Misean Cara Member Organisation: Viatores Christi
Project: Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) Hoima
Location: Uganda
Since 2017, the Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) Hoima has partnered with Viatores Christi to work with disparate communities in the Bunyoro region of northwestern Uganda to promote peace and respect for human rights amongst a population of disparate cultural, religious and national origins.
Embedded into JPC Hoima approach is a strong commitment to raising awareness around climate change and environmental protection. The environment in Bunyoro is under threat due to the recent discovery of oil in the region, which has led to widespread deforestation to facilitate oil extraction and processing. The traditional practice of charcoal burning has also contributed to massive deforestation in the region, all having a negative effect on the local ecology as trees and forests contribute greatly to rain formation, prevention of soil erosion and provide habitants for flora and fauna.
JPC Hoima has established Justice and Peace Clubs at 17 primary and secondary schools in the area, currently involving over 700 students/pupils in a programme of education and action to clean up and protect the environment they live in. In recent years, students in the clubs have planted 20,000 trees as both an awareness raising activity and a contribution to environmental sustainability, climate action and environmental justice. Students also campaign in their communities about the importance of proper waste disposal and recycling.
Staff of JPC Hoima also conduct regular community outreach through radio talk shows (a very popular medium in Uganda), to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment and the role that everyone can play through proper disposal of plastic and metal pollution. This sensitisation is a critical first step for community members to become involved in climate action in the local community.
“My name is Amala Crispers. I am a proud member of the justice and peace school club. As a member of the justice and peace school club I have participated in the protection of the environment by ensuring proper disposal of waste, promoting plastics recycling, I have participated in the planting of fruit trees here at school and at home. The fruit trees provide us with clean air to breath, protection from erosion plus getting nutritious fruits from them to supplement our diet. I am excited about my contribution towards protecting the environment and I call upon other children to contribute towards protection and restoration of our environment for a better world.”
-Member of Justice and Peace Club at St. Francisco primary school
Photos: Viatores Christi, Justice and Peace Commission Hoima
