THE LAUNCHING WEBINAR OF JPIC LAUDATO SI COMMUNITY CENTRE.
The JPIC -FA journey in empowering communities.
THE LAUNCHING WEBINAR OF JPIC LAUDATO SI COMMUNITY CENTRE.
On 26th September 2024 there was a celebration for the Season Of Creation under the theme to Hope and Act with Creation which emphasizes collective responsibility in caring for the environment as it calls for Christians to unite in prayer and action. This initiative encourages believers to recognize the Earth as a shared gift rather than a mere resource, fostering hope amid ecological crises. By actively engaging with creation, individuals can manifest the “first fruits of hope” symbolizing new life emerging from struggle, akin to childbirth. The launch attracted people from all walks of earth as this centre was not just a building but a symbol of hope and resilience to the Isinya community.
The launching was presided by Steeven Kezamutima (Africa programs manager) who started by leading the season of creation opening prayer and invited all the guests and volunteers. In attendance was Sister Mary Wangare (Director, JPICFA), rev.Dr. Peter Mbaro (Director, centre of social justice and ethics CUEA), Ashley Kitisya (Africa Programs Manager Laudato Si Movement), Father Hermann Borg, Father Ben, Madam Ulla Arens(a German Journalist of the SVD Magazine)among others.

To start with was Sister Mary who stated that JPIC has been living this theme because after the massive drought in the Isinya Community back in 2020 water scarcity and food shortage became a norm but they took various actions to address the drought including community engagement and capacity-building initiatives. They focused on sustainable agricultural practices and water management strategies to enhance resilience against climate challenges. Additionally, they educated the locals and promoted adaptive measure for better resource management. She expressed great appreciation to all their partners like the LEBEN Jetzt, SVD magazine, 350 Africa, GGF, CUEA among others.
Father Peter Mbaro followed by saying that was an opportunity was God given for us to share our own experience regarding the journey we have made as partners with JPIC and other likeminded partners. He also said that climate change is no longer a myth but a reality that is affecting all of us and it is on our doorstep as we have seen its effects on the communities.

Madam Ashley Kitisya then took over where she deeply explained about East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) stating it is a 1143km pipeline that will be transporting crude oil from Uganda to Tanzania leading to several negative impacts. She defined the root cause of climate change to be proliferation of gas, oil and coal which leads to serious effects regardless of gender, religious background and class and stated the major supporters of EACOP to be the French Oil Giants, Total Energies and the Chinese National Oil Company which leads to a lot of scandals and controversies around this project. All this was associated with some challenges because they are small groups and limited in terms of resources, also the refinery that was to be constructed in Uganda stopped and finally the intimidation of activists and shutting down of organizations. She concluded by saying they are working consistently to change the traditional view of power that it’s not the (top-bottom) structure but rather a (bottom-up) structure where with various pillars of support they can be able to advocate for a just transition for renewable energy.
Then the Isinya documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0Kn6xf0O0s&t=20s followed which showed intense grief and emotional turmoil to the community but the actions undertaken by JPIC and its partners showed light at the end of the tunnel.
Madam Ulla Arens explained how devastating the condition at Isinya was starting from the large number of cattles dead and the few remaining could barely survive. This was beyond what she expected hence making her write a story which attracted donations from her readers.
Father Hermann Borg who happened to be present when everything started felt a deep connection with the Maasai as hundreds of families were involved hence critical steps of development were taken.
Sister Mary Wangare called for action by inviting everyone to join them so as to empower the Maasai also to help in the reconstruction of water towers and welcomed people to serve the community in collaborative measures.
Father Ben then ended the launch by few remarks and said a word of prayer.
So yes this centre is a symbol of true hope as people of goodwill joined forces to address the ecological challenges in Isinya.