Young Eco Guardians: School Kids Take Action to Protect Mother Earth

There are several environmental related events throughout the globe being observed and conducted every year by certain organizations with the objective of spreading awareness on environmental care and conservation. For this month of September, there were about 3 environmental happenings celebrated, such as the: 1) World Environmental Health Day on the 26th; 2) the World Cleanup Day on the 20th; and 3) the Greenpeace Day on the 15th. All of the foregoing events were meant primarily to create a safe and healthy environment, tackling important concerns including waste management, pollution control, clean air, water, and good sanitation. As far as Greenpeace movement is concerned, its goals are primarily focused on worldwide issues such as climate change, deforestration, anti-war and anti-nuclear issues, among others, all to ensure the ability of the Earth to nurture life in all its diversity. Now officially recognized as an International Day by the United Nations and organized by Let’s do it World, the World Cleanup day, on the other hand, gathers and unites people from all over the world to address the waste crisis through collective action.

This is probably the reason why Pope Francis and his Worldwide Prayer Network put forward this prayer for this month of September 2024 about the Cry of the Earth. The Holy Father appealed and invited everyone, particularly Catholic Christians around the world to pray “that each one of us will hear and take to hear the cry of the Earth and of victims of natural disasters and climactic change, and that all will undertake to personally care for the world in which we live”.

So, have we done our part already? We were given the whole month of September to accomplish this, but there is still one day left, a chance for us to offer a prayer and to take action as part of our contribution to our Mother Earth.

In response to the aforementioned call of Pope Francis, the elementary students at School of St. John Bosco (SSJBC) located in the outskirts of Laguna (with the participation of the School’s administrator, Ma. Rhodora Articona, teachers, parents, parishioners and the rest of the community), led and held an environmental campaign by going out of their school and taking to the streets their advocacy for environmental protection and conservation.

Armed with hand-drawn placards and powerful slogans, the children proudly voiced their commitment by displaying their own artwork, which featured vibrant drawings and messages promoting sustainability, with the end view of saving the planet. Slogans like “Protect the Planet, Preserve the Future”, “The Change Begins with Us”, “Be a Solution, Not a Benefactor of Pollution”, “Stop Global Warming”, and “Save the Earth, Bring Your Own Bottle”, “Mahalin at Ingatan Si Inang Kalikasan, Para sa Aming Mga Kabataan” were prominently featured on the colorful signs.

The activity was a beautiful reminder that, as the Earth has always nurtured us, it is now our turn to nurture it. Other slogans displayed like “A Healthy Earth is a Happy Earth” and “One Tree Today, a Better Tomorrow,” the children emphasized the vital role of individual responsibility in creating a greener future. Some of their own drawings and artwork, which featured trees, oceans, animals, and the beauty of nature, could have inspired all who saw them to take part in environmental care. The activity instilled some sense of responsibility in the children towards protecting the environment.

The school has been instrumental in fostering a love for the environment, encouraging the students to not only act but to pray for the protection of our common home. A Holy Mass, celebrated by Rev.Fr. Nico Corvera (Parish Priest of Sts. Anne and St. Joachim Church), brought together students, parents, and community members to honor this noble cause. Following the Mass, an informative session on environmental protection provided practical tips for everyone to help build a better and greener future.

This activity was not just an exercise in art and advocacy but also a reflection of the school’s dedication to instilling environmental responsibility in its students. The event highlighted the importance of nurturing environmental stewardship from a young age, reminding everyone that even small actions can make a big difference. The children’s efforts underscored a simple yet powerful message: the future of the planet lies in our hands, and it is never too early to start making positive changes. These Young Guardians are making a bold statement: they are the future of our planet, and through their small but powerful actions, they are determined to protect it.

Our Lady, Our Blessed Mother, Queen of Heaven and Earth, and the mother of the care of Creation, pray for us that God grant us the wisdom, generosity and courage we need to care for our Mother Earth and all things Created by God and redeemed by your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Incidentally, some of the School kids greeted their Administrator (who happens to be one of the Founders of the School) a Happy Birthday and wished her lots of joy and happiness! Such wonderful and thoughtful kids!

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