Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum launched AUXI GREEN Awareness Campaign

Jul20

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

Awareness is the first step towards a greener, healthier and more developed society. Keeping this objective in mind Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum organised a Cleanliness Awareness Drive, on 19 July 2024 intending to transform the society into a “developed” one. It was organized by the sisters, teachers and students of the school, and also the members of the Salesian family joined in this venture (Past pupils, cooperators, and ADMA).

The troubling condition of our green planet is evident all around us. The need of the hour is no longer words, but actions. The commencement of the drive had begun on the day when Principal Sr. Aruna Kispotta, the Environment Club moderator, Ms. Mow Das Roy, the club president, Shreyanshi Poddar accompanied by Sir Phalguni sought permission for this initiative from the North Dum Dum Municipality Chairperson, Shri Harendra Singh and sought assistance from the Officer in charge of the police of North Dum Dum Police Station for safe and successful completion of this drive. Following this, the Environmental Club initiated and coordinated a poster-making and slogan-making activity amongst the school students to make the awareness drive more impactful. The students made placards depicting themes of cleanliness, saving water, planting more trees and saying no to plastic.

On the 19th of July, 2024, the students of classes VI to XII initiated a walk in the locality to speak out against the ever-prevalent indifference meted out towards our environment. The large group with about 750 members were segregated into four groups and they proceeded to four different directions to raise awareness and spread the message of the drive. The awareness walk commenced at 8:30 am and went on until around 10:00 am

Group 1, walked through the streets of Kumar Para, Modern Park, Kamalapur tank, Digla Road, to Jessop Gate motivating the residents by reciting slogans: ‘Save water, save Earth’, ‘Go Green Live Green’, ‘Keep the area clean’ etc. The interviewers interrogated the locals regarding their contributions to the environment and the orators eloquently gave a speech on how to reduce the use the plastic and protect the environment, instead of exploiting it.

Group 2, took a route which passed through Gorabazar, PK Guha Road, SP Mukherjee Road and Barwari Tala to Jessop gate. Throughout the journey, they shouted various slogans like “Pedh lagao, desh bachao”, “Save water, save life” and “Jal hi jeevan hai” and held up placards encouraging and motivating the local population to foster cleaner personal and public practices. The students were enthusiastic throughout this walk.

Group 3, covered the street starting from P.K Guha Road, Debonair restaurant, and SBI bank and reached Jessop Gate. On the way, students shouted out slogans like ‘Save earth, save humanity’, ‘Go green, live green’, ‘Keep our earth green and clean’, Use dustbin’, ‘Keep the city clean’.  The importance of protecting the environment was conveyed to everyone and the students while moving towards NC Mitra Road also spread awareness about the usefulness of water. Then the force moved to the Post Office Road, where the locals were motivated to foster social responsibility.

Group 4, passing the municipality hospital and the shops surrounding it, the students conveyed their ideas through various impactful slogans in Bengali and Hindi, which were made by the students. Some students had taken the responsibility to raise awareness among the shopkeepers about not using plastics, saving water and keeping our earth green and clean. Walking through the residential colonies and marketplace not only helped the students to spread awareness among the fellow residents and pedestrians, but also made them realize their goal, about keeping their localities clean and green.

All the groups reached their final destination, the ‘DhobiyaPukur Park’, where inspiring speeches were delivered by the president of the Past Pupil Association, Ms. Sangamitra Bhattacharya, the teachers and the students, spreading awareness about the entire initiative.  The campaign was concluded as everyone joined in to sing the National Anthem. The pedestrians and local population were encouraged and motivated by this social motive.

A special thanks to Municipality Chairperson Shri Harendra Singh and Officer in charge Dum Dum Police Station for their cooperation and support for the protection and safety. 

The students expressed their sincere gratitude to Sr. Superior, Sr. Principal, the sisters, teachers and the school authority for organizing such a motivating awareness drive, which not only fostered awareness about the burning social issues, but also initiated a step towards a greener, cleaner and healthier tomorrow.

Reported by Ms. Sayantika Mondel and Shreyanshi Poddar

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Auxilium Convent School Dumdum Inspires Community to Embrace Green Practices

Summer Camp with ‘Laudato Si’ Action Plans

Jul19

AUXILIUM, SNEHALAYA: A summer camp was organised by Auxilium Snehalaya for underprivileged children, from 15th June to 24th June. They were offered various opportunities to engage in ecological justice and protection of the environment through activities singing, drawing, arts & crafts, fancy dress, speech, wall decoration, and best out of waste which ignited interest and enthusiasm in them. This camp offered them new skills and experiences and added moments of joy and celebration. These experiences left a lasting impact on their lives, encouraging creativity, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment.

ACS Barasat offers Agriculture based SUPW learning

Jul18

AUXILIUM BARASAT: In today’s world, whether you are a student or a professional, various demands and pressures consume our daily lives. We often find ourselves not only physically tired but also mentally exhausted. Feelings of despair and depression can affect us. We also recognise that gardening is a highly beneficial activity for refreshing and promoting a pollution-free environment.

ACS Barasat has incorporated into the school curriculum 2024, gardening as part of the SUPW (Socially Useful Productive Work) to keep the students refreshed and rejuvenated.

