Student-Led Green Theology 

This post is co-authored with Cedrick Chilabade, 2nd Year Student at ZTU and Green Theology Advocate, first on the left in this photo

In a remarkable display of youth-led activism, students at Zomba Theological University are spearheading a green revolution in Malawi. Led by Cedrick Chilabade a second-year student at the University, the ZTU Green Theology project started with a simple yet bold move to eliminate thin plastic bags from the campus. This initiative has sparked a wave of change, with students and staff embracing cloth bags and reducing plastic waste. The students have also planted trees, composed eco-friendly songs, and formed groups to promote environmental sustainability. With activities ranging from preaching to gardening, these students are taking action and making a tangible impact.

The ZTU Green Theology project is not just about campus life; it’s about making a difference in the community. Last year, students visited churches in Zomba, and this year more than 200 students are taking their message nationwide. With the support of EMW, they’re equipped and ready to inspire change. These students are proof that young people can lead the way. They’re passionate, dedicated, and committed to creating a better future. As they say, “Let’s work together to create a greener, more sustainable world.”

In 2024, we embarked on a journey to promote environmental sustainability on our campus. We encouraged students and staff to shift from the use of plastic bags to cloth bags, which we manufactured ourselves on the campus. Students carry their bags with pride, provoking questions in the community about the problem of plastic. 

Our efforts did not stop there. We also introduced a tree-planting initiative, which has not only helped to beautify our campus but also contributed to a healthier environment. We are pleased to report that 75% of the trees we planted have survived. To engage our community and promote environmental awareness, we organized the ZTU Green Theology Music Festival. This event saw the participation of four choirs from our university community: Zomba Theological University Choir, ZTU Women’s Choir, the Shalom Crusaders Choir, and Zomba Sunday School Choir. The competition was a huge success, and Zomba Theological University Choir emerged as the winners. This event helped to raise awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability and utilised the talents of our students to communicate messages about environmental responsibility.

As part of our branding and identity, we created our own banners and T-shirts. These visual reminders have helped to promote our project’s mission and values. We held a series of lectures and seminars that deepened our understanding of issues related to ecotheology. Though these were outside the core curriculum and often on a Friday afternoon, many students chose to attend. Visitors noted an unusual level of energy in the room during these sessions. Furthermore, we have formed our own eco-theological groups. The Preaching Group, prepares sermon outlines, emphasizing the importance of caring for God’s creation. The Music Group creates and performs eco-friendly songs that spread awareness about environmental sustainability.

The Bible Study Group connects the word of God with care for the environment, helping us understand our role as stewards of God’s creation. The Creed Group developed a new statement of faith for use in worship, recognising God as Creator and affirming our environmental responsibility. The Design Group created our logo, banners, booklets, t-shirts, and bags, all of which promote our mission and values.

Lastly, the Gardeners Group is responsible for tree planting and maintaining our garden, where we grow fruits, vegetables, trees, flowers, and many other plants. These groups have enabled us to engage in various activities that promote environmental sustainability and eco-theology, while also fostering teamwork and leadership among our members. Provision of solar power and a water dispenser are also significant steps. All of this is helping us to realize our dream of creating a green campus.

Last year, students raised ecotheological awareness in congregations in Zomba, and this year, they are taking it a step further by going out to communities all over Malawi during their vacation. To equip them for this mission, the project has produced a comprehensive “kit” that will enable students to engage with churches and communities on ecotheological issues. The kit includes a booklet with the ecotheological creed, songs, Bible study guidelines, poems, sermon outlines and other resources, all packaged in an eco-friendly bag. With more than 200 students involved, this initiative has the potential to make a significant impact. 

Vital to the preparation of the kit were the new ecotheological books that have been added to the University Library through the EMW grant. Already these are being heavily used by students. Gripped by the urgent need to develop relevant ecotheology, several final-year students have selected ecotheological themes for their dissertation topic. Green theology at ZTU is a powerful combination of reflection and action.