At the start of 2026, the Salesian Congregation’s Youth Ministry Sector launched a global campaign under the banner #DBSchoolsGoGreen, aimed at strengthening ecological awareness and sustainable practices across its schools. The initiative was announced by Fr Rafael Bejarano, General Councillor for Youth Ministry, who reminded provinces of the mandate of the 29th General Chapter to promote integral ecology and the ecological education of young people.

While the campaign sets a worldwide horizon, Cambodia has already been walking this path for nearly two decades. In 2008, Don Bosco Kep and Don Bosco Sihanoukville created the Don Bosco Green Alliance Cambodia, a pioneering movement that integrates education, environment and intercultural formation. Among its flagship projects are the Don Bosco Brother Sun programme, the Kep Jungle‑Forest, the planting of three thousand trees, and the restoration of mangroves along the coast.

The Alliance has also welcomed the participation of Indigenous children and youth, amplifying their voices through initiatives such as Voices and the Namuncurá Short Film Festival. These projects highlight the role of young people in telling stories of ecology, culture and resilience.

Fr Bejarano has proposed adopting the UNESCO Green School Quality Standard as a framework for schools worldwide. For Don Bosco Kep and Don Bosco Sihanoukville, many of these principles are already alive in daily practice. The Cambodian experience shows how ecological education can be woven into technical training, pastoral care and community life.

The global campaign is being coordinated by the Don Bosco Green Alliance and has already been received with enthusiasm in several provinces. For Cambodia, it is a recognition of a journey that began years ago, and a testimony of hope that education can transform society, protect the environment and empower young people to care for their common home.