Glenise Morgan sent us this latest news:
Several members of the Corrymeela Climate Justice Group were represented at a weekend in Dublin organised by Pádraig Swan, member of the Dublin Cell Group and teacher at Belvedere College. Half of the events were centred on the environment and sustainability. Several of us joined boys from Belvedere, other pupils and adults outside Dáil Eireann for the regular “Fridays for Future” gatherings, inspired by Greta Thunberg. The hoots of support from quite a lot of drivers were encouraging!
Next was a fascinating visit to the “Urban Farm” at Belvedere. We went through a Grow Chamber where sustainable crops, such as microgreens, salads and herbs, using an aquaponics system are produced. Fish are bred and live in a tank of water which is filtered and after extraction of the nutrients used to grow the crops, then returns to the tank. Coffee grounds are used to grow mushrooms and there is also a roof-top teaching apiary. The boys are enthusiastically learning about a number of relevant subjects, including circular economies. This is set to be an international innovation hub in the field of project-based learning.
In the evening we saw the film The Letter, https://www.theletterfilm.org/ It tells the story of a journey to Rome of a small diverse group of frontline leaders, to discuss the encyclical letter Laudato Si’ with Pope Francis. The film contains upsetting stories but places emphasis on the humanity in us all that gives hope for the future. The message is: “Together, we care for our common home, the planet”. Do watch it!
The lively panel discussion that followed, included young activists from Belvedere as well as the Minister for Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan. We were also lucky enough to have the President of the Laudato Si’ Movement Board of Directors, Dr. Lorna Gold, who appeared in the film. Lorna, originally from Scotland, worked for Trócaire for 20 years, and is now a part-time lecturer in Maynooth University and an independent consultant on climate justice.
It was most encouraging to see the engagement of the boys in both practical activities and philosophical discussions and we were most grateful to Pádraig and the Dublin Cell group for their hospitality.
Back at Corrymeela, progress is being made on the Lighten our Darkness event: a presentation in Ballycastle by the young people of Mullingar Parish. It takes place on 15 April 2pm and will be followed by a Q&A session hosted by Alex Wimberly, our Leader.