Sr. Rosaline Pereira FMA –
Mithi River (Mahim, Mumbai): With a strong passion for conservation and a determination to make a difference, the members of Auxilium Nisarg Mitra, (translated to friends of nature), young activists/students of skills academy under the Auxilium umbrella embarked on a mission to restore the health and vitality of Mithi River, Mahim, Mumbai. The event highlighted their remarkable efforts, achievements, and the transformative impact of their initiative.
Auxilium Nisarg Mitra (ANM) is a nature-loving youth movement, created by the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, Province of Mumbai, connected with their flagship programme of Skills Training Institute, Auxilium Skills Academy (ASA).
ASA trains marginalised young people in new-generation skills and place them in gainful employment. All the students are introduced to Ecology and environmental protection through a weekly class with a special curriculum and they are connected through the movement in environmental protection activities. All of them study the content of Laudato Si and work in it at different levels.
Beach Cleaning on World Environmental Day.
In recent years, environmental concerns have reached unprecedented levels, leading to an increased sense of urgency among the younger generation to address the ecological challenges facing our planet. One powerful example of its commitment to a cleaner and greener future is the youth-led river clean-up drive organised by ASA of the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, Mumbai.
The primary objective of the Auxilium river clean-up drive as a part of our environment day celebrations was to tackle the growing issue of river pollution and its detrimental effects on ecosystems, wildlife, and human communities. By organizing a hands-on clean-up campaign, we aimed to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and restoring our rivers while inspiring others to take action.
The Auxilium collaborated with local environmental organizations, Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) and community members to plan the clean-up drive. They set a date, identified target areas along the river, and developed a strategy for the campaign.
The Auxilium currently has 100+ students who are pursuing different skills courses and members of ANM were encouraged to join this beautiful cause. They emphasized the significance of collective action and the impact each individual could make.
On the designated day June 3 Saturday, the staff and volunteers gathered at the Mithi River location equipped with gloves, trash bags, and other necessary tools. Program manager Christeena Rosario and CEO of Auxilium Skills Academy Sr Rosaline Pereira FMA provided instructions, ensured the safety of participants, and distributed responsibilities among the volunteering teams.
Throughout the clean-up drive, emphasis was placed on proper waste segregation. The organizers coordinated with BMC to ensure the collected waste was appropriately disposed of. BMC officials also was present at the venue to make sure that the waste management is done properly.
Alongside the clean-up efforts, the student volunteers of Auxilium made sure that the activities are aired through social media and a meaninful message by Sr Rosaline was passed down to educate participants and the wider community about the detrimental effects of river pollution and the significance of the initiative by Auxilium.
Auxilium Nisarg Mitra led clean-up drive witnessed an overwhelming response, with hundreds of our student volunteers, coordinated by the entire staffs of Auxilium under the leadership of Christeena Rosario and Sr Rosaline Pereira actively participating in the campaign. Their united effort showcased the strength and passion of the younger generation.
As a result of the collective endeavour, an impressive amount of waste was collected from the river banks, including plastic bottles, wrappers, plastic covers, and other usual wastes. The clean-up contributed significantly to the restoration of the river’s aesthetic appeal and overall environmental health.
The clean-up drive succeeded in raising awareness among participants and the broader community about the impact of river pollution. Through the collective effort, discussions, and informative speech by both Sr Rosaline from Auxilium skill academy and the Mr Munaf from Gully Class Foundation, an NGO, provided the youth organizers a sense of responsibility and commitment towards protecting our natural resources.
The success of the Auxilium river clean up initiative encouraged us to continue the initiative every month on different location to make sure that our natural resources and well maintained and providing the younger generations and vision to protect our life lines.
The Auxilium river clean up drive stands as a remarkable example of young people taking proactive steps to combat environmental degradation. Through their dedication, enthusiasm, and collaborative spirit, Auxilium student volunteers have demonstrated the transformative power of collective action. By restoring the health of the rivers, they have not only safeguarded vital ecosystems but have also inspired others to take up the cause of environmental conservation. Their efforts serve as a reminder that the future of our planet lies in the hands of those willing to act today.
The writer is CEO of Auxilium Skills Academy.
Great to see faith in action!
It is heartening to see that education of young people linked with environmental protection is making them catalysts of change in their lives and neighbourhoods…Kudos to the Salesian Nuns of Mumbai Province