KOLKATA DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY: On July 20th, 2024, Auxilium Barasat hosted a significant event to promote sustainable livelihoods for poor and vulnerable families under the leadership of Sr. Alma, the Social Development Coordinator of the Kolkata Province. The event focused on distributing fruit trees to 70 needy families. This initiative aimed to achieve two important goals of ‘Laudato Si’: Responding to the cry of the earth and promoting an ecological economy.
The families gathered at the Auxilium Barasat were given a variety of mango and litchi trees, explaining the initiative’s benefits of enhancing local biodiversity and providing a source of nutritious fruits and potential income. This planting drive was part of a larger effort to support sustainable development in the region. This initiative also responds to the cry of the earth by promoting environmental stewardship and supports an ecological economy by providing sustainable resources to the families, thus ensuring economic stability while caring for our common home.
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: The Primary students of Auxilium Convent School, Barasat celebrated World Environment Day to create awareness. Also, to take action for the protection of the environment. The 2024 edition of Environment Day focused on land restoration. Students tried to encourage their fellow mates through a short programme which primarily focused on planting trees and restoring the beauty of this earth by creating a plastic-free environment. The students conveyed their message through various creative works on waste materials and the importance of saving electricity and water. Students also prepared charts and placards to help everyone understand the importance of protecting the 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.
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.
“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.
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