São João Batista Youth Center project emphasizes care for environment

(MissionNewswire) Students from the São João Batista Youth Center, a Salesian center located in the city of Poxoréu, Brazil, planted cashew seedlings, a fruit tree native to Brazil. Each class was given a seedling to plant, as a way of giving a gift to the Earth. The center will benefit from the shade of the growing trees and the fruit the trees will provide.

A Salesian noted, “The tree planting sought to emphasize that we must have a reciprocal relationship with our environment, because taking care of fauna and flora means more quality life for people. We will continue this lesson throughout the year as students ensure the trees grow, watering and fertilizing when necessary. Seeing the students committed to taking care of the environment reaffirms the hope that the new generations will be able to take care of our common home.”

This and many other similar projects are done as part of the Don Bosco Green Alliance, an international collective of youth from Salesian institutions and organizations that contribute to global environmental action, thought and policy. Don Bosco Green Alliance was launched in April 2018 in India. Membership is open to all Salesian institutions and organizations worldwide.

According to the World Bank, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on Brazil with poverty tripling in 2021. Nearly 17 million people fell into poverty in the first quarter of the year and the poverty rate now is higher than it was a decade ago. Researchers estimate that 12.8% of Brazil’s population, some 27 million people, are now living below the poverty line.

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Students from the São João Batista Youth Center plant fruit trees

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil