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On Saturday, 13 June 2026, members of the Girls’ and Boys’ Friendly Society (GBFS) from various parishes across Cape Town gathered at Cyprian in Langa for a day of fellowship, learning, and youth empowerment. The event brought together young people in a spirit of unity and friendship through a variety of team-building activities, discussions, and games. Participants had the opportunity to strengthen relationships, develop teamwork skills, and celebrate the diverse talents within the GBFS family. The activities highlighted the importance of respect, collaboration, and supporting one another as young leaders within the Church and their communities. As part of the programme, participants engaged with the Green Anglicans 2026 World Environment Day Bible Study resource based on Matthew 9:18–26. Through reflection and group discussions, young people explored the connection between faith, environmental stewardship, and climate justice. The sessions inspired participants to develop practical action plans that will be implemented in their parishes and communities between July and October 2026. The gathering not only strengthened fellowship among GBFS members but also encouraged youth to become active agents of change in responding to environmental challenges. By combining the GBFS motto with practical planning, the event demonstrated the important role young people can play in advancing climate justice and caring for creation. A special word of appreciation goes to the Green Anglicans team, the Claremont Rotary Club, the Church Council of St Cyprians, and the participants whose contributions made the day a memorable and meaningful success. By: Lisakhanya Magade  

On 14 May 2026, Climate YES Eswatini hosted a Climate Justice Advocacy Indaba at the Community Hall, Ezulwini Royal Kraal, bringing together 23 young leaders from the Anglican Church, the Council of Eswatini Churches, the Conference of Churches, and the League of Churches. The Indaba aimed to equip faith-based youth with knowledge and tools for climate justice advocacy while developing a shared response to environmental challenges facing Ezulwini. Climate YES Eswatini members presented on the organisation’s work, the current environmental situation in Eswatini, and the role of faith-based youth in promoting stewardship and climate justice, while members of the Green Anglicans highlighted their efforts to integrate eco-theology into sermons, adopt free use of single-use plastic practices, and participate in national climate justice marches. Participants also reflected on biblical teachings such as Genesis 2:15 and Psalm 24:1, emphasising the responsibility to care for creation. These discussions highlighted concerns about littering, illegal dumping, and inadequate waste management services in Ezulwini, with participants agreeing that urgent action is needed. Several resolutions emerged from the gathering, including climate justice awareness campaigns in local churches, advocacy for stronger bylaws against littering and illegal dumping, and increased youth participation in policy processes. Mr Maziva, Chairperson of the Community Development Committee, is committed to monthly clean-up campaigns from June 2026 and pledged to support the establishment of a Community Environment Day in August 2026. The Eswatini National Youth Council is also committed to including Climate YES Eswatini in Youth Parliament initiatives. The Indaba successfully trained and mobilised 23 faith-based youth leaders, strengthened collaboration among churches, and secured support from local leadership for future environmental action. Climate YES Eswatini expressed gratitude to all partners and participants for their commitment to climate justice, stewardship, and creation care. “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” (Psalm 24:1)

On 29 May 2026, St. Cyprian Anglican Church in Tsumeb, Namibia, successfully conducted an Environmental Cleaning Campaign involving Confirmation Candidates, church members, and leaders. The campaign took place on the church’s premises and in a nearby public park, demonstrating the church’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community responsibility. The primary purpose of the campaign was to promote environmental awareness among young people while encouraging active participation in community service. Through this initiative, participants were given the opportunity to put their faith into action by caring for God’s creation and contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment for both the church community and the wider public. During the clean-up, participants collected litter and waste from around the church grounds, cleaned pathways and open spaces, and removed plastic waste, paper, bottles, and other rubbish from the nearby public park. In addition to practical cleaning activities, participants were encouraged to adopt proper waste-disposal practices and to become ambassadors for environmental conservation within their communities. Discussions were also held on the importance of maintaining clean public spaces and protecting the environment for future generations. The campaign produced several positive outcomes. The church surroundings and the nearby park were left significantly cleaner, creating a more welcoming and attractive environment for community members and visitors. Participants gained valuable hands-on experience in community service and environmental care, while also learning about the impact of pollution and the importance of cleanliness in protecting public health and the natural environment. Furthermore, the activity strengthened teamwork, responsibility, and community involvement among the confirmation candidates. By working together toward a common goal, participants developed a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship and the role everyone can play in caring for creation. The organisers were grateful for the generous support received from community members who provided sufficient food and refreshments for all participants. However, one challenge encountered during the campaign was the shortage of protective gloves. Future campaigns would benefit from additional resources and support to ensure that all participants are adequately equipped. Overall, the clean-up campaign was a successful initiative that not only improved the cleanliness of the church and park areas but also educated participants about the importance of environmental stewardship. The activity made a positive contribution to the community and encouraged ongoing efforts to maintain a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. By : Revd Rakkel T.T Kafidi

