An environmental activist has described her involvement with sustainability projects supported by Jesuit Missions as a “real turning point” in her career.
Tiana Ravaka Randriamialisoa spent time working with the Centre Arrupe Madagascar, where she took part in a number of programmes focusing on climate issues and sustainable development.
These included starring in short videos entitled ‘Protecting Water, Water is Life’, aimed at raising awareness around water management, which has been a growing concern in Madagascan society, particularly in the country’s capital, Antananarivo.
She has also participated in annual reforestation programmes under the slogan ‘Mamboly hazo fa tsy manatsatoka’ (Plant correctly, don’t just bury young plants).
“[Working as] a Laudato Si’ facilitator at the Centre Arrupe was a real turning point in my journey, allowing me to step out of my comfort zone and turn my ideas into reality,” Tiana said.
“Before this, I often hesitated to take action due to fear or lack of confidence. However, thanks to this training, I was able to transform long-held ideas into concrete projects that had a real impact.”
She explained that there was a focus on raising as much awareness as possible, sharing the water videos on social media, for example, and going out into local communities to discuss the importance of water management.
Tiana added that there was clear positive feedback to the films, with people reporting changes in habits, such as reducing shower times and turning off taps while washing their hands. Some even reported organising their own workshops to spread this message further.
Elsewhere, the tree-planting activities showed her that it is important to look beyond short-term goals when it comes to sustainability.
“I am more determined than ever to combine education, awareness, and concrete actions to actively contribute to the protection of the planet”
“We learned that planting trees is not enough; it is crucial to ensure their follow-up to guarantee their survival and ecological impact,” she said.
“This approach helped me understand that every environmental initiative must be thought of with a long-term perspective to have a real impact.”
Tiana said she is grateful for the “defining” experiences at the Centre Arrupe, and that they have shaped her future when it comes to her relationship with the environment.
“I emerge from this experience with an enriched vision of environmental issues, greater confidence in my abilities, and a strengthened motivation to continue my work,” she said.
“Today, I am more determined than ever to combine education, awareness, and concrete actions to actively contribute to the protection of the planet, our Common Home.”
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