



Urban farming to combat climate change.






- Sr. Alessandra Smerilli


- Fr. Alberto Ravagnati

- Fr. Alberto Ravagnati

- Fr. Alberto Ravagnati



In Memory of Pope Francis’ pontificate; This is the legacy we carry forward.
The Death of Pope Francis Is Not the End of Everything, but a New Beginning to Emulate his Teaching and Values as a legacy that he has left behind for us as he has concluded his pilgrimage journey of Hope here on earth and raised to a journey with the risen Lord to the Father in heaven.
Pope Francis reminded us all that faith must be lived with care for human dignity through compassion, justice, and care for all creation, challenging us to see the poor, to welcome the strangers, and to protect our planet as a sacred duty.

Poetry for Unity in Humanity and ecological conversation
Our Laudato Youth compose poems that express humanity's yearning and need for ecological conversion.
Where has our integrity gone?
We’ve traded it away for the insatiable greed of quantity,
Forgetting the essence of quality.
Look around—what have we done?
We’ve sacrificed our dignity,
All for a mentality that has become our harsh reality.
Upcoming Events - LYI
Laudato Youth Initiative: Rebranding African Wisdom for Climate Action
Laudato Youth Initiative: Rebranding African Wisdom for Climate Action
The Laudato Youth Initiative is empowering a new generation of young leaders by revitalizing African wisdom and storytelling as transformative…
Jubilee Year - Pilgrims of Hope
In May, Pope Francis unveiled the theme for the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025:"Pilgrims of Hope" (Spes non Confundit – Hope Does Not Disappoint). This theme encourages everyone to embody hope and share it with others amidst the challenges and uncertainties of life. We are all invited to be part of this extraordinary year focused on faith and hope, where justice and peace are paramount. Let us nurture the seeds of hope and love for both God and Creation.
John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre Kampala, Uganda – 16th Dec 2024 – The Laudato Youth Initiative is thrilled to announce its theme for the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025, titled “Pilgrims of Green Hope.” This year-long initiative aims to enhance climate action across Uganda and beyond by integrating faith, science, and ecology, inspired by the encyclical Laudato Si’ Laudate Deum, SDG 13, Catholic Social Teaching on the environment and Ugandan environmental laws.
Laudato Youth Initiative Announces Jubilee Year
2025 Theme: “Pilgrims of Green Hope”
Uganda’s Electric Buses: A Dream Come True for Laudato Youth and other Environmental Enthusiasts
Jinja is stepping into the future with a groundbreaking initiative that promises to transform public transport in Uganda and set a precedent for sustainable travel nationwide. Over the weekend of the 23rd of Nov 2024, E-Bus Xpress launched its innovative electric bus service, marking a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to eco-friendly transportation.
The E-Bus Xpress fleet is made up of Kayoola EVS electric buses, which are designed to operate without emitting any harmful pollutants. This means riders can enjoy a serene and comfortable journey while contributing to a cleaner environment.

Laudato youth "Pilgrims of Green Hope"
From combating climate change to fostering biodiversity, reforestation holds the key to a healthier planet and thriving communities. By planting more trees, we contribute to national and global reforestation efforts, restoring lost forests, repairing damaged ecosystems and mitigating climate changes in our common home.
Fostering Solutions to the Challenge of Charcoal Burning
Promoting sustainable alternatives like improved cook stoves, renewable energy sources, tree planting initiatives, stricter regulations on charcoal production, educating consumers about responsible charcoal use, and supporting sustainable charcoal production methods that prioritize reforestation and efficient harvesting techniques
We need abundant and thriving wildlife
Wildlife pollinates the vast majority of trees, not to mention a variety of our food crops. They help germinate tree seeds and ensure our forests remain healthy—capable of regenerating and storing as much carbon as possible.
Our cherished way of life in Uganda depends on clean water and our cultural heritage
Healthy ecosystems provide wildlife habitat and places to fish, Geog to study tours, communities get medicine for cure, and swim. Our economy depends on clean water: manufacturing, farming, tourism, recreation, energy production, and other economic sectors need clean water to function and flourish.
Pilgrimage Of Green Hope To Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda's climate is pleasant and Unique from the rest of the world. At the equator, the sun is over head at noon and experiences equal hours of the day. Our equarter is an important source of income for local communities, through tourism and other economic activities. Community-based tourism initiatives. When our young people make pilgrimages to this site they grow more in appreciating the beauty of our Country and are motivated to protect it. Be the solution not the problem.
Uniting Young People for Climate Action
The youth in Uganda are in a unique position to contribute their energy, creativity, faith and passion as a force for action, and our Laudato youth view climate change as an urgent issue. When we move around our Country, we appreciate that fact that the numerical number of young people is of significance impact our Country if we unite them to amplify their impacts. We do that in many ways including “Laudato Voices Magazine” and Climate Action through our Laudato Si Clubs.






