OFFICIAL NAME
International Movement of Catholic Agricultural and Rural Youth
ACRONYM
MIJARC (Mouvement International de la Jeunesse Agricole et Rurale Catholique)
ESTABLISHED
1954
HISTORY
MIJARC was established in Brussels, Belgium, by a number of national Catholic agricultural youth movements. They were driven by a preferential option for the poor and a desire to work to build up an authentically fraternal world in which all individuals can live and enjoy their inalienable human rights and be the architects of their own future. In 1960, the International Congress organised in Lourdes on "Hunger in the world" was attended by over 26,000 people from 58 countries in four continents. Recognised by the Holy See as an International Catholic Organisation, MIJARC is a member of the Conference of ICOs. As an NGO, it has consultative status with Ecosoc, UNESCO, FAO and the ILO.
IDENTITY
MIJARC is part of the specialised Catholic Action tradition, and its membership is made up of Catholic organisations of rural youths and other associations pursuing the same ideals, in the spirit of Gospel fellowship, stimulating them to work together in full respect for their autonomy; it promotes the development and comprehensive education of rural youth with the "review of life" approach using the "see, judge, act" method; it heightens awareness to the need for a fair distribution of resources that respects the environment and the lives of future generations; it works to develop the culture of peace; it speaks out on behalf of Catholic agricultural and rural youth to bring their issues to the attention of public opinion and the international organisations.
ORGANISATION
The official management bodies of MIJARC are the World Assembly which meets every four years, and is made up of representatives of the member associations and the members of the World Coordination; the World Coordination, which meets once a year, and comprises the President, Secretary General, Treasurer, and Ecclesiastical Assistant. Similar structures exist in the "regional action zones" or regions (Africa, America, Asia, Europe). MIJARC members are either full members or associate members.
MEMBERSHIP
MIJARC has 65 member associations in 35 countries, as follows: Africa (13), Asia (4), Europe (7), and South America (11).
PUBLICATIONS
MIJARC News, published three times a year in French, English and Spanish; MIJARC Info, monthly newsletter.
WEB SITE
HEADQUARTERS
Mouvement International de la Jeunesse
Agricole et Rurale Catholique
53, rue J. Coosemans - 1030 Brussels - Belgium
Tel. [+32]2.7349211 - Fax 2.7349225
Email: world@mijarc.org
