MALAWI: Archbishop Msusa Launches ‘Green Schools for Safe Schools’ Program in Blantyre, Malawi
Fr. Frank Mwinganyama
The Archbishop of Malawi’s Blantyre Archdiocese has reiterated the call for serious commitment in caring for the environment, to avert the effects of climate change. This was the gist of his message on Saturday, February 24, when he presided over the launch of Green Schools for Safe Schools Program at Chigumukire Primary School, in Blantyre rural.
The ‘program is a joint initiative of the Catholic Development Commission (CADECOM), the Education Commission, and the Catholic Women Association of Blantyre with support from FDH Bank. The overall goal of the program is to provide a greener and healthier environment for schools and surrounding communities.
“We should all accept responsibility for the damage caused to Mother Earth. The consequences are being felt. We should then take responsibility to redeem the natural environment by planting more trees”, said Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa while expressing gratitude to the three departments of his Archdiocese for the collaborative initiative.
However, the uniqueness of this program is not only in its collaborative approach but in emphasizing on stewardship among students. Each student at a school plants a tree and a name is tagged to it. With support from teachers and parents, every student is encouraged to take care of their tree thereby ensuring its survival. This will eventually increase survival rate of the planted trees.
Commenting on this innovation, Archbishop Msusa pledged to sponsor secondary education of the girl named Mary who was entrusted with responsibility to take care of the tree planted by His Grace on the day of the launch.
Coordinator for CADECOM-Blantyre, Mandinda Mzundu was optimistic that there would be a high survival rate of trees planted in schools as this program makes the students directly responsible. She further praised the FDH Bank for the support in purchasing tree seedlings.
The local Church in Malawi continues to implement various projects for environmental care. In their recent Pastoral letter released on second Sunday of Lent, Malawian bishops jointly called for responsibility and collaboration in taking care of the natural environment. Planting of trees is one of the practical suggestions mentioned in the Lenten Pastoral Letter.
