Season Of Creation- Uganda

Christians all over the world celebrate the Season of Creation from September 1 to October 4.  The Season of Creation is an occasion for reflection and action on environmental protection. It unites Christians around the world.

Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the general secretary of the World Council of Churches, which represents 500 million Christians around the globe, have issued statements of support the season of creation.

The Season of Creation has been embraced by the heads of the world’s major Christian churches because of their shared recognition that humanity has an important role to play in protecting the environment. This year’s season coincides with the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Cross-denominational events will highlight the shared value of environmental protection that bridges this historical divide. As one example, the Archbishop of Canterbury will lead a prayer service featuring songs from Taiz, a monastic order of Protestant and Catholic brothers.

At the grassroots level, Christians around the world are holding symbolic actions to protect the Earth. These include an native-led water walk around the Toronto waterfront, a nun-led protest and vigil at a radioactive landfill in Missouri, Eucharist service at a polluted waterway in Swaziland, and the launch of the #BirthdayTree campaign in East Africa.

These celebrations are echoed right here in Uganda. At The University of Kisubi, students under the mobilization of Mukhaye Proscovia, the Climate Queen have partnered with The Girls For Climate movement to organize Eucharistic services on 30^th September and 1^st October with the intention of praying for the protection of creation. During the prayers the university chaplain will bless tree saplings that willb be planted in the University orchard and also given to birthday celebrants in the university chaplaincy.

In the same week, the climate queen will also preside over a similar celebration in Jinja where the #BirthdayTree campaign will be launched at an event dubbed Jinja Fruit Bonanza which will have primary and secondary school students, teachers, education official and environmentalists in attendance

The Season of Creation runs from September 1 through October 4.  September 1 was proclaimed as a day of prayer for creation by Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I for the Orthodox in 1989, and was embraced by the other major Christian European churches in 2001 and by Pope Francis for the Roman Catholic Church in 2015.  In recent years, many Christian churches have begun celebrating the “Season of Creation” between September 1 and October 4, the date of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi that some Western traditions observe.  

Although the observance of the season is well established, global events this year give it extra significance.  The 500th anniversary of the Reformation is an occasion to reflect on the values shared by all Christians, and care for our common home is a prominent shared value. Additionally, decisions in the United States to pull out of the Paris climate treaty and to roll back environmental protections, including major climate regulations, contradict the message of environmental stewardship embraced by the united Christian family.  

John Hillary Balyejusa, the Director of Girls For Climate, which is organizing the events said, “It is time for the christian community to step up the fight to solve the climate crisis. Its our world, we need to protect her from destruction”. He further said, “The Season of Creation is a perfect window for us to launch our ambitious Birthday Tree campaign.We have already had over thousand people planting trees on their birthdays since April and we hope this launch will encourage more people to embrace the campaign” 

The convening organizations that are leading the Season of Creation promotion efforts are World Council of Churches, Anglican Communion Environmental Network, Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer), the Global Catholic Climate Movement, and ACT Alliance.

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Fossil Free Uganda Launched At Makerere University Art Gallery

Friday12th May, 2017

A group of over 70 students from Makerere University and community members from around Kampala city gathered at the University Art gallery for the first Global Divestment Mobilization campaign in the country dubbed Fossil Free Uganda. The event was aimed at raising awareness about the harm paused by fossil fuel and to launch the Fossil Free movement in the country. In attendance also was Masereka Charles the founder and CEO, Youth Agribusiness Fraternity Uganda, a strong climate justice advocacy group in Kampala as well as Joseph Mwogeza, Waluya Paul and Sseggujja John Mary from Girls For Climate

The group watched documentary film about about the wreckage that fossil fuels have caused onto mother earth.

John Hillary Balyejusa, the event lead organizer held an interactive session further discussing the cons of fossil energy and urgent need to divest from it stressing their role in causing the current climate crisis affecting the country. He also spoke of Uganda's obligation to honor the Paris agreement which demands for and end to establishment of new oil projects. Together with the crowd, he explored the various sources of renewable energy and how we can demand our authorities to consider renewables over fossil fuels. During this session, the group asked about how they can be engaged in the advocating for a fossil free Uganda and were encouraged to strongly undertake a campaign to demand their institutions to divest as a tool to weaken fossil fuel companies

The evening was spiced up with coffee, snacks and various poetry performances. Wake Mwana Weika, in his poem spoke of the lack of food and water faced by his people in Pallisa district. His poem called upon the crowd to embrace environmental conservation and desist from projects that destroy the earth's climatic balance. Nsubuga Devis recited a poem reminding the audience of the good times he experienced growing up. He played in the rain with friends, but now there is hardly enough rain to support crop production.

