About Us

Who we are

The Jesuit Centre for Ecology and Development (SJ-JCED) is an initiative within the Southern Africa Province (SAP) of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), which is dedicated to social and sustainable development. It was established in 2010 and launched its operations in 2012 with the aim of fostering environmental sustainability and building resilience to climate variability in Malawi particularly among the most vulnerable in rural and marginalized communities. As a faith-based initiative, SJ-JCED operates under the guidance of the Jesuits, a congregation of priests and brothers within the Catholic Church and is registered as part of the Society of Jesus in Malawi. It is inspired by the Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAPs) of the Society of Jesus for 2019-2029, aligned to the Southern Africa Province Apostolic Plan (2024 – 2030) and programmatically influenced by the urgent calls for climate action and the promotion of integral ecology found in Laudato Si, an encyclical by Pope Francis. The UAPs which guide our work are outlined as follows: 

1. To show the way to God through spiritual exercises and discernment.
2. To walk with the poor, the outcasts of the world, those whose dignity has been violated, in a mission of reconciliation and justice;
3. To accompany young people in the creation of a hope-filled future
4. To collaborate in the care of our common home.