From combating climate change to fostering biodiversity, reforestation holds the key to a healthier planet and thriving communities. By planting more trees, we contribute to national and global reforestation efforts, restoring lost forests, repairing damaged ecosystems and mitigating climate changes in our common home.
Promoting sustainable alternatives like improved cook stoves, renewable energy sources, tree planting initiatives, stricter regulations on charcoal production, educating consumers about responsible charcoal use, and supporting sustainable charcoal production methods that prioritize reforestation and efficient harvesting techniques
Wildlife pollinates the vast majority of trees, not to mention a variety of our food crops. They help germinate tree seeds and ensure our forests remain healthy—capable of regenerating and storing as much carbon as possible.
Healthy ecosystems provide wildlife habitat and places to fish, Geog to study tours, communities get medicine for cure, and swim. Our economy depends on clean water: manufacturing, farming, tourism, recreation, energy production, and other economic sectors need clean water to function and flourish.
Uganda's climate is pleasant and Unique from the rest of the world. At the equator, the sun is over head at noon and experiences equal hours of the day. Our equarter is an important source of income for local communities, through tourism and other economic activities. Community-based tourism initiatives. When our young people make pilgrimages to this site they grow more in appreciating the beauty of our Country and are motivated to protect it. Be the solution not the problem.
The youth in Uganda are in a unique position to contribute their energy, creativity, faith and passion as a force for action, and our Laudato youth view climate change as an urgent issue. When we move around our Country, we appreciate that fact that the numerical number of young people is of significance impact our Country if we unite them to amplify their impacts. We do that in many ways including “Laudato Voices Magazine” and Climate Action through our Laudato Si Clubs.

Our Club’s President honored at the National Girl Child Championship Awards.
Every year, Uganda commemorates the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11th. As part of this celebration, Kaleke Kasome and its partners organize the National Girl Championship Awards. A ceremony took place on October 10th every year in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development, and the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Secretariat within the Office of the Prime Minister, to honor girls who have made a significant impact in society and our nation.
Let us focus on solutions within our reach to solve the problem of climate change debate. Our activities and programs are focused on inspiring climate action through advancing climate change solutions that respond to the problems of our society and communities through our through Laudato Si Clubs in Schools, Universities, Parishes, Dioceses and Communities. Listen to the voices and reflect on the work of Laudato Youth who voluntarily unite to take action for future generations
Focusing on Solutions within our Reach
to Combat Climate Change
A key aspect of Laudato Youth's efforts is tree planting
The planting of indigenous and fruit trees because they are crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance and biodiversity while also serving as valuable sources of essential nutrients for food security. By engaging in tree planting initiatives like our current One Million Tree Planting Drive, we contribute to poverty alleviation, sustainable development, and mitigation of natural disasters like floods through rain formation and water absorption.
We emphasize the importance of service learning in our clubs
because it enhances the intergation and connectedness giving greater insights to practical intergral ecology, expereince learning and teaching, open avenues to bold steps in research, science and innovation inspiring community out reach programs for realia, smart gardening, etc, We educate club members on sustainable waste management practices that benefit both the environment and the community. Engage in debates and symposiums to expand their knowledge.
Embrace recycling rules
By following the dos and don’ts. Compose all organic waste from your home, institution, or business and use it to start your home smart garden.
Separate your material
NO mixing material waste, some are recyclable, and others can be re-used. Use recyclable bags for shopping and embrace the 3Rs (reuse, recycling, and reduce)
Do NOT Dump Plastics
Dispose of hard plastics, Glass, or any other Material well to safeguard the environment and avoid contaminating the soil as it reduces its productivity. The soil is the food basket that feeds us. A plastic free environment begins with me!








