VATICAN - “We realise we are being given responsibility: we want to give a voice to the voiceless:” say young Africans in Rome to study in Management for Development

Vatican City (Fides Service)- The group of young Africans from 17 different countries who have come to Rome to study for a Master’s Degree in Management of Development are enthusiastic and excited. “We want to help bring peace and development to our countries. Our Bishops have sent us here to Rome for this purpose” they said. The course presented this morning is promoted by the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples in collaboration with the Sacro Cuore Catholic University in Milan and the Pontifical Urban University.
“When my Bishop asked me if I would like to go to Rome to take a Course in Management of Development at first I hesitated, I was not sure. But after careful reflection I accepted” said John Baptist Mujuni from Uganda. “You see for the past five years I have been bursar at Kampala University and was hesitant to live abroad for a year and a half. But Lord helped me see this Course as an opportunity, not only for me but for the local Church and for our country. The Course will enable me to help others develop their abilities, to give a voice to the voiceless”.
“At the end of the course when I return to Nigeria my idea is to start and non profit business which will operate in the light of the Church’s social doctrine” said Abonpani Fidelis Ori. “I have a Degree in Economy and two years of working experience with a Nigerian Web Design company. Now I hope to complete my formation so I can promote development in my country. I hope this course will produce new ideas for promoting business respectful of social issues in Nigeria and all over Africa.”
The students intend to study seriously so they in turn may lead other young Africans to find their own professional and human path. “Africa has human resources: they need only to be valorised” says John Baptist Mujuni. “As a Catholic this is my duty. In most African countries the Church has been present for at least 100 years and it is time for local Catholics to take an active part in the Church’s activity of human promotion. We must be adult and responsible Christians who work to solve the country’s problems and help our less fortunate brothers and sisters”.
All the students see the Master’s Degree as an opportunity for professional and Christian growth. “We must set the example for our people” they say. “We realise this is a responsibility of no light weight. So we ask you all to pray for us as we learn during the course and afterwards when we put it into practice with good work”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 17/11/2005 righe 37 parole 485