The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) held a monitoring and evaluation meeting on September 2, 2024, at the Roman Catholic Good Shepherd Church in Chiredzi.
Attendees discussed ways to increase the organization’s reach and promote inclusivity.
During the meeting, an attendee suggested that CCJP should increase its budget to effectively engage with a broader audience.
“CCJP should increase its budget in order to reach a larger audience. They should put an information hub and have something to represent them, something that is helping the community,” the attendee said.
Susan Machingura, a visually impaired representative from Hanyani Persons Living with Disabilities, emphasized the importance of accessibility in churches.
“Churches should be flexible in order to help people living with disabilities. They should be flexible in construction so that they can be able to go upfront at the altar just like other people.
“Even their doorsteps should be flexible to everyone. The toilets should be disability-friendly, as well as the church,” Machingura said.
Machingura also stressed the need for sign language interpretation during church services to ensure inclusivity for people with hearing impairments.
“We should use sign language in church in order to support people living with disabilities because some disabled people cannot attend as a result of failing to communicate with others during the meetings, even church services,” she added.
Conrad Hama, Chiredzi CCJP Community chairperson, highlighted the specific needs of people with albinism in Chiredzi, which is known for its hot climate.
“Chiredzi is very hot and has people with albinism. As CCJP, may you please provide us with creams?” Hama requested.
Edith Chihuma, CCJP Masvingo Project Officer, advised the attendees to take initiative and not rely solely on donations.
“You should not just wait for donations but also put some work effort on your own. If you receive donations and you are able to earn profit, make sure to also help people in your communities.
“As community members, you should come up with ideas to assist others in the community,” she said.
The meeting underscored the importance of creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all members of the community, regardless of their abilities.
CCJP aims to promote social justice and peace, and this meeting marked a significant step towards achieving those goals.