Daniel Omara in his poem wondered why no one is concerned with the state of our environment. He criticized the burning of polythene bags and asked for responsible action from everyone towards protection of the planet. Whoesh a luganda rapper treated to crowd to a thrilling perfomance about the beauty of the planet and the need to protect it. Other poets for the evening were Stella, Derrick Achellam, Aaron Kayondo, Shama, Allan the poetic dancer, Brian Kirya and Agaba Ivan

At 10:00PM, the group took a group photo and many people willingly signed up for the fossil free Uganda Movement.

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East Africa's Climate Queen

East Africa's Climate Queen to be Crowned in Uganda

In a partnership with The University of Kisubi, the Girls For Climate community will crown the first East African Climate Queen at a beauty pageant which will be held at the university main campus in Kisubi, Entebbe on 8th March, International Women’s Day from 6:00PM to 10:30PM. 

The queen will be selected from a group of six girls contesting in the beauty pageant dubbed Miss UniK co-organized by the University of Kisubi and Girls For Climate Community. The girls are currently undergoing boot camp where they are being taught life skills as well as vigorous training on critical climate and environment issues. This is a very important session since the climate queen will be expected to have wide understanding of East African climate patterns as well as other critical environmental issues.

This is the first time Girls for Climate co-organizes a beauty pageant and whoever wins this title will become East Africa’s First Climate Queen and she is expected to spearhead along with other climate leaders the Climate Action struggle in East Africa. This includes various campaigns aimed at creating an Eco friendly culture across East Africa and also advocate for Eco friendly legislations. The queen will also become the media face for the Girls For Climate community.

The girls will also compete for other titles like Miss Unik 2017, Miss Photogenic and Miss Congeniality.

The event is free and open to the public and various guests , climate leaders and Girls For Climate partners are expected to grace the event. The Tunza Eco generation ambassador Babirye Joanita is also expected to attend the event and will crown the climate queen.

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World Environment Day. Here is what you can do

World Environment Day 2016- Here is what you can do with it

According to the United Nations Environment Program, the growing “illegal trade in wildlife products is eroding us of our natural heritage.”. Today is World Environment Day and today we explore the history of this important day and suggest practical ways you could show your support.World Environment Day is celebrated to raise global awareness about the significance of a healthy environment and to solve various environmental issues by implementing some actions to protect nature and Earth, leading to a positive and healthy environment for all humanity.

The theme for this year is " Zero Tolerance for the Illegal Wildlife trade ". This is to encourage a fight against wildlife crime. This day was established in 1972 by the United Nations, after the institution of the Earth Day.

African Elephants are constantly hunted down for Ivory

To understand World Environment Day deeper, here is a list of things we must know.

•  This day was established by the UN General Assembly in 1972
• The United Nation calls the holiday its "principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment"
• The anniversary of the Stockholm Conference is celebrated as World Environment Day every year. The conference was held by UN on the Human Environment
•  Each year, the emphasis on World Environment Day is placed on a certain topic of earth crisis
• The name of the topic is usually decided by vote around March 1
• The theme of this year is " Zero Tolerance for the Illegal Wildlife trade "
• This year's theme has encouraged a fight against wildlife crime
• As per UNEP, the growing 'illegal trade in wildlife products is eroding Earth's precious biodiversity and robbing us of our natural heritage.'
• All the illegal trade has been pushing species into extinction
• More than 100 countries are involved in the public outreach holiday
• The UN website says that it received a total of 6,437 pledges in 2014

Here is a list of 8 things you can do to mark the World Environment Day 2016.

(You all can start from your home.)

· Plant a tree or water an existing one

· Clean the roads around your house

· Say 'NO' to processed foods

· Buy items made from recycled products.

· Do not litter today

· Buy a trash can for you family

· Tell your friends about World Environment Day

· Follow Girls4Climate to keep up with the vision of a better environment

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ACTION TODAY, NOT TOMORROW

TANZANIAN GIRL  AT THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

This Afternoon, 16 year old Getrude Clement from Mwanza Tanzania addressed World Leaders at the United Nations General Assembly on Climate Action on behalf of youth

Getrude is a radio reporter from Tanzania and UNICEF youth representative and climate advocate.

It is so encouraging to know that there is someone out there with whom we share something in common. Getrude is also determined to protect and conserve Lake Victoria.

Getrude perfomed really well today addressing world leaders.

Getrude Addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York

 Here is her full speech as it was delivered:


“Honorable leaders of all nations, distinguished guests, my fellow children and young people, and all others here today.
 
