BLI Celebrates 5th Annual Family Day Celebration

At the end of July, BLI celebrated its 5th Annual Family Day, welcoming visitors from across Uganda and the world to celebrate Laudato Si' and officially launch the newest group of commissioned Caretakers.

117 Caretakers Commissioned

At the celebration, 117 individuals were officially commissioned as Caretakers, our largest group to date. Caleb Wani delivered a heartfelt message to the crowd on behalf of the group, stating, "Bethany has given us the head to think critically, the heart to love and care for creation, the hands to work for ourselves and our communities, and the skills to lead ourselves and transform rural communities." The Caretakers will now embark on their own journeys, tasked with implementing regenerative agriculture and Integral Ecology in their home communities.



Local Leaders in Attendance

The celebration was attended by Church leaders, government officials, development partners, alumni, current students, staff, and loved ones. The Honorable Cissy Mulondo, Uganda's Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, served as the guest of honor and commended BLI's unique education model that equips young people with necessary skills for today's economy. Reverend Lawrence Mukasa, the bishop for Kasana-Luweero, also attended and gave a mass in thanksgiving. In his sermon, he emphasized the need for many people to all work together to effectively care for creation.



New Beginnings

During the celebrations, BLI launched two new initiatives that will serve as collaboration hubs going forward. The Lazarus Information Center, a tourism and research center focused on Lazarus Forest and its biodiversity, was officially opened. The Center will serve as a regional hub for tourists, researchers, and nature enthusiasts hoping to explore the rich biodiversity of Uganda. The inaugural Martha's Market Festival also took place, bringing together entrepreneurs and vendors focused on sustainable practices and technologies. The Festival will be annual, serving as a regular gathering for sustainability-focused individuals to come together and collaborate.



Celebrate BLI by Supporting

Our New and Ongoing Initiatives

BLI's work toward a more sustainable world is only possible because of supporters like you. Consider donating to one of our new initiatives or our general operating expenses.

Introductions to funding sources are always appreciated. If you would like to host a fundraiser for BLI, or have any questions about our projects or campaigns, please reach out to Theresa Murray, Development Director, at (574) 208-3919 or tmurray@bethanylandinstitute.org.