DIOCESE OF KARONGA REVIEWS 2022–2026 STRATEGIC PLAN AS IT PREPARES FOR 2027–2031 ROADMAP
By Noel Chatepa
The Diocese of Karonga held a strategic plan review meeting from 6th to 7th October at Bambo Zutu House. The meeting was attended by representatives of the religious (priests and sisters), lay movements, the Diocesan Curia, and Diocesan institutions such as schools and hospitals.
The meeting was facilitated by Caritas Africa Humanitarian Programme Officer, Mr. Casterns Mulume, who brought his experience and knowledge to help the Diocese review its 2022–2026 strategic plan as it prepares to develop a new one to guide the Diocese from 2027 to 2031.
In an interview, Mr. Mulume thanked the Diocesan leadership for requesting Caritas Africa to facilitate the review and planning process. He described it as a good process, well attended by representatives from all the concerned religious groups and departments.
He explained that one of the main focuses was integrating the needs of the Pastoral Commission and the Caritas Commission. “We have worked towards integrating the Pastoral and Caritas needs, as in some cases Caritas is seen as a separate arm of the Church. There was an emphasis on looking at the ecclesial identity of the Caritas Commission to show that it is an arm of the Church, and members proposed several strategies so that Caritas is seen as part of the mainstream Church,” said Mulume.
On the growing global trend of reduced donor aid, Mulume said it was one of the main issues discussed. Participants considered how the Diocese’s various programmes can be funded, and suggested the establishment of a separate commission focused solely on the Diocese’s investments, which would give greater prominence to resource mobilization.
The Vicar General of the Diocese, Monsignor Lorent Dziko, said the review was important because the proposed strategic plan will be more focused and realistic, taking into account the Diocese’s financial and human capacity. This, he said, will allow for relevant and achievable goals. He was impressed with the attendance, describing the discussions as lively, with contributions from representatives of all religious and lay departments. He also appealed for support for the strategic plan once it is implemented.
Mrs. Florence Chunda, Chairlady of the Karonga Diocese Catholic Women’s Association, said the meeting was fruitful because it involved women and ensured that their needs were recognised and considered. “One thing we are happy about is the introduction of the women’s desk, which will ensure that all women in the diocese are involved in the development of the Diocese,” she said.
The new strategic plan will serve as the blueprint for the Diocese of Karonga’s pastoral, Caritas and administrative growth from 2027 to 2031.