In line with its commitment to environmental sustainability, FUNDEMI Talita Kumi has taken another step toward caring for the planet by progressively eliminating the use of disposable cups and plates during student snack times. These have been replaced with reusable utensils as part of a strategy led by the students themselves to significantly reduce waste generation within the educational center located in San Pedro Carchá, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala.
This action addresses a growing concern, as disposable products not only generate large volumes of waste but also release toxic substances that contaminate soil and water sources, severely affecting wildlife, oceans, and human health. Many of these items also contain harmful chemicals that can be absorbed by the body with each use.
With this initiative, Talita Kumi not only promotes a cleaner and healthier environment but also fosters environmental awareness among its students, most of whom are young Q’eqchi’ from rural communities. By adopting these practices in their daily lives, they also become agents of change in their communities, where the overuse of disposables has become an alarming trend.
Small actions—such as using reusable utensils—can have a significant impact. At Talita Kumi, the daily choices of its students reflect a genuine commitment to building a more sustainable future.
From Santiago, Chile, to the heart of the Elqui Valley, 45 students from the Nursing, Speech Therapy, and Kinesiology programs at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Silva Henríquez Catholic University (UCSH) lived an experience that profoundly marked their educational and personal journey, surrounded by mountains, open skies, and ancient seeds that safeguard the memory of the earth.
This journey was not just a physical journey. It was an act of hope and ecological commitment. A living expression of a community that believes in care as a form of love and in health as a profoundly human act.
Thanks to solidarity and collaborative work, the students raised funds by selling natural preparations made with medicinal herbs grown in the university's own gardens. Thus, what sprouts from the earth was also what made this journey possible: a true metaphor for the life that regenerates when cultivated in community.
Hong Kong, China, 27 April 2025 -- The Salesian Youth Day 2025 (SYD2025) of China Province, Hong Kong Region, was successfully held on 26 April at Tang King Po School. Over 500 young people from the Salesian Family in Hong Kong and Macau, representing 7 primary schools and 12 secondary schools, attended. The event was divided into two sessions: the morning session for primary school students and the afternoon session for secondary school students.
In response to the pastoral theme of the year, SYD2025 was centred on the "Caring for God's Creation." Through a musical play, the event reminded the young of their mission to continue the dream of St. John Bosco — to gather and inspire youth and transform other young people, working together to build a harmonious and inclusive world. The event emphasized caring for nature and the healing of broken relationships, encouraging a transformation from selfish, destructive "wolves" to environment-protecting "lambs," achieving a true ecological conversion.
Naranjo, March 2025 - In an initiative that unites art, education and environmental awareness, students in the eleventh year of the Graphic Design and Drawing and Modelling workshops of Buildings at CEDES Don Bosco in Costa Rica participated in the creation of a mural with an emphasis on the flora and fauna representative of the canton of Naranjo. This activity was carried out on one of the walls of the canton's stadium and was possible thanks to the collaboration with Green Wolf Costa Rica, an integral, inclusive and sustainable movement that seeks the socio-ecosystemic recovery of the country through intersectoral action and alliances.
The day was attended by approximately 100 people, of which 15 were students from CEDES Don Bosco and 5 were administrative staff from the institution. Among the team members who supported this activity were Orlando Aguilar, Willmer Alemán, Lindsay Quesada, Marco Segura and Michelle Marchena. This is the first time that CEDES Don Bosco joins an initiative of this type, contributing to the beautification of public space and raising awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. Through art, the mural reinforces local identity, promotes environmental education and encourages community participation. In addition, by highlighting species native to the region, it helps to strengthen respect for the natural environment and generates a positive impact on both the inhabitants of the canton and visitors.
Students of Don Bosco Tuition Centre Nitika in Tangra, Kolkata, extended their Earth Day 2025 celebrations beyond their institution to inspire the local community. They transformed Radhanath Chowdhury Road, Seal Lane, and Tangra into a hub of environmental awareness, thus spotlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices.
Earth Day, observed globally on April 22 since 1970, serves as a call to action for preserving the planet. This year, too, Don Bosco Nitika students brought this call directly to passers-by, engaging them through dances, speeches, slogans, and skits highlighting pressing issues like pollution, global warming, and water scarcity.
The 12-day event began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by local dignitaries. A local elder said, "Participating in initiatives like these teaches us that every effort counts when protecting the environment. We're proud to be part of this meaningful day."
On the occasion of International Water Day, the Salesianos Copiapó Industrial School in Chile held a preventive fair on the care of water resources, celebrating the importance of caring for this vital element for the preservation of life on our planet. Caring for water is crucial for our survival, the health of the planet and sustainable development.
It is important to highlight the Salesian community's commitment to the environment, instilling in students a daily commitment to caring for the environment, carrying out concrete actions related to the proper use of natural resources and promoting good practices that aim to decontaminate for the benefit of humanity.
World Water Day is celebrated annually on 22 March, raising awareness of the importance of freshwater and the need for sustainable management of water resources. The date was established by the UN in 1992, following the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro.
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.
As the year comes to a close, many experience a slower work period as schools and colleges break for vacation. This is the time most people are busy arranging Christmas gatherings, travel, and family vacations. Amidst all of this, we must not forget that the season of Advent is a call to spiritual renewal, to deeper love, to fruitful meditation on key figures of our salvation history (the prophets, Mary, John the Baptist).
As we conclude this year’s Season of Creation, we reflect on the vibrant and meaningful activities that brought our community together in celebration, reflection, and action. From September 1st to October 4th, we embraced the theme “To Hope and Act with Creation" Take a glimpse at the activities from the Salesian Family.
Changing a few habits when it comes to food consumption to avoid wastage can make a big difference:
● Schedule a weekly ‘Use It Up’ Day or ‘Use It Up’ Meal to make the most of leftover ingredients.
Infinite Dignity: A Privilege To Care For Creation
The impact of the present imbalances in the environment affects the most vulnerable people on the planet. Strategies for a solution demand an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature.
Bonding with the Feathered Brother
Bird watching is fascinating. It’s been happening in my sister’s house in Chennai. Every day a crow visits her kitchen window. Not for his day’s share of cooked food or bird's feed, but for his delicacy mixture (a common spicy snack). When others try to offer the best bird’s feed, it doesn’t interest him. He demands only mixture.
Heatwaves: Testing our human endurance
India was sweating through heatwaves in the past few months. Temperatures in 37 cities crossed 45ºC and night-time temperatures remained as high as 36 degrees in many locations.