.Wina

By BRIAN HATYOKA –

VICE-PRESIDENT Inonge Wina has called for the integration of orphans and vulnerable children in communities to keep them out of the streets.
Ms Wina said it was imperative to integrate orphans and other vulnerable children in society.
She was speaking in Livingstone yesterday during the Diamond Jubilee of the Christ the King Roman Catholic Parish in Maramba.
“I have been told that Maramba Parish has been rendering support to more than 40 orphans at Lubasi Home Orphanage through the provision of social needs, including education,” Ms Wina said.
She was also happy that the parish had been supporting programmes aimed at addressing issues pertaining to the welfare of sexually-abused girls at Lushomo Trust, by offering counselling services, education and integrating them back into society.
The Vice-President commended the Roman Catholic Church for supplementing Government efforts by providing infrastructure, education and good health to the people of Western Province and Livingstone.
Ms Wina, who congratulated the parish for celebrating 75 years of existence and success, said a number of high-profile people who attended Catholic schools attributed their success to the discipline, focus and hard work inculcated in them by missionaries.
The Vice-President, who left for Lusaka yesterday afternoon, said she was pleased that the partnership between the Government and Catholic priests had been effective and successful over the years.
“The founding fathers contributed enormously to the social and economic well-being of many people in our communities by building schools, hospitals, colleges, orphans and other institutions in Livingstone and Western Province,” Ms Wina said.
Scores of Patriotic Front (PF) cadres joined Roman Catholic members during the colourful celebration, which was characterised by singing and dancing.
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Livingstone Raymond Mpenzele said his diocese had recorded a significant growth over the last 75 years largely as a result of evangelism.
Bishop Mpenzele said his diocese comprised two districts in Southern Province, namely, Livingstone and Kazungula as well as five districts in Western Province.
Christ the King Maramba Parish priest Jeffery Tembo thanked Ms Wina for officiating at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations while Father Tembo said it was a rare privilege and honour for the parish to be visited by the first female Vice-President of Zambia.
Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Mongu James Connolly presented a detailed background and activities of the parish since 1940 when it was established.