BIS #2331 FIRST ECOLOGY TRAINING CAMP HELD AT DBYS

Charles Anthony
KARJAT, MARCH 18, 2011: A group of seventeen tribal Catholics, twelve women and five men from Dayasadan, Zankhvav, Surat, Gujarat attended a training program from March 9, 2011 to March 12, 2011 at DBYS Karjat. Accompanied by the Daughters of the Cross, they were introduced and trained in the various environment friendly projects developed here.
The aim of the camp was to create an awareness of our common vocation as humans to protect and care for nature, especially for the tribals - whose life is so connected with the environment. With this awareness, the camp also meant to train the participants to make use of the environment in an eco-friendly way for social and financial empowerment.
The basic mantra to achieve this would be Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle; with the punch line "Kachre Mein Paisa Hai"

In keeping with these fundamentals, the participants were introduced to the various eco-friendly projects such as the bio gas plant, bio compost, bio fertilizers, grey water recycling, kitchen waste recycling, paper recycling, plastic recycling, charcoal making, tapping solar energy, use of innovative 'chulas' to reduce pollution and eliminate cutting of large trees for cooking. All these projects were developed at the centre.
 
They were introduced to innovative farming, like bottle garden, growing vegetables in sacs etc. The group performed the practicals and theory, which gave them a first hand experience to replicate it in their villages.
 
After the day's work the group would participate in the evening Eucharist with great devotion and lovely singing. After supper they would break out into spontaneous singing and dancing.
 
The group, a third generation catholic community, showed remarkable responsibility and maturity in the group discussions and evaluations. On the final day of evaluation they thanked Fr. Xavier for giving them the confidence, that they can protect the environment and create various opportunities for their own social and economic growth. They thanked the Salesian community for the wonderful hospitality they enjoyed.