Your 2024 Dream for Ecology!

As a Salesian how can we instill care for our planet? Don Bosco used to take his boys regularly on treks and nature trails. He loved nature and in his early childhood years worked on the farm. Jesus and our blessed Mother spoke to him in his dreams using different animals of nature. We see a deep connection with nature and creation in all his works from care for his poor boys, to taking them on nature treks and spending time outdoors. Don Bosco understood that we are not just part of creation but are one with the Creator and creation.

How can we then go forward with benevolence and without doubt that all created things come from God and must go back to Him for His praise, reverence and service. We must value all the gifts and carry gratitude in our hearts for all God’s creation and the created things we have received from his bounty. This is the attitude we must carry in every Salesian home. We must ask our beloved Blessed Mother to guide our efforts so that we can offer all our labour back to our creator who has bestowed all his blessings upon us.

We are an international collective of young people from Salesian Institutions & Organizations who are passionate about the welfare of our only planet. 

ECO LENT 2024

In the words of Pope Francis - Nothing unites us to God more than an act of mercy, for it is by mercy that the Lord forgives our sins and gives us the grace to practice acts of mercy in his name.

As a spiritual work of mercy, care for our common home calls for a “grateful contemplation of God’s world” which “allows us to discover in each thing a teaching which God wishes to hand on to us”. As a corporal work of mercy, care for our common home requires “simple daily gestures which break with the logic of violence, exploitation and selfishness” and “makes itself felt in every action that seeks to build a better world”

Follow us on social media - dbgreenalliance - to journey with us during this Eco Lent 2024 campaign!

The Letter

A message for our Earth

“We see what is happening, and the worst thing is that we are becoming used to it. This ‘becoming used to’ is a terrible illness.” – Pope Francis.

This documentary focuses on the encyclical letter ‘Laudato Si’ addressed to everyone that the Pope wrote in 2015. Today his message is even more urgent!

This film is presented by YouTube Originals, produced by an Oscar-winning Off The Fence Productions, in partnership with the Laudato Si’ Movement.

Featuring:

About Us

Don Bosco Green Alliance is an international Green Salesian Movement of people from the Salesian Family institutions, who contribute to global environmental action, thought and policy.  Launched in 2018, the alliance is today an active platform where Salesian Family institutions, organisations and individuals exchange ideas and work together on global environmental campaigns all for the ‘Love of Creation.’  Read More...

Priority Areas

Member Activities & Contributions

Exploring Nature’s Wonders: Plants And Trees At Don Bosco Institute, Thecho, Nepal

Nestled in the heart of Nepal, Don Bosco Institute located at the northern end of the district of Lalitpur is a place where education meets nature’s beauty. While the institute is known for its learning, there is another amazing thing about it- the plants and trees that make it a green paradise. If you take a stroll around the institute, you’ll find yourself surrounded by many varieties of plants and trees.


Stepping into Don Bosco Institute, we are greeted by a sea of greenery. Walking through the pathways, we can spot beautiful flowers like bougainvillea, bull bay, bottle brush, poinsettia, rose, jasmine and so on spreading its sweet scent in the air. Likewise, trees such as camphor, pine trees, palms, maple tree, hedge, bayonet, umbrella tree and others provide not only a good look to the institute but also help to keep the environment balanced and provide fresh air to breathe. But it’s not just about looks and smells; there’s more to discover. Fruit trees like mango, guava, avocado, mulberry, plum, peach, pear, persimmon, grapes etc. grow here, providing tasty treats for everyone. These all flowers, trees and fruits are well labelled with their common name, local name and scientific name.


For students, the plants and trees are more than just pretty decorations. They’re learning tools! By studying them up close, students get to know about plants, how they grow, and why they’re important for our planet. So, the next time you’re at Don Bosco Institute, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature all around you. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of learning, there’s always room to stop and admire the wonders of the natural world.


Don Bosco Institute, Thecho-12, Kathmandu, Nepal


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Palm Sunday and Laudato Si’ in Cambodia

The Catholic community in Don Bosco Kep in Cambodia mark the start of the Holy Week with the observance of the Palm Sunday at a century-old church in Mount Bokó. Following is an article by Fr. Albeiro Rodas, SDB -

 When the Lord made His final journey into Jerusalem before His sacrifice and crucifixion, the masses gathered, brimming with jubilation, to welcome Him.

 They brandished palm branches as a gesture of homage, while children’s voices uplifted, chanting “Hosanna to the Son of David.”

 The palm tree, steeped in ancient symbolism across various cultures, signifies victory (as Greek champions were awarded palm branches or whole palms), peace, and sovereignty.

 The humble people and innocent children, take a plant from nature to praise the King of Creation.

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Opening of the Ecological Club at the Don Bosco Primary School in Soyapango, El Salvador

Soyapango, El Salvador - March 2024 – The students at Don Bosco primary school in Soyapango opened their new ecology club, which aims to promote care for the planet. The opening ceremony was chaired by the club's Councillor, Dr Morena Díaz, in collaboration with the school's religion teachers. The event also paid tribute to Mr. Samuel Bonilla, one of the collaborators of the work in the gardening sector, who took part in the ceremony and supported the students in the planting of a small shrub as a symbolic act of commitment to nature. This type of activity is in line with the proposals made in the Overall Provincial Plan (OPP) of the Salesian Province of Central America (CAM) and with an institutional agreement with the Don Bosco Green Alliance.

