BLOG

5 stories of spreading seeds-and lessons in Brazil

Posted January 30, 2025

Across Brazil, communities have shown how sustainable agriculture, ecological education, and a shared commitment to caring for creation can bring about profound, lasting change.

Cultivating Sustainability Across Brazil

Manaus: Planting Seeds of Resilience

In the Zumbi dos Palmares community, the Sisters of Divine Providence established a thriving community garden. Their efforts included hosting two composting workshops, attended by more than 60 participants, and providing 250 women and youth with skills to cultivate vegetables and produce compost. These activities not only enhanced food security but also brought new income streams through solidarity economy fairs. 

“Every seed we plant nurtures not just the soil but the dreams of our community,” said Ir. Elis Alberta Ribeiro dos Santos.

 

Formosa: Connecting Education and Ecology

The Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows in Formosa combined practical ecological education with a robust gardening initiative. Over 890 participants, including students, teachers, and families, learned composting techniques, planted fruit and vegetable gardens, and revitalized green spaces around the school.

  • 900+ community members have adopted sustainable practices, including composting and reduced plastic use.
  • Native and fruit trees planted near a spring contributed to water revitalization efforts and reinforced the community’s connection to nature.

“Each seed planted represents a lesson in hope and a commitment to the care of creation,” said Roseli Chaves da Silva.

 

Itapetininga: A Harvest of Health and Community

In Itapetininga, the Sisters of Our Lady Queen of Peace (ANPAZ) enhanced the school lunch program with fresh, pesticide-free vegetables from their garden. Their initiative also encouraged 137 students and 500 community members to engage with environmental preservation through practical workshops.

“The vegetables we grow nourish not just bodies, but minds and spirits,” said Marinita Alves Lima.

Outcomes included:

  • Increased vegetable consumption among students.
  • Improved understanding of the environmental benefits of sustainable agriculture among families and staff.

 

Porto Alegre: A Garden of Growth

In Porto Alegre, the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters overcame significant challenges, including the Rio Grande do Sul floods, to sustain their vegetable garden. This project engaged 320 children, teenagers, and volunteers, producing fresh, pesticide-free vegetables while teaching sustainable agricultural techniques.

  • 150 families benefited directly and indirectly from the garden’s harvest.
  • Workshops taught resilience strategies, such as crop rotation and natural pest control. 

“These gardens are a testament to resilience and a commitment to nurturing both the Earth and our community,” shared Sister Samanta Karla de Sousa Carneiro.

Maceió: The Green Corner of Hope

The Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Maceió introduced the “Green Corner,” a space for ecological education and practical gardening. Over 100 children and teenagers participated, many experiencing planting and soil preparation for the first time. The project also incorporated terrariums, which provided an engaging way to combine ecological education with income-generation opportunities.

  • 50 seedlings distributed to children and families.
  • Families joined workshops on composting and sustainable agriculture, fostering a communal sense of ecological responsibility. 

“For many, this was their first time touching the soil,” said Ir. Shyrley Carvalho Silva. “It awakened a joy and sense of responsibility for caring for our common home.”

Growing Impact: By the Numbers

Overall, 31 women religious from 5 congregations led these projects, empowering their communities and achieving transformative ecological goals.

  • Direct beneficiaries: Over 1,600 individuals across Brazil, including women, children, and educators.
  • Indirect reach: More than 7,000 community members benefited from shared knowledge and resources.
  • Workshops hosted: 12+ workshops on composting, water conservation, and sustainable agriculture.
  • Seedlings planted: Hundreds of vegetable, fruit, and native tree seedlings, contributing to food security and ecological preservation.
  • Environmental education: Children learned practical skills, such as growing plants, composting, and conserving resources, through hands-on activities.

Moving Forward Together

The success of these projects highlights the power of collective action to create sustainable change. Each seed planted and every garden cultivated reflects a deeper commitment to our shared future.

As these communities continue their ecological transformation, they inspire us all to take small, meaningful steps in caring for our common home. Let us walk together on this path toward a more just, sustainable, and hopeful world.

Acknowledgments

These impactful initiatives were made possible by the support of the Hilton Foundation, the International Union of Superiors General, and the Laudato Si’ Movement.