Caritas Garissa

CARITAS GARISSA

Introduction

Caritas Garissa (CG) is the development and social services arm of the Catholic Diocese of Garissa (CDG), dedicated to delivering humanitarian aid, promoting sustainable development, and providing social services that enhance the dignity and well-being of communities within its jurisdiction.

CG Vision

Caritas Garissa (CG), as the development and social services arm of the Catholic Diocese of Garissa (CDG), under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, seeks the holiness of its members as a living witness of goodwill to all people. Guided by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, CG is committed to fostering ethnic and religious dialogue, reconciliation, mutual understanding, and harmonious relationships among all communities.

CG strives to enhance people’s self-reliance while addressing their needs and defending their rights. Inspired by the teachings of Jesus on love, compassion, justice, and service, it follows His example of uplifting the marginalized, healing the broken-hearted, and advocating for transformation rooted in truth and righteousness.

Through holistic and transformational development, CG integrates these Gospel values into practical action, engaging in community service, promoting equality and inclusion, advocating for social justice, and working toward sustainable, positive change in its sphere of influence.

CG Vision: Witnessing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through holistic development that empowers communities, advances justice and reconciliation, and inspires lasting change grounded in love and human dignity.

CG Mission

In pursuit of its vision, Caritas Garissa (CG) is committed to fostering peaceful community development where every person, without discrimination, has access to opportunities, resources, and rights. Rooted in the values of compassion, justice, and solidarity, CG works to build communities where understanding, empathy, and cooperation flourish across ethnic, cultural, and religious boundaries.

CG’s Peaceful Community Development approach is centered on improving the well-being and quality of life for all, while nurturing harmony, cooperation, and non-violent conflict resolution. This mission is realized through an inclusive process that invites the participation of all people of goodwill and is grounded in the following principles:

It promotes inclusive participation, ensuring that all community members, regardless of background, can engage meaningfully in decisions that affect their lives, thereby fostering ownership and empowerment. It strengthens conflict resolution mechanisms through mediation, dialogue, and reconciliation, encouraging cooperation among diverse groups. It nurtures social cohesion by building trust, empathy, and solidarity, while addressing divisions that threaten unity.

CG ensures equitable access to essential resources such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic opportunities, reducing inequalities and promoting justice. It advances empowerment and capacity building by equipping individuals and groups with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to realize their aspirations. Environmental sustainability is embraced as a cornerstone, safeguarding natural resources and fostering resilience for future generations.

The mission also values cultural preservation and appreciation, celebrating diversity while encouraging dialogue and cooperation across cultural lines. Finally, CG works through collaborative partnerships with government, civil society, the private sector, and communities, harnessing collective expertise and resources to drive sustainable, transformative change.

Through this integrated approach, CG lives out it’s calling to witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ by building communities marked by peace, dignity, and shared prosperity.

CG Mission: Caritas Garissa fosters inclusive and resilient communities through transformative development rooted in justice and compassion.

CG Values

The guiding principle of CG/CG operations is the Catholic Social Teachings (CST). CST is a body of doctrine developed by the Catholic Church over time, reflecting on the social, economic, and political dimensions of human life in light of Christian principles. It offers guidance on how individuals, communities, and societies can promote justice, dignity, and solidarity for all people. CST is based on the belief in the inherent dignity of every human person, created in the image of God, and the responsibility of all individuals and institutions to uphold and protect this dignity.

The CST principles are:

1. Dignity of the Human Person

Every person is sacred and possesses inherent dignity, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, or socioeconomic status. This principle underscores the value and worth of every human life from conception to natural death.

2. Common Good

The common good refers to the total of social conditions that allow individuals and communities to flourish. It involves promoting the well-being of all people, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized, and fostering conditions where everyone can fulfill their potential.

3. Solidarity

Solidarity emphasizes the interconnectedness of all people and calls for a commitment to the common good. It involves recognizing and responding to the needs of others, standing in solidarity with those who are suffering or oppressed, and working together to address social injustices.

4. Subsidiarity

Subsidiarity is the principle that matters should be handled by the smallest, lowest, or least centralized competent authority. It emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals and communities to participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives, while also recognizing the role of larger institutions when necessary to address issues beyond local capacity.

5. Rights and Responsibilities

Every person has a right to life, to the necessities of life (such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education), to work and fair wages, and to participate in the economic, political, and cultural life of society. Along with these rights come corresponding responsibilities to respect the rights of others, promote the common good, and work for justice and peace.

6. Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

CST calls for special attention to be given to the needs of the poor and vulnerable in society. This preferential option directs individuals and institutions to prioritize the well-being of those who are marginalized or oppressed and to work towards addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality.

7. Stewardship of Creation

Human beings are called to care for and protect the natural environment, recognizing that all of creation is a gift from God. This principle underscores the importance of responsible stewardship, sustainable development, and environmental justice.

These principles provide a framework for Catholic social action and advocacy, guiding individuals and communities in their efforts to build a more just and compassionate society. They are applied to various social, economic, and political issues, including poverty, inequality, labor rights, immigration, environmental degradation, and peacebuilding.

CG Strategic program areas:

1)     Emergency Preparedness and Humanitarian Response

Ensuring timely and effective support in times of crisis through preparedness planning, rapid response, and recovery programs.

2)     Sustainable Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment

Supporting communities through skills development, income-generating activities, smart farming, and market access to build long-term economic resilience. Caritas Garissa supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by offering training, mentorship, and financial assistance designed to strengthen local entrepreneurship. The organization also works closely with farmers, helping them access broader markets for their produce through aggregation, thereby improving incomes and reducing post-harvest losses. To further boost economic growth, Caritas Garissa is in the process of establishing a self-help credit facility that will provide affordable financing to small businesses, herders, and farmers. This initiative aims to empower local enterprises to expand their operations, increase productivity, and create sustainable employment opportunities within their communities.

3)     Health, WASH, and Renewable Energy Access

Promoting holistic well-being through improved healthcare services, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and clean, sustainable energy solutions.

4)     Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion

Strengthening community structures, dialogue, and conflict resolution to foster peaceful, inclusive, and resilient societies.

5)     Inclusive Education and Learning Support.

Enhancing access to quality education, promoting lifelong learning, and supporting vulnerable children and youth to thrive academically and socially.