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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
“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.
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.
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