The Ricaldone Technical Institute in San Salvador expands the photovoltaic plant to renewable energies

Thanks to the support of the Ministry of Cooperation of Germany BMZ, the Salesian Divine Saviour Province of Central America (CAM) and Don Bosco Mondo, together with the commitment of the Ricaldone Technical Institute, El Salvador, the photovoltaic energy production system with grid supply has been expanded. This system, consisting of over 400 panels, installed in the central building of the classrooms, will capture sunlight to convert it into electricity. The system will also have a 7 kilowatt peak solar system that will function as a practical module for the training process of future technicians. This training, which will be provided at the Ricaldone Vocational Training Centre, will include Professional Technical courses in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, whose training course is expected to start from the 2026 school year. With this renewable energy system, the Ricaldone Technical Institute reduces its environmental impact by 275 tons of CO2, and plans to reduce electricity costs by 45%, funds that will be allocated for the technical training of low-income students in the scholarship program. CAM Provincial, Fr Julio Navarro, SDB, congratulated the institution for carrying out this project.

Text and photographs by: Moisés Crisóstomo

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Water is life - Salesianos Úbeda, Spain

Following is an activity carried out with 5 year olds in Infant Education at Salesianos Úbeda in Spain to celebrate Water Day, as part of the Eco Lent Campaign: Turn off the tap.

On 22nd March we celebrate World Water Day.

In infants we celebrate this day by raising awareness among our children about the reasonable consumption of water in our daily lives. Coinciding with the end of our 5 year old project, the solar system, we see the importance of water for planet earth.

 It is everyone's duty to take care of our water resources, as well as to raise awareness that water is one of nature's most precious resources, due to the role it plays in the life of all living beings. We have seen, on the one hand, the importance of water in the life of human beings, animals and plants, and on the other hand, how to use it responsibly.

 We have been able to see, in our garden, how to water the plants without wasting a drop of water and how at home we can help with responsible consumption. It has become very clear to us that we should take a shower instead of a bath, that when we brush our teeth we have to turn off the tap, that plants need water but in the right measure... With all the activities we have done, none of this will be forgotten!

 Happy water day... for responsible consumption. Together we can do it.

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Short course on Media Production and Social Networks for indigenous youth continues - Cambodia

Young indigenous people representing ten countries of East Asia-Oceania region are busy these days (10-20 March 2024) at the campus of the "Don Bosco" technical school in Kep, Cambodia, for a communication workshop on social networks aimed at offering useful skills to make the voice of indigenous peoples heard, and to deepen together the dimension of synodality in the Church.


The Media Production course includes the painting of a wall for delegation, the composition of the song “Meeting of the Asian Tribes” and the production of photography, videos and podcasts using just a cell phone and all the tricks of the digital technology. “One of the facts of the development of digital technologies is the simplification of gadgets,” explains Fr. Ly Samnang, MA digital communication and director of the course. “In the beginning of the Internet revolution, digital technology was seen as a privilege of some technology geniuses from where we must depend, but the reality is that digital technology goes towards the possibility that everybody, even without training, can use technologies and it is a power for communities such as our aboriginal groups,” he said during the introduction of the course.


On Day, Fr. Albeiro led a morning meditation and facilitated a discussion on the acceptance of Aboriginal languages within the church. Delegates were encouraged to reflect on the importance of incorporating Indigenous languages into church practices. The consensus was that embracing these languages enriches the church's diversity and fosters better communication and dialogue with Indigenous communities.


In Session three, led by media teacher Seng Thy, participants learned about video editing in Indigenous languages with English subtitles. This practical skill-building session aimed to enhance the delegates' abilities to produce media content in their native tongues.


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Seminar on "Communication on social media and voice of indigenous peoples for synodality" - Cambodia

Kep, Cambodia – March 2024 – The Don Bosco Kep centre in Cambodia, is currently hosting a seminar entitled "Communication on social media and voice of indigenous peoples for synodality", in which representatives of the media field from Mongolia, the Philippines, East Timor, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal and Papua New Guinea are taking part. The seminar, which began on 10 March, will end on 20 March. At the opening of the workshop, participants wore their traditional indigenous costumes. In his welcome address, Fr Albeiro Rodas, Director of the centre, was in fact delighted to see the cultures of indigenous peoples represented. Subsequently, the indigenous people of Cambodia showed a characteristic ritual that they use to speak to their ancestors. The first session of the workshop then focused on breaking down communication barriers and the ease of translating into different languages thanks to Artificial Intelligence; while the second session was dedicated to the dissemination of news thanks to the 5W rule. After the Mass and a show created by the students of Don Bosco Kep, the participants ended the day in front of a bonfire, attending traditional dances. 


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Why I Prefer a Flexitarian Approach Over Vegetarianism for Lent 

As the season of Lent approaches, many individuals contemplate dietary changes as part of their spiritual practice. While some opt for strict vegetarianism, others, like myself, find that a flexitarian approach better aligns with both our religious observance and personal values. In this article, I will explore why I believe flexitarianism offers a more sustainable and holistic approach to Lenten dietary practices.

Planting trees on concrete land requires some extra effort compared to planting in soil, but it's still possible. Here's a basic guide:

1. Choose the Right Tree: Select a tree species that is resilient and can adapt to the harsh conditions of growing in concrete. Look for trees with shallow root systems and drought tolerance.

Benzina Zero is an Australian Company founded by Ben Silver and Joe D'Ercole just a few years ago. After successful business careers, they had both decided to retire early, go off-grid, spend time with family and community.

But again, in tandem, with concerns for the environment and their young children, they began Benzina Zero, No Petrol, designing and producing electric scooters and mopeds.  

What is an Eco Youth Encounter?

The "Eco Youth Encounter" is a monthly webinar series designed for youth aged 13 to 25 who are passionate about environmental sustainability and climate action. The Laudato Si’ Movement and the Don Bosco Green Alliance have partnered to launch this initiative.  Through this initiative, young people can connect with like-minded peers, gain valuable insights into environmental issues, and develop the skills and knowledge needed to effect positive change in their communities and beyond. 

Partners

EcoJesuit

World Clean Up

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