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We are an international collective of young people from Salesian Institutions & organizations who are passionate about the welfare of our only planet.
Member Activities
Where Care Flourishes: A Pedagogical Journey "Roots and Rebirth"
From Santiago, Chile, to the heart of the Elqui Valley, 45 students from the Nursing, Speech Therapy, and Kinesiology programs of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Silva Henríquez Catholic University (UCSH) in Chile shared an experience that profoundly marked their educational and personal journey, surrounded by mountains, open skies, and ancient seeds that safeguard the memory of the earth.
This journey was not just a physical journey. It was an act of hope and ecological commitment. A living expression of a community that believes in care as a form of love and in health as a profoundly human act.
Thanks to solidarity and collaborative work, the students raised funds by selling natural preparations made with medicinal herbs grown in the university's own gardens. Thus, what sprouts from the earth was also what made this journey possible: a true metaphor for the life that regenerates when cultivated in community.
Laudato Si’ – 10 Years Later: A Conversation in Slovenia
To mark the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, the Salesian community in Slovenia organized a special round table called “Cleansing the Heart and Creation.” The event took place on April 7th, 2025, at the Salesian castle Rakovnik in Ljubljana. It was hosted by the Don Bosco Foundation and the Youth Guild (Mladinski ceh).
The goal of the event was to bring together people from different fields to talk about ecology, social justice, spirituality, and how we live our daily lives.
The speakers were:
● Dr. Roman Globokar, theologian and professor of moral and ecological ethics;
● Miha Curk, agricultural scientist and regenerative farmer;
● Ema Otavnik, environmental activist and member of Ecologists Without Borders.
CEST Pioneer in the Installation of Photovoltaic Panels to Promote Environmental Education
During the second half of 2024, the Centro Educativo Salesianos Talca (CEST) installed a total of 230 photovoltaic panels on the roof of its building, each with an output of 550 watts.
These panels independently generate 33 volts, and, depending on the configuration of the circuits, together deliver a total of 850 MW. This breakthrough marks a milestone for CEST, which is committed to fostering a culture of environmental care through environmental education.
Professor Lucas Olave explains that, given the reality of climate change and the urgent need to reduce the carbon footprint, this project was born with the goal of contributing to the educational field and generating a social impact in the region. With this initiative, CEST becomes the first educational institution in the province to install a photovoltaic injection system.
Roots of Life: Exploring Soil and its Sustainability
Area involved: Science Culture 4th ESO
Objective: The aim of this activity is to make our students at Colegio Santo Domingo Savio - Salesianos Úbeda in Spain aware of the importance of soil as a vital resource, the problems of its degradation and sustainable solutions by carrying out a project that starts with research and the creation of an audiovisual report in which each of the points worked on and researched previously are presented, culminating in the construction of a mini garden in the centre, where they will analyse the growth of each of the plants according to the type of irrigation, compost and use of fertilisers. An observation diary will be kept.
The project will end at the end of the school year, when we hope to obtain results and be able to analyse the growth of each of the plants in a more rigorous way.
FUNDEMI TALITA KUMI GIRLS: GUARDIANS OF THE ENVIRONMENT
At FUNDEMI Talita Kumi, one of the fundamental institutional principles is the application of sustainable practices for the prevention, protection, management, and conservation of the environment. Following these values, the boarding students of Talita Kumi educational centers, located in San Pedro Carchá, Chisec, and El Estor, Guatemala, have integrated the production of healthy food with environmental stewardship.
By growing vegetables, fruits, and greens for their own consumption, the 700 boarding students not only ensure a nutritious diet but also promote self-sufficiency and respect for nature. As part of this process, they produce Bocashi organic fertilizer, a fermented compost made from food scraps, ash, silty soil, garden waste, animal manure, and other biodegradable materials.
Students experience learning about environmental preservation during Ecological Walk
February 27, 2025 was a day of learning and awareness for students in the 7th and 8th grades of Elementary School II at the Nossa Senhora da Glória Institute – INSG/Castelo, during the second edition of the Ecological Walk, held at Praia dos Cavaleiros, in Macaé, Brazil. The event provided an enriching experience, connecting theory and practice on environmental education, while reinforcing the importance of citizenship training.
The multidisciplinary activity, developed by Science, Geography and Physical Education teachers, aimed to stimulate reflection on environmental preservation. During the course, students were able to learn more about the importance of preserving the restinga and the impacts of construction on the coast, in addition to discussing the correct disposal of solid waste. “They had the opportunity to experience all of our content focused on environmental education and were able to see how this care can be effective and strengthened in everyday life,” explains the pedagogical coordinator of Elementary School II, Priscila Sousa.
Blog Articles
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.
As the year comes to a close, many experience a slower work period as schools and colleges break for vacation. This is the time most people are busy arranging Christmas gatherings, travel, and family vacations. Amidst all of this, we must not forget that the season of Advent is a call to spiritual renewal, to deeper love, to fruitful meditation on key figures of our salvation history (the prophets, Mary, John the Baptist).
As we conclude this year’s Season of Creation, we reflect on the vibrant and meaningful activities that brought our community together in celebration, reflection, and action. From September 1st to October 4th, we embraced the theme “To Hope and Act with Creation" Take a glimpse at the activities from the Salesian Family.
Changing a few habits when it comes to food consumption to avoid wastage can make a big difference:
● Schedule a weekly ‘Use It Up’ Day or ‘Use It Up’ Meal to make the most of leftover ingredients.
Infinite Dignity: A Privilege To Care For Creation
The impact of the present imbalances in the environment affects the most vulnerable people on the planet. Strategies for a solution demand an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature.
Bonding with the Feathered Brother
Bird watching is fascinating. It’s been happening in my sister’s house in Chennai. Every day a crow visits her kitchen window. Not for his day’s share of cooked food or bird's feed, but for his delicacy mixture (a common spicy snack). When others try to offer the best bird’s feed, it doesn’t interest him. He demands only mixture.
Heatwaves: Testing our human endurance
India was sweating through heatwaves in the past few months. Temperatures in 37 cities crossed 45ºC and night-time temperatures remained as high as 36 degrees in many locations.