The Mothers’ Union (MU) of the Anglican Diocese of Pretoria recently completed a Vegetable Garden Training Workshop to equip women with practical gardening skills to promote food security, climate resilience, and poverty alleviation. Coordinated by the Diocese’s Mme Nomathemba Makam (MU, eco-champ) on behalf of the Green Anglicans Movement, the workshop encouraged participants to establish sustainable vegetable gardens and to share their knowledge with parishes, households, young girls, and youth across the Diocese. Twenty-eight members from all seven archdeaconries within the diocese registered for the programme, with 23 actively participating in four sessions conducted both online and in person. The training covered climate adaptation and mitigation, establishing vegetable gardens, composting, seasonal planting, crop classification, organic pesticides, and water-wise gardening techniques. Participants also received practical demonstrations on planting using recycled materials such as tyres, plastic bottles, and toilet rolls. Special presentations were delivered by environmental specialist Ms Phumudzo Rathanya and crop production advisor Ms Martha Ramahuta, while practical composting demonstrations were led by Ms Martha Thupi. Each archdeaconry received seed packs, and participants were given vegetable seeds to begin gardening projects in their own homes and communities. A key outcome of the workshop was participants’ commitment to establish or strengthen parish vegetable gardens to address poverty, support vulnerable households, and generate income for parish activities. The Mothers’ Union Diocese President, Mme Leah Malete, and Canon Molly Motlhopi (Diocesan Green Anglicans Coordinator) attended all sessions and commended the initiative for empowering women to respond to both climate change and food insecurity. Participants expressed gratitude for the valuable training, describing it as an important step towards building sustainable communities and caring for God’s creation. By: Nomathemba Makam

On the 6th of June , a vibrant Clean-Up Campaign took place under the leadership of Bishop Sibeko  and the diocesan environmental coordinators. The day brought together a wide range of partners, all united by a shared commitment to caring for creation. The Bishop led the way in getting his hands dirty  together with his clergy and the Green Anglicans team, setting a strong tone of faith-filled action. Members of the Mothers’ Union and various diocesan guilds—including the Bernard Mizeki Guild, Mary Magdalene Society, and Anglican Women’s Fellowship—joined in alongside enthusiastic youth representatives, showing the strength of the church community across generations. The initiative was further strengthened by the Joe Gqabi Municipality, whose workers arrived with trucks and essential working tools to support the clean-up efforts on the ground. Government officials from the Departments of Agriculture, Environment & Forestry, and Social Development also participated, offering education and encouragement on the importance of environmental stewardship and community responsibility. A special moment of the day was the handover by the Bishop of garden implements, fencing, and about ten trees to three archdeaconries, equipping them for ongoing care and greening initiatives in their local contexts. It was truly a collaborative effort, marked by unity, service, and shared purpose—and the day was a resounding success. Pamella Nobongozi

The REACH Just Energy Transition Awareness Workshop, hosted by Eco-Champ Odireleng and Eco-Champ Tshego (both members of Climate YES) at St Patrick’s Anglican Church, brought together community members and youth to explore energy poverty, community safety, and practical local solutions. Through interactive discussions and group activities, participants learned about the Just Energy Transition, shared experiences of energy-related challenges, and developed community-led initiatives focused on safety, energy awareness, youth empowerment, and food security. The workshop successfully increased awareness of climate and energy justice issues, encouraged community participation, and generated practical ideas for local action. It also strengthened the connection between faith, community development, and environmental stewardship, demonstrating the value of accessible and inclusive spaces for dialogue and learning. A special word of gratitude goes to the African Climate Alliance (ACA) for making this day possible through their continued support and commitment to empowering young people to take meaningful action for environmental justice and climate resilience. By Eco-Champ Tshego