Applied Economy r/Evolution Institute (AEEI): Transforming Capital and Conscience

Founded by Friend Arne Springorum and his colleague Vit Mateju, the Applied Economy r/Evolution Institute (AEEI) is an independent, Quaker-inspired non-profit research and advisory body examining how capital allocation can inadvertently drive climate breakdown and conflict.

Grounded in the 2016 FWCC Pisac Minute’s call to transform the global economy, AEEI supports Quaker Meetings, grant-makers, and asset stewards in evaluating their financial portfolios, ensuring that institutional investments align with Quaker testimonies of peace, integrity, and care for Creation.

To learn how you can support their mission, explore their volunteer opporunities here.

Eva Koch Scholar, Hezron Masitsa, researches Traditional African Food Preservation Methods

Hezron Masitsa, the Justice and Peace Secretary for Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC) recently shared his research and reflections on traditional food preservation as part of the 2025 Eva Koch Scholar Presentations.

Selected by Woodbrooke, an international Quaker learning center, to be an Eva Koch Scholar in the 2025 calendar year, Hezron’s research provides insight and investigation into traditional indigenous practices that have received little past examination and show the wisdom of native practices in East Africa. His complete research paper can be read below and provides an overview of his outreach and interviews with elders to learn about traditional food preservation methods used to improve infant mortality and bolster adult health and longevity. Food shortages in Africa due to environmental crises have had devastating impacts on community health and these traditional practices are important to consider as climate change exacerbates the impact and frequency of drought and famine. In his Eva Kock Scholar Presentation (available to watch here), Hezron describes how learning about traditional indigenous food preservation practices uphold Quaker values of sustainability and stewardship. His words and research inspire us to further embrace longstanding wisdom into how best to safely and healthily live in harmony with creation.

Quakers United for Environmental Sustainability Program

Quakers United for Environmental Sustainability Program (QUESP) is a new initiative formed by members from the Malava Yearly Meeting and led by Jairus Koki. Their mission is “To be true Stewards of God’s Creation through actions to combat climate change”. The formation of the program is inspired by concerns about the adverse effects of climate change affecting communities in Western Kenya, including changing rain patterns, failure of crops leading to increased food insecurity, and the destruction of water catchment areas.

Members of the group feel that they have a duty to combat the negative effects resulting from climate change by taking responsibility for the care of the world that God bestowed to us in Genesis as stewards. These effects have left Quaker churches, schools, and homes bare without trees and natural vegetation, even lacking shade to sit under when it is hot. Many indigenous trees that were known to provide shelter and conserve water catchment areas have either been uprooted or cut down for charcoal.

QUESP members feel obliged to be stewards of God’s creation and help restore it. Though still a new organization, they plan to realize this mission through several activities, including visiting churches (of Quakers and non-Quakers) to spread awareness on taking care of God’s creation; documenting indigenous methods of environmental conservation; undertaking tree nursery development and management training, and by supporting tree seedling plantings to restore destroyed habitats. QUESP is in the process of registration and hopes to achieve these dreams with the help of like minded friends. 

Photo credits: Jairus Koki, Coordinator, QUESP