OFFICIAL NAME
Mouvement International de la Jeunesse Agricole et Rurale Catholique
ACRONYM
MIJARC/IMCARY
ALSO KNOWN AS
International Movement of Catholic Agricultural and Rural Youth
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 since 1966, on 12th June 2015 the Pontifical Council for the Laity granted recognition to the Mouvement International de la Jeunesse Agricole et Rurale Catholique as an international association of the faithful. 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, Vice President, Secretary General, Treasurer, and Ecclesiastical Assistant. Similar structures exist in the "regional action zones" or regions (Africa, Latin America & Caribbean, Asia, Europe). MIJARC members are either full members or associate members.
WORKS
MIJARC is an actor in rural areas that helps young people to get organised and to become critical actors that transform their village, region and country. By means of “training in action” the methodology “to see-judge-act”, young people are able to improve their living conditions and to generate incomes. Therefore, they see how rural areas can become attractive and viable for young people.
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 +32 2 7349225
E-mail: world@mijarc.net
