Focolare Movement

Ivory Coast: EoC symposium on the gift revolution

Apr 26, 2024

On 13 April, the CERAP University Institute in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, hosted a symposium on the Economy of Communion entitled: 'The gift revolution: a new paradigm for the African economy'.

On 13 April, the CERAP University Institute in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, hosted a symposium on the Economy of Communion entitled: ‘The gift revolution: a new paradigm for the African economy’. On April 13, 2024, the Cerap University Institute in Ivory Coast hosted a vibrant symposium focused on the Economy of Communion (EoC). Attended by 146 participants, primarily from the esteemed Economic Faculty of this University, the event provided a platform for stimulating discussions and fresh insights into alternative economic models. Against the backdrop of today’s prevailing economic norms, marked by a culture of consumption rather than contribution, attendees eagerly engaged with presentations from distinguished speakers. Father Bertin Dadier and Madame Julie Bodou Kone took center stage, illuminating the transformative potential of the EoC as a complementary force within our existing market framework. Their presentations delved into the foundational principles and values that underpin the EoC, fostering a deeper understanding among participants. Despite initial skepticism, robust exchanges ensued, with attendees seeking to unravel the practical implications of this innovative approach. One of the highlights of the symposium was the unveiling of the Chocomabs EoC enterprise, offering a tangible example of how these principles can be translated into action. As attendees delved into the case study, a palpable sense of enthusiasm and curiosity permeated the room, underscoring the relevance of such initiatives in today’s society. Steve William Azeumo, coordinator of Action for the Economy of Communion in Central Africa, delivered a powerful presentation. Azeumo emphasised the crucial role of incubating EdC entrepreneurs, offering convincing examples from Cameroon to illustrate his point. He also stressed the importance of fostering and promoting such enterprises in society, symbolising their importance with the seven colours of the rainbow. Looking ahead, the momentum generated by the symposium is poised to catalyze tangible change. Plans are underway to establish an EoC Club at the university, providing a platform for ongoing exploration and collaboration among the EoC Commission, students, and faculty members. In essence, the EoC symposium at Cerap served as a catalyst for dialogue, challenging conventional thinking and laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and sustainable economic future. Source: EoC

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Newsletter

Thought of the day

Related post

United States: finding unity in a polarized world

United States: finding unity in a polarized world

Politically on opposite sides, Phil and Laura share the charism of unity and a commitment to living the Gospel every day. From this they draw strength and hope to overcome polarization and engage in dialogue to build, among themselves and with many others.

François-Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan: Witness of Hope

François-Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan: Witness of Hope

This year marks a particularly significant dual anniversary: the 23rd anniversary of the death of Cardinal François-Xavier Nguyên Van Thuân (16th September 2002) and the 50th of the period in which, after his arrest (15 August 1975), he wrote 1001 thoughts in prison addressed to all the baptized, later collected in the volume “The Way of Hope”. His memory lives on as that of a faithful pastor who knew how to transform prison into a space of prayer, forgiveness and offering: a man who showed how no chain can suffocate hope and that the light of the Gospel overcomes all darkness.