Wabag, Enga Province: The escalation of tribal fights, Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), fueled by the widespread consumption of illegal drugs and alcohol abuse continues to cripple the progress and development of Enga Province.
Caritas Enga, the Justice, Peace, Relief and Development Agency of the Catholic Diocese of Wabag has been conducting several Advocacy programs throughout the province to address these issues.
From September 9-13, 2024, a workshop was conducted at the Sari Pastoral Centre with awareness programs carried out at the township of Wabag. A total of 56 participants from different parishes and council wards attended the workshop which was aimed to mobilize, inform and empower the participants so that they can form Advocacy Awareness Teams in their respective villages and council wards to also advocate on issues affecting their communities.
During the workshop, Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wabag, Bishop Justin Ain Soongie, while instructing the participants said, "What our people lack is the proper understanding of the value and dignity of human life as sacred and special and deserves utmost care and protection. It is the reason why we have all these social issues in our province costing the lives of many innocent people."
Emphasizing on the importance of life he further stated, "The life of a prime minister and that of a street kid are of equal value and dignity. It is only the social status that makes the difference. And therefore, our ultimate mission is to protect, save and promote life. This has to begin with a proper understanding of life which we are to advocate for in our trainings and awareness."
The participants were overwhelmed and satisfied with the outcome of the workshop and having been empowered, were sent off to be advocates of change and promoters of life in their respective places.
The workshop concluded with a march into Wabag Town where awareness was also made to the people. The three take-away messages from the Team were go to church, send all children to school and to work the land.
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