Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - “Harambee - All together for Africa” is an aid program for Africa that began at the canonization of Saint Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei (the only Personal Prelature in the Catholic Church, celebrating this year its 25th anniversary of its approval as such). Saint Josemaria was canonized on October 6, 2002 by John Paul II. The aid and donations from those who participated in the ceremony, as well as the committed effort of many people and institutions over the years have given an initial impulse to the project, now present in Spain, France, Portugal, United States, and Ireland.
On October 27, “Harambee Africa International Onlus” was officially presented in Rome, in the presence of President Giovanni Mottini. It is an association that will be in charge of the international coordination of the Harambee project. The association collaborates with the Institute for University Cooperation in Rome and with other non-governmental organizations throughout the world. The project is committed to the promotion of initiatives, especially educational activities in Africa and in relation to Africa.
The development program is mainly active in the sub-Saharan part of Africa, while the communications programs, dedicated to promoting awareness of the wealth of the African culture, are present in the rest of the world. Harambee, which in Swahili means “all together,” is a solidarity project which is based on the consideration that Africa can resolve its own complex problems of malnutrition, illness, poverty, war, and underdevelopment, by cultivating and valuing their many internal potentialities. There are already many Africans working on the frontline to improve the welfare of their continent and their people.
One of the goals of Harambee is that of carrying out the phrase “all together,” supporting those who work in Africa and for Africa, using the media to promote awareness of the commitment of these people working to make Africa more than just a land of unfortunate events and calamities, making it a land of opportunity, dignity, and change. This network of Africans who believe in their continent and give all they have – time, money, natural resources – and receive “repayment” in the form of communion and solidarity, are a new hope for a suffering Africa. Thanks to Harambee, 26 projects have been financed in 14 countries (Rwanda, South Africa, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Kenya, Cameroon, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Madagascar).
Among the projects are a program for the reintegration into society of child soldiers of Sierra Leone, a library for a school in Uganda, water access for women and children in Nigeria, creation of schools for professional formation for elementary school graduates in Mozabique, and education and development programs for women in Sudan, Kenya, Congo, and Madagascar. (PC) (Agenzia Fides 28/10/2008)
