LIGHT THE FIRE FOR THE FOOTSTEPS OF FREEDOM
This is the purpose of the Workshop that Caritas Dalat organized so that participants in the People's Self-Development project have the opportunity to meet, exchange and light each other's fire in the process of self-development.
The conference takes place on January 6, 2023 at Dalat Pastoral Center. Attending the Workshop were: Farmers in the communities that Caritas Dalat is accompanying, in addition to guests from the organizations Speri, Caritas Long Xuyen, Caritas Phan Thiet and NTFP, and the Communications Department of the Diocese of Dalat.
The Workshop opened with the sound of gongs and the graceful yet powerful dance of the Chau Ma people of the Loc Tan 2 community group. The sound of gongs and dances brought participants immersed in the culture of the Central Highlands.
To start the Workshop, Father Director of Caritas Dalat gave an opening speech with recognition and encouragement for the efforts of members of the communities who have participated in the project. He also constantly reminded everyone to rely on God in every program, because "if God does not build the house, the hard work of the masons will be in vain".
After the Director's speech, there was a project results report presented by Ms. Dinh Thi Hong Phuc, deputy director of Caritas Dalat. Through the sharing, the Participants had an overview of the work that Caritas Dalat is doing through the People's Self-Development program, and at the same time, we also saw the admirable amount of work that Caritas Dalat has done in the 3 phases of the project (from 2014-2022), especially phase 3 (2020-2023). At the same time, we also see the enthusiastic and tireless efforts, sacrifices and commitment of Caritas Dalat staff.
And here are some typical achievements of Caritas Dalat: currently there are 517 households participating in ecological agriculture, there are 2 groups receiving CFGS certificates for quality products, 90 community organizations, 7 parishes participating in the Laudato Si forum and 9 Associations of persons with disabilities participating in the project. Caritas has attended 20 international conferences, 3 study abroad trips, 15 study exchanges, 3 pilgrimages and organized 2 international conferences and many other activities.
Caritas Dalat's activities do not stop only in Lam Dong province, but also spread those seeds to Caritas Long Xuyen, Caritas Phan Thiet.... From the seeds that Caritas Dalat has planted, they are sprouting in farmer households and villages through specific activities such as: making compost together, researching and testing good models on their own land.
And those seeds are blooming and bearing fruit in communities: There are communities that realize the risk of losing traditional culture, so they have come together to build stilt houses, gong groups, and weaving groups so that those cultural beauties can be passed on to their children and grandchildren and so that those beautiful stories can continue to be told for future generations. Furthermore, community groups can make their own programs and plans to develop their groups and communities. In particular, product groups and cooperative groups have been established, and their products have been introduced and sold to the market.
To make a mark and increase efforts to increase the connection between Caritas and the communities, Caritas Dalat awarded Commemorative Medals to units that have accompanied in recent times. By receiving medals, communities and groups feel that their efforts are recognized and appreciated by everyone, from which they feel more proud of their community and group.
In order for the success stories of the communities to touch the hearts and minds of attendees, the Workshop invited representatives of Loc Tan 2, Ma Danh K'Tip group, Dinh Trang Hoa group, and Duc Trong Disabled People's Association to share their success stories. Through stories, with real people, real things and friendly sharing, the participants were inspired, empowered, determined as well as loved for ecological agriculture.
After the discussion, the participants shared their feelings. One member said: "In 63 years of living in this world, this is the first time I have experienced such a friendly conference in words, eyes and human warmth." Sharing seeds has inspired people, people find it very sacred so it is necessary to start passing on seeds, it is as necessary as preserving the race.
In order for the project in the next phase to achieve high results, Ms. Phuc, on behalf of Caritas Dalat, presented the plan for the next phase and invited everyone to continue collaborating with Caritas Dalat in the next stages.
The Workshop ended with a fraternal meal full of camaraderie and warmth of compatriots. The Participants left carrying the seeds that Caritas Dalat had sown and donated with the hope that they would blossom in each Participant's family and each community.
Recorder
Nt. Lai Thi Thao
