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New Delhi, April 30, 2026:
AIDBES Hosts National Meet on UNESCO Green Schools Standard to Advance Sustainability in Education
News reported by: Fr. John Parankimalil Secretary, All India Don Bosco Education Society (AIDBES)
In a major step to promote environmental responsibility within the education sector, the All India Don Bosco Education Society (AIDBES) convened a national online meeting on the UNESCO Green Schools Quality Standard (GSQS) on April 30. The virtual gathering brought together 80 educational leaders, including Province School Coordinators, Commission Members, Principals, and School Coordinators from across the country.
The programme began with a prayer led by Fr. Godugunooru Chinnappa, Province Coordinator of Hyderabad. Participants were formally welcomed by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal, Provincial of Guwahati and Provincial In-Charge of AIDBES, who said that the GSQS initiative goes beyond academics and reflects a mission-oriented commitment. He highlighted that Don Bosco education seeks the holistic formation of young people, shaping responsible citizens dedicated to social and environmental well-being. The session was coordinated by Fr. John Parankimalil, Secretary of AIDBES, with technical support provided by BOSCOM South Asia.
Delivering the keynote address, Fr. Savio Silveira, Coordinator of Integral Ecology in the Youth Ministry Sector in Rome, presented the GSQS as a globally recognised and practical framework for transforming schools into hubs of sustainability. He explained that a “Green School” adopts a whole-institution approach, embedding environmental awareness and sustainable practices across governance, infrastructure, curriculum, and community engagement.
Fr. Savio noted that this model closely aligns with the Don Bosco educational vision of integral development—intellectual, social, moral, and spiritual. He outlined the four key dimensions of the framework: School Governance, Facilities and Operations, Teaching and Learning, and Community Engagement. Each dimension includes actionable measures such as forming Green Committees, implementing monitoring systems, integrating environmental themes into lesson plans, and conducting community outreach programmes.
Highlighting the path ahead, he proposed a structured roadmap that includes developing a shared vision, assessing current practices, implementing a Green School Action Plan, monitoring progress, and celebrating milestones. He encouraged institutions to translate intent into action and to collaborate across provinces for greater impact.
The session concluded with an interactive discussion, reflecting strong enthusiasm and commitment among participants to adopt and implement the GSQS framework in their respective institutions.
This initiative marks a key milestone for the Don Bosco educational network in India, aligning its mission with global efforts to combat climate change and ecological degradation. By adopting the UNESCO Green Schools Quality Standard, Don Bosco institutions aim to be models of sustainability and hubs for nurturing environmentally responsible citizens.
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