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(ANS - Nairobi) – In a world grappling with the urgent need for environmental action, Don Bosco Kenya has taken a transformative step by launching the Don Bosco Integral Ecology Plan (2025–2029), under the patronage of Don Bosco Green Alliance. This ambitious initiative, unveiled on October 9, 2025, at the Provincial Headquarters of the Salesian Province of East Africa (AFE) in Nairobi, Kenya, represents a comprehensive roadmap to integrate ecological responsibility across all facets of Salesian education, pastoral care, and social engagement.
The plan, spanning 14 institutions across Kenya, is a visionary effort designed to benefit over 45,000 young people and community members annually. Rooted firmly in the principles of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’s call for an integral approach to ecology, the initiative addresses critical environmental challenges while fostering a sense of stewardship among young people, educators, and communities.
The launch event brought together a dynamic mix of Salesians, partner organizations, government officials, and collaborators, united in their commitment to a sustainable future. From thought-provoking presentations on Laudato Si’ by Ms. Rose Omariba, to the unveiling of the Integral Ecology Plan by Rev. Dr. Sahaya G. Selvam, SDB, and insights on Don Bosco's global response to the ecological crisis by Fr. Savio Silveira, SDB, the day underscored the urgent need for a united effort to protect our common home.
In his opening remarks, Fr. George Tharayil, SDB, Provincial Superior, framed the initiative as both a spiritual and practical commitment. “This five-year strategic plan for Integral Ecology reflects our dedication to God, the environment, and the people we serve,” he said, emphasizing the symbolic timing of the launch between the Feast of St. Francis, patron saint of the environment, and Kenya’s Mazingira Day.
The six pillars of the plan—Energy Management, Carbon Management, Water Management, Waste Management, Sustainable Agriculture, and Ecological Conversion— were outlined by Rev. Dr. Sahaya G. Selvam, who called the initiative a moral and practical mission. He explained how the plan integrates education, technology, and spirituality to empower young people as custodians of creation and innovators for a sustainable future.
Fr. Savio Silveira, the coordinator of the Don Bosco Green Alliance, addressed the growing concern of “eco-anxiety” among young people, emphasizing the importance of immediate action. “Whatever affects young people affects the Salesian community,” he stressed, applauding the AFE Province for being the first in the Salesian world to launch such a comprehensive ecological plan.
The event concluded with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony, involving representatives from Don Bosco institutions, private entities, NGOs, and civil society. This act symbolized the shared commitment to nurturing a greener planet and marked the beginning of a legacy that will inspire future generations.
The Don Bosco Integral Ecology Plan sets a powerful example, calling on Salesian provinces worldwide to embrace ecological responsibility with focus, unity, and determination. As the AFE Province embarks on this transformative journey, it reaffirms Don Bosco’s enduring mission: to educate, inspire, and empower young people to be agents of change for a sustainable world.
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