MONDAY, JULY 08, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: A quiet green revolution is taking place across Goa, one classroom at a time. Schools across the state are transforming into living laboratories, where young minds are cultivating not just saplings, but a deep-seated connection to the environment that surrounds them.
This innovative programme combines practical learning with modern scientific approaches to educate students about environmental conservation and sustainability with the hope of nurturing a generation of environmental stewards who will shape Goa’s green future.
The initiative, already reached 17 schools across North and South Goa.
According to the organisers, by engaging students during critical stages of brain development, the programme seeks to instil lasting awareness of pressing environmental challenges such as climate change, waste management, water pollution, air quality, and food safety.
The NGO behind this transformative project, Goyche Fudle Pilgue Khatir (GFPK), has created this curriculum that teaches environmental concepts through practical activities. Students embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the vital importance of trees, the far-reaching consequences of deforestation, and practical methods for reforestation. Interactive presentations delve into topics like air quality, illuminating the intricate relationship between trees and the very air humans breathe.
Expert team members guide students through a series of immersive activities designed to forge a tangible connection with nature. Participants learn the art of proper tree planting, ensuring that each sapling has the best chance of survival. They delve into the fascinating world of seed bomb creation, using indigenous species like Mankurad Mango, Jambul, Tamarind, Jackfruit, and Kokum.
Students are introduced to the technique of air layering, a method of plant propagation that allows for the multiplication of desirable species and they also witness the remarkable power of earthworms in action.
The impact of this program extends far beyond the classroom. As GFPK President Jack Mascarenhas explains, “After this educational experience, we plant trees at the school where the staff has already prepared the planting site.”
Orlando Misquita, Amancio Fernandes, John Baptista, Sr Milena Mascarenhas SFN, Cristina Carvalho D'Souza, Lumena Almeida, Iftiyaz Sayed, and Russel Fernandes were all active members involved in bringing this vision to life.
