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An enthusiastic group of youth leaders and confirmation teachers from Saldanha Bay – from Seven churches – Kensington, Goodwood, Factreton, Brooklyn, Milnerton and Pinelands came to the first training session on the new Green Anglicans Youth Manual. The interactive sessions had them running up and down the hall and holding a heated debate between unions, mining corporations , concerned parents and environmental groups! Scientists tell us that we have only 12 years left to make a massive shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy – this training course for young people, grounded in Biblical teaching will equip the young people to be influencers in their churches and in society. We appreciate the support of CTEET and the Table Mountain fund for this programme

SINGLE USE PLASTIC V JOBS? STUDENTS TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE The Anglican Students Federation Western Cape, hosted their annual regional conference from the 3rd to the 5Th of May 2019.  Following the epidemic of plastic waste the students were more than keen to expand their creation care knowledge and their focus of interest was the impact of plastic in the environment, its dangers and how it could be the thing of the past. Ncumisa Magadla facilitated an interactive discussion. Their host parish Holy Cross Nyanga was the perfect place for them to begin the educational journey. Placed in a township of people who are completely unaware of the negative impact plastic has on the environment and it being an easily accessible tool to carry their groceries, the community needed the students to transfer the knowledge to them.  Beginning with the congregants of the parish learning, the hope is that the word will spread. Discussing common uses of plastic, the main issue was the price of the reusable bag compared to a “single use plastic”, suggestions were it is not really single use as most people recycle plastic bags and make bin bags out of them and some even go far as arts and crafts. To the person relying on those plastic bottles to sell her/his “ginger beer” a common business in the townships, what do they do if plastic is banned, wouldn’t that increase unemployment.  The conversation shifted them figuring out alternatives and the students promised that they will take it upon them to come spend some time doing research on how plastic can be completely taken out of people’s lives in a way that won’t be taking bread out their mouths.  They also stressed on the need for the church to prioritise environmental ministry. Report and photos – Ncumisa Magadla #beatplasticpollution #rubbishcampaign  #zerowaste #bringyourownbag

BUILDING A MOVEMENT ACROSS SOUTHERN AFRICA Young Green Anglican “movers and shakers” gathered for a two day bootcamp in Johannesburg. Members came from 8 countries, South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland (Eswatini), Malawi Angola and Botswana. We had the privilege of worshipping together at St Mary’s Cathedral – and were struck by the contrast between the beauty inside the church and the filthy streets outside. We were encouraged to hear that the Cathedral has a dream of creating a clean and green Precinct around the Cathedral. Our day started with setting the scene of the environmental challenges we face across the region and hearing how youth are rising to meet them. It was very sad to hear of the destruction of Cyclone Idai in Lebombos and Natal and Cyclone Kenneth in Niassa. We were also saddened to hear of the devastating drought impacting Namibia and the deforestation across the region. Amnesty international then shared how environmental degradation and climate change should be considered as human rights issues and not just an environmental one We then explored environmental problems : water pollution, deforestation, plastic pollution using the problem tree methodology. We explored the “why” question – why should we be involved in environmental ministry and came up with the following list – Because we are people of hope and for hope you need action – We are very concerned about our children’s future – We are concerned about the economic impact of climate change – We have compassion on those impacted by Climate Change disasters – We are inspired by the beauty of Creation and want to protect it – God is calling us to care for creation And then each person made plans to take back and challenge their Diocese. During the workshop we were challenged by powerful Bible Studies – like Nehemiah we are to “restore the walls of Jerusalem”, starting with the portion close to our homes and working with people of all kinds of skills. . Like Moses we must find our “Aarons” who can speak directly to the culture and language of the community. The workshop ended with a beautiful service of commitment, looking at how Moses handed over the leadership to Joshua. A powerful message from Archbishop Thabo was read: “As adults we confess that we have failed to be the stewards God called us to be. Our complicity in the destruction of the planet will be “visited upon the children, upon the third and the fourth generations” (Exodus 20:5) This is an injustice that we have inflicted on our younger generations. Moses was called to bring his people out of Egypt, and then God commissioned a new youth leader, Joshua. On the banks of the Jordan river, God told Joshua: “Be strong and bold. For you have been chosen to bring the people into the new land, not I.” Now we need to acknowledge in Southern Africa today that the leadership of the environmental movement is coming from young people Be strong, bold and very courageous, and take the lead!” Photos – JP Roberts, Mandisa Gumada We are grateful for the Movement Building methodology from Tearfund that was used to run this camp. https://learn.tearfund.org/~/media/files/tilz/global_advocacy/2018-kr-tearfund-movement-building-guide-en.pdf

LAUNCH OF CARE FOR CREATION YOUTH MANUAL A team from across the Province of Southern Africa has been working to prepare materials on the theme of care for creation for young people. After months of hard work it was a proud day when the manual was launched. The training day and launch took place in a joint event between Green Anglicans and the Johannesburg Anglican Eco-spirituality Initiative (JAEI) at the Diocesan Centre in Sophiatown. A group of youth leaders from the Diocese of Johannesburg , and Christ the King were present. We also had a group of Green Anglican leader from across the Province who were being trained to use the manual in their context. Swaziland and Botswana were also present at the training. A fun day of interactive learning and laughter took place At the same time and enthusiastic group of Sunday School teachers were trained on how to use the Ryan the Rhino Manual