Uruguay - “Forest of Hope” to celebrate St Isidore school’s 140th anniversary

(ANS - Las Piedras) - As part of the celebrations for the 140th anniversary of the Salesian school of Saint Isidore, in Las Piedras, Uruguay, a "Forest of Hope" was inaugurated on Wednesday 13 October in the Héctor Ellis Park. The event was attended by Fr Alfonso Bauer, Provincial of Uruguay, together with the departmental authorities, the representatives of the Heritage Committee, the inspectors for the Primary School, namely Lourdes Bardino and Mario Ibarra, and the delegations of local, public and private educational institutions.

After the welcome, the students of the sixth year of the Agronomy course explained how they are carrying out the project called "El Bosque" and showed their enthusiasm for this work, which they consider a legacy for future generations of school students, who they will have the responsibility for its upkeep. They then thanked the school’s Principal, the teachers, the staff, the students and past pupils who motivated and supported them in the Project’s development. They also said they were inspired by Don Bosco's maxim: "To achieve success at work, have charity in your heart and patience in carrying it out".

The sixth-grade students also spoke during the event, expressing their wish that the "Forest of Hope" becomes a place of encounter with God.

Finally, Fr Andrés Boone, Principal of the school, emphasized that a dream is coming true with this forest. “I didn't want another plaque on the school wall,” he explained. “I had wanted the current generations of the school to leave something for future generations, for the world of tomorrow and for the city of Las Piedras. I called this dream 'The Forest'. Later it was called 'The Forest of Hope' and joined the Don Bosco Green Alliance,” he added.

Fr Boone then recalled: “It is necessary to create an awareness of ecological citizenship, which goes beyond teaching. It is about developing ecological habits, attitudes and an ecological lifestyle.” The institutions present, were then invited to visit “The Forest” to plant trees whenever they wish.

As a follower of a dreamer, Fr Boone also expressed the desire that all educational institutions celebrate the "Season of Creation" next year, defined as a time of renewal of our relationship with the Creator.

The celebration ended with a common prayer and the traditional cutting of the ribbon by the students of each of the educational institutions present.

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