By Diana Jimmy for BISMumbai

Nerul, October 13, 2025 — Students of Grades 8 and 9 from Don Bosco Senior Secondary School, Nerul participated in a virtual interaction with Grade 8 students of Oriyana School, Ukraine. The event was part of the global Climate Action Project, aimed at encouraging young people to learn and act together for a healthier planet.

The Climate Action Project is a free, 6-week, student-centered virtual project for ages 3 to 21, uniting teachers and students across 171 countries to explore climate change. It aims to change behavior and mindset through education, offering flexible participation.

During the session, Ukrainian students, along with their teacher Yulia, shared their climate initiatives including forest walks, garbage collection drives, and sustained efforts to maintain a clean and green school environment.

Don Bosco students presented their own environmental actions such as the Garden Project and the campaign “1 Paudha Maa ke Naam” (One Plant for Our Mother Earth). They also spoke about their Letter to Mother Earth, Water Audit, Carbon Footprint Assessment, and Plastic and E-waste Collection Drives, which promote responsible waste management.

A moment of silence filled the room when the Ukrainian students shared how their school building had been partially damaged by a rocket during the war and was still under restoration. This testimony highlighted the deep connection between environmental challenges and human conflict.

Students from both schools asked questions, shared experiences, and expressed their hopes for the future. One Don Bosco student said, “We hope for peaceful coexistence so that humanity can thrive and flourish together. We wish for a future where we no longer have to worry about climate change but live in a cleaner, healthier world.”

The interaction ended with mutual appreciation and plans for further collaboration. For the students, it was an opportunity to learn, reflect, and strengthen their commitment to environmental action beyond borders.