SNEHADAN, BAREILLY: The boarders at Snehadhan, Bareilly participated in a valuable eco-friendly activity focused on waste management, composting, and sustainable gardening practices. They learned about recycling and reusing natural materials by collecting organic waste and creating organic compost manure, promoting healthier soil and plant growth. This hands-on experience taught them valuable lessons about responsible waste management, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
“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
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.
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”.
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.
AUXILIUM MIRIK: Environment Day was celebrated at Auxilium Convent School, Mirik with great enthusiasm. There was a short prayer service conducted during the school assembly. After this Sr. Anjana Rai explained the meaning of the Environment Day celebration. It was then followed by the various activities. All the classes Nursery – UKG had brought the Saplings to plant. Three main activities organized were cleaning of the school campus, planting of the saplings and drawing competition on nature. The children were very excited and participated dynamically in all the activities and sisters and teachers helped and guided the tiny tots to accomplish it. Through this event, children got the opportunity to take care of and protect Mother Earth, the only place where life flourishes.
AUXILIUM, NEW CHUMTA: Auxilium Convent School, New Chumta recently celebrated Environmental Week 2024, marking the occasion with a series of events aimed at raising awareness about environmental conservation and sustainable development. The week was filled with various activities involving students and teachers, all centred around the theme of saving the Earth.
The festivities began with an impressive PowerPoint presentation by Class XII C. The presentation highlighted practical ways to protect the environment, offering insightful tips and strategies to the students. To engage the attendees further, the students concluded their presentation by posing a few thought-provoking questions, sparking a lively discussion on environmental issues.
Despite the rain on the second day, the commitment to the environment remained strong. Students took the opportunity to clean their classrooms, demonstrating the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy learning environment. This activity underscored the message that every small effort counts towards making a significant impact.
Throughout the week, a notice board display on the theme of the environment showcased various informative and inspiring materials. This visual display served as a constant reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and featured student artwork, facts, and tips on how to contribute to saving the planet.
Adding to the week’s events, Sr. Alma Bilung, the KSSDS co-ordinator of the province delivered an enlightening awareness program for both teachers and students. Her talk focused on sustainable development and practical measures to save the Earth. Sr. Alma Bilung’s presentation provided valuable insights and inspired the audience to adopt more eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.
The celebration continued with a compelling speech by Class IX students during the school assembly. Using props to illustrate their points, the students explained the “bone and bane” of the environment in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. Their creative approach made complex environmental issues accessible to everyone.
The week concluded on a high note with a tree-planting activity. Each class planted two saplings, resulting in around thirty new trees being added to the school grounds. This symbolic act of planting trees not only contributed to the environment but also served as a lasting reminder of the student’s commitment to protecting the planet.
Environmental Week at ACS New Chumta was a resounding success, fostering a sense of responsibility and action towards environmental conservation among students and staff alike. The activities not only educated but also inspired the entire school community to take meaningful steps towards a more sustainable future.
AUXILIUM BANDEL: Auxilium Convent School, Bandel organized a “Tree Plantation Drive” with the Past Pupils Association (Bandel Unit) and the Salesian Cooperators of Bandel. It is an initiative to plant around 3000 trees within 4 months. The inaugural ceremony of this noble task was held on 27 June 2024 in the School Hall of Auxilium Convent School, Bandel.
A cultural programme highlighted the menace of global warming and climate change. The ceremony was presided over by Mrs. Anindita Mondal Rajbanshi the Ward Councillor for Ward 3, Hooghly Chinsurah Municipality, Principal Sr. Clara Saminathan, Salesian Cooperator representative Mr. Francis Mondal.
After the inauguration, all the eminent personalities of the day along with Office Bearers of the Past Pupil Association (Bandel Unit), 20 students, 30 Past Pupils and the Salesian Cooperators headed for Keota Sarat Park for the Plantation drive. The site was in a densely populated locality. Sr. Clara Saminathan along with student representative and Ms Anindita planted the first sapling. It was followed by all the others. A total of 6 saplings were planted and watered. The local people were very appreciative of this initiative taken. A gardener was also appointed to tend to the saplings in the days to come.
The day’s programme ended with a pledge to continue this noble task for the betterment of Mother Earth. The entire programme as well as this noble initiative has been covered by a local media house “Hooghly News” and telecast to raise social awareness among the people.
AUXILIUM, DUM DUM-KOLKATA: ‘Save a life, save nature our common home’. The parents of Kaira, a student of Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum, took a great initiative to celebrate her birthday on 14 June 2024, in a unique and meaningful way. She had a ‘Laudato Si’ birthday celebration. The student offered a plant to all the sisters, the class teacher and her classmates. Seeing someone spreading such a positive message about nature and the importance of plants was heartwarming. Kaira’s understanding that plants give us oxygen shows a great level of awareness for someone her age. Kaira’s gesture of giving plants educated her peers about the vital role of plants in producing oxygen. This thoughtful act reflects a sense of responsibility towards nature and inspires others to consider similar eco-friendly practices. It is important to encourage such eco-friendly gestures and promote environmental consciousness from a young age.
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