By Laudato Voices:

In a transformative collaboration, the Laudato Youth Initiative (LYI) has partnered with Avail Group’s Fruit of Faith Farm to empower young people through sustainable agriculture, aligning with the principles of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’. This partnership aims to equip youth with practical skills, foster environmental stewardship, and promote food security in Uganda.

The Laudato Youth Initiative: A Faith-Driven Initiative 

The Laudato Youth Initiative is a Catholic youth-led initiative in Uganda, inspired by the teachings of Laudato Si’, the Catholic Social teachings and SDG13. LYI remains instrumental in promoting ecological sustainability and seeding environmental ambassadors among young people in Uganda and beyond. Our initiatives include tree planting campaigns, environmental education and awareness, the Laudato Si Festival to foster eco innovations and community engagement and the establishment of Laudato Si’ Clubs, in schools, Universities, Parishes, Dioceses and Communities which serve as platforms for youth to engage in environmental action response. 

Fruit of Faith Farm: A Hub for Agricultural Innovation

Fruit of Faith Farm, operated by Avail Group, is a demonstration and commercial farm that provides training, tours, camps, seedlings, and produce through its demonstration gardens. The farm focuses on sustainable farming practices, including the use of irrigation systems, innovative methods to increase yields, and crop protection techniques. It also highlights the incorporation of microclimates to address climate change. The farm serves as a base for Avail Group’s operations and offers practical training and education to farmers, entrepreneurs, start-up businesses, communities, and young people. 

Synergy Between LYI and Fruit of Faith Farm

The partnership between LYI and Fruit of Faith Farm creates a synergy that will inspire young people and equip them with skills to be leaders in environmental action response:

• Practical Training: Youth involved in LYI programs will gain hands-on experience in sustainable farming practices at Fruit of Faith Farm, enhancing their agricultural skills and knowledge.
• Environmental Stewardship: The collaboration will reinforce the message of Laudato Si’, promoting care for our common home through sustainable agricultural practices and environmental education.
• Community Engagement: By working together, LYI and Fruit of Faith Farm will foster a sense of community among youth, encouraging them to take active roles in promoting food security and environmental sustainability.

Envisioned Impact on Youth Programs.

• Providing Educational Opportunities: Youth have access to training sessions, workshops, and camps that teach sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
• Encouraging Leadership: Participants will be empowered to take leadership roles in their communities, advocating for sustainable practices and influencing positive change.
• Promoting Vocational Skills: The collaboration will offer youth the skills needed for careers in agriculture, contributing to economic development and food security.

The alliance between the Laudato Youth Initiative and Avail Group’s Fruit of Faith Farm exemplifies a successful model of integrating faith, youth empowerment, and sustainable agriculture. By equipping young people with the tools and knowledge to engage in ecological and agricultural initiatives, this partnership contributes to the realization of the goals set forth in Laudato Si’ and fosters a generation committed to caring for our common home.

To Start this off. Avail Group Director Mr. Joseph Male Will be a speaker at the Laudato Si Green Festival by the Laudato Si Club of Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S on July 19th 2025 

Topic

“Societal Transformation through Innovative Farming: Empowering Youth for Environmental Sustainability, Poverty Eradication, and Green Career Development”

Learn more about the festival themed; “Seeds of Peace and Hope for Creation”

References

Laudato Youth Initiative. (2025). How a Ugandan Catholic Youth-Led Initiative is Responding to Laudato Si’. Retrieved from https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/how-a-ugandan-catholic-youth-led-initiative-is-responding-to-laudato-si/

Avail Group. (2025). Fruit of Faith Farm. Retrieved from https://availgroup.org/fruit-of-faith-farm