FORUM Magazine, Special Edition | Page 6

The Zambian Experience As IMCS Zambia celebrated its 90 years of existence, it was important for us to know where we had come from. During Christopher Malano’s (Secretary General IMCS 2007-11) visit to Zambia after the 10th Pan African Assembly (PAA) in October 2010, Arusha, Tanzania, I came across the document “A Brief History of IMCS-Pax Romana (1887 -2006)”among his collections. It took me back to our roots as a Movement; how our fore parents worked so hard for the Movement we are so very proud of today. It reminded me of Fr Hans Putman, with his famous song; “It’s not an easy road”. IMCS Zambia celebrated this important anniversary during its 12th Annual Convention on 26th February, 2011 under the theme “Student with a Difference; Celebrating 90 years of IMCS – Pax Romana” I believe our logo says it all. To mark this important event, a week prior to the anniversary, a new branch of NMCS Zambia was launched in Livingstone Diocese, becoming the third region of NMCS Zambia in the 12 years of our existence as a movement. It was launched under them the theme ‘Catholic Social Teaching – The Establishment of NMCS Livingstone’ in the presence of Rt. Rev. Raymond Mpezele, Bishop of Livingstone, and Mr. John Mwewa, Caritas Diocesan Coordinator. This was further followed by the launch of another branch of NMCS Zambia, NMCS Chipata in the Eastern part of Zambia on 11th June 2011. It was launched under the theme ‘Catholic Social Teaching & Good Governance; The Establishment of NMCS Chipata’. The event was graced by The Right Rev. George Cosmas Zumaile Lungu the Bishop of the Dioceses of Chipata and Ms Catherine Njuguna, the IMCS Pan African Coordinator among others. Some of NMCS Livingstone members with Bishop Mpezele (holding the left top corner of the banner). This was held after a workshop ‘on Good Governance’ hosted by Malawi for Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Anniversary held at the Pope Square, Cathedral of the Child Jesus, Lusaka, Zambia was characterized by two presentations: Substance Abuse and the 2011 General Elections. It was also preceded by dances, speeches and among them Ms Prisca Tente, 2007/8 NMCS Zambia Coordinator gave an elaborate story of NMCS Zambia since its inception. The day also marked the official handover from the Joseph Chaila led executive to the Joseph Kayaya led. As we celebrated 90 years of IMCS – Pax Romana, we remain focused to being the students with a difference and bring about the positive change that the world needs to see. By Chaila Mwate Joseph Fidecomisionaria de NMCS Zambia NMCS Zambia: 12th National Renewal Conference IMCS Pax Romana | Newsletter– Special Edition| 2012-2013 www.imcs-miec.org 6