On Saturday, 5th of September, members of the Diocese of Christ the King Green Anglicans team, Mrs. Elsa Maphalla , Itumeleng Nkhi and Tlotliso Mangoenyane, gave a talk at the Girls and Boys Friendly Society (GBFS) diocesan conference, which was held at St Lawrence Anglican Church in Small Farm, Evaton, South of Johannesburg. The main aim of the visit was to introduce the GBFS Eco Champions initiative to the Diocesan GBFS.
The main purpose of the GBFS Eco Champion Initiative is to empower young people from the diocese to take responsibility for caring for God’s creation. The initiative encourages youth to move beyond awareness and become active environmental agents in their homes, churches, schools, and wider communities.
GBFS members were encouraged to start with simple actions at home, such as saving water and electricity, reducing waste, recycling, and avoiding food waste. They are also encouraged to take part in community activities such as clean-up campaigns, tree planting, protecting green spaces, and raising environmental awareness.
The initiative is supported by the GBFS Eco Pledge: STOP, START, TEACH and JOIN. GBFS members were also encouraged to Stop one harmful habit, Start a positive environmental action, Teach others what they have learned, and Join environmental preservation projects in their communities.
Through these simple but meaningful actions, young people can become agents of change and help build cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable communities.
By: Tlotliso Mangoenyane