Young people responding to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor!
As part of Planet and Water Care Week, held from March 23 to 27, the North Campus Environmental Brigade—composed of elementary school students—received cleaning supplies to help maintain their classrooms and coordinate these efforts with the cleaning representatives from each class.
The handover of these tools took place on March 26, following a talk on environmental and water conservation, aimed at raising awareness at the start of the year by promoting the idea that caring for the planet also means caring for our homes and schools. During the activity, updated information was provided on environmental degradation and everyday bad habits that harm the environment.
On March 23, the student environmental delegates from the South Campus participated in a talk on water conservation and Talca’s urban wetlands, as part of Planet and Water Care Week, an initiative that promotes environmental education.
The event was organized by Professor Nicolás Ulloa, head of the Comprehensive Ecology Committee, and aimed to empower students and their families as key players in preserving the planet, fostering an active respect for the natural environment.
(ANS – New Delhi) – The Don Bosco Tech Society, in collaboration with CCSE and with the support of Sungrow India Pvt. Ltd., has launched a formation initiative in the photovoltaic sector in Najafgarh to provide 30 young people with green skills (professions that support the ecological transition, protect the environment and promote sustainable development) and job opportunities. The programme, formalised through a memorandum of understanding on 2 April 2026, runs for five months and combines technical formation, soft skills and job placement support to promote sustainable livelihoods. The collaboration was launched in Okhla, New Delhi, in the presence of representatives from both organisations. The memorandum of understanding was signed by Mr Debopam Mukherjee, Trustee of CCSE, and Fr George Mathew, Executive Director of the Don Bosco Tech Society. Sungrow India Pvt. Ltd. is supporting the initiative as part of a project aimed at training 30 young people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds in Najafgarh, Delhi, equipping them with professional skills relevant to the installation, operation and maintenance of photovoltaic systems. Designed to meet the growing demand in the renewable energy sector, the course combines practical technical training with soft skills and preparation for the world of work.
(ANS – Ahmednagar) – Every year on 22 March, the world celebrates World Water Day, drawing attention to the vital importance of water and the urgent need for its sustainable management. For the Salesian Congregation, this day is also an opportunity to recognise and reaffirm the commitment of many Salesian institutions worldwide that work tirelessly to ensure access to water for poor and marginalised communities.
Among them stands Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra (BGVK) in India, whose quiet yet transformative work has been rewriting the story of water in the drought-prone regions of Ahmednagar and Beed in Maharashtra. In these rain-shadow areas, water has never been taken for granted. Each summer brings with it an unsettling question: who will remain, what will survive, and how long can hope endure? For marginal farmers like Murlidhar, the monsoon once determined everything. One failed season meant migration; two meant debt. Water was not a certainty, but a gamble.
(ANS – Gatenga) – The Don Bosco Gatenga centre in Rwanda regularly hosts intensive formation programmes on photovoltaic solar energy for educators and teachers in vocational training, with the aim of multiplying the impact of renewable energy in educational centres and their communities. These initiatives combine technological innovation, sustainability and educational commitment to respond to the region's energy challenges.
The Don Bosco Gatenga Vocational Training Centre has established itself as a benchmark in technical formation, particularly in the field of renewable energy, for the entire East African region. Through programmes based on the formation for formators model, the centre not only teaches technical skills but also creates a network of formators who can replicate what they have learned in their respective countries and educational contexts.
ANS – Cuenca) – The Salesian Technical Educational Unit presented, at a press conference, the organisation of the IV Intercollegiate Ecology Biennial, which will take place from 3 to 5 June 2026, as part of the activities commemorating 90 years of Salesian technical education in Cuenca.
The event was attended by institutional authorities and members of the organising committee, who announced the objectives and programme of this academic meeting, aimed at strengthening environmental awareness and ecological commitment among students.
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.