Making the world a better place

Our objective

We will educate our young people to be aware of the global implications of climate change and encourage them to take action beyond the realm of the Trust and to make the world a better place, especially for those less fortunate than ourselves.

Through our Lay Chaplaincy provision, we aim to shape the minds and hearts of the young people in our Trust by weaving the principles of Laudato Si’ and Catholic Social Teaching into our work. We will empower pupils to become not just aware of climate change, but active global changemakers through igniting awareness and empowering action.

Success Criteria

Knowledge and Awareness

  • Integration of Laudato Si’: Young people demonstrate understanding of Laudato Si’ and its key messages on ecological justice, integral ecology, and the common good. Our pupils are able to articulate the link between our theology and ecology.
  • Global solidarity: Young people recognise the interconnectedness of climate change with poverty, migration, and other global challenges, echoing Laudato Si’s call for “ecological conversion” (LS 218).
  • Care for Creation: Young people appreciate the intrinsic value of Creation, inspired by Laudato Si’s call to “hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor” (LS 49).

Action and Engagement

  • A Call to Action: Pupils actively engage in local and global climate action initiatives.
  • Laudato Si’ principles: Young people’s actions reflect Laudato Si’ principles like the precautionary principle (LS 186), the principle of subsidiarity (LS 157 & 196), and the principle of intergenerational solidarity (LS 159).
  • Community Leadership: Young people inspire and empower others within their communities to take action, embodying Laudato Si’s call for “ecological citizenship” (LS 211).

Long-Term Impact:

  • Sustained advocacy: Young people remain committed to advocating for climate solutions across their lives, shaping a more just and sustainable future through ongoing projects, aligning with Laudato Si’s vision of an “integral ecology” (LS 10).
  • Positive change: Young people’s actions contribute to measurable progress in mitigating climate change within their communities and build resilience to fulfil Laudato Si’s call for “ecological conversion” (LS 218).
  • Faithful stewards: Young people act as faithful stewards of Creation, demonstrating the care and responsibility envisioned in Laudato Si’ and recognising God in creation(LS 116).

What are we already doing

Several of our schools have or are working towards the CAFOD Live Simply Award.

The majority of our schools are taking part in the CAFOD Big Lent Walk to help fight global poverty.

33 of our schools are implementing Catholic Social Teaching.

“Climate change is one of the principal challenges facing society and the global community. The effects of climate change are borne by the most vulnerable people whether at home or around the world.”

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (2019)