“My name is Getrude Clement. I am sixteen years old. I come from Mwanza Tanzania in East Africa. 
 
“But today I am standing before you to represent children and young people all over the world. 
 
“Climate change poses a big problem for the entire planet. 
 
“But children – especially the poorest and most vulnerable – feel most of its effects. 
 
“Now and in the future. 
 
“Climate change threatens our lives, our health and our education.
 
“You might think that we are too young to know about the risks and realities of climate change.
 
“But we see the effects in our daily lives. 
 
“As young people, the future is ours but this is not the future we want for ourselves.
 
“But we are not just sitting by watching our communities suffer. We are leading our communities in taking action, standing up and speaking out about the issues we see. 
 
“I am part of an international group of young reporters, who have been documenting the negative effects of climate change and positive actions to mitigate the effects. 
 
“In Tanzania we visited many places in our community spoke to citizens about climate change and environmental pollution. 
 
“I visited a place at Ghana Street where people sell fruits and vegetables next to a dumping site. 
 
“We also learned about children who have difficulty going to school safely because of flooding.
 
“We post stories like these on a digital map so people around the world can learn about our experiences. 
 
“We also report the issues on our live radio and TV programmes.
 
“I am one young girl standing before you today, but I am not alone. 
 
“We expect more than words on paper and promises. 
 
“We expect action. Action on a big scale. 
 
“And we expect action today, not tomorrow. 
 
“I expect to return to Tanzania and tell my fellows that the future is ours and the future is bright. 
 
“Asante sana. Thank you very much.”

Getrude wants to protect L.Victoria in Tanzania

Joan (Girls4Climate) wants to protect L.Victoria in Uganda

In her speech, Getrude demands for Action Today and not Tomorrow. This too is our prayer. Many times great ideas die away due to the bureaucratic paralysis of many governments. We hope that the Paris Agreement will be different

Thank you for such a wonderful speech and we are glad to know that we are part of the same #ClimateChain

Protecting the Same Lake.

Rose Shows her Love for Lake Victoria

Hannah and Colleen also want to protect Lake Victoria

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Girls Die First

GIRLS AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Rose and Melody - Girls4Climate

Many women and girls around the world must adapt their lives to a changing climate.

Increases in extreme weather conditions, droughts, storms, and floods  are already altering economies, economic development, and patterns of human migration, and are likely to be among the biggest global health threats this century. Everyone will be affected by these changes, but not equally. Vulnerability to climate change will therefore be determined by a community or individual's ability to adapt. 

Studies have shown that women disproportionately suffer the impacts of disasters, severe weather events, and climate change because of cultural norms and the inequitable distribution of roles, resources, and power, especially in developing countries. Women are also more vulnerable because they have less access to education and information that would allow them to manage climate-related risks to agriculture and livestock.

Brighter Side

Many women have a strong body of traditional and environmental knowledge gleaned from years of helping their female relatives, collecting and managing resources, and raising their families. When they are in control of resources, women are more likely than men to use them for family health and economic stability. Research also shows that women may be more likely to change strategies in response to new information and to make decisions that minimize risk. All these qualities suggest that when women are empowered, they can be extremely effective agents of adaptation to climate change.

The project GIRLS FOR CLIMATE, seeks to include and empower women in planning and implementing climate-change adaptation strategies.

Empowering girls and women and achieving gender equality are important goals in themselves, but are also critical components of managing climate change and creating a sustainable future.

However, even when Girls should be in the lead, Climate change affects all of us and we can all be part of the solution.

Zahara is determined to spread word about the importance of forests

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Awareness Campaign

GIRLS FOR CLIMATE

The world is today experiencing the worst climate crisis in history. Good news is that many people seem more mindful about this climate change problem than they were a few years ago. However in Uganda and certainly many other places, a big number of people continue to live as though there is no problem at all. They continue to have a lavish reckless life. This is not helping the situation.

When the climate changes, all humanity suffer but sadly, girls and women seem to suffer the most. This happens in many ways but most vividly, food shortage seems to affects girls and women more than boys and men.

It is for this reason that a group of girls has started the campaign GIRLS FOR CLIMATE. This campaign is meant to raise awareness about the global climate crisis in our local communities and to encourage an Eco friendly lifestyle among the population but especially the young energetic generation that doesn't seem concerned about climate

Girls are hit the most, so they should fight hardest. The resilience of girls is very important in solving real world problems like climate climate change.

No doubt we need a solution to mitigate the global crisis but what we need the most is for the entire population to become more mindful about this crisis 

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