Ahmednagar, India – August 2025 - The Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) in Ahmednagar organized a Tree Plantation Drive at Mathni village, uniting over 85 youth from three parishes – St. Anne’s, St. John’s Bhingar, and St. John Bosco Parish Savedi. More than 200 saplings of Mango, Amla, and Tamarind were planted, with support from Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra (BGVK), which actively promotes environmental development. The event was graced by Fr. Stanny Ferreira, who encouraged the youth to stay committed to eco-initiatives. The land for the plantation was generously donated by Mr. Chatru Pardeshi, and several Salesians, including Frs. McEnroe, Richard Burkhao, Mavron, Vishwas, Nathaniel, and George, were present to motivate the youth. The drive highlighted Don Bosco’s vision of youth as stewards of creation, leaving behind a message of hope and responsibility.
(ANS – Maputo) - The Instituto Superior Dom Bosco (ISDB) in Maputo is reinforcing its mission to integrate research, innovation, and university extension with a strong focus on environmental care. This vision aligns with the Salesian ethos of fostering responsible citizens dedicated to preserving the planet, or as they call it, the "common home."
Research for Sustainability
The Cadernos do ISDB, a biannual academic journal, is a cornerstone of the institution’s research efforts. It provides a platform for scientific debate and dissemination, promoting critical thinking and driving social and environmental transformation through rigorous research.
As part of its environmental protection efforts, on August 7, the Ecological Brigade of the Basic Education program at Centro Educativo Salesianos Talca (CEST) in Chile, led by teacher Carla Farías, worked on creating medicinal gardens in the courtyard of the North Campus of CEST. CEST Rector Reinaldo Castro also participated in the activity, enthusiastically supporting this wonderful initiative.
The aim of the project is to create a space where students and educators can connect with nature, learn about medicinal plants, and discover the benefits of self-care through traditional herbal medicine.
The initiative was advised by the Fundación Verde Maule, represented by its creator, Eugenia Aguilera, and with the collaboration of Koni Alarcón, a TENS from CEST. From this moment of plantation onwards, the students will be responsible for maintaining the garden, which will serve as a healing and wellness space for students, teachers, and teaching assistants.
Centro Educativo Salesianos Talca (CEST) in Chile was recognized by the Maule Regional Ministerial Secretariat of Energy, along with the Liceo Marta Martínez Cruz de Yerbas Buenas, for its contribution to innovation in green hydrogen in the fields of electricity and electronics. The ceremony, held on August 13 in the auditorium of the Presidential Delegation, was attended by the Regional Ministerial Secretary for Government, Nataly Rojas, and the Regional Ministerial Secretary for Education, Cristian Bonfort.
The authorities highlighted the leadership of both institutions in promoting green hydrogen and its impact on Chile's energy future. “These young people, together with their teachers, are pioneers in the region (...), with this work we are advancing our energy plan, and they are gaining experience and opportunities,” said Rojas. Bonfort, for his part, stressed the importance of strengthening skills that enable the country to be represented at national and international levels.
The Climate Change Research Laboratory in Urban Environments (ClimaURB) at Faculdade Dom Bosco in Porto Alegre, Brazil, is celebrating a significant academic achievement: research developed by students and faculty from the laboratory has been approved for oral presentation at the international conference Biotechnology, Agriculture, Environment and Energy, which will take place in July 2026 in Prague, Czech Republic.
This accomplishment reinforces ClimaURB’s commitment to scientific excellence and the production of knowledge focused on current challenges, particularly in the areas of climate change and the environment. Participation in this internationally renowned event not only recognizes the quality of the work conducted, but also offers a valuable opportunity to broaden scientific dialogue and enhance the institution’s visibility on the global stage.
With creativity, precision and innovation, the students Cristóbal Cavieres, Javier Rodríguez and Martín Contardo, from 2°E TP of the Centro Educativo Salesianos Talca in Chile, together with their teacher Geraldine Labraña, obtained first place in the Marble Challenge 2025, standing out among the participants for the design and execution of a marble run built with recycled materials.
The activity, organized by THINKey in conjunction with American Spaces, the Chilean American Institute and other institutions, with the support of the U.S. Embassy in Chile, was held on Monday, July 7 at the University of Talca. The event brought together students from different schools in the region in an environment marked by collaboration, competition and practical learning.
In our fast-paced digital age, the latest smartphone or laptop / desktops often becomes obsolete within a few years—or even months. But what happens to our old devices once we discard them? The answer is troubling: they become part of the world’s growing mountain of electronic waste, or e-waste.
The ‘Thank you dance’
A boat of whale-watchers was on a trip in the coast of California. They noticed a small Humpback whale, trapped. It’s tail and flippers were entangled with fishing nets. Michael Fishbach and his team, who were on the boat thought that the humpback was already dead as it was floating on top of the water.
Month of March always reminds us of influential role the women play in our society. In the following paragraphs, we shall see about few convincing women personalities in environmental protection.
Gauri Devi
“Forest is like our mother’s home, we shall protect it come what may,” voice upraised by Gauri Devi of Chamoli as a weapon. This inspiring lady is known for Chipko Movement (chipko meaning hugging).
A Lenten reflection to stay-rooted (Pray), stay-integrated (Penance) and stay-connected (Share)
I picked up the title from the quote by John Muir, “And into the woods I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” An apt invitation for the lent. Get deep into the forest, slow down, breathe deep, look around, see the hidden, hear the silence, smell and feel the forest. It has a lot to offer for our soul and for our human community.
Climate Change, a ‘threat multiplier’ for the marginalised
A UN reports states that nearly 32 million people got displaced due to climate-related hazards in 2022, which represents a 41 per cent increase compared to 2008. Apart from displacements caused directly from extreme weather, climate is called a ‘threat multiplier.’
2025 marks the tenth anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical letter on the Care for Our Common Home, in which he invited all people of good to “a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet” (Laudato Si’, 14).
I have picked up this line, “My good friend, what’s your name?” from the conversation Don Bosco had with a young lad, Bartholomew Garelli. He was beaten up by a sacristan for not knowing how to serve for Mass. Don Bosco rescued him from the sacristan, but the sacristan was angry at Don Bosco and said, “What does it matter to you?” Don Bosco, with the heart of a Good Shepherd, said, “It matters plenty. He’s my friend.”
by Fr. Ricopar Royan
The heart of a hummingbird is larger proportionate to its body and so it has a massive flight power. This tiny bird flies alone nearly 40 km/day during its 5,000 km migration. When our problems are oversized, let’s not give up but rely on our hearts’ power. Look for the next supply of energy.