(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and the international community in celebrating World Environment Day held annually on June 5. The day will focus on ending plastic pollution and reinforce the global commitment made in 2022 to end plastic pollution through a global plastic pollution treaty.

As noted on the awareness day website, “For decades, plastic pollution has seeped into every corner of the world, leaching into the water we drink, into the food we eat, and our bodies. While plastic pollution is a major concern, it is also one of the most fixable of today’s environmental challenges, with some obvious solutions at hand.”

Salesian organizations around the globe are focused on environmentally friendly activities and education. Part of this was driven by Pope Francis’ 2020 Laudato Si’, which underlined the importance of education and training that will help youth foster environmental responsibility. Salesians also launched the Don Bosco Green Alliance, an international collective of youth from Salesian institutions and organizations. Membership is open to all Salesian institutions and organizations worldwide.

“Salesian missionaries around the globe have been adding environmental education and activities to their curriculum to help educate youth and protect the environment,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “From clean-up days to tree planting to using solar power for buildings and clean water projects, Salesians are ensuring the next generation is empowered to help care for the planet.”

In honor of World Environment Day, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight environmentally friendly initiatives in countries around the globe.

BRAZIL

Dom Bosco Institute students and staff adopted sustainable practices as part of the Don Bosco Green Alliance in Brazil.

As part of the Don Bosco Green Alliance, the Dom Bosco Institute, located in São Paulo, Brazil, has launched several environmental campaigns through Rede do Bem, a health and wellness organization.

Since 2023, the Dom Bosco Institute has been carrying out a campaign to collect plastic bottle caps, aluminum seals, cooking oil, and used motor oil, receipts, and discarded batteries. The main objectives of the campaign are to raise environmental awareness, facilitate correct disposal and raise funds that are then invested in other projects. To date, the project has collected one ton of recycled materials.

Pâmela Fernanda, who is involved in the project, said, “The campaign begins at the beginning of the semester, with the intention of motivating our students to participate and bring the items voluntarily. We show them that by adopting conscious practices, we help to create a healthier and more balanced future for everyone. Environmental awareness not only educates, but also inspires others to adopt more responsible attitudes and to take care of the environment.”

CAMBODIA

Don Bosco Kep in Cambodia launched the “Five Thousand Trees Planting Program” created by the Don Bosco Green Alliance Cambodia branch.

Don Bosco Kep, located in the Kep province of Cambodia, hosted the governor of the province, H.E. Som Piseth, to officially open the “Five Thousand Trees Planting Program” created by the Don Bosco Green Alliance Cambodia branch.

The local government donated 5,000 saplings so that every student and teacher receives 10 saplings to plant in their villages. The motto of the program is “Bringing the forest beyond to our own daily life” and encourages the Don Bosco community to plant trees in their villages.

Kep is one of the greenest provinces in the coastal region. Although not covering a large geographic distance, Kep features hills, caves, beaches, mangroves, salt fields, and a peninsula of 13 islands and islets. Its population of 50,000 is dedicated to agriculture, fishing and tourism.

CHILE

Students formed an Ecological Brigade to create recycling programs at the Salesian Educational Center in Talca, Chile.

The Salesian Educational Center (CEST) in Talca, Chile, has formed an Ecological Brigade focused on recycling and environmental protection. The brigade is made up of students from first to sixth grade who collect and sort recyclable materials, such as paper, cardboard and plastic.

Waste materials are deposited in recycling points strategically located throughout the school. Students are in charge of supervising the use of eco-boxes, installed in each classroom, to ensure that recyclable waste is collected in an orderly and efficient manner.

Professor Carla Farías, head of the North Campus Environmental Committee, explained that the Ecological Brigade also facilitates awareness programs with students. She said, “In this way, the brigade members not only act as collectors, but also as agents of change who promote a culture of care and respect for the environment within the school.”

KENYA

Students completed the fabrication of waste bins to promote environmental sustainability at Don Bosco Boys Town Technical Institute in Nairobi, Kenya.

Students and staff at Don Bosco Boys Town Technical Institute in Nairobi, Kenya, completed the fabrication of waste bins for waste management and environmental sustainability. The community is working toward achieving a green campus, community and culture.

The project was completed with the support of Don Bosco Tech Africa and coordination by the Salesian Province of Eastern Africa through the Don Bosco Development Outreach Network. The collaboration between these organizations highlights the importance of working together for a cleaner and greener future.

A Salesian noted, “Through hands-on experience and practical training, the institute has not only contributed to waste management efforts but has also provided valuable learning opportunities for the participants. The successful completion of this activity demonstrates the positive impact that vocational education can have on both individuals and the community. By actively engaging in such projects, Don Bosco Boys Town Technical Institute is also setting an example for other institutions to follow in promoting environmental consciousness and responsibility.”

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Sources:

BRAZIL: Environmental project collects 1 ton of recycled materials/Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

CAMBODIA: Teachers and students plant trees to improve environment/ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

CHILE: Students create recycling programs at educational center/Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

KENYA: Students boost campus environmental efforts with waste bins/Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Salesian Missions

World Environment Day