INDIA: Students learn about their role in environment
500 students from Don Bosco School Kokar plant roses as part of ecology program
INDIA
(MissionNewswire) Five hundred students from the senior class at Don Bosco School Kokar, located in Ranchi, the capital of the Indian state of Jharkhand, planted 500 rose plants. They participated in the program under the supervision and guidance of Father Babu Varghese, principal of the school, and Preet Prakash. The program taught the students about ecology and their role in the environment.
Taking the lead in environmental responsibilities, the school has also beautified the campus, repainted all the statues, renovated the garden depicting Don Bosco’s dream and maintained the lush green lawns.
After planting the roses, Dorish, a student, said, “It is a day worth remembering. We have learned more about the environment today than in the classroom.”
Fr. Varghese noted, “Don Bosco School Kokar initiated this program to express our commitment to creating a green campus. It emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability and highlights the interconnection between nature and human beings.”
The school and the students took these steps as part of joining Don Bosco Green Alliance, which is an international collective of youth from Salesian institutions and organizations that contribute to global environmental action, thought and policy. It was launched in April 2018 in India and today has 516 registered members from 79 countries. Membership is open to all Salesian institutions and organizations worldwide.
“Don Bosco Green Alliance is an important part of our Salesian youth ministry today,” said Father Savio Silveira, the convener of the Alliance. “Young people feel very strongly about the environmental crisis since they understand the impact it has on their lives and their future. Accompanying young people as they seek solutions to environmental issues has to be an aspect of our youth ministry.”
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 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 U.N. Environment or other international organizations.
Members have also undertaken such initiatives as environmental education to increase green areas and trees, reducing the use of non-degradable materials, promoting organic agriculture and home gardens, preserving and conserving water, and increasing the use of renewable energy sources.
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Sources:
Photo courtesy of Don Bosco India
Don Bosco India – Don Bosco School, Kokar Joins Don Bosco Green Alliance
Salesian Missions – India
