Tangaza University

Some faculty members from Tangaza University College in Kenya, in partnership with the “Laudato Si team” of the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network, initiated an ecological project on April 29, 2023. Together, the team established a sustainable agroforestry garden at the Endonyo Sidai primary school in Kajiado County, Kenya. The project aims to provide food for primary school pupils.It was a grandiose event as the University students and faculty members worked with their younger siblings to realize the project successfully. The pupils were delighted to acquire knowledge from their elders regarding environmental responsibility. The African proverb, “When the mother goat grazes, the kids watch her mouth,” was evident as the younger children at Endonyo Sidai Primary School watched and imitated their elders’ actions. It was heartwarming to see everyone working together to protect our planet.The proposed initiative aims to enhance the educational attainment of all educational institutions within the local community. Moreover, this joint project of the Laudato Si group and Tangaza University College staff responds to Pope Francis’s call for environmental protection. For example, in a speech he gave in January 2015 to a group of youth in Manila, the holy father reminded us, “As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family.” The Holy Father insisted that this was vital when he said: “When we destroy our forests, ravage our soil, and pollute our seas, we betray that noble calling.” The purpose of this event was to foster a passion for environmental protection among the younger generation of Africans.The team raised funds locally to plant various fruit trees such as paw-paws, oranges, mangoes, and avocados, as well as local vegetables such as Sukumawiki, spinach, Managu Saget, Sorghum, and many more. As determined as they are, this is only the beginning of their project to assume their responsibility as true custodians of God’s creation.