Bangladesh Students Promote Environmental Awareness through Tree Plantation Program

Students, teachers, and religious sisters of St. Catharina Primary and Secondary School under Jhaljhaliya Parish in the Diocese of Mymensingh, central Bangladesh, observed World Environment Day with a tree plantation program on June 15.

The program was organized to promote environmental awareness and encourage sustainable living among the school community. The theme of this year’s observance was “Inspired by Nature for Climate Action, for Our Future.”

Around 190 participants, including Sisters, teachers, and students, took part in the celebration, which focused on the importance of protecting nature and preserving the environment for future generations.

Addressing the gathering, Sister Falguni Costa, RNDM, headmistress of St. Catharina Primary and Secondary School, highlighted the need for greater care and responsibility toward the environment.

“Nature is the source of our inspiration. Its diverse gifts, generosity, and abundance continually enrich our lives. This very nature, which sustains all living beings, is gradually moving toward destruction as it continues to give of itself,” she said.

She added that human negligence and excessive consumption have contributed to environmental challenges, including changing climate patterns and their impact on communities.

“Our negligence and excessive ambitions have become a cruel irony for the environment. As a result, climate patterns are changing, and their adverse effects are causing serious consequences for human life. In the future, these impacts may become even more severe,” Sister Costa said.

A teacher of the school said the initiative was a small effort by the school community to care for the Earth and encourage students to become active participants in environmental protection.

“This is our humble initiative to protect Mother Earth and contribute to creating a clean and beautiful environment for future generations. We hope that Sisters, teachers, students, parents, and all members of our community will become more aware and actively involved in safeguarding the environment,” the teacher said.

As part of the program, students planted trees on the school campus. The teacher noted that the students themselves contributed financially toward purchasing the saplings, reflecting their personal commitment to the initiative.

One student expressed happiness at participating in the activity, saying the newly planted trees would help create a cleaner and healthier environment.

“These trees will help create a cleaner and healthier environment for us, and they will provide the oxygen essential for our lives,” the student said.

The organizers said the program aimed not only to mark World Environment Day but also to integrate environmental responsibility into the educational life of the students. They emphasized that caring for the planted trees would help students develop a deeper connection with nature.

The initiative is expected to improve the school campus environment while providing students with practical knowledge about different tree species and their ecological benefits.

By involving students directly in tree planting and care, the school hopes to nurture a culture of environmental stewardship among younger generations.