Online education became the talk-of-the-town in 2020 when the entire globe succumbed to an unknown lockdown for more than 300 days. Students became weary and so the entire education community sprung up to the challenge. Country-wide they took to their screens like wildfire, proving their resilience in a jiffy.
At the Pawar Public School, Chandivali, we went a step beyond with the Green Schools Programme (GSP). Organised by the Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi, the GSP sensitised our youth about environment conservation by pursuing learning-by-doing. Kick-started with an impactful video and presentation, it introduced our kids to the alarming issues of air pollution and solid waste management. GSP ensured almost 100% participation from our students across all levels. We are proud to present a brief catalogue of their accomplished activities here (see table below).
Our students, aged 5–15, all displayed incredible enthusiasm though these projects, which were integrated with their taught-subjects as part of their curriculum. These initiatives inculcated within them scientific temper, pragmatic consumer behaviour, and aptitude for responsible citizenship. Since these were done during the lockdown, not only children but their parents and family also got motivated towards a sustainable lifestyle. No pandemic could deter our children’s resolution to preserve the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land we lay our feet on. Change has already begun with the aid of especially targeted programmes like the GSP. These have paved the way for our young minds to surge towards a better future.
She is the Facilitator of the Pawar Public School, Chandivali, Mumbai.