Catholic Religious Australia joined with Catholic Earthcare Australia this month to launch the ‘Beyond 10,000 for 10: Sow the Future’ initiative for school students.

Held on February 26 the launch invited schools to get involved with the Beyond 10 planting Initiative, a hands-on hope-filled celebration of over a decade of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical, Laudato Si’ inspiring action across our schools.

Those who attended planted not just trees, but the seeds of creativity, stewardship and ecological hope for generations to come.

Special guest was ABC Gardening’s Costa Georgiadis, who launched the initiative.

“The day was an opportunity to gain insight, ask questions and learn more about Beyond 10 along the way,” the Catholic Earthcare website said.

It also showcased how to gain access to resources and tools to support schools to take action and get planting.

The initiative builds on last year’s 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, in which Pope Francis called all people of the world to take "swift and unified global action" to protect God’s creation, while lamenting the destruction of nature and climate, and criticising irresponsible economic development and the culture of consumerism.

To mark the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’ in 2025, CRA launched the “10,000 for 10” initiative to encourage CRA members to plant and/or protect 10,000 trees.

Those who could not plant a tree were invited to protect one or make a donation to a not-for-profit organisation focused on regenerative projects.

Participants were also encouraged to track actions they’ve taken through the 10000 for 10 initiative by clicking here.

To learn more about the 10,000 for 10 Initiative, click here on CRA’s website and to learn more about the launch of this year’s ‘Beyond 10,000 for 10’ challenge, visit Catholic Earthcare.