Salesian Education Center installs recycling containers in every classroom

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Educational Center in Alameda, Chile, has provided recycling containers to every classroom thanks to collaboration with the parent and student centers of the school. This project and many other similar projects at Salesian centers around the globe were motivated by the teachings of Pope Francis’ 2020 Laudato Si’, which underlined the importance of education and training that will help youth foster environmental responsibility.

“Salesian schools and centers have adopted practices and projects focused on sustainability,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesians are encouraging youth to learn and engage in activities that protect our planet. Teaching these things while they are young empowers life-long commitment and allows youth to pay these lessons forward to their families and community.”

This is not the only Salesian school focused on sustainability. Last year, Don Bosco Industrial Technical College, located in Calama, inaugurated state-of-the-art technical equipment to teach students about renewable energies. The two machines are for solar and wind energy. The school, which graduated its first class in 2021, started with 490 students and offers technical and vocational education for the industrial mining sector — with specific courses in mining, industrial mechanics and industrial electricity.

Salesian missionaries provide education and social development programs for poor youth in Chile. Once finished with primary and secondary school, students can advance for higher education. Salesian technical schools cater to students who have dropped out of school and are seeking a second chance. In many programs, students complete their education while engaging in internships with local employers. This increases the students’ hands-on work experience and ability to gain livable wage employment after their studies are completed.

According to the World Bank, Chile has a fairly low poverty rate of less than 10%. However, Chile struggles with high rates of income and education inequality. Salesian missionaries working in Chile focus their efforts on providing education and social services to poor and at-risk youth. At Salesian schools, universities and youth centers throughout the country, youth can access an education as well as the skills and resources necessary to break the cycle of poverty.

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Centro Educativo Salesianos Alameda, Chile adapts to recycling!

Salesian Educational Center

Salesian Missions – Chile

World Bank – Chile