Introduction

Caritas Pakistan is a non political, non-profitable development organization working in Pakistan since 1965. It is a member organization of Caritas Internationalis based in Rome, Italy. It is registered with the Joint Stock Companies, Lahore (Pakistan) under Societies Registration Act 1860. It started as a relief organization and has grown into a development organization & works without regard to creed, race, gender o r ethnicity

Caritas Pakistan is an expression of the concern of the Catholics for promoting animation for justice, peace and development. It is the social arm of Catholic Church; therefore, it operates on mandate given by the CATHOLIC BISHOP'S CONFERENCE of Pakistan.

A world transformed by the love of God as manifested in Jesus Christ that brings about justice, peace and development for all.

Working with the disadvantaged people for dignity and progress through relief and development program

ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES

· Love

· Commitment

· Honesty

· Team Spirit

· Openness

· Professionalism

CARITAS PAKISTAN

Animation is the main thrust of Caritas work. The ten steps of animation process is a methodology which is being practiced by Caritas Pakistan for community mobilization since 1994. It is a process whereby people gradually become aware of the situation, and nature of their poverty and powerlessness, understand its underlying causes and come to know that people must work together for common good. The ten steps methodology consists of following steps:

Immersion in the community, social investigation, identifying potential leaders, group formation, need assessment, planning, specific actions, monitoring, evaluation & critical reflection & future planning.

This process prepares the groundwork and supports other programs to implement community based initiatives.

1965

Donation from Pope Paul IV to establish Caritas Pakistan (December 08, 1965)

1966

Caritas Pakistan was set up as a branch of Caritas Internationalis

1968

Agriculture seminar was held to facilitate conducting a survey of catholic villages and colonies in Pakistan.

1970

The constitution of Caritas Pakistan was approved by the Catholic Bishop's Conference of Pakistan.

1971

Emergency relief to refugees from India-Pak war; East Pakistan became Bangladesh

1973

Emergency relief to unprecedented gigantic monsoon flood victims

1974

Seminar on Liberation through Development was held in Multan for the purpose of establishing vision, mission and goal.

1979

The constitution was approved and adopted by the general body of Caritas Pakistan. The main thrust was towards awareness raising and community building. Social Awareness & Leadership Training Program (SALT) was initiated.

1980

Autonomy was granted to the dioceses

1986

Caritas Pakistan launched ANIMATION & DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM in the six dioceses.

1991

Seminar on “Caritas & Development” was held focusing on deeper aspects of development and outreach to the target communities.

1994

Ten Steps of Animation were developed and adopted at grassroot level for social mobilization.

1996

National Strategic Planning workshop was held to devise preliminary 3 years plan.

1998

1st Strategic Planning process was initiated involving grass root people to meet the needs of the 21st century.

2001

2nd Strategic Planning of Caritas Pakistan was formulated

Provision of relief aid to Afghan Refugees.

2003

Rehabilitation of Afghan Refugees

2004

3rd Strategic Planning of Caritas Pakistan was held

CP facilitated in repatriation of 3154 Afghan Refugees families.

2005

The revised constitution of Caritas Pakistan was approved by the General Body. Moreover CP responded to the 8th October Earth Quake, a massive disaster by providing relief & rehabilitation services to the victims with focus on health and livelihood issues.

2007

4th Strategic Planning of Caritas Pakistan was conducted

Response to cyclone / floods in Sindh and Balochistan

2008

Workshop on Organizational Growth and Development Approaches (July 9-10)