters that are related to human rights, development, leadership and democracy as well as justice and peace in the society.
However, this year we have not been able to have many training workshops as scheduled due to the corona virus pandemic restrictions. Despite the challenges, CJPC has been in the forefront in the use of technology in reaching out to the members for various training sessions held on Zoom and other platforms such as the Facebook platform. The following are some of the training forums that we have had in the recent past.
WORLD DAY OF AFRICAN CHILD (COMMEMORATED ON 16TH JUNE 2020)
The International Day of the African Child is commemorated every year on 16th June. The African Union and its Member States observe the Day of the African Child (DAC) to celebrate the bravery of thousands of South African children who took to the streets in the Johannesburg township of Soweto on 16 June 1976, to peacefully protest the inferior education accorded to them by the apartheid government. During this protest, hundreds of them were shot dead by the police. To celebrate the children of Africa and calls for serious introspection and commitment towards addressing the numerous challenges they face in Africa. The DAC 2020 theme will reflect on ‘Access to a Child-Friendly Justice System in Africa
Why observe this day?
The International Day of the African Child, shines the spotlight on the many challenges African children face due to:
- Conflict
- Poverty
- Climate change
- Inequality.
- And now, the Covid-19 adds extra burdens.
The observance of this day celebrates all the children of Africa and calls for commitment towards addressing the numerous challenges they face.
Webinar on Child Protection During the Covid 19 Period (Held on 10 May 2020) On Zoom
Covid 19 pandemic that is spreading all over the world has greatly affected our ways of life. It is now clear that it is here with us and therefore the need to take extra vigilance. A report in one of the leading News papers indicated that the children and the young people are now the weak link in the spread of the infection. This assertion is supported by the MOH statistics showing cases of infections among children and young people rising. Something need to be done.
God has given us a responsibility to be one another’s keeper. We need to serve one another as we learnt from the bible readings. All of us MUST act to save tomorrow’s generation Let us take it as our responsibility to enlighten our children and the society as a whole because tomorrow’s success depends on our actions today.
Deanery Seminar on Leadership at the Queens of Apostles Hall (Held on 15th Feb 2020)
What is Leadership in the church?
The term leadership is defined as “the ability to lead; an act or instance of leading; guidance; direction.” Church leadership is about how we behave, communicate and manage others for the glory of God.
This word is used in many forms to describe countless things, but it is ultimately the act of leading a group of people in a shared direction. To be considered a leader, you have to have people who will follow you and they hear your voice.
Church Leadership Traits
1. Person of Influence: Leaders influence others to get things done. They help others see what needs to be done and then show them the path forward.
2. Big Picture Thinker: Leaders are big picture thinkers and can rise above the day-to-day and see things from a broad perspective.
3. Believe the Best in People: Influential leaders always give others the benefit of the doubt (“a favorable judgment given in the absence of full evidence”) and believe the best in people. A true leader first gathers all the facts before drawing final conclusions.
4. Teacher and Mentor: Leaders are gifted teachers and love to help others develop. They model leadership principles; help others to be credible people; identify employee growth opportunities; coach others on personal development; are not afraid of delegating responsibility and enjoy seeing others grow professionally.
5.Team Player: Leaders are team players and work well with others to get things done. They operate out of a win-win philosophy and help others to collaborate and come to agreement in tasks. Church leaders are skilled at managing team dynamics and developing team cohesiveness. They do this by holding team members accountable for their actions and keeping them focused on the team goal.
Catholic Justice & Peace Commission-Ruaraka Deanery 