Dubai hosts groundbreaking training to empower religious leaders serving marginalized communities

A pioneering initiative aimed at equipping religious leaders to better serve marginalized communities across Africa, Latin America, and Asia is currently underway in Dubai. 

The Project Management and Fundraising Training program, held from September 2 to 6 at the Crowne Plaza in Deira, Dubai, is organized by Tulip Management Consultancy Ltd. (UK) and co-funded by BEGECA (Germany).

The program has attracted 60 participants—27 women and 33 men—from 28 countries and 34 congregations and dioceses. Of these, 44 are attending online, while 16 are participating in person, offering a flexible and accessible learning experience.

“The goal of this training is to equip grassroots religious leaders with the skills needed to initiate and manage projects that will significantly impact marginalized groups,” said Percy Patrick, the Training Director. "We want these leaders to become advocates for the voiceless, driving real change in their communities."

Patrick noted that the program fills a critical gap, providing faith-based and Catholic leaders with management training that is often unavailable in remote mission areas, especially in parts of Africa and Asia.

Fr. Lord Winner CMF, the program’s Spiritual Director, emphasized the importance of the training in helping religious leaders address the real needs of marginalized communities.

"This training allows them to integrate spirituality into their work, making a lasting impact on the people they serve," he explained.

The program offers multilingual support with simultaneous translation in English, French, and Spanish, enabling participants from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds to benefit from trainers' expertise across Europe, the UK, and Latin America.

While the focus is on project management and fundraising, Patrick stressed that the skills taught extend beyond these areas, improving participants' daily social interactions and spiritual growth.

“This training is particularly valuable for those working in remote, poverty-stricken regions with limited resources,” he added.

The event fosters inclusivity and cultural exchange by bringing together religious leaders and community-based individuals from different congregations and dioceses.

Participants include not only Catholic leaders but also charismatic community figures making significant impacts in their regions.

One participant remarked, “This training goes beyond fundraising; it’s about creating lasting change in the lives of the vulnerable.”

The initiative also aligns with the "do no harm" principle, ensuring sustainable development in even the most challenging areas.

The program aims to help religious leaders communicate a deeper spiritual message that resonates with communities, encouraging meaningful engagement beyond mere religious rituals.- Sr. Molly Fernandes SFN