With the support of the principal, the staff is delighted to involve students from VI to XII in the gardening initiative. Class VI: Chilli plant, VII-Tomato, VIII-Eggplant/Brinjal, IX-Chrysanthemum, X-Dahlia, XI- Gourd and Petunia and XII-Pumpkin+ Dianthus.

Through this entire procedure, students will learn to prepare ideal and suitable soil for trees and the technique of planting trees properly and nurturing them to grow.

To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow – A Planting Drive

Jul18

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.

Reported by Ms Lincy Johnson

Ecological Education to the Students of ACS Barasat in preparing Nature-friendly fertilizers

Jul18

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.

Auxilium Convent School, New Chumta : A March Towards a Greener Future

Jul15

AUXILIUM NEW CHUMTA: In a vibrant celebration of Paper Bag Day, Auxilium Convent School New Chumta took a significant step towards environmental sustainability by organizing a rally on 12th July 2024. The event aimed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of plastic pollution and promote the use of eco-friendly alternatives, specifically paper bags. Principal Sr. Kanchan Bara addressed the participants, emphasizing the importance of reducing plastic usage. “We must act now to protect our environment. By choosing paper over plastic, we are making a conscious decision to safeguard our planet for future generations,” she said.

The rally commenced from the school premises, with enthusiastic students marching towards Kharpail Bazar and TCP Road. The participants carried colourful banners and placards adorned with slogans like “Say No to Plastic,” “Paper Bags: A Greener Choice,” and “Protect Our Planet.” The energy and enthusiasm of the students were palpable as they chanted slogans, drawing the attention of the local community.

The rally was led by Sr. Clara Rai and Sr. Kishori, accompanied by a dedicated team of teachers. Their leadership and commitment to the cause were evident as they marched alongside the students, encouraging them every step of the way.

Paper Bag Creation and Eco-Friendly Income generating program held at Auxilium New Chumta School

In addition to raising awareness, the students of Auxilium Convent School took practical steps to promote eco-friendly practices by making their paper bags. These handmade bags were then sold to local medicine shops in Kharpail Bazar, demonstrating a successful model of eco-friendly income generation. This initiative not only highlighted the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the students but also provided a tangible solution to reduce plastic usage in the community.

The rally concluded with a heartfelt assembly where Principal Sr. Kanchan praised the students’ efforts and urged them to continue advocating for environmental sustainability. “This rally is just the beginning. Let us continue to champion the cause of a plastic-free world and inspire others to join us in this mission,” she said.

The Paper Bag Day rally by Auxilium Convent School New Chumta was a remarkable success, demonstrating the power of education and community action in addressing environmental challenges. The event not only educated students about the importance of sustainable practices but also inspired the local community to take meaningful steps towards reducing plastic waste. The students’ initiative to create and sell paper bags to local shops added a practical dimension to their advocacy, showcasing how eco-friendly practices can also generate income. As the rally ended, the message was clear: together, we can make a significant impact and create a greener, healthier future for all.

Regional Environment Vigilant Committee Formation Training

Jul13

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.

“Our Land, Our Future”

Jul13

KALYANI: Auxilium Convent School, Kalyani celebrated World Environment Day on 11 June 2024 with the theme: “We cannot turn back time, but we can grow forests, revive water sources, and bring back soils. We are the generation that can make peace with land.”

Through the meaningful and creative presentation of speech, songs, charts and placards, the students of class VI and their teacher Ms. Puja Dey were able to create an awareness of the deteriorating state of the Earth to their friends. Sr. Prema Lourdu Francis, the school’s principal, outlined the current situation of our environment and the need for us to rise and fight against the pollution and damage done to the planet, our ‘home’. She also emphasized the significance of preserving and taking utmost care of the natural resources for the generations to come.  Everyone in the school was inspired to love and care much about “Our Land, Our Future”.

World Environment Day Celebration for a Healthy Earth and Healthy Humankind

Jul11

GEYZING: St. Mary’s Convent School, Geyzing celebrated World Environmental Day on Wednesday 05 June 2024 on the theme “Healthy Earth, Healthy Humankind, Our Land, and Our Future”.

On this bright and sunny day, the staff and the students set out for a cleanliness drive in and outside the school. It was to raise awareness on environmental issues and to give importance to keep the surrounding clean and green.  All the students involved themselves actively in this cleanliness drive. A healthy environment is the source of life for everyone. The quality of life depends on the quality of the natural environment.  The staff and the students continue to dream of a cleaner and greener Mother Earth and try their very best to keep the surroundings clean.

The World Environmental Day Celebration in the Pathway of Ecological Spirituality

Jul11

“In the beginning when God created the heaven and the earth, the earth had no form and was void; darkness was over the deep….” (Gen1:2) From nothingness, what a wonderful and beautiful world God created for us.

On the occasion of World Environmental Day, 5 June 2024, the members of the Sacred Heart Novitiate came together to render the creator their glory and adoration for such a gift of creation.

God’s gift to humankind through His creation i.e. varieties of plants and fruits of different kinds were placed in front of the altar as a reminder to thank God for His manifold blessings. We recalled God’s awe and wonder, and implored His grace, so that in turn through our good deeds we may add beauty and colour to His work of creation and not disfigure it.

During this hour of prayer moment we also asked God’s forgiveness for our selfishness and lack of care for creation.  As we concluded our moments of prayer we were moved and decided to ‘Mother Earth’ responsibly.