RWANDA: Salesians launch environmental initiative at youth centers and schools
Don Bosco Muhazi Green Club receives tools for practical activities
RWANDA
(MissionNewswire) Salesians in Rwanda at the Don Bosco Youth Education for All have launched 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 with support from the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid.
Father Servilien Ufitamahoro, director of the Salesian Planning and Development Office, engaged staff in discussions focused on Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si’, emphasizing the urgent need for environmental action. These introductory sessions encouraged staff to reflect on environmental challenges affecting communities and to explore practical ways through which the Salesians could contribute to environmental protection and climate resilience.
The initiative was officially launched on June 10, 2026, at Don Bosco Muhazi, bringing together members of the education community, Don Bosco Muhazi Green Club members, teachers, and representatives of the Salesian Planning and Development Office.
Speaking during the launch, Felicien Dusabimana, coordinator of the Salesian Planning and Development Office, stressed that environmental stewardship is a responsibility that extends beyond school boundaries. He said, “This is the time for everyone to make an effort, not only at school but also in their birthplace and respective districts.”
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 the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid.
Participants also 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, Don Bosco Muhazi Green Club members committed themselves to becoming ambassadors by promoting environmental awareness and leading practical conservation initiatives both at school and within their communities.
The initiative will continue throughout 2026 across selected Don Bosco centers in Rwanda, combining environmental education, biodiversity restoration, waste management, water conservation, and youth-led environmental action.
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
Salesian Missions – Rwanda
UNICEF – Rwanda
