Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bandundu (Fides Service)- A group of about 50 representatives of Congolese political parties took part in a formation session of election process monitoring held at the multifunction Centre at the Catholic parish of St. Hypolitus, Bandundu diocese, central western Democratic Congo.
The session, directed by a local nun was one of many such sessions organised by the Catholic community to create electoral awareness and promote the civic education of Congolese citizens in view of general elections next year.
Rev Onesime Muyembe, head of Bandundu diocese’s Justice and Peace Commission told a local Catholic news agency DIA, that the Church, keenly aware of the importance of civic education, started this activity last year.
In 2004 it began this work of sensitisation in the diocese of Kenge with a process of electoral and civic education. The programme uses formation schemas elaborated by CARTEC (Catholic Church co-ordination activity for a successful transition process). In June 2005 a member of CARTEC went to Bandundu to train local teachers to work with these schemas.
Simpler schemas were distributed among young people to promote electoral awareness and the importance of taking part in political life of the country. Information on the electoral process was distributed during a youth concert organised by the local Catholic community.
CARTEC material was also used served for formation courses attended by 80 representatives of other Churches and the local Muslims who then shared their experience in their own communities. Rev Muyembe says the local Church welcomed this collaboration with other believers on the subject of the electoral process.
CARTEC has launched a programme for the formation of 500 diocesan animators and 50,000 local animators all over the country. The course of formation in 5 subjects, Catholic Church Social Doctrine, democracy, peace and constitution, leadership, electoral education. Conferences are given by formators who attended a special training session in March this year.
CARTEC’s job is to co-ordinate local Church local activities to promote civic and electoral education in Congo. Out of 47 dioceses, 36 have benefited from awareness creating sessions organised by CARTEC for clergy, religious, active lay persons, leaders of local Catholic action groups, civil society, delegates from public. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 29/10/2005 righe 39 parole 450)
