For the Season of Creation 2024, we continue to present Franciscan experiences in integral ecology, this time from Brazil.
Seeking to contribute to the discussion on climate and human promotion, the friars of the Franciscan Province of the Immaculate Conception in Brazil are developing a social project that unites the care of the planet with that of the most vulnerable. The project is called RECIFRAN, Franciscan Recycling Support Service.
Since its creation in 2001, RECIFRAN has been providing training and income-generating activities to the homeless population of São Paulo. In 2023, about 50 people were served daily, who recycled a total of 168 tons of waste.
The project, which has the support of the Municipal Secretariat of Human Rights and Citizenship and the collaboration of companies such as the Muda Institute and Mackenzie University, aims to incorporate participants into the world of work and promote their autonomy, guaranteeing decent work and respecting the rights of workers.
Recycling plays a critical role not only in social inclusion, but also in preserving the environment. Data shows that Brazil generates approximately 79 million tons of municipal solid waste per year, with São Paulo being one of the largest contributors. Projects such as RECIFRAN are essential for the sustainable management of this waste and the promotion of ecological practices.
Davison, one of the participants in the project, shares his experience: “For me, recycling is therapy. Spaces like this are wonderful, they help many people to find their place in the world. My dream is to stay here, learning and contributing.”
For Franciscans, the Common Home is a symbol of care for the people and the planet. “The Common Home is a place of human care and care for creation. Here, people who come out of the street teach us to take care of the common good,” explains Fr. Marx do Reis, OFM. “Our mission is to re-establish ties, promote autonomy and contribute to a fairer and more sustainable world,” he concluded.