Go Green with Laudato Youth
Plant a fruit or indigenous tree to support the ecosystem and biodiversity. It is aalso one way to reduce your Carbon Footprint. Other ways can be; reducing your energy consumption and go Solar, say no to charcoal burning make smart solutions that last, talk less, and do more, avoid the blame game but play the action game, give up your excessive plastic consumption habit and invest in making recyclable material and Join the laudato youth initiative to amplify voices for creation care.
Make a life-long commitment to climate action.
Reduce your Carborn Footprint and the Carbon footprint of your (family, – do something about the 3rs, Organisation, – considers climate action for your co operate social responsebility, Institution , Church – read and intergrate Laudato Si and Country – by complying to the environmental laws. Let us embrace solutions with in our means, and avoid the BLAME GAME but play the ACTION game. Unite with others for action. The World is counting on you!
The future of our young people is in your hands. Let us make a difference together Be part of our impactful youth community. If you can imagine it, we can grow it here.
How a Ugandan Catholic Youth-Led Initiative is Responding to Laudato Si’
Across Uganda, young people are leading the charge in climate action, blending faith with tangible solutions. From schools and universities to dioceses, these youth are pioneering sustainability projects that extend beyond borders, now reaching Kenya and Tanzania. At the heart of this effort is the Laudato Youth Initiative (LYI), a dynamic force housed at the John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre in Uganda’s capital Kampala. Though operating from a modest one-room office, LYI coordinates a vast network of passionate young leaders committed to ecological transformation.

LYI brings a
new African-engrained Perspective
The international response to the climate crisis needs to bridge the gap between Cop summits and the experience of those who face its consequences. It must ignite hope for a climate-resilient generation
We bring a new African-engrained perspective
Stewards of the future
Premio
San Giovanni Paolo II AWard
The “Premio San Giovanni Paolo II” award is a unique recognition of those who, in their work, continue the spiritual and scientific heritage of Saint John Paul II, promoting his ideas internationally thanks to which they contribute to the development of the human family.
JP2JPC Wins John Paul II Vatican Foundation Award
Recognition by Saint John Paul II

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEKirikumwino SarahClub’s PresidentLaudato Youth Initiative, Kampala – Uganda📧 laudatoyouthinitiative@gmail.com Mr. Benard KahwaDirectorLaudato Youth Initiative, Kampala – Uganda📧 info@laudato-youthinitiative.org📞

Honoring Pope Francis – The Father of the Encyclical
“We plant trees not just for shade, but as living prayers for the Earth carrying forward the dream of Pope

In Memory of Pope Francis’ pontificate; This is the legacy we carry forward.
The Death of Pope Francis Is Not the End of Everything, but a New Beginning to Emulate his Teaching and

Death Is Not the End of Everything, But a New Beginning
Earth Day Reflection in Honor of Pope Francis This Earth Day, we reflect not only on our planet but also

Celebrating Legacy and Sustainability: The Launch of the Fr. Bob (Robert) Hesse, C.S.C., Sustainability Project
On Palm Sunday, the Laudato Si Club at Holy Cross Lake View proudly unveiled the Fr Bob Hesse Sustainability Project,

Seeds of Peace and Hope: Theme for the 2025 World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation Announced.
This year, the Vatican has unveiled an inspiring theme for the 2025 World Day of Prayer for the Care of
Action
Response
Through activities such as tree planting, promoting a shift in mindset, facilitating mentorship, fostering collaboration, networking within the community, empowering leadership, conducting hands-on research experiences, promoting unity and solidarity, and raising awareness through climate education within clubs, families and neighboring communities, we strive to make a tangible impact. A plastic free nation begins with your action response.