“Just relations”
is the network’s theme for programs that address problems
rooted in systemic global and societal inequities. “Economic
development” is the theme for programs that try to improve
living standards at the grassroots level. The programs are nourished
by activities that celebrate and raise awareness about religious
and traditional values of solidarity and communal good. Finally,
RELUFA has a communications strategy that assures cohesion within
the network and its programs. At the network’s General Assembly
in January 2005, member organizations approved the action plans
for RELUFA’s three main programs: “Alternative Banking
for the Poor,” “Gender and Development,” and
“Economic and Environmental Justice in the Extractive Industries.”
Visit RELUFA's
Web site to learn more about its work.
Economic development: RELUFA’s alternative
banking program
It’s practically impossible for the poor to have access
to bank loans in Cameroon. The guarantees they have to furnish
are beyond their capability and the procedures are long and expensive,
and there is no assurance, of course, that the loans would be
approved. Some may succeed in obtaining a loan from usurers. Women
are particularly marginalized, as they can’t get loans without
written permission from their husbands. In order to improve their
living standards, the poor must overcome the lack of seed money,
the absence of systems for securing savings, and inadequate know-how.
A vision for RELUFA to create an alternative banking system for
the poor has materialized into a plan that is now in the final
stages of completion. Tailored to needs at the grassroots level,
the network will establish a cooperative among its member organizations
to provide low interest and guarantee-free loans for poor communities.
Additional components for savings and accompaniment will increase
the financial capacity of the poor and provide technical assistance
to render their initiatives more successful.
Just relations: Gender and Development
Religious and cultural traditions and customs hamper women in
their personal and economic development. Through its Gender and
Development program, RELUFA seeks to empower women by breaking
down cultural, religious, and legal barriers and by advocating
for an appropriate and enforced national legislation to protect
the rights of women and children. The program includes studies
and publications on cultural and religious customs related to
gender, sensitization campaigns on women’s rights, the dissemination
and amendments of the draft of a new national law on family issues,
and lobbying for this law to be passed by Cameroon’s Parliament.
Just relations: Economic and Environmental Justice
in the Extractive Industries
The Chad-Cameroon Oil and Pipeline Project is a case study for
RELUFA’s program for economic justice. Documenting the impact
of the pipeline project on local communities, following up on
unresolved compensation issues, joining the “Publish What
You Pay” campaign, and rallying to build a national and
international coalition are key elements of this program, which
seeks equity and transparency in the profitable extractive industries.
Future circular letters will deal more in depth with these issues.
In close collaboration with the leadership of the World Alliance
of Reformed Churches (WARC) in Geneva, RELUFA has facilitated
the elaboration of a declaration by the four Cameroonian WARC
member churches, which denounces the current trends in the extractive
industries in Central Africa. The declaration was presented by
the delegates of these churches in 2004 at a plenary session of
WARC’s General Council in Accra.
One Great Hour of Sharing
RELUFA is a direct recipient of the One Great Hour of Sharing
offering (OGHS). Please remember the Cameroonian JHAH partner
network when this offering is taken on or around Easter Sunday,
and say a word of prayer for all of our JHAH partners.
In thankfulness for the privilege to serve God through JHAH,
Christi
The 2005 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
317 |
