Learning to be eco-saviours

ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION

School teachers on an eco-tour to Bhalukhop

Everything around us is green. So why do we need environment education (EE)?  Because one day we may be living in a barren hill where there is no tree nor water, no butterflies and peacocks; only poor and sick people.  We need to save our environment from getting destroyed so the need for EE. For the last one and a half years, ATREE (Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment, a Bagdogra-based-non-governmental organization working in the field of biodiversity conservation in the Eastern Himalayan region) has been working in Kalimpong schools to spread the green message.  Beginning with an orientation workshop for the principals at Lava, they also trained two teachers from each school in the need for EE.  For students, it has organized nature camps during the winter and Eastern holidays.  Ruchi Pant, director of ATREE, says:” All the students who attended the camp were very enthusiastic and a group called as the “Green Tomatoes” was also formed.”  Agrees Payel Nag, a participant from St Joseph’s Convent, says:” It was more enjoyable and knowledgeable than I had expected.  I am trying to follow whatever was taught during the camp in my life.”

"Unless you dangle a carrot in front of them, they won’t walk"

Navaratna Pradhan, Principal, SUMI  on people’s attitude towards EE

PRINCIPAL SPEAK

GT:  Why do you think that environment education is essential?

NP: As part and parcel of global concern for environment, Kalimpong has to play its part.  And it is always better to start late than never.

Have your teachers and students reacted to EE in school?

Well.  I have not heard them grumbling because we also give incentives. For instance, students who do something for the nature are given merits.

What measures do you suggest for the betterment of our environment?

Our people’s attitude is such that if administrators do nothing, they too don’t do their duties.  Political parties should also be more aware.

What kind of EE have you introduced in SUMI?

Among other things, with the help of NCC, scouts and NSS we have been planting saplings, cleaning the compounds and its peripheral areas.  Our students go to tourist resorts near Lava to spread awareness.

How successful is the anti-polythene bags campaign in Kalimpong?

It is not 100 per cent successful.  This campaign was initiated by PEAK (People for Environmental Awareness, an organization comprising school principals).  SUMI was the coordinator last year.  This year, no other school took the responsibility. This is the kind of attitude people have.  They are like donkeys. Unless you dangle a carrot in front of them, they won’t walk.

How important is the role of students in these programmes?

Students are the future generation.  Through them we have to spread the message of environment conservation.  We want to inculcate the values and responsibilities of environment conservation in them so that they can become responsible citizens of tomorrow.