The Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe has expressed confidence that the Promotion of Laudato Si’ Among the Youth project will bring meaningful change in environmental conservation.

 

The remarks have been made by the Archdiocesan Pastoral Coordinator, Fr Francis Lekaleka, during the closing of a two-day training for youths in Mchinji Deanery, held at St. Paul’s Parish.

 

Fr Lekaleka says the youth have been deliberately chosen to lead the initiative because the Church belongs to them, making them better placed to sustain the project and its long-term benefits.

 

‘’ While some of us may be out of this world in two, five, or ten years, the youth will remain here for many years to come. Consequently, they are best positioned to manage this initiative and reap its long-term benefits.’’ explained Fr Lekaleka.

He noted that Pope Francis, through his encyclical Laudato Si’, called on the world to recognise the earth as our common home and embrace the collective responsibility of caring for it.

The outgoing Archdiocesan Pastoral Coordinator and one of the facilitators Fr Frank Phiri, says the teachings of Laudato Si’ are important to young people as they help them understand the dangers of environmental degradation and the actions needed to protect nature.

Fr Phiri says the initiative should inspire the youth to reflect on the kind of environment they want to leave for future generations.

 

‘’ it’s very significant because in the short term, it will help them, it will set the pace of understanding the teaching of the church and the need to care for the environment.’’ Fr Said.

Another facilitator, Noel Kafera of Hop-Mac Limited, a horticulture expert, says he hopes the training has equipped the youth with the knowledge and confidence needed to venture into tree planting and environmental care.

 

‘’ We saw through the training that there were posing challenges they are facing, that are failing them to engage in taking care of the natural resources, including the trees, and they have also proposed some of the solutions.’’ He said.

Meanwhile, Sr Mildred Mulenga, from the Archdiocesan Youth Chaplaincy, who also works with the youth at St. Paul’s Parish, says the training has helped in changing the mindset of the youths towards nature and environmental conservation.

Sr Mulenga added that the sessions on entrepreneurship and financial management will also help young people improve their small-scale businesses, become more self-reliant and contribute to the Church’s activities.

‘’ It is going to help the young people here in Mchinji to be proactive.’’ She explained.

 

Mchinji Deanery youth chairperson, Richard Dickson, says the youths will translate the knowledge gained into practical action by planting trees across parishes in the deanery.

 

Dickson says they plan to purchase and plant ten trees in all parishes across the deanery, with the long-term goal of establishing small woodland areas.

 

The training commenced on Thursday, October 22, at St. Paul’s Parish, with participants covering topics including the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, entrepreneurship and financial management, leadership, tree planting and management, and an overview of Laudato Si’.

 

By Lester Mhone