Rwanda – From Reflection to Action: Salesians in Rwanda Launch Laudato Si’ Campaign to Empower Young Environmental Stewards

Over the past months, Fr Ufitamahoro engaged PDO staff in discussions focused on Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si’, emphasising the urgent need for humanity to care for our common home. These introductory sessions encouraged staff to reflect on environmental challenges affecting communities and to explore practical ways through which the Salesian mission could contribute to environmental protection and climate resilience.

The discussions eventually gave birth to the “Laudato Si’ in Action: Caring for Our Common Home” initiative, a campaign designed to combine environmental education with practical community actions. The project is being implemented by the Salesian Planning and Development Office (PDO) through Don Bosco Youth Education for All (DBYEA) with support from the Spain-based Salesian Mission Office, Misiones Salesianas.

The initiative was officially launched on June 10, 2026, at Don Bosco Muhazi, bringing together members of the educative community, Green Club members, teachers, and representatives of the Salesian Planning and Development Office.

The campaign seeks to empower young people in Don Bosco centres and surrounding communities to become environmental ambassadors capable of translating awareness into action while responding to Pope Francis’ call for ecological conversion.

Speaking during the launch, Felicien Dusabimana, Coordinator of the Planning and Development Office, stressed that environmental stewardship is a responsibility that extends beyond school boundaries.

“This is the time for everyone to make an effort, not only at school but also in their birthplace and respective districts,” he said.

He noted that many students at Don Bosco Muhazi come from different regions of Rwanda and therefore have an opportunity to spread environmental awareness and sustainable practices within their own communities.

A key highlight of the event was the handover of environmental tools to the Don Bosco Muhazi Green Club. The support included watering cans, hoes, wheelbarrows, and other materials that will facilitate practical environmental activities. The equipment was provided through the support of Misiones Salesianas, which is funding the initiative.

Participants also benefited from an educational session facilitated by Dominique Uwarugira, PDO Project Officer, who introduced the young people to the vision and principles of Laudato Si’. Drawing from examples of climate-related disasters and environmental degradation witnessed around the world, he explained why Pope Francis’ message remains relevant today.

He challenged participants to recognize their role in addressing environmental problems through simple but meaningful actions that contribute to protecting ecosystems and improving community wellbeing.

Representing the PDO Director, Br. Pascal, SDB, reaffirmed the long-standing commitment of the Salesians of Don Bosco to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

“The Salesians of Don Bosco, wherever they are in the world, always take into consideration the issue of environmental conservation, not only for the current generation but also for future generations,” he said.

The Headmistress of Don Bosco Muhazi, Sr Leocadie Nyanzira, welcomed the initiative and commended the Salesian Planning and Development Office and its partners for supporting environmental education within the school.

She observed that climate-related challenges continue to affect schools and communities, particularly during the dry season, and emphasized the importance of strengthening environmental actions among young people.

Beyond the educational sessions, participants engaged in practical activities including plastic waste collection, tree planting, and a learning session at Lake Muhazi, where they reflected on the importance of conserving natural resources and protecting ecosystems.

At the end of the event, Green Club members committed themselves to becoming ambassadors of Laudato Si’ by promoting environmental awareness and leading practical conservation initiatives both at school and within their communities.

The Laudato Si’ in Action campaign will continue throughout 2026 across selected Don Bosco centres in Rwanda, combining environmental education, biodiversity restoration, waste management, water conservation, and youth-led environmental action. Through the collective efforts of PDO, DBYEA, Misiones Salesianas, schools, and local communities, the initiative seeks to transform Pope Francis’ call into concrete action for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.