On June 05th, the JPIC (Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation) Commission invited our sisters from all over the world to celebrate the World Environment Day. This day was celebrated enthusiastically in Rome, India, Rwanda, Tanzania and Poland.
Soon after the celebration of this day of 05th June, the celebrations held in Rome and India were highlighted on our website. We also wish to acknowledge the enthusiasm of our sisters who celebrated this day from Rwanda, Tanzania and Poland who displayed similar passion in their respective entities.
The Province of Rwanda celebrated this day with great joy. The communities were encouraged to protect and preserve the environment. The sisters gave conferences in schools, the hospital and to a group of UAC members on the importance and protection of environment, making them aware of their common responsibilty. Symbolically trees and flower plants were planted in various communities and centres, encouraging hope of a better future and instiling a responsible citizenship.
In Poland, the Sisters take care of the environment in each of their communities through waste segregation, which has been compulsory since 2020. In addition, composting is carried out the homes where there is a garden and it is possible to recycle waste. The garden in the community of Lidzbark Warmiński, the sisters are often visited by schoolchildren.The children from the orphanage have participated in nature workshops creating their own micro-ecosystems. The workshop was prepared by: Regional Centre for Promotion of the Nature 2000 of the area of the Tarnobrzeg Vistula Valley in Poland.
In Tanzania the sisters celebrated the World Environment Day, guided by the theme: “Our Environment and the Future of Tanzania – End Plastic Pollution”. The day was kicked off by a cleanliness drive by the sisters walking around towns and villages and cleaning their surroundings. This event brought together diverse stakeholders, youth, students and private sectors which include schools, hospitals etc. towards this noble cause.
The Sisters also joined in giving environmental education to the children in the schools inculting in them the importance of keeping the environment clean. The children planted trees, flowers and vegetables plants. However, apart from the fight against plastics, in Tanzania, the citizens have been encouraged to use clean cooking energy which will also preserves the health of the people as most of them use fire wood which not only destroys the forests but also affects the health, consequently disturbing nature leading to climatic change.
We pray, as well as continue to encourage the world to care for our environment and to have a great zeal for our Common Home by preserving our nature to build a better future.
Text: Sr. Alda Paes SAC
Photos: Sisters from Rwanda, Poland and Tanzania
See also the event gallery.
