Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) Digital Repository
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Statement: A Call to End the Alarming Rise in Child Defilement Cases in Zambia
No full textThe Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) expresses deep concern over the rising cases of child sexual abuse in Zambia, highlighting the failure of institutions and society to protect vulnerable children. Despite Zambia's legal frameworks and international human rights commitments, alarming incidents of child defilement and abuse persist, often occurring in spaces meant for protection, such as homes, schools, and places of worship. In response, JCTR calls for urgent and collective action from government institutions, law enforcement, religious and community leaders, civil society, and families to address this crisis. Key recommendations include strict enforcement of child protection laws, enhanced public awareness and community responsibility, and active involvement of religious and traditional leaders in combating child abuse. The Centre emphasises that the safety and dignity of children is non-negotiable and urges all stakeholders to take immediate and decisive action to protect children from these heinous crimes
April 2025 BNNB Statement
No full textThe April 2025 BNNB for Lusaka stood at K11,417.99 for a family of five, reflecting a minor reduction of K128.79 from the previous month. While slight decreases were recorded in both food and non-food components—largely due to seasonal factors—this cost remains significantly above average incomes. The statement highlights persistent socio-economic inequalities and the widening affordability gap. JCTR, drawing on Catholic Social Teaching, recommends PAYE tax relief, expanded social protection, investment in renewable energy, and inclusive economic policies. The Centre urges government action that reflects a preferential option for the poor in the forthcoming 2026 National Budget.Norwegian Church Aid and Danish Church Aid alliance (JCP Zambia
Job Opening
No full textThe Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) seeks a Programme Officer to coordinate the Local Empowerment and Development – Civil Society LEADs Project. Based in Lusaka, this role involves stakeholder engagement, project management, capacity building, and advocacy to enhance governance and sustainable development in Zambia. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Economics, or related fields, with 3-5 years of experience in project management. Applications close on April 11, 2025. Interested candidates should email their applications to [email protected] Union (EU
Press Release: A Call for Inclusive Economic Relief
No full textThe Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) highlights the growing financial challenges faced by both employed and unemployed Zambians amidst escalating inflation and food insecurity. In response to recent government decisions prioritising Social Cash Transfers (SCT) over Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax relief, JCTR calls for a more inclusive economic relief strategy. With the cost of living rising significantly—evidenced by a K1,200 increase in the Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket for a Lusaka family of five between September 2023 and 2024—urban poverty is intensifying. JCTR advocates for targeted support that addresses the needs of all citizens, regardless of employment status, in order to promote social equity and economic justice
Challenges in Accessing CDF Loans and Grants Among Women and Youths in Rural Communities
No full textThis study, conducted by the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) in collaboration with the Zambian Financial Sector Deepening Limited (FSD Zambia), investigates the barriers hindering women and youths in rural areas from accessing Constituency Development Fund (CDF) loans and grants in Mansa and Samfya districts. The research identifies several challenges, including low financial literacy, inadequate awareness of CDF procedures, limited literacy levels among women and youths, scarcity of application forms, and insufficient sensitization activities. Moreover, deficiencies in project proposal development and management capacities further exacerbate the situation.
Of particular concern is the poor quality of project proposals submitted by women and youths, largely attributed to the complexity of CDF application forms, low literacy levels, and limited skills in proposal development and project management. These challenges undermine the CDF's objectives of poverty reduction and livelihood improvement in rural communities.
To address these issues, the study recommends simplifying the structure, format, and language of CDF application forms, alongside investment in project proposal development capacities by both State and Non-State actors. These interventions aim to empower women and youths in rural communities to develop and submit high-quality project proposals, thereby enhancing the accessibility of CDF loans and grants and facilitating socio-economic development at the grassroots level.Financial Sector Deepening (FSD
Job Advert - Accountant
No full textThe Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), a faith-based organization advocating for a just and equitable Zambian society, is seeking a qualified and experienced Accountant to join their Lusaka office. Reporting to the Finance and Administration Manager, the Accountant will play a pivotal role in managing JCTR’s financial resources effectively. Key responsibilities include strategic financial planning, budget implementation, financial reporting, fixed asset management, and audit support. Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy or a professional accounting qualification, with membership in ZICA and at least three years of relevant experience. The application deadline is November 15th, 2024
May 2024 BNNB Statement
No full textIn May 2024, the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) reported a significant rise in Zambia's Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB), now standing at K10,701.13, reflecting a K352.87 increase from April. This surge is predominantly attributed to higher charcoal prices, influenced by a production ban in Shibuyungi, Itezhi-Tezhi, and Mumbwa, rising fuel costs, and increased demand due to extended load shedding. Additionally, tomato prices nearly doubled. These developments highlight the intricate connection between climate change and economic instability, exacerbating existing inequalities. The JCTR advocates for policies promoting sustainable energy alternatives, climate-resilient agriculture, and economic support for those impacted by the charcoal ban, aligned with the principles of Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato Si'. Addressing these issues requires equitable, sustainable, and responsive actions to balance immediate needs with long-term environmental goals.Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF), Norwegian Church-Aid and Danish Church Aid Alliance (JCP Zambia
April 2024 BNNB Statement
No full textIn response to Zambia's ongoing budget cycle and the Ministry of Finance and National Planning's call for inclusive participation, the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) presents findings from its April 2024 Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) analysis. The report highlights a slight reduction in the cost of living for a family of five, primarily driven by lower charcoal prices and reductions in the prices of select food items. However, persistent high commodity costs amid economic challenges like inflation, drought, and unemployment remain pressing concerns, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and youth. JCTR recommends strengthening social sector spending, supporting small businesses, and undertaking tax reforms to alleviate the burden on low-income individuals and households. Additionally, the report underscores the importance of raising awareness about alternative energy sources like Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to mitigate health and environmental risks associated with charcoal use. Overall, JCTR emphasises the importance of citizen engagement in the budgeting process to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective policy implementation towards Zambia's Vision 2030 of becoming a prosperous middle-income country.Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF), Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) & Danish Church Aid (DCA) alliance (JCP Zambia)
JCTR Strategic Plan 2024 - 2027
No full textThe Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection is a faith based organisation and a Ministry of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) operating in Zambia since 1988 to promote social justice. Our work is underpinned by the Church Social Teaching (CST). JCTR primarily focuses on the poor category of the Zambian population by advocating for pro poor policies aimed at promoting economic development, poverty alleviation as well as access to human rights and social services. JCTR‘s strategic planning follows the approach of Results-Based Management (RBM), which has been considered a very helpful approach by JCTR in order to focus the planning and monitoring of changes brought about by its work. JCTR activities will be organised through annual work plans that are designed to achieve the outcomes outlined above. For each annual work plan, JCTR sets performance indicators which are both at impact and outcome levels
Request for Expression of Interest (Consultancy Services-Firms Selection)
Full text linkThe Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) invites expressions of interest from qualified consulting firms to provide external audit services. JCTR, established in 1988, is a faith-based civil society organisation guided by Christian values and committed to social justice. The objective of the external audit is to assess the financial position of JCTR, ensuring that funds are utilised efficiently in accordance with donor agreements and legal regulations.
The audit will be conducted following International Standards on Auditing (ISA) and will focus on areas such as procurement compliance, internal controls, asset verification, fraud risks, and governance. The auditor will issue an audit report, highlighting any internal control weaknesses and regulatory non-compliance, alongside a management letter to provide recommendations for improving systems and procedures.
Eligible firms should have extensive experience in auditing development projects, particularly donor-funded initiatives. Proposals must be submitted by 1st November 2024, and the selected firm will conduct audits for four years, starting with the 2024 financial year