RANCHI: On July 13, 2024, the novices and sisters, together with the house staff, had the joy of planting different kinds of vegetable seeds. This was to respond to the promotion of regenerative agriculture through community gardens to restore local ecosystems and support biodiversity.
The novices were excited to plant the various kinds of seeds; moreover, each one of them got the opportunity to plant the seeds to heed the call of the earth to nurture a sustainable future.
AUXILIUM MIRIK: Auxilium, Mirik, organized a plantation drive on 22 July 2024. The staff and the boarders with great enthusiasm planted plantlets in the garden, fostering a deeper connection with nature and promoting environmental awareness. By actively participating in this eco-friendly initiative, the children learnt that trees play a vital role in protecting our environment against pollution and global warming.
AUXILIUM- BARASAT: An Inter-house “One Act Play Competition” was held at Auxilium Convent School Barasat on 16 July 2024 with the theme “Ecology”: The Green House gave a message on ‘Save Forests’ highlighting the interconnectedness between animals and trees; Red House underscored the success story of a girl who was instrumental in saving ‘The Lost Playground’; Blue House instead focused on the self-giving of ‘The Apple Tree’ for the good of others, and the Yellow House showcased the importance of maintaining the balance in nature with the play titled ‘Echoes of Nature’. The members of the four houses made the audience aware of the ecological balance needed today to create a healthy environment.
HC AUXILIUM- R.K. PURAM: Nature Walk Week was initiated in Holy Child Auxilium School from 15- 20 July, offering students of classes 3, 4, and 5 an opportunity to explore and connect with nature within the school premises. The students enjoyed their morning walks, taking in the fresh air and listening to chirping of the birds. As they strolled through the school grounds, they came across saplings planted by the eco-club members, learning about the importance of herbal plants and gaining insight into their uses and benefits. The teachers introduced the students to various types of trees, their name and their importance in the ecosystem. Through this initiative, the school intended to inspire a love for nature, promote environmental awareness and encourage students to become caretakers of our planet.
HCA R. K. PURAM: On July 12, 2024, the Eco Club of Holy Child Auxilium School (Junior) made a significant step towards creating a sustainable future. Under the guidance of Headmistress Sr. Annie, along with Sr. Alitrice, Sr. Suzan, and Eco Club in charge teachers Ms Aakansha and Ms Lincy, the students of classes IV and V gathered to plant saplings in the school garden.
The event aimed to promote environmental awareness and sustainability, fostering a greener school environment and emphasizing the importance of conservation and eco-friendly practices. The students participated enthusiastically, learning valuable lessons about taking care of the planet.
The Eco Club’s initiative marks a promising start towards creating a more environment-conscious school community. The school is proud of its students for taking the first step towards a sustainable future. Their commitment and enthusiasm demonstrate their dedication to making a positive impact on the environment.
AUXILIUM, BARASAT: On May 7, 2024, 90 Scouts and Guides students of classes VI-VIII focused on the preparation of organic manure. The initiative aimed to promote environmental sustainability and practical learning among students. The purpose of organizing the organic compost manure preparation activity was to educate students about sustainable practices in waste management and soil enrichment through composting. This provided students with hands-on experience in sustainable agricultural practices and also inspired a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
Students collected organic waste from their homes and the school cafeteria, including vegetable peels, fruit scraps, leaves, and other biodegradable materials for decomposition. Through these waste management activities, students gained valuable knowledge about organic farming, composting processes, and environmental conservation. The project helped in reducing organic waste and produced nutrient-rich manure for the school garden. This initiative not only contributed to the student’s educational journey but also fostered a sense of environmental stewardship, proving the efficacy of practical learning in promoting sustainable practices.Students also learned teamwork, responsibility, and practical gardening skills.
KOLKATA SALESIAN SISTERS DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY (KSSDS): On 22nd June 2024, the Regional Environment Vigilant Committee Formation training for the Northern Region of Kolkata Province was held at Auxilium Convent School, New Chumta. The training was conducted by Sr. Alma Bilung, the Kolkata Salesian Sisters Development Society coordinator, along with staff member Miss Suzzane Shaw. Participants included five representatives from St. Anthony’s School, Jaigaon; Auxilium Convent School, New Chumta; Auxilium Convent School, Mirik; and St. Mary’s Convent School, Geyzing, Sikkim.
The session began with an overview of global warming and its effects. Participants were introduced to Global Level Action Plans adopted by the United Nations and the Seven Goals of Laudato Si’, proposed by Holy Father Pope Francis which aimed at fostering care for our Common Home which is the only abode where life exists. The Action Plans drawn by the FMA PCI were also presented to the participants which are to be adopted by all institutions, both formal and non-formal, to create a sense of “Ecological Consciousness for Ecological Justice”.
During the training, participants learned about the different action plans, their implementation processes, and methods for monitoring and recording the progress. The responsibilities of vigilant committee members in overseeing these plans were emphasized, ensuring that everyone understood their roles and duties.
By the end of the training, participants felt confident in their ability to carry out their responsibilities. They pledged to implement the action plans diligently, aiming to bring about positive changes in their local environment and promote ecological justice.
FMA KOLKATA: The Kolkata Salesian Sisters Development Society (KSSDS) is dedicated to helping those in need, particularly the labourers of tea gardens in the Alipurduar and Darjeeling Districts. In the areas of Jaigaon and New Chumta, KSSDS runs 11 study centres that support 556 children of migrant workers. These children are provided with educational kits (uniforms, School bags, stationery, and game items) and daily snacks to address the nutritional gap that they had during the pandemic, this ensures the children have the resources they need for learning and proper nutrition. Additionally, some centres have formed NCP groups where children can express their opinions and learn about their rights.
