The Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe has emphasized the need to actively involve young people in environmental conservation efforts to prepare them to become responsible custodians of the environment.

 

Archdiocesan Pastoral Coordinator, Fr Francis Lekaleka, made the call today during an interface meeting with the Archdiocesan Youth Executive held at Msamba Conference Centre in Lilongwe.

The meeting was aimed at preparing the youth for the implementation of a project designed to promote Laudato Si’ among young people across the Archdiocese.

 

Fr Lekaleka said the Archdiocese is committed to empowering young people in various aspects of life, recognising that they are both leaders of today and tomorrow.

“Let me emphasize that the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe is committed to working with the youth to ensure a proper transition in taking care of the environment,” he said.

 

The outgoing Pastoral Coordinator, Fr Frank Lazalo Phiri, who facilitated the training, echoed the sentiments, saying young people have the potential to play a significant role in environmental conservation because of their energy and capacity to undertake such initiatives.

Fr Phiri also cautioned against using young people for political gains, saying they should instead be empowered to become responsible citizens who can contribute meaningfully to national development.

 

“For a long time, the youth have been sidelined in developmental issues, but this is the time to empower them to become good and responsible citizens,” he said.

 

Meanwhile, Archdiocesan Youth Chaplain Fr Francis Chibota said the youth leadership will put in place proper strategies to ensure their full participation in the project.

 

Fr Chibota said the youth will work with various parishes across the Archdiocese to ensure that the initiative is effectively implemented.

 

He added that the youth will receive training through their respective parishes and deaneries to equip them with the necessary skills to carry out their responsibilities professionally.

 

Archdiocesan Youth Chairperson Chrispine Limbe thanked the Archdiocese for involving young people in the project, saying the initiative provides an opportunity for them to demonstrate that they are being prepared to become responsible leaders.

 

Limbe pledged to encourage fellow young people to make good use of the opportunity and deliver on their responsibilities in order to build trust with the Church leadership.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe is implementing a one-year project, funded by Missio Aachen of Germany, which will see young people establish and manage woodlots in parishes across the Archdiocese as part of efforts to promote environmental conservation and the principles of Laudato Si’.

 

By Peter Dumayo