Sr. Anne Celestine
JPIC-FA Co-ordinator
NEWS
Despite the hit of the 3rd wave of Covid-19, we remain united in action for climate, locally, regionally, and globally. In that regard, the office of Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation Franciscans Africa in collaboration with members of Laudato Si Generation in East African countries joined the Friday for future global action on 19th March 2021.
The message was clear on that day” No empty promises”. We can no longer believe in what politicians say, while sickness, drought, floods, and hunger are still a reality in many parts of the world, but there is no enough commitment from the governments to prevent or to assist victims.
East African youth got a reason to keep the pressure on their government because it is all about their future. Some governments are still pushing for oil, gas, and coal mining projects while in many developed countries that have been stopped. However, East African governments have shown how possible it is to fight a global pandemic especially during Covid-19, and in a similar way for climate justice, the same efforts and resources can be used to promote clean energy in order to ensure a just recovery.
Espoir scout group in Burundi, Click to view Blog link, Pictures and Video SOPRODE DRC/Bukavu link photos
Kenya, CUEA Students, Pictures and Video
The countries which managed to take action are Kenya, Burundi, and DRC/ Bukavu. Tanzania which use to do a great mobilization did not make it this time due to the death of President John Pombe Magufuli.
Pope Francis and Gretta Thunberg are our role models, and we congratulate churches’ institutions that have already declared their Divestment commitment. In Kenya, we acknowledge The Catholic University of Eastern Africa for being among the first biggest Catholic Institutions to Divest. Through the Friday for future action, it was an opportunity to call upon again all Catholic institutions even non-Catholics to stop investing any of their money in Fossil fuel, especially Coal.
Though Kenya is in lockdown now, Our partners remain vigilant and in solidarity with victims of the climate crisis, as well as victims Covid-19. May God brings healing to people and the planet.
We shall overcome!
Steeven Kezamutima
Laudato Si Generation Member
December 12, 2020, marked the 5th Anniversary of the Paris Agreement.
On that day, the office of Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation Franciscans Africa mobilized schools for the climate in a virtual poetic forum. Interfaith youth forum is always an important platform for us because it gives space to young people from different faiths to advocate for clean energy. The main goal of the event was to bring together young people in the climate movement to mark the 5th anniversary of the Paris Agreement and call on the government to demonstrate real climate leadership to stay within 1.5 by keeping it in the ground and not funding fossil fuels.
The young people from different schools and universities presented different poetic items under the theme “We rise again”
The event was attended by the youth from Harmony institute (Muslims), Bahai faith, Youth Network for Inter-religious Brotherhood, Anglican, and Catholics. We acknowledge also the participation of many Franciscan sisters and brothers, and Franciscan youth from Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, DRC, and Uganda as well as the US.
Schools that joined were: Mama Africa, Our Lady of Mercy Ngarariga Girls Sec School, Our Lady of Mercy Girls Shauro Moyo, Huruma Girls, Young Mercy Ecology, The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Tangaza University College.
Key moments
She said:“… I feel the pain of the poor and the young generation. Every night I get nightmares seeing the black gases in the atmosphere, no social justice, we are not allowed to talk, the voice of the poor have been ignored…. might be born poor but I have a dream to die rich, but you political leaders make me feel sad because the rich out there are discouraging me because their work is to oppress the poor. To the young people like me, …we are then ones that have energy and gifted enough, let us take action, …you will either be at the table to discuss your future and eat well or be at the menu to be eaten well” Click to Watch Rukia Speech
Everybody tackled the theme of the day from different angles emphasizing the common fight for 1.5C. We can mention the poem “My sight, my feeling” by Mama Africa Sec. School from Nairobi/Mathare, the song we rise by Franciscan Little sisters of St Joseph, and the Spoken word “the journey” by Ericko Raswamuthoni from Tangaza University college, etc.
The event was recorded on YouTube click here to watch
Click here to view Event Pictures
We appreciate each and everybody to make this event a success, especially the support by 350 Africa.
YOUFRA CELEBRATING WORLD AIDS DAY
CUEA - JPIC FA - National AIDS Control Council - Council of Gorvernors together against HIV/AIDS
WATCH YOUFRA CELEBRATING WORLD AIDS DAY DECEMBER 2016
JPIC FA - Media
Fossil Fuel Divest and reinvest toolkit
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To envision a society where Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation are lived and
promoted as gospel values and in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.
P.O. Box 15155-00509
Portiuncula, Franciscan Centre,
Lang'ata, Nairobi, Kenya.
Tel: +254 20890190
Email: jpicfa@gmail.com