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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.
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Don Bosco School of Theology’s LSCET Course Receives International Recognition
In a significant stride towards environmental stewardship within the global community, the Don Bosco School of Theology (DBST) has garnered international recognition for its Laudato Si’ Certified Environmental Trainer (LSCET) course. This recognition comes as a result of the collaboration between DBST and the Joint Diploma Course in Integral Ecology, facilitated by the Gregorian Pontifical University and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development of the Vatican.
Fr. Francis Gustilo, DBST President and a prominent figure in environmental advocacy, was invited to present the LSCET to participants of the Joint Diploma Course in Integral Ecology on April 18, 2024. The course, attended by over 600 men and women from around the world, is dedicated to advancing the cause of caring for our common home.
The journey towards international recognition began when DBST initially presented the LSCET to the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in June 2023, just before the commencement of the first batch of LSCET participants. The endorsement received from the Dicastery underscores the effectiveness and significance of the LSCET program, signaling hope for its broader adoption among individuals seeking to become advocates for environmental sustainability and guardians of the Earth.
Don Bosco School of Theology’s LSCET Spearhead Coastal Cleanup at LPP-W
Don Bosco School of Theology (DBST), Philippines, recently organized a coastal cleanup at the Las Pinas-Paranaque Wetland Park (LPP-Wetland) on April 6, 2024. This significant event saw the active participation of 78 individuals, from the first to the third batch of DBST Laudato Si’ Certified Environmental Trainer (LSCET) program.
The coastal cleanup initiative forms an integral part of the curriculum of the LSCET program, designed to instill a deep sense of environmental consciousness and responsibility among its participants. Under the overarching theme of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, the ten-week course equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective advocates for environmental protection and sustainability.
Amidst the picturesque landscape of LPP-Wetland, participants engaged in a hands-on cleanup effort, meticulously removing debris and waste from the coastal areas. Their collective dedication and tireless efforts not only contributed to the immediate improvement of the environment but also served as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for environmental conservation.
Beyond the cleanup activities, participants had the opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of the wetland park, which boasts one of the last protected mangrove ecosystems in Metro Manila. Guided by experienced environmental educators, they gained a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of nature and the critical role that mangroves play in coastal ecosystems
Celebration of Earth Day at Don Bosco Kep
Kep City, Cambodia – April 2024 – The theme of Mother Earth and her struggles is very much at the heart of Don Bosco Kep. To commemorate the Earth Day, a series of activities were organized with the students such as cleaning, planting of trees, ecological awareness which culminated with the meditation ceremony at 6 pm in front of the Don Bosco Birth House. The focus was to join hands with everyone as Christians, Buddhists, aborigines and other spiritualities, to help them realize that we all first belong to Mother Earth and we all need to responsibily work towards the preservation and survival of our planet. Science and technology are giving clear indications of the environmental hazards that are taking place because of the degradation of Mother Earth. All the Students felt very much that it is vital to invest in the preservation, protection and promotion of our Common Home, our Mother Earth.
Inauguration of Kamikatsu Kuvalam and Thiruvalluvar Thottam at Don Bosco College, Yelagiri Hills
Don Bosco School of Theology (DBST), Parañaque Philippines obtained the support of the Vatican’s Ecology and Creation Office and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in advocating the Laudato Si’ Certified Environmental Trainer Curriculum during the meetings held in Rome last June 6-7, 2023.
In these meetings, Fr. Francis Gustilo, SDB, President of DBST, thoroughly discussed the Laudato Si’ Certified Environmental Trainer Curriculum with Fr. Joshtrom Isaac Kureethadam, Head of the Ecology & Creation Office, as well as with the representatives of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Fr. Gustilo explained that the objectives, structure, and methodology utilized in the curriculum are rooted in Pope Francis’s encyclical, Laudato Si. The program aims to train individuals to become environmental leaders who will promote ecological conversion with the use of theological content, ecological knowledge, and technical skills.
Earth Day 2024 Celebrations at DB Institute, Philippines
These photos were taken in our simple celebration of Earth Day 2024 at Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati Inc., Philippines. Along with cleaning up the campus and bringing plants, our students were also tasked with raising awareness through posters and reminding instructors and students of their respective duties and tasks on the day. This is our contribution to environmental preservation, and we will continue to seek solutions that will help the Earth.
Teaching Youth to Beat the Heat
Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Cebu City, Philippines, 20 April 2024 -- The youth center of this parish held its monthly formation for youth on contemporary issues with a focus on managing the increased weather heat. The TGIF (Thank God It’s Friday) session on “Dangers of Climate Change: Fight against Heat” was given by Mr. Ralph Gerard Padilla last April 19, 2024. Around 150 youth members of the Salesian Youth Movement, the Sponsorship Program recipients and BEC Youth of the parish were in attendance.
The talk focused on the health impact of the global rise of temperatures and how to mitigate them. Mr. Padilla noted the current El Niño weather phenomenon in Southeast Asia and the recent spikes in the heat index. He outlined the different health problems that might come with the heat and taught the attendees how to avoid them.
Blog Articles
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.
Why I Prefer a Flexitarian Approach Over Vegetarianism for Lent
As the season of Lent approaches, many individuals contemplate dietary changes as part of their spiritual practice. While some opt for strict vegetarianism, others, like myself, find that a flexitarian approach better aligns with both our religious observance and personal values. In this article, I will explore why I believe flexitarianism offers a more sustainable and holistic approach to Lenten dietary practices.
Planting trees on concrete land requires some extra effort compared to planting in soil, but it's still possible. Here's a basic guide:
1. Choose the Right Tree: Select a tree species that is resilient and can adapt to the harsh conditions of growing in concrete. Look for trees with shallow root systems and drought tolerance.
Benzina Zero is an Australian Company founded by Ben Silver and Joe D'Ercole just a few years ago. After successful business careers, they had both decided to retire early, go off-grid, spend time with family and community.
But again, in tandem, with concerns for the environment and their young children, they began Benzina Zero, No Petrol, designing and producing electric scooters and mopeds. Read More...
What is an Eco Youth Encounter?
The "Eco Youth Encounter" is a monthly webinar series designed for youth aged 13 to 25 who are passionate about environmental sustainability and climate action. The Laudato Si’ Movement and the Don Bosco Green Alliance have partnered to launch this initiative. Through this initiative, young people can connect with like-minded peers, gain valuable insights into environmental issues, and develop the skills and knowledge needed to effect positive change in their communities and beyond. Read More...
The Catholic church is a global family with over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. At World Youth Day, this vast global family was personified not just in numbers but by its love for Mother Church. Although I personally missed out on the 'Days in the Diocese' experience, I gathered stories from my friends about the warm hospitality they received. This made me realise that we belong to a larger family that has a tangible presence.
I can recount the moments when injustice was done to me. Deep down, these experiences make us believe that we will not always be treated with fairness and justice. They get us used to unjust situations and often leave us feeling helpless.
After such experiences, I began to question whether restoration is possible. We can't turn back time to erase those negative experiences; sometimes, the memories linger, altering our perceptions and beliefs about the world. Read More...