ZAMBIA: Catholic Media Services (CMS) and Green Energy Supplier (GEI) Power Unleash a Green Revolution
Sandra Kunda
In an effort to combat climate change and empower the youth, Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops through its Communications wing – the Catholic Media Services has partnered with local organization GEI Power, renowned for its expertise in methanol gas stoves, providing employment for ten (10) youths at St. Mathias Mulumba Bauleni Parish in Lusaka in the process in a fight against climate change.
This collaboration has not only provided employment for the young individuals but also aligns with the Church’s commitment to Pope Francis’ vision of safeguarding the environment and combating deforestation.
Revealing the development, Fr. Christopher Kunda, the National Youth Coordinator at the Catholic Secretariat, highlighted the initiative’s resonance with Pope Francis’ call to refrain from harmful activities like deforestation and stressed the opportunities presented to the youth in the fight against climate change.
He urged youths across various parishes to seize this opportunity and collaborate with GEI Power.
The partnership aims to distribute and sell methanol gas stoves, strategically focusing on areas directly impacted by climate change, such as the St. Mathias Mulumba Bauleni Parish in Lusaka.
And Mwangala Chakalashi, GEI Director of Communication and Corporate Relations, explained that the selection of St. Mathias Mulumba Bauleni Parish was based on the high charcoal consumption in Bauleni compound, contributing to deforestation.
“The organization’s objective is to combat deforestation by introducing environmentally friendly alternatives like methanol gas cookers, also known as “Mbaula ya Mpanvu” or the powerful brazier.” Ms Chakalashi said.
She emphasized the project’s multifaceted approach, addressing both environmental conservation and youth empowerment.
The initiative is not limited to St. Mathias Mulumba Bauleni Parish, as Ms. Chakalashi revealed plans to expand the project to other dioceses to create more employment, while promoting sustainable energy sources.
Meanwhile Richard Mbewe, a patron to the empowered youths in Bauleni Compound, expressed gratitude to the Catholic Church and GEI Power for their transformative project.
He acknowledged the project’s positive impact on livelihoods, attributing the improvements to the commissions generated from selling the gas cookers.
Mr. Mbewe recognized the project’s potential in mitigating climate change by reducing deforestation, of which the impact is currently being felt as evidenced by the dry spells being experienced in some parts of the country.
According to the National Strategy to reduce deforestation and forest degradation, Zambia currently faces a deforestation rate of 250,000 to 300,000 hectares per year, driven by various factors, including wood fuel consumption, agriculture expansion, mining, timber extraction, bushfires, and land development. Therefore, collaboration between the Catholic Church and GEI Power represents a significant step toward addressing these challenges and building a sustainable future.
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