Since the launch of Ecological Education goal in November 2023, the Mary Ward JPIC Office and the JPIC local coordinators have embarked on an ambitious journey to bring ecological education to the forefront of school life. Rooted in the Mary Ward Laudato Si 7-Year Action Plan principles, this initiative united students and teachers worldwide in a mission to respond to the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor. Over the past year, this movement has become a beacon of hope, igniting ecological awareness and action across continents.
Through a series of virtual meetings and transformative webinars, the initiative has created a vibrant platform for collaboration among school students and their teachers. Schools have shared their experiences, brainstormed innovative solutions, and taken tangible steps toward sustainability, emphasizing the power of collective action.
A Year of Connection and Growth
Students and educators from Peru, the UK, Canada, Australia, Tanzania, Spain, Argentina, India, Chile, and Nepal have united in their commitment to ecological education, sharing innovative ideas and actions to address global environmental challenges.
The initiative’s first major milestone came with the 18th of June 2024 webinar, which brought together participants from the five continents and students showcased an impressive array of projects, including tree-planting, waste reduction campaigns, and initiatives to support vulnerable communities.
Keynote speaker Sr. Anna Falola laid the groundwork for the discussion, introducing foundational concepts of ecological education and highlighting its transformative potential. Her address emphasized the challenges and rewards of integrating ecological principles into education, inspiring schools to deepen their commitment to sustainability and social justice.
The Mary Ward JPIC initiative underscores the importance of ecology in all its dimensions, promoting not only environmental care and education but also self-care, healthy lifestyles, and practices that positively impact both individuals and their surroundings. As Belén Sepúlveda, a teacher from Instituto Santa María in San Carlos, Chile, explains:
“We are pleased to share how our students actively engage with environmental education, thanks to an interdisciplinary and well-structured approach that integrates civic and environmental objectives into the curriculum.”
At Instituto Santa María, students participate in various activities aimed at safeguarding our common home. Their efforts reflect a deep understanding of ecological stewardship, as articulated by one student:
“For me, the environment is everything—the earth, water, animals, air, and the sun.”
These activities are grounded in Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, which inspires schools like Instituto Santa María to incorporate sustainable development goals into their educational frameworks, fostering an integrated approach to learning.
Creativity and Awareness: Art with a Purpose
Students from Loreto Grammar School in the UK have also demonstrated how art can be a powerful tool for ecological advocacy. During the JPIC meeting in June 2024, Chidera Anyakora and Sarah Ashcroft, winners of the Columban Art Competition, shared their work:
Chidera’s piece portrayed Earth as a heart, symbolizing its vital role in sustaining life. “I wanted to show that caring for the Earth is as crucial as caring for the heart in the human body,” she explained. Sarah emphasized interdependence, illustrating how all species on Earth are interconnected.
Their inspiration stemmed from a growing concern for the planet and the desire to raise awareness about the ongoing climate crisis. As Chidera reflected, “Animals are slowly going extinct due to the climate crisis, and I wanted to show that they should keep on existing because the Earth is not only ours but theirs too.”
Empowering Students in Nepal
At St. Mary’s School in Gorkha, Nepal, the JPIC Unit marked Environment Day 2024 with a series of impactful activities centered on the theme “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought.” Students from classes 8, 9, and 10, alongside teachers and the principal, organized a 12-kilometer rally, raising awareness through street plays and slogans like “Together we can build a greener future.”
Their efforts didn’t stop there. The school’s tree-planting program saw over 50 trees planted in their playground and surrounding areas, embodying their motto: “Plant a tree, plant a hope.” Through these initiatives, students aimed to empower youth, promote sustainability, and build stronger communities.
Building on the success of this event, the November 13th webinar welcomed Kehkashan Basu, a globally recognized environmental leader and founder of the Green Hope Foundation. Kehkashan’s work has empowered over 500,000 young people and women in 28 countries, particularly within vulnerable communities. Her keynote address was both a call to action and a source of inspiration, urging participants to take bold steps in combating climate change and promoting social equity.
As part of their commitment to ecological education, schools from various countries shared inspiring projects during our recent JPIC meetings.
Peru: In a short video, students from Lima showcased their journey of transforming an arid desert environment into thriving gardens. This dream became a reality with support from Ireland’s Laudato Si’ initiative, providing the children with opportunities to cultivate crops and deepen their connection to the land.
Australia: Loreto schools across Australia reflected on their commitment to sustainability and ecological justice. Their video, created by Student Environmental Captains, encourages us to discern “what is enough” and embrace sustainable living.
Tanzania: Loreto Nyakato Girls’ Secondary School in Mwanza presented a creative project where students repurpose waste paper into decorative birds, demonstrating innovative ways to reduce waste.
Spain & Argentina: Students from CJ and IBVM schools collaborated on a Model United Nations project focusing on COP29 negotiations and climate change, underscoring the importance of global cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.
Ecological Education in Action
These projects exemplify the interconnectedness of environmental health and social justice. From the savannahs of Tanzania to the bustling streets of Spain, students are not just learning—they are leading. Their efforts underscore the belief that education is a catalyst for community transformation and a sustainable future.
Building a Sustainable Future Together
Despite diverse contexts and challenges, the shared commitment of students, educators, and leaders has fostered a global community working toward a common goal: caring for our planet and uplifting the marginalized.
As we move forward to the goal of next year Ecological Spirituality, the Mary Ward JPIC Office remains dedicated to supporting and expanding these efforts. Each webinar, project, and initiative strengthens the network of ecological leaders, reinforcing the message that every action, no matter how small, contributes to global transformation.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Your passion, creativity, and resilience are lighting the way for a more sustainable and equitable world. Together, we are not just responding to the cries of the Earth and the poor—we are shaping a future rooted in hope, justice, and care.
Let’s keep the momentum going, knowing that our collective efforts will leave a lasting impact for generations to come. 💚
