Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Roma (Agenzia Fides) - "Angola is enjoying strong economic growth, as evidenced by positive data concerning the increase of Gross Domestic Product, which is derived primarily from its mineral resources, especially oil and diamonds, the price of which, after a phase of crisis, is back in growth," Fides is told by Bishop Eugenio Dal Corso of Benguela.
"Unfortunately, if we consider the living conditions of the population, we realize that the improvements have not bee sufficient. The Angolan population is thus divided: the inhabitants of cities, mostly civil servants and small businessmen, and residents of rural areas, who engage in subsistence agriculture. In recent years, the government has made major investments in alternative infrastructures, in cities along the coastline of the country. The recent Africa Cup of football, which was held in Angola in early January, has led to new charges, in particular to building 4 new stadiums. These investments have, however, depleted state coffers to the point that civil servants have received salaries for January and February just now, at the beginning of March."
The bishop continues: "Although the investments in infrastructure are needed and welcome, what is perplexing, and even the bishops have stated on several occasions, is the concentration of these works in big cities and coastal areas. Inland areas and rural areas are still largely devoid of roads and other decent public works. For example, the Saurimo-Luena road is in a pitiful state, and even big trucks are struggling to cover it; the Saurimo-Dundu road is in similar conditions.
"While it is understandable that the government gives priority to areas where most of the country's population is concentrated, one must also enhance the countryside, as Angola is still forced to import most foodstuffs. In the days of Portuguese colonization, Angola exported some varieties of cereals, like rice. The area of the plateau is in fact very fertile, but we need to introduce modern methods of cultivation and breeding to develop its full potential. The government has launched a campaign to revitalize the agricultural sector, but progress is still modest. It will probably take another few years before the country returns to being self-sufficient in terms of food," says the Bishop of Benguela.
On a social level, Bishop Dal Corso notes that "AIDS remains a scourge, particularly in the region on the border with Namibia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The government has launched an information program to try to reduce the spread of the virus, while several NGOs, including Caritas, have initiated projects to assist the sick and HIV-positive, however, they encounter serious difficulties because of lack of funds."
From the perspective of the Church, Bishop Dal Corso says that "the visit of Pope Benedict XVI reinforced the confidence of the Catholic community. The are a good number of vocations. The minor seminaries have a large number of students. About half of these, however, abandon theological studies to pursue another type of study. The qualifications awarded by the seminaries are in fact recognized by the state and provide access to university. It is understandable that the seminariess attract students, because of their good level, but we need to ensure that most students follow a precise path of vocation. So we have reformed the Ratio Studiorum, and introduced new criteria for selecting candidates."
The Bishop continues: "In terms of education, the State recognizes the value of Catholic schools. During the last Plenary Assembly of the Bishops' Conference, the Minister of Education had a meeting with the bishops and reiterated the appreciation of the state for the educational work of the Catholic Church. There is an agreement between Church and State which provides that the state pays the salaries of teaching staff and administration of Catholic schools, which is approved by the Ministry of Education. It is an agreement that suits both parties. The State can ensure quality education at a lower cost than the direct management of schools and the Church enjoys a fundamental tool to evangelization and human promotion.
The Catholic University of Angola is also very popular. Its main campus is in Luanda and there is a satellite campus in Benguela. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 18/3/2010)
