Camp focuses on theme of ‘Green Minds, Bright Futures’

(MissionNewswire) Students in grades 7-9, together with teachers from the primary and secondary education departments of Sarasit Phithayalai School, in the Ban Pong district in the Ratchaburi Province of Thailand, participated in a summer camp where they learned about environmental responsibility. This included an excursion to Ban Mai Chai Len, Khlong Khon in the Samut Songkhram Province.

A Salesian explained, “During the camp, themed ‘Green Minds, Bright Futures’, the students took part in numerous activities. The highlight of the event had students planting mangrove trees. The area is located at the confluence of the Mae Klong River and the Gulf of Siam, making it rich in aquatic life and an important nursery for wildlife. Planting mangroves helps to expand habitats and food sources, contributing to a more abundant and sustainable ecosystem.”

The Salesian added, “Mangroves are of great importance to the ecology, environment, society and economy of many countries. Involving the students in this activity is making 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 youth who are poor and disadvantaged 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. 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:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Thailand – ‘Green minds, bright futures’: Sarasit Phithayalai School students take care of our common home

Salesian Missions – Thailand

World Bank – Thailand