Original: English
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Ecological culture cannot be reduced to a series of urgent and partial responses to the immediate problems of pollution, environmental decay and depletion of natural resources. There needs to be a distinctive way of looking at things, a way of thinking policies, an educational program, a life style and a spirituality which together generate resistance to the assault of the technocratic paradigm. (Laudato Si)
Impelled by the Spirit, let us risk being at the frontiers, at the service of life. (Chap 1018). Maluga farm opens a new chapter in our province life. This farm is situated at Maluga in Iguguno parish in Singida Diocese. Through the advice of Rt Rev. Desderius Rwoma, the former Bishop of Singida, the province bought the land. It covers 112 acres. The province in collaboration of the two communities in Singida are taking care of the farm. It is a virgin land and so there is a lot to be done.
Singida region has one rainy season per year which means most of the time the place is dry. Most of the land is covered by sandy soil which can’t hold water for long. Destruction of the environment has affected the ecology. We either have too much rain, like this year, and some people lives, while other times we get too little rain to sustain the crops to maturity.
The dream of the province is to make Maluga an Educational Centre on care of our mother earth. We feel called to teach our people about the life and beauty of other creatures, a part from human beings. We have started planting trees and we want to protect them from those who burn charcoal. It is not going to be easy because the only fuel for cooking is charcoal or fire wood and both come from the tree. The people who live here are pastoralists who have many cows and goats. After harvesting the animals are set free look for food anywhere. It means we have to put a fence to protect trees and fruits. We have a bore hole and we hope it will not only help us but it will provide water for our neighbors and their cattle at a cheap prize.
The children in our neighborhood don’t go to school. Boys are trained to take care of the cows and girls are prepared for marriage at a very tender age. So as time goes, we hope to have a school for the children and if possible, even for the adults. In fact, the deterioration of the environment and society affects the most vulnerable people on the planet. (Laudato Si pg 34) We are aware of challenges ahead because this is going against the tide of what we call development today but we will not be discouraged, for Christ said I’m the Way the Truth and the Life.
We thank God and all those who have contributed in one way or another to make this land what it is today. We hope and pray that it will serve the society around and us and make the universe a better place to live.