A few months ago, I left St. Edward’s University: Austine – Texas to start my new journey as an intern for Digital and Social Media Management with Laudato Youth Initiative in Kampala – Uganda. Today I am seeing myself being part of a transformative experience that has allowed me to explore more in this area and share my gifts and talents. As a Ugandan founded Initiative inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’ ” The Laudato Youth Initiative empowers young people to be champions of environmental sustainability and combat climate change through action response and amplifying youth voices to create awareness using the African philosophy of community building engrained in their Motto: United for Climate Action.

I am not new to the Laudato Youth Initiative, but I am new on the Laudato Youth Initiative Leadership Team. My journey began during my time as a student at Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S, where I was part of the Laudato Si Club and witnessed firsthand the impact of small actions in preserving our planet. Motivated by a desire to make a difference, I sought out an internship opportunity that would not only benefit me personally but also contribute to the greater good of society and the environment.

Upon joining the team as an intern, I set out to enhance my skills in photography, and social media management, to make a meaningful impact through my work. Guided by the mentorship of the team leaders, I felt welcomed into a supportive and family-oriented environment that nurtured my growth and development. In a little while I found myself having to stretch more and embrace video production, interviews, and office interactions as the new normal.

Am thrilled to share with you that throughout my days here, I have had the opportunity to leverage my interests in Digital Media Marketing and Project management. I have had the chance to be involved in various programs, such as the John Paul II Vatican Foundation Award ceremony that equipped me with event Management Skills, and the Science and Innovation Expo on the Thanksgiving Mass at Holy Cross Lake View on 16th June. This has been yet another opportunity where I engaged in video content creation thus contributing to the organization’s mission of promoting environmental advocacy through multimedia platforms. check my Interview with the club leaders

Despite facing technological challenges and learning curves, I embraced each obstacle as an opportunity to expand my skills and knowledge. Through the guidance of Mr. Benard Kahwa the Initiative’s Director, Ms. Sarah Kirikuwino, the Club’s President, and Mr. Denis Bategeka, the IT Manager, and interactions with fellow interns and mentors, I have gained valuable insights into effective communication and storytelling.

The supportive and collaborative atmosphere at the Laudato Youth Initiative and John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre has fostered in me a sense of belonging thus transforming my internship experience into a fulfilling and enriching journey. The networking opportunities and professional relationships I cultivated during my time with the organization underscored the importance of teamwork and collective action in driving positive change.

As I embark on my final part of the internship with the Laudato Youth Initiative, I look forward to doing more writing my reflective experiences and advancing into developing a webpage that will case my work as I reflect on the profound impact that young individuals can have in advancing environmental protection and sustainability through action, storytelling, media, cultural response to societal issues like climate change by harnessing creativity and passion for the planet. One big lesson I will carry away from Laudato is we learn better by doing. Seeing what happens in the different clubs I see a value in young people in Laudato Si Clubs and I will carry away as a gift of growing in love to care for creation which I will share with my sustainability and international students’ community and St. Edwards University when I return for the fall Semester.

I encourage aspiring interns and advocates to explore opportunities with organizations like the Laudato Youth Initiative, where personal growth, skill development, and community engagement, working with and documenting what is happening to our common home is a powerful tool to impact our “Plundering Planet” in the words of Pope Francis. Together, we can amplify our voices and contribute to a greener, more sustainable world for generations to come.
Allow me, to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my Laudato Youth Initiative mentors, colleagues, and the entire JPIIJPC community for their unwavering support and guidance. Should you want to know more about Laudato Youth Initiative Visit their Social Media Sites “Laudato Youth Initiative or website to learn more about how you can make a difference in the fight for environmental stewardship.

Mark Ayo,
St. Edward University – Austine Texas