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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
Mushroom Cultivation Workshop at Don Bosco College: A Step Towards Sustainability
Don Bosco Cares for Our Common Home (DBCCH) Centre’s initiative, Don Bosco College (Co-Ed), Yelagiri Hills, India recently conducted a workshop on Mushroom Cultivation. This hands-on workshop aimed to equip students with practical knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices and encourage them to take active steps toward environmental stewardship.
The workshop, which was organized by DBCCH, offered an excellent opportunity for students to learn the entire process of mushroom cultivation, from preparing the substrate to harvesting. Experts from the DBCCH team led the session, demonstrating how mushroom cultivation can be a simple yet effective way to promote food security and environmental sustainability.
India: With full power towards a sustainable future
With the new e-mobility training branch at its own vocational schools, Don Bosco Mondo is tackling two problems simultaneously: extreme environmental and air pollution and high youth unemployment. 🎓💚
Since the end of 2023 young automotive mechanic trainees in 📌Mumbai greater area, India have been made fit in e-mobility. In short courses, they will learn how electric drives work, how they are maintained and refurbished - among other things with the means of BMZ. 💡🔧🌿
With this knowledge, they are sought-after experts in a growing market. 🚗🎓💪
The young people, who on the fringes of society, hardly had a chance to live a self-determined life, are thus becoming shining pioneers: for a sustainable future - for themselves, for their families, for their home and ultimately for the whole world! 🌍💚🙌
Planting 10 thousand mangrove trees in Kep Province
The Academic community of Don Bosco Kep as a member of the Don Bosco Green Alliance and the Department of Environment of Kep Province, Cambodia led by Mr. In Sao, joined together for the project of Mangrove Planting at the west coast of the Kep peninsula, just one km at the north of the Don Bosco Kep’s campus.
On 29 August 2024 early morning, 500 students and teachers of Don Bosco, a group of members of the Kep District made of farmers, fishermen and community leaders, representatives from the department of environment and Kep city hall, opened the program that has the goal to plant 10 thousand mangrove trees in the area.
The area known as the Mangrove Forest, located at the Thmey Village, Prey Thom Commune, has an extension of one km and it has been designated by the community and the authorities as a protected area. The planting will increase its extension and capacity of environment balance between the sea tides and the coast at the Kep Bay.
Revitalizing Spaces with an Integral Ecological Vision: The Weliwen Project at the Silva Henríquez Catholic University
At the Universidad Católica Silva Henríquez, Lo Cañas Campus, Chile, students from the Faculty of Health Sciences, which includes the courses of Speech Therapy, Nursing and Kinesiology, have undertaken an inspiring project that embodies integral ecology and the pedagogy of love. Under the guidance of their courses in phytotherapy, therapeutic gardening and the production of phytoproducts, they have transformed an old Salesian winery, once used to make mass wine, into a vibrant herbal salon.
This renovated space not only serves as a classroom for practical teaching of gardening and species propagation, but also as an environment where students can connect deeply with the land and nature. Through these field experiences, they apply the Salesian preventive model, integrating academic knowledge with sustainable and ecological practices.
The project has come to life under the name “Weliwen”, which in Mapudungun means “new dawn”. As its name suggests, this space has become a symbol of rebirth and reconnection with life. The students have taken the lead in creating medicinal gardens and vegetable gardens, which not only beautify the environment, but also contribute to the recovery and revitalization of the ecological space.
Each week, the progress made on these projects reflects the students' commitment to sustainability and the regeneration of spaces. This project not only enriches their academic training, but also represents a significant contribution to the community and the environment, demonstrating that education can be a powerful agent of change in building a greener and more conscious future.
"Weliwen" is a living example of how the integration of education, spirituality and ecological commitment can lead to a true encounter with life and nature.
Salesian Agricultural School of Catemu receives award - ESVAL's “Contigo en Cada Gota 2024” Fund for the Installation of a Photovoltaic Panel’
The Salesian Agricultural School of Catemu continues to consolidate its commitment to sustainability and environmental education by winning ESVAL's “Contigo en Cada Gota 2024” (With You at Every Drop 2024) Competitive Fund. This fund will allow the institution to take a significant step in its Eco-educational Route through the installation of a didactic photovoltaic panel.
The project, which was selected among numerous applications from more than 410 organizations, will focus on the implementation of a renewable energy system that will not only contribute to the reduction of the school's environmental impact, but will also serve as a pedagogical tool for students. This photovoltaic panel will enable the students to understand in a practical way the importance and operation of clean energy, integrating this knowledge into their technical and agricultural training.
The school's rector, Nataly Araya expressed her gratitude to ESVAL for the opportunity that this fund represents, highlighting that “this project not only helps us to be more sustainable, but also enriches our students' learning, preparing them to face the challenges of the future with an ecological and responsible perspective”.
