Project helps better the environment

(MissionNewswire) More than 50 students from the Salesian SME program, located in Hatyai, Thailand, came together with teachers and parents to plant mangrove trees and release small crabs at the Mangrove Forest Conservation Club in the Singhanakhon District. The goal was to have a positive impact on the environment by planting trees to reduce soil degradation, minimize erosion and improve air quality in the region.

A Salesian explained, “Reforestation is a new beginning to restore the balance of nature. Mangroves in particular are of great importance to the ecology, environment, society and economy of many countries. Involving the young students of Salesian schools in this activity of planting mangroves and the liberation of small crabs is a formative moment seeking to make them aware of their duty to take care of the earth and the environment.”

Salesian organizations in Thailand and 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.

Salesian missionaries provide education and social programs in Thailand to give poor and disadvantaged youth an opportunity for a brighter future. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp rise in the country’s “targeted poor” (those who hold state-issued welfare cards) as noted by the Thai People Map and Analytics Platform. There are 8.1 million people in Thailand who are poor and 4.4 million people below the poverty line.

Although the country had made strides in reducing poverty before the pandemic, improving nutrition and meeting the basic needs of its residents, inequality is still pervasive. More children are also dropping out of school, especially those who are not living with their parents.

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Sources:

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ANS – Thailand – Salesian school students plant mangroves, for a positive impact on the environment

Salesian Missions – Thailand

Salesian Thailand