As part of its environmental protection efforts, on August 7, the Ecological Brigade of the Basic Education program at Centro Educativo Salesianos Talca (CEST) in Chile, led by teacher Carla Farías, worked on creating medicinal gardens in the courtyard of the North Campus of CEST. CEST Rector Reinaldo Castro also participated in the activity, enthusiastically supporting this wonderful initiative.
The aim of the project is to create a space where students and educators can connect with nature, learn about medicinal plants, and discover the benefits of self-care through traditional herbal medicine.
The initiative was advised by the Fundación Verde Maule, represented by its creator, Eugenia Aguilera, and with the collaboration of Koni Alarcón, a TENS from CEST. From this moment of plantation onwards, the students will be responsible for maintaining the garden, which will serve as a healing and wellness space for students, teachers, and teaching assistants.
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Centro Educativo Salesianos Talca (CEST) in Chile was recognized by the Maule Regional Ministerial Secretariat of Energy, along with the Liceo Marta Martínez Cruz de Yerbas Buenas, for its contribution to innovation in green hydrogen in the fields of electricity and electronics. The ceremony, held on August 13 in the auditorium of the Presidential Delegation, was attended by the Regional Ministerial Secretary for Government, Nataly Rojas, and the Regional Ministerial Secretary for Education, Cristian Bonfort.
The authorities highlighted the leadership of both institutions in promoting green hydrogen and its impact on Chile's energy future. “These young people, together with their teachers, are pioneers in the region (...), with this work we are advancing our energy plan, and they are gaining experience and opportunities,” said Rojas. Bonfort, for his part, stressed the importance of strengthening skills that enable the country to be represented at national and international levels.
The Climate Change Research Laboratory in Urban Environments (ClimaURB) at Faculdade Dom Bosco in Porto Alegre, Brazil, is celebrating a significant academic achievement: research developed by students and faculty from the laboratory has been approved for oral presentation at the international conference Biotechnology, Agriculture, Environment and Energy, which will take place in July 2026 in Prague, Czech Republic.
This accomplishment reinforces ClimaURB’s commitment to scientific excellence and the production of knowledge focused on current challenges, particularly in the areas of climate change and the environment. Participation in this internationally renowned event not only recognizes the quality of the work conducted, but also offers a valuable opportunity to broaden scientific dialogue and enhance the institution’s visibility on the global stage.
With creativity, precision and innovation, the students Cristóbal Cavieres, Javier Rodríguez and Martín Contardo, from 2°E TP of the Centro Educativo Salesianos Talca in Chile, together with their teacher Geraldine Labraña, obtained first place in the Marble Challenge 2025, standing out among the participants for the design and execution of a marble run built with recycled materials.
The activity, organized by THINKey in conjunction with American Spaces, the Chilean American Institute and other institutions, with the support of the U.S. Embassy in Chile, was held on Monday, July 7 at the University of Talca. The event brought together students from different schools in the region in an environment marked by collaboration, competition and practical learning.
Martín said that this experience was deeply enriching for the team: "It is the first time we have participated in an event of this kind, and also at a university. We were able to interact with colleagues from other schools. All the work gave us a lot of satisfaction and learning".
In our Salesian school Ceferino Namuncurá in Argentina, inspired by Salesian values and as an active part of the Don Bosco Green Alliance, the care of the Common Home is a task that we assume with responsibility and enthusiasm. Since the Eco Escuela-Huerta Escolar project, many initiatives have come to life, but today we want to share one that blossomed with the hands and hearts of our seventh grade students: composting.
During the year 2024, the 7th grade boys and girls embarked on this green mission starting with the most important thing: learning. They researched, read, shared ideas and developed expository texts to clearly explain what composting is, how it is done and why it is so valuable for the planet. They also created posters and colorful drawings to teach the little ones, with tenderness and patience, the step-by-step details of this natural process.
Thanks to the commitment of the entire school community, special days were organized in which the other grades brought clean organic waste: fruit and vegetable peels, used grass, paper napkins, among others. Seventh grade was in charge of collecting them and taking them to the compost bin.
San José, June 2025.- This week, in the “Good Morning” area of the school, the act of raising the Ecological Blue Flag 2024 for Educational Centers took place, a recognition that reflects the effort and environmental commitment of the entire community of CEDES Don Bosco in Costa Rica.
In this edition, the institution obtained a perfect score and was awarded the five White Stars, the highest distinction granted by the program.
"This recognition reflects the commitment, responsibility and joint work of the entire educational community in promoting a sustainable environmental culture. Beyond an award, it is a sign that we are forming students who are aware and active in caring for the planet," said Michelle Marchena, environmental manager of CEDES Don Bosco.
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.