Since we kicked off our fruitful collaboration with JMJ LIsboa 2023 in July last year, our global community has grown tremendously!

We have been receiving inspiring stories from around the globe, as people are participating in the Global Tree-Planting Challenge. Have a look at our Success Stories to learn more.

One of the heartfelt stories that reached us through this global challenge, comes from Equatorial Guinea, Africa.

Sr. Manuela Benavides tells us about the activities that they carry out with the disabled children in Mikomiseng.

“We’re trying, in our own little way, to inculcate in their minds the need to take care of God’s Creation. It is another creative way of explaining to them the encyclical Laudato si’ of Pope Francis. By training them to till the soil and plant trees or other food crops, we’re also helping them to understand that Man has to eat from his labor.

The children with disabilities of the St. Vincent de Paul’s Center Mikomiseng don’t only work in plantations. They also carry out other activities such as: reading, singing and dancing, arts, drawing, moral education and prayer, just to name a few. By doing so, it gives them the capacity to help their families, avoiding isolation or abandonment. In other words, it’s a way of dignifying them.”

“Presently, we have in our plantation crops like groundnuts, maize, cocoyams and sweet potatoes. We’re looking forward to carrying out three important activities in the coming days: harvesting groundnuts, selling articles produced with beads by the children themselves, and our end of the academic year’s celebration!” Sr. Manuela shares.

Thank you very much for telling us about your beautiful project and the children involved, Sr. Manuela Benavides! We are so happy to learn about your beautiful work and the projects you are running.

If you want to learn more about these projects or support them, please get in touch with Sr. Manuela Benavides per email.

And, remember to visit our partner, JMJ Lisboa 2023’s website and learn more about this wonderful event!

If you want to learn about the benefits of gardening, have a look at this educational article.