September 17, 2025 – Armed with hoes, watering cans, and saplings, the Youth and Justice & Peace groups of our parish teamed up for an inspiring Tree-Planting Drive, demonstrating our community’s commitment to caring for God’s creation. This event coincided with the Church’s Season of Creation (which runs from Sep 1 to Oct 4) and answered Pope Francis’s call to action in Laudato Si’.
From early morning, about 50 youth and a dozen Justice & Peace members gathered at the parish, where Fr. Damas led them in a short creation-themed prayer: “Lord, may we plant trees as instruments of hope for the earth.” The group then moved to Kakuyuni village, a semi-arid area on the outskirts of Malindi, where deforestation and charcoal burning have left the landscape barren. This area was chosen because several of our parishioners live there and have felt the impact of environmental degradation (scanty rains, soil erosion, etc.).
The mission: plant 200 tree seedlings in and around Kakuyuni Primary School and the adjoining community land. The seedlings – a mix of fast-growing shade trees like neem and indigenous fruit trees like mango and pawpaw – were raised in our own parish tree nursery over the past months. It was heartening to see that many youth had actually helped water these baby trees at the parish, and now were transplanting them to their new homes.
Under the guidance of two agricultural extension officers (who volunteered to assist), teams of youth dug holes and carefully placed each seedling. Despite the hot sun, there was an atmosphere of joy. “We are sweating, but it’s good sweat – sweat for our planet,” joked one youth leader as he wiped his brow. The students of Kakuyuni school also joined in, excited to get their hands dirty and learn. Our parish’s Justice & Peace chairperson showed them how to mix compost with soil to give the young tree nutrients, a small science lesson in the field.
One touching sight was a group of our CWA mothers (who came to support with cooking) spontaneously joining to plant when they saw the enthusiasm. Mothers and teens together heaved soil and water, a beautiful intergenerational effort.
By midday, all 200 saplings were in the ground. To each, a simple guard was fixed (made of recycled chicken wire) to protect from goats which roam the area. The project didn’t stop at planting – the J&P group arranged with local villagers to water and tend the trees in coming months, offering a stipend for water (since dry season is intense). This is crucial, as survival of trees is the true measure of success. Our parish committed to follow up, planning to revisit monthly.
After the labor, everyone gathered under a big baobab tree (ironically one of the few large trees around) for a well-deserved lunch of githeri (maize and beans) and rice, prepared by parish volunteers. As they ate, a reflective sharing happened. One youth mentioned how planting a tree made him feel he’s leaving a legacy: “Years from now, maybe I’ll pass by here and see a big mango tree giving fruit and shade – and I’ll know I had a part in that.” An elderly man from the village thanked the group, saying no one had done such an initiative there before: “Mituni maisha. Trees are life. These young people have given us life today.” The locals promised to guard the saplings from harm.
Fr. Sossy, who had joined for lunch after morning meetings, drew a connection to faith: “As Catholics, protecting creation is protecting God’s gift. Today you preached a silent homily by these actions, that we must serve as stewards not destroyers.” He hinted that St. Francis of Assisi (whose feast was nearing) must be smiling down on Kakuyuni today!
This drive also served to strengthen community bonds. Many non-Catholic villagers, seeing the activity, came by to inquire and ended up helping too. It became a mini interfaith collaboration – Muslims and Christians alike understand the need for trees and water. Over cups of sweet tea after meal, there was amicable chat with the locals about doing more together, like perhaps a joint clean-up or forming an eco-group at the school.
By the end of the day, tired but satisfied parishioners boarded the lorry back to Muyeye. Their hearts were light knowing they had given back to Mother Earth and future generations in a tangible way. As the sun set, one could almost envision the saplings soaking in the golden rays, ready to take root and grow tall.
This tree-planting drive is part of our parish’s ongoing environmental initiatives (per our Strategic Plan). It served not only to improve the local environment but also as an educational exercise for our youth, showing them that faith is lived in deeds, not just words. Many said they gained a new appreciation for the labor farmers do and for the delicate balance of nature.
We pray that these 200 trees thrive, symbolizing hope and providing literal life (shade, fruit, oxygen) to Kakuyuni. We also pray that the seeds planted in our youth’s hearts – seeds of care for creation and community service – continue to grow. One participant summarized it perfectly: “Sisi ni wasaidizi wa Mungu katika kazi ya uumbaji.” – “We are God’s assistants in the work of creation.” May we always remember this noble role.
(Check back next Season of Creation; we plan to expand the drive, perhaps to Msoloni or along the riverbanks. Volunteers and donors of seedlings are most welcome!)
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