Young people responding to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor!
Fort-Liberté, Haiti - October 2025 - The Don Bosco Technical Centre (DBTec) in Fort-Liberté opened a 60 kVA solar power plant on Thursday 16 October, marking an important step forward in the commitment of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Haiti to sustainable development and the promotion of quality technical education. The ceremony was held in the presence of Fr Morachel Bonhomme, Superior of the Salesian Vice-Province of Haiti (HAI), on a canonical visit to this educational institution, surrounded by Salesians, staff, teachers, students and technicians who contributed to the project which was made possible thanks to funding from Salesian Missions in New Rochelle (United States). The facility, designed to provide a stable and environmentally friendly power supply, will reduce the centre's dependence on public electricity and fuel generators, which are often expensive and intermittent. The Director of the DBTec centre, Fr Jean-Paul Mésidor, SDB, expressed his gratitude to Salesian Missions and the technical partners involved, emphasising that ‘this 60 kVA plant is a sustainable investment in the service of Haitian youth, vocational training and local development.’
On October 1, 2025, a paper charcoal production workshop was held at the Dom Bosco Higher Education Institute (ISDB), with the participation of students from the Environmental Club. The activity aimed to promote the reuse of waste and encourage sustainable practices. During the workshop, used paper, water, and charcoal powder were used to produce eco-friendly charcoal with low calorific value, which is a less polluting option suitable for small domestic uses. The process involved preparing the mixture, molding, and drying the product. The initiative allowed students to understand the value of recycling and the importance of environmental innovation, reinforcing the Environmental Club's commitment to reducing waste and promoting ecological alternatives within the institution.
On October 15, 2025, a creative activity was held at the São José de Lhanguene Training Center with trainees from the Electrical Installation course. The goal was to raise awareness about the importance of environmental preservation and proper waste management. The 32 participants (65.6% men and 34.4% women), divided into two groups, created posters with educational messages such as “Don't litter” and “Stop waste.” The initiative promoted teamwork, creativity, and civic spirit, reinforcing the trainees' commitment to environmental protection. The activity showed that environmental education, combined with art, is an effective tool for raising awareness and ecological responsibility among young people.
On October 6, 2025, the Dom Bosco Higher Education Institute held a waste cleanup and monitoring day as part of the Institute's Ecological Days. The activity was attended by trainees, trainers, faculty members, and staff. The main objective was to promote environmental awareness and reinforce the Institute's commitment to sustainable practices, towards the aim of a green school. During the activity, 35.2 kg of non-recyclable waste, 5.4 kg of glass, 7.7 kg of paper, 10.7 kg of plastic, and 300 g of metal were collected. The action had a positive impact on the cleanliness of the campus and raised awareness among the educational community about responsible waste management.
Pope Francis left us a beautiful legacy with his encyclical Laudato Si’, in which he invites us to care for our Common Home. Every year, from the Salesian House La Piedad, at Bahia Blanca in Argentina, we try to take up that challenge.
As part of a Green Agenda set each year, the ECO LA PIEDAD CONTEST was held from September 20 (World Cleanup Day) to October 4 (St. Francis of Assisi).
(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.
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.