To help families improve their income, KSSDS has given 250 families goats and pigs, along with training in animal husbandry. This helps families diversify their income sources. Women in these families have also received training on forming Self-Help Groups (SHGs), which promote financial independence and community support.
Beyond these efforts, KSSDS has trained 500 women from Dum Dum, Barasat, Jaigaon and Kalidham in various skills, including making handmade bags and jewellery, as well as producing floor cleaners. These skills provide new income opportunities, helping women improve their economic situation and gain independence.
In all these ways, KSSDS is making a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable communities. Through education and economic support, KSSDS is actively responding to the Cry of the Poor, contributing to a more just and sustainable future for all.
KOLKATA SALESIAN SISTERS DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY: A workshop on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was conducted by Sr. Alma Bilung, the Kolkata Salesian Sisters Development Society coordinator of the province, and staff member Miss Suzzane Shaw. They delivered an enlightening awareness program for both teachers and students of two schools in the North Bengal Zone: Auxilium Convent School, New Chumta on 20 June 2024, and St. Anthony’s School, Jaigaon on 25 June 2024. The objectives of this training session were to create awareness, adapt and respond to the ecological crisis, and facilitate transformative learning, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making.
The session aimed to educate students about the SDGs, focusing on their importance and implementation. The origin of the SDGs was discussed, highlighting how it came into being as a result of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. All 17 SDGs were explained in detail to the participants, emphasizing their global significance and the role of individuals in achieving these goals for attaining peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and in the future.
After the session, the students were tasked with discussing and adopting any goal to contribute to the SDGs. Unanimously, the students concluded that addressing SDG 13 – Climate Action was an alarming and urgent need of the time. The participants engaged actively, presenting their ideas through colourful chart paper presentations. They proposed various action plans and highlighted promoting plastic-free zones, litter-less campaigns, and adopting the three R’s: reduce, reuse, and recycle. The club members will monitor and ensure that the disposal of waste is carried out systematically and promote the use of pool cars as a means of transport instead of personal cars. The students’ presentations were well-received and highlighted their understanding and commitment to tackling climate change through practical actions.
The workshop was a resounding success, fostering a sense of responsibility and action towards sustainable development among students. The activities not only educated but also inspired the entire school community to take meaningful steps towards a more sustainable future.
AUXILIUM DUM DUM: Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum, organized Auxi-Green Cultural Week from 19 June to 21 June, 2024. The Auxi-Green Cultural Week unfolded over an enchanting three-day period, featuring a vibrant array of inter-house performances and competitions. This celebration of culture was meticulously organized by the various clubs, showcasing the diverse talents and creativity of our students. Every student, teacher, and even non-participants were highly engrossed in the celebration. With every performance, the competition kept getting stronger; the participants were excellent at keeping the audience engaged, teachers proud, and the judges stunned, all the while maintaining an environment of healthy competition within their peers.
The commencement of the fest was marked by the Inaugural Ceremony by Rev. Father Irudaya Raj from St. Patrick’s Church, a renowned professor of canon law. It was followed by the lighting of the lamp by Rev. Father Irudaya Raj, Sr. Superior, Sr. Stella Davis, Sr. Principal, Sr. Aruna Kispotta, Sr. Vice-Principal, Sr. Sandhya Minj, and our High School Coordinator, Miss Sujata Harish. An Inaugural Dance performance by the high school students marked the end of the inauguration and the beginning of the Auxi-Green Cultural Week.
On June 19th, 2024, the Eastern Dance Club conducted a group classical and folk-dance competition with the theme “Elements of Nature,” where the Blue House got “Earth,” the Red House “Fire,” the Green House “Air,” and the Yellow House “Water.”
The Environmental Club organized inter-house competitions: Auxi Zero Waste Warriors (Best Out of Waste) and Auxi Saviours (Poster Making) for middle school, and Auxi Environmentalists (5-minute skit) for high school. The themes were “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle,” “Sustainable Development,” and “Dreams to Save Our Mother Earth,” respectively. The high school skit competition reflected the dreams and aspirations of young minds towards protecting and preserving our planet.
The Auxi-Chef Club hosted a series of events during Cultural Week, featuring Auxi-Organic Spread, Auxi-Concoction, and Auxi-Veggie Magic. Participants unleashed their creative skills in making salads, mocktails, and carving vegetables and fruits. The high school participants showcased their creativity by carving various items, while the middle school participants prepared different mocktails and salads. The judges complimented the initiative, promoting teamwork and creativity among the students.
The Auxi-Green Cultural Week concluded with the announcement of the well-deserved achievers and winners. The closing ceremony, held on June 21st, 2024, was witnessed by the entire Auxilium Convent School. Rev. Sr. Superior and Sr. Principal expressed their views on the students’ presentations and emphasized the importance of cultural activities. The high school coordinator, Miss Sujata Harish, announced the winning houses of each event, followed by the trophy distribution. The best house award was awarded to the meritorious Blue House, with Yellow House in second place, followed by Red and Green Houses. Rev. Sr. Principal delivered a closing speech, expressing gratitude to everyone involved in the successful execution of the Auxi-Green cultural week.
The festival provided an opportunity for students to participate, indulge in different activities, be the best version of themselves and above all have great love for Mother Earth. Take care of the plants, plant more trees, and save water and electricity.
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