-Bijay, Grade:X
(Sustainability Ambassador)
As students of Kopila, we consider ourselves blessed to have such an extraordinary school that not only imparts knowledge but also instills values of kindness, environment consciousness, and sustainability. Our journey as members of the Sustainability Ambassador Club has been inspiring and on the occasion of World Environment Day, we embarked on a mission to spread awareness and inspire others to adopt sustainable practices, we decided to conduct some kind of activities in our classes which will lead others to be sustainable people on the occasion of environment day. We strongly believe, "In the end it’s not just about the knowledge we gain, but the values we carry with us that truly makes a difference.”
World Environment Day celebrated annually on June 5th serves as a global platform to raise awareness and take action on pressing environmental issues. As students driven by the desire to make a positive impact, we, the members of Sustainability Ambassador Club brainstormed ideas to commemorate this day and decided to organize a unique treasure hunting game in grade 10, this game aimed to remind us of all our responsibility to contribute to the conservation of our planet by embracing sustainable practices and fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
On the eventful day we prepared for the Treasure Hunting game. Early in the morning, two of our members strategically hid a total of 13 objects in and around the vocational area. These objects included stones, sticks, mangoes, and various other items commonly found in our surroundings. Each item was marked with white tape and a unique number written on it. As we gathered in our class, excitement filled the air, and we ensured that we had everything ready for the game from the plants provided by Gardening Miss to the printed riddles.
We divided our classmates into four groups each consisting of 4 to 5 members with every group equipped with a notebook. The first task was to bring three dustbins along with them. As the players enthusiastically immersed themselves in the challenge, we observed their dedication and resourcefulness. Some brought two green dustbins and one blue. While others brought all blue, red and green ones. It was heartwarming to witness their commitment to the cause which made me remember this quote by Howard Zinn, "Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.”
We then explained the rules of the game: NO crossing bridges, NO making noise, and NO seeking help from teachers or others. Afterward, we presented them with their next task which involved collecting three of the hidden objects while observing their surroundings and documenting any organisms they encountered. Simultaneously they were also tasked with gathering trash in the designated dustbins placed around the vocational area. The students thoroughly enjoyed this activity, displaying both interest and enthusiasm. You know what they say, Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.
The core objective of this activity was to reconnect our classmates with nature and test their dedication to waste segregation. We wanted to see if they will responsibly dispose of the trash in the right dustbins.
Group by group, they completed their tasks, and we rewarded their progress by providing additional riddles that urged them to use the dustbins effectively.
With the help of ChatGPT we created these thought provoking riddles;
I’m a silent sentinel, waiting for your toss, treat me kindly, recycle and reduce your loss.
I’m a sustainability companion, it’s true. Handle me thoughtfully, for the Earth’s value I pursue, and the cleaner word is the key.
I’m a symbol of responsibility, a treasure untold. Utilize me wisely, for a sustainable world to behold.
Our classmates astound us with their quick wit as they solved the riddles effortlessly. They promptly corrected their early mistakes in using the dustbins improperly and diligently segregated the trash. Some groups went above and beyond, exhibiting exemplary behavior by properly utilizing the dustbins even before we had mentioned it. The game not only entertained everyone but also served as an educational experience, leaving many players in high spirits.
With the conclusion of our game, we transitioned into our planting program. The moment we had been eagerly waiting for had arrived. Our plants were ready, and the excitement was palpable. Each of us contributed our efforts: some brought shovels, some dug holes in the ground, some added compost to the holes and others carefully planted and watered the young saplings. We embraced the responsibility of nurturing these two plants, knowing that their growth would symbolize our commitment to a sustainable future. One of our classmates said this Chinese proverb while planting the young saplings, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second-best time is NOW.”
We hope that through our activities, our classmates and others will forge a deeper connection with
nature and witness its breathtaking beauty firsthand.
The Environment Day will forever hold a special place in our hearts because, "In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.
The End.
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