MALAWI: Vice President tells Children to Conserve the Environment
Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, Saulosi Chilima over the weekend joined Catholic Children in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe in a tree planting exercise at St. Patrick’s Parish, Area 18 as part of the celebrations of Epiphany Sunday in the Archdiocese.
Chilima who was the guest of honour at the celebration said it was pleasing to note that Catholic children have joined the rest of Malawians in observing the tree planting season which is one way of restoring the environment in the country.
joined Catholic Children in Archdiocese of Lilongwe
in planting trees to conserve the environment
National Tree Planting Day is annually observed in Malawi on the second Monday in December. and annually the President announces the observance of National Tree Day and encourages all people to participate.
Chilima said Climate Change has been a major challenge the country is experiencing as a result of the way trees are being cut.
Chilima who was accompanied by his wife, further added that effects of climate change have negatively affected the agricultural productivity in the country and as such its high time Malawians joined hands to restore the environment and turn around the climatic conditions.
He also commended the Catholic Church leadership for its leading role in conserving the environment especially by engaging the youth and children as they are the future generation.
“Let me also advise you to respect the elderly that includes your parents and teachers. This is the only way God can bless you. You also have to take your education seriously by working hard in class because you are the future leaders,” He said.
Archbishop Tarcisius Ziyaye of Lilongwe Archdiocese said it is the wish of the Church to ensure that Children are formed spiritually and morally hence the promotion of prayer life as well as involving the children in tree planting.
“As a Church, we are proud of you. Let your heart and whatever you do resemble the life of Jesus Christ,” he said.
Archbishop Ziyaye said the Church in Malawi through its office at the Episcopal Conference of Malawi is committed to ensuring that the welfare of children is taken care of.
“This office is even in the office of the Holy Father, at national and diocesan level. All this shows that we really care about you,” said Archbishop Ziyaye.
planting trees to conserve environment
The Sunday of Epiphany is also known as the Universal Sunday for Society of Holy Childhood or Missionary Children’s Day of prayer. It is marked by the collection of money for Universal Mission Solidarity Fund to support children in the whole world.
One of the children, Perpetua Chafikana commended the Vice President for gracing the celebration despite it being a children’s celebration.
“We thank the Vice President and our Archbishop for leading by example in the tree planting exercise we have had and we are motivated with their presents,” she said.
During the function, over 30 children were recognized and awarded with certificates for their hardworking spirit and were also given tree seedlings to champion tree planting in their respective parishes.
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By Prince Henderson
