SIHMA | Scalabrini Institute For Human Mobility In Africa

Training Course for Pastoral Agents of Migration, Kampala, Uganda

The Scalabrini Institute for Human Mobility in Africa (SIHMA) in collaboration with Scalabrini International Migration Institute (SIMI) and the Missionaries of St Charles Scalabrini, Uganda conducted a training workshop for pastoral agents of migrants and refugees in Kampala, Uganda. The training workshop was conducted at the ARU Centre from the 17th to the 20th of July 2024. The purpose of the training workshop was to equip pastoral agents of migration with an understanding of human mobility in Africa, skills and knowledge to work with migrants and refugees that they serve in their organisations, dioceses and districts. 

The workshop was facilitated by a team of experts who have experience and skills in the field of migration. These include researchers, Scalabrini priests working with and on issues of migrants, lawyers or advocates and other experts that work with migrants and refugees in Uganda and other regions globally. The list of presenters included Fr Filippo Ferraro (SIHMA), Dr Rachel Chinyakata (SIHMA), Br Gioacchino Campese (SIMI), Fr Aldo Skoda (SIMI), Fr John Kawisha (Missionaries of St Charles Scalabrini), Dr Fredrick Ssemwanga, Fr Walter Diaz (Missionaries of St Charles Scalabrini) and Sr Linah Siabana (Missionary Sisters of our Lady of Africa). Topics/issues that were covered/discussed in this 4 day workshop include: 1. Introduction to the fundaments of migration; 2. Understanding human mobility in Africa; 3. The complex impact of migration on policies, society, and economy; 4. The Christian perspective on migration; 5. The response of the church to the challenges of migration; 6. The teaching of the church: a path of Justice and Inclusion; Serving People on the move in Africa; 7. Cases about documentation of urban refugees and migrants; 8. The impact of migration on the mental health of migrants and refugees; and 9. Journeys of reconciliation; and 10. Mapping the access to social services for migrants and refugees. 

Representatives from refugee communities in settlements and out of settlements were also given an opportunity to attend, share their life experiences and contribute to ways in which the lives of refugees can be enhanced in Uganda. The workshops were attended mainly by Catholic sisters and brothers, catholic priests, representatives from organisations that serve refugees and other lay people. In concluding the workshop, the attendees shared their experiences of the workshop including how it had enhanced their knowledge and ways to work with refugees in Uganda and beyond. The attendees also shared their goal or plans of action on how they are going to use the knowledge that they received during the four days training.


Categories:
Tags:

Post Categories


Posts by Tags