Training Catholic Refugee Women Leader to be exemplary leaders
By Victor Awiti, SJ
Greetings and Happy Feast from JRS Pastoral – Adjumani – Uganda.
The Pastoral department of Jesuit Refugee Service in Adjumani – Uganda, serves and accompanies our refugee brothers and sister in three refuges settlements in the Diocese of Arua. Within these designated refugee settlements (Ayilo 1, Ayilo 2 and Boroli) there are six chapels under the pastoral care of JRS – Adjumani. As the number of Christian refugees go on the rise, there is an eminent need to solidify Christian formation and animation to the youth and catechesis for children. It should be noted that it is mostly women (mothers) who are on the front line in the formation of the youth and children within the refugee families in all these settlements. Women support groups has helped enormously in instilling admirable characters to the youth and children in all these settlements. There are also new catholic women leaders in the women leadership teams with the six chapels. (St. Bakhita, St. Daniel Comboni, St Peter, St. Paul, Christ the King Chapel and Holy Rosary Chapel)
These Catholic women leaders are pastoral agents. They are not only influential in terms of teaching their children faith and instilling virtues and harmony but are also driving force of emulation within the communities. To solidify their influence, a two-day leadership training and retreat has been on the plan. On the 15th of August, on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a leadership training for 30 women leaders of the six chapels was conducted by Fr. Victor Awity, SJ at the multipurpose hall in Adjumani district. This important day began with a celebration of the Eucharist. This leadership training for Women leaders has not only empowered women but also gave them insights about leadership at the same time conscientizing them on how they can thrive as leaders within their contexts in the settlements. The training was also cloistered with pastoral coaching and an overview of the sacraments. It has also equipped them with a need for unity and a sense of promoting peace, coordination and collaboration among women leaders in the settlements given that they are from different ethnic and cultural groups in South Sudan. A nice lunch was served with refreshments that brought Joy and Happiness on this important Day for Women Leaders.
