AFRICA/KENYA - A Lenten Campaign in support of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe

Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) – The Jesuit School of Theology at Hekima College in Nairobi (Kenya) will be dedicating Lent 2009 to the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe.
“In Zimbabwe, a political stalemate resolved recently through power-sharing has caused untold hardships for innocent people. From stratospheric inflation rates to a cholera epidemic, complete collapse of the national economy to politically motivated violence and brutality, Zimbabweans face an uncertain future,” says a statement that was sent to Agenzia Fides.
“In DRC, the unbridled quest for mineral resources and activities of militia groups have turned the eastern region of this mineral-rich country into a theatre of war and horrendous atrocities: entire villages have been decimated or displaced, sexual gender-based violence inflicted on the population, human rights and dignity trampled upon. Zimbabweans and Congolese call out to the rest of the world for help.”
In response to this situation, Hekima College is organizing a Lenten Campaign on behalf of Zimbabwe and DRC. The aim of this Lenten Campaign is threefold:

•Generate awareness about the plight of Zimbabweans & Congolese

•Express solidarity with the suffering people of Zimbabwe & DRC and help the recovery and reconstruction effort

•Raise funds to support the effort of local humanitarian organizations in Zimbabwe & DRC

For seven consecutive Fridays during Lent 2009, there will be Prayer and Reflection Services in the College Chapel. “The prayer service is open to all women and men of goodwill. We hope to raise 1 US$ for every candle lit. The proceeds from this Lenten Campaign will go towards direct humanitarian assistance for Zimbabweans and Congolese,” the statement concludes. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 25/2/2009)