Young people responding to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor!
(ANS – Cotonou) – Our Lady of Peace Province of North-West Africa (AON) celebrated Provincial Environment Week from 20 to 24 April 2026. A series of educational and spiritual activities filled the days, inspired by the spirit of the Encyclical Laudato Si’. The initiative brought together young people, educators and the entire Salesian Family from various sectors around a common goal: to promote concrete actions for the safeguarding of our Common Home.
(ANS – Santiago) – The first meeting of the year for the Integral Ecology Coordinators of the Salesian schools in the St Gabriel the Archangel Province of Chile (CIL) was held online on Tuesday 21 April.
Attended by a large number of local representatives, the gathering served as an open forum to analyse the progress of the Salesian Integral Ecological Communities (CEIS), share best practices, and plan future actions in environmental management.
On April 22, 2026, the campus of Don Bosco School, Kokar at Ranchi was transformed into a vibrant hub of environmental consciousness as students and faculty gathered to celebrate International Earth Day. With the global climate at a critical turning point, this year’s celebration served as a powerful call to action, blending artistic expression with a firm commitment to sustainability.
The morning assembly commenced on a high note with a melodious tribute to nature. The members of Don Bosco Green Alliance Movement performed a beautiful, soul-stirring song based on the theme of Earth, with lyrics that highlighted the planet's resilience and our shared responsibility to protect the "Blue Marble." The harmony of voices resonated throughout the halls, serving as a gentle reminder that while the Earth is vast, its ecosystems are delicate and require our collective efforts to survive.
(ANS – Siliguri) – On 22 April, the Salesian College in Siliguri celebrated World Earth Day with an initiative led by students that transformed waste materials into valuable creations. Organised by the Radio Club as part of the “EcologyFirst” programme, the Trash to Treasure competition and exhibition emphasised participation and creativity. The day began with an opening address and a guided meditation by the Principal, Fr Tomy Augustine, who urged the students to “see value where we once saw only waste”. The young people then showcased their creations, born from the transformation of waste into true works of art. The Director of Radio Salesian, Fr C.M. Paul, praised the initiative and the students’ commitment, whilst the Head and Coordinator of the Green Campus, Prajwal Chettri, commended the high level of participation. Supported by the “United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia” and the Don Bosco Green Alliance, the “EcologyFirst” initiative continues to expand through workshops, partnerships and awareness-raising activities. Its guiding principle remains simple: the best way to learn about sustainability is to put it into practice. On Earth Day, therefore, the students gave the message its strongest expression: transforming what had been discarded into something worth preserving.
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.
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.