DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Nearly 7,000 students to learn about ecological impact
Salesian School Sector releases new ecological education syllabus
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
(MissionNewswire) The Salesian School Sector, which provides education in the Dominican Republic, has launched the “Syllabus of the Salesian Ecological Movement: Integral Ecology, Reflection and Action for the Care of the Common Home.” The document proposes two years of education aimed at ecological awareness and helping students adopt more sustainable ways. It was written for ecological clubs at 15 Salesian secondary schools in the Dominican Republic and will impact 6,892 students.
The syllabus is in response to Pope Francis’ 2020 Laudato Si, which has as its theme “Good Christians and Upright Citizens.” Pope Francis underlined the importance of education and training that will help youth shape a lifestyle and foster environmental responsibility. Further, Rector Major Father Ángel Fernández Artime noted the importance of concrete initiatives in the care of the environment. The first objective is encouraging the environmental commitment of youth.
Father William Batista, head of the Salesian School Sector, presented the expected impact of this syllabus for youth who receive this training. He said, “As Salesians, we can only courageously take on the challenge of formation from this perspective, which is renewing and full of hope, aware that the new generations are very concerned for the care of the planet which they will inherit from us. This is why we accompany our boys and girls in generating valuable initiatives and together we change our habits to help heal the world.”
This is one among many ecological projects Salesian missionaries have launched around the globe. Leading many of these initiatives is the Don Bosco Green Alliance, an international collective of youth from Salesian institutions and organizations that contribute to global environmental action, thought and policy. Membership is open to all Salesian institutions and organizations worldwide.
“The Don Bosco Green Alliance is helping Salesian organizations in more than 130 countries have a focus on the environment,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Don Bosco Green Alliance members work to create an environment that is safe and caring for all life on the planet while building up a new generation of environmentally committed citizens and leaders.”
The Don Bosco Green Alliance’s priorities are combating pollution, reducing global warming and eliminating disposable plastics. In each of these areas, it aims to partner with ongoing global campaigns promoted by UN Environment or other international organizations.
Members have also undertaken such initiatives as environmental education to increase green areas and planting trees, the reduction of the use of non-degradable materials, promotion of organic agriculture and home gardens, preservation and conservation of water, and increasing the use of renewable energy sources.
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