The awarding of this fund is a new milestone in the Eco-educational Route of the Salesian Agricultural School of Catemu, reaffirming its position as a reference in sustainable agricultural education in the region. With this initiative, it is expected to continue promoting environmental awareness and innovation among students, who will be the protagonists of an educational model that integrates theory with practice in caring for the environment.
Tree-planting program in the Philippines!
Laguna, Philippines—In support of their commitment to environmental stewardship, the Don Bosco Mountaineering Society (DBMS) has successfully carried out a tree-planting program at Don Bosco Colle in Calamba, Laguna. This initiative not only helps mitigate the effects of climate change but also creates livelihood opportunities for the surrounding communities. Additionally, DBMS donated gardening equipment to Colle and plans to nurture and plant more seedlings in the coming months.
This program also provides a valuable educational opportunity for the children of DBMS members, encouraging their active participation in tree-planting activities, deepening their understanding of environmental issues, and promoting conservation efforts.
Blog Articles
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.
I want to share an enthralling episode involving my friend and her 4-year-old daughter, Yannah, during the Mumbai monsoon. When the windows are open, insects and moths often take temporary shelter inside their house. Like any other child, Yannah doesn't like moths and panics when she sees one.
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.
My missionary experience took me to Banswara, Rajasthan. Along with my friend, Dr. Gloria, I went for 10 days. Our visit was during peak summer, and the scorching 48-degree heat was harrowing, but it was also an opportunity to see a new place, culture, and way of life. Salesian Missionary Volunteering is invaluable for youth seeking exposure and a chance to make an impact. It allows young people a chance to explore another side of life.
The United Nations Environment Program’s Faith for Earth coalition approached the Don Bosco Green Alliance to nominate a member for the Faith for Earth Youth council. I, Leann D’souza, was nominated by the DBGA and subsequently selected as a member for the council.
The Faith for Earth Coalition is a global platform to facilitate partnerships with faith leaders, faith-based organizations and people of faith at global, regional and local levels in order to inspire, empower and strengthen action and behavioral changes towards achieving the SGDs.
During the month of May, I attend the community rosary in my Church and in my local small Christian community, and a rosary which is conducted for all the residents in my building. Our services begin with adorning the grotto with candles, incense and flowers, singing hymns to Our Lady, praying the rosary followed by savoring some delicious snacks, playing games and enjoying a time of togetherness. One of my benevolent neighbors often takes the responsibility of sponsoring snacks and also cleaning and lighting up the Cross where we gather to say the rosary.
Don Bosco Green Alliance was privileged to be part of the faculty that provided resources for the ongoing course - Joint Diploma on Integral Ecology - which is being held by the Pontifical University in Rome.
The DBGA selected Fr. Francis Gustilo, SDB, President of the Don Bosco School of Theology (DBST), Philippines, a very active member of the DBGA. Fr. Francis gave the participants of the course an inside view of how the DBST has implemented Pope Francis' Laudato Si' in their curriculum and a gist of the institute's vision for the next 10 years.
Today the term “development” is widely used, but often from a philanthropic or ideological perspective. That is why it is important to talk about integral sustainable development from a Catholic perspective. Doing so, on the monthly anniversary of the Salesian Missionary Expedition, is General Councillor for Missions Fr Alfred Maravilla.
Here are some ideas from the World's Largest Lesson Newsletter on how to celebrate Earth Day with students -
Resource of the Month: #MakeSpaceforNature
Ages 8-14
As we celebrate Earth Month, encourage students to understand the wonder of biodiversity and why it’s key to achieving the Global Goals. Explore the beauty of the natural world with students and understand why we need to bend the curve on nature loss.
Young people from all over the world are once again invited to participate in the "Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival" (DBGYFF), the Salesian international youth film festival. The Social Communication Sector of the Salesian Congregation has in fact joyfully announced the third edition of the competition, the final of which is scheduled for 17-18 October 2024 - as usual in a multitude of realities and locations in over 100 countries around the world.
We're excited to announce a new partnership. On March 19th, the Feast of St. Joseph, the Don Bosco Green Alliance signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jugend Eine Welt for the promotion of the "Back to Nature" campaign.
Easter People Choose to BE GREEN…and Continue to Fast and Feast
Easter means FULLER LIFE, a rejuvenated life with all its expressions. Fasting need not end with Lent. Fasting does not exclude Feasting. In some sense, fasting is feasting. They are two sides of the same coin. Here, I do not mean fasting in the context of food but fasting from some habits and behaviours. This continuous fasting enhances one’s personal and social life, and benefits our natural environment.