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Caritas Australia visits
Caritas Tanzania
 It was a time for reflecting,
sharing, encouragement and learning from each other when a group of 11 people
(9 women and 2 men) from Caritas Australia visited Tanzania from 2nd to 16th January 2005. The group was availed with an opportunity to learn
from Tanzanians on social, cultural, economic and in particular the functions
of Caritas Tanzania towards evangelization through promotion of community development
programs. In this view, the group visited 4 dioceses to observe and discuss
with the diocesan leaders, program officers and the communities on the
different approaches used for mobilization and implementation of the
community development programs and the impact realized so far.
During the debriefing meeting the team leader Ms. Joan
Coanner expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality
extended to them during the visit in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mbulu and Same dioceses.
She also praised the good and close mutual relationship the dioceses have
with the communities which foster commitment and efficiency in implementing
the projects. She also explained the way the group was satisfied with the
situation of the projects funded by Caritas
Australia as they all admitted that the
communities have very clear goal and focus
of the project. This was evidenced to their statements like
“water is life”, “water is liberation” etc. Ms. Joan ended up by promising
that they will use the information gathered including the photographs to
animate people in Australia so that they continue supporting their brothers and
sisters in Tanzania. The projects are worthwhile to
the money given and the sustainability is assured.
A partnership between Caritas Australia and Caritas Tanzania is a historical one which can be
traced back since 1980’s when Caritas Australia was supporting micro projects in
the dioceses through Caritas Tanzania. As a sister organization such
relationship has grown up and fosters solidarity and mutual relationship.
Last year Caritas Tanzania was invited in the Lenten campaign
in Australia and also there has been other
activities like information sharing etc.
From 2000 the approach of Caritas Australia funding changed from Micro projects
to few major projects which can easily be monitored and see the impact. Water
and sanitation was given a priority and after approval by the Bishops new
criteria were formed. Meanwhile the following dioceses are funded by Caritas Australia: Same, Tanga, Arusha, Shinyanga,
Mbulu, Iringa and Mbeya.
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