5th National Community Development Course inaugurated in Lahore

As part of its strategy for social transformation, Caritas Pakistan held the Inaugural Ceremony of NCDC at the National Secretariat in Lahore.
Archbishop Sebastian Shaw of Lahore concelebrated the opening mass with three priests including Father Rafhan Fayaz Executive Secretary Caritas Pakistan Lahore. Thirty participants including students, development workers, priests and Church workers attended the mass.




In his homily, the archbishop pointed several challenges within communities of religious minorities including water borne diseases, registration of national identity cards and minority votes.
“We face many challenges as Christians. Try to address the mental health of communities, unemployed youth and care for environment. One person can make a difference,” he said. Mr. Amjad Gulzar Executive Director Caritas Pakistan later presented souvenirs to the archbishop.
Caritas Pakistan has produced 100 graduates through NCDC courses based on similar modules offered in foreign universities. They are now serving in different organizations and government departments.
Mr. Nadeem Yousaf National Coordinator Humanitarian conducted the first session on social mobilization and rural development. He urged the group to unlock their own perceptions, love the community members without any bias and suggested several methods to changing the mindset of society. In the group work, the participants pointed drug addiction and waste management as major problems of minority communities.
Mr. Samuel Clement Executive Secretary Caritas Pakistan Multan also joined June 1 Inaugural ceremony. He urged the participants to think big and learn from the facilitators. This is an opportunity for your own growth, he said.
“The dynamic course will help you in developing the basic understanding of community development concepts. These components will also develop your own personality and emotional understanding. Even the social and religious institutes can adopt NCDC as part of their syllabus,” said Mr. Amjad addressing the participants.
“We also prefer appointments and interns from NCDC alumni. Feel free to express yourself, get closer to your communities and contribute in national development. Thanks for your faith in us.”