CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Religious Initiative for Sustainable Environment (RISE)
Apart from terrorism, environmental degradation and climate change remains the most devastating issue confronting the contemporary world. The menace of environmental degradation and climate change is most times linked with the processes of development and therefore has implications at all levels of human endeavor.
The challenge in the contemporary situation therefore remained that of a clear need for regulated control of the living environment based on principles of preservation and sustainability, and a complete attitudinal change by individuals and organizations interacting with the environment for economic and developmental gains.
This project is conceived by a consortium of three catholic organizations namely; the Handmaids, Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI), the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and the Augustinians Center for Advocacy, Justice and Peace (ACAJP). As Catholics we are inclined to take seriously issues of environmental degradation as admonished by the Holy Father Pope Francis, in his Encyclical Letter (LAUDATO SI) On Care of our Common Home that “the climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all… Humanity is called to recognize the need for changes of life style, production and consumption, in order to combat global warming or at least the human causes which produce or aggravate it.
This project “Religious Initiative for Sustainable Environment” is therefore persuaded by the sincere desire and commitment to engage the global agenda in fighting environmental degradation and climate change based on the call of the Holy Father and the quest to uphold the popular traditional African belief that there is connectivity between the human and the environment.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
Improved and sustainable environment through education, sensitization, advocacy and implementation of environmental laws and best practices
PROJECT OBJECTIVES:
- To educate and enlighten beneficiaries on good environmental practices
- To revive the culture and value of concern for the environment
- To preserve and sustain the environment through collaboration with critical stakeholders.
- To advocate for and provide sustainable alternatives to solid waste disposal
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS PROGRAMS
Efforts should be mobilized to support existing projects in the province, and more projects should be sourced and executed. This would be drawn from the selected issues of local interests and needs as well as for national advocacy. An example is Youth for youth empowerment – direct service to help indigent youth to engage in trade to aid their sustenance. Beneficiaries are expected to plough or give back to help other youth through a body organized by themselves. The group would also pay attention to projecting an alternative narrative and value system in rebuilding society.
Peace Model Academy Katako Jos, Plateau
Purpose/beneficiaries of establishment: Peace Model Academy was established in 2015 with the aim of promoting Augustinian charism in the area of education. The academy serves Katako community of 90% are Muslims and 10% Christians. Hence, the academy serves about 80% percent Muslims and 20% Christians. Also it promotes interreligious dialogue, where Christians and Muslims are able to dialogue in a common environment.
Augustinian Vocational Center, Katako, Jos Plateau State
Started partially and sponsored as a vocational center under the APURIMAC and EU. It was also known as a trauma center or crisis resolution center, where people traumatized by the frequent crisis in Jos, sought a solution. As at that time, there were many professionals in the field of psychology, doctors and persons skilled in conflict resolution who worked in the center. However, when the grants from APURIMAC and EU expired, things did not work out fine till date with the center.
The center engaged people in the field of leather making, tailoring, computer learning, knitting, and a clinic attached to it.
Augustinian Vocational Centre, Rantya
Establishment: The Centre was start in 1999 by the CWO of St. Monica Rantya and later handed over to the management of the Order. Purpose and beneficiaries: The center was established in order to empower people with skill acquisition in tailoring, catering and decorations, computer learning and hair dressing. The beneficiaries are anyone willing to acquire the skill. Since it was established, it has promoted Augustinian presence around Jos and especially in Rantya.