With the motto "Cáritas LAC, widen the space of your store" directors of the Cáritas of Latin America and the Caribbean met from October 23 to 26, 2023 at the CELAM facilities in Bogotá Colombia, where they reflected on issues of regional contact, strategic framework, institutional strengthening and safeguarding, statutory quotas, etc.

During The meeting included the presentation and reflection of Dr. Bernardo Toro on some relevant aspects of the social, economic, environmental and political situation of the region; The presentation focused on the construction of society based on the understanding of biodiversity and the multiple ecosystem services that it provides. In addition, it highlighted the importance of recognizing the relationship between values and society, as well as the need to enrich socialization spaces with values to generate changes and social transformation.

The directors were presented with transversal services, identifying the axes of Training, Management and Safeguarding Standards, Communications, Advocacy, Management Knowledge, and Fraternal Cooperation and Financing. In addition, the formation of teams and the participation of evaluators were discussed to encourage preparation processes for National Caritas in the self-evaluation processes.

It was highlighted during the days of the meeting that institutional strengthening is fundamental for Cáritas, since it links all the efforts of the organizations that strengthen the work of Cáritas worldwide. It was mentioned that institutional strengthening is transversal, linking the efforts of organizations to seek capacity development and internal efficiency, as well as the promotion of the mission and values ​​of Cáritas in its relationship with the environment. In addition, the importance of self-assessment was highlighted as a tool to evaluate the presence of standards in each Member Organization.

An important part for all Caritas is spirituality, where the Eucharist was shared every day, which represents communion and the celebration of the presence of Christ. For Cáritas, this is a moment of reflection and spiritual renewal for the members that make up the organization, reminding us of the importance of Christian principles in our charitable work. Strengthening our purpose and commitment to the mission and vision of helping those most in need.

Photos of the meeting