Environment Awareness Programme for School children (2009-10)

A Programme to generate Environmental Awareness

JICA Alumni Association of India (JAAI) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in collaboration with Kulachi Hansraj Model School, Ashok Vihar, Delhi organized an Environmental Awareness Programme for school children called “Nature Nurtures” on 29th January 2010. A series of events were held on that day.

As many as 30 schools participated in the programme.

Mrs. P. Datta – Principal-KHMS, welcomed the Chief Guest, Mr. Koji Yamada- Senior Representative- JICA India Office, Mr. Zakaria Khan Yusufzai, President-JAAI, Mr. Y. Fukuda, Counsellor- Embassy of Japan, Mr. R.K. Jaiswal, Secretary-JAAI, Dr. B.C. Sabata, Senior Scientific Officer- Department of Environment, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, other officials from JICA as well as JAAI and all the schools participating in the programme.

The keynote address was given by Mr. Zakaria Khan Yusufzai, the President, JAAI. He emphasized on the need for a sustainable environment and how students can contribute to an effective surrounding. He said, “Nature has enough for people’s need but does not have anything for people’s greed.” A theme ballad was presented by the students of Kulachi Hansraj Model School. “An appeal to save the mother earth” followed by a visual treat of little damsels expressing joy and venerating our earth. Dr. B. C. Sabata, Senior Scientific Officer- Department of Environment, Govt. of NCT of Delhi addressed the gathering and told them about the role of eco-clubs and the efforts being made by the Delhi Government to make Delhi clean and green.

As per the schedule the following three events were organised:

 - Inter School painting competition with two Topics- Delhi of my Dreams and Climate Change and its effect on life

 - Inter School fancy Dress with 2 topics, “Health and Nutrition” and “Pollution and Its Solution” and

 - PowerPoint presentations: “Climate change –who is responsible?” and “Global Warming- How will we be affected”.

In the multi-media room, the CD presentations were flagged off by our school children who presented a presentation on the dire consequences of the changing climate. They discussed the concept of carbon footprints and warned us that soon it will lead to total mayhem, in the future. The presentations were thought provoking and cautioned each of us to save the future.

In the Fancy Dress Competition, there were numerous participants who made us pledge to shift from Junk food to Healthy food for nurturing our inner selves and radiant appearances.

The effort of each participant was praise-worthy but few had to be felicitated for their par excellence.

The results were announced and KHMS received the “All Rounders’ Trophy” followed by “Prabhu Dayal Public School,” Shalimar Bagh, who got the ‘Runners up’. There was an address by the Chief Guest who emphasized the need to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle. In the end a vote of thanks was presented by the Environment Club Incharge of the school, Mrs. Monika Mehan. She thanked JAAI for giving this opportunity to the school. She specially thanked Mr. R.K.Jaiswal, Secretary JAAI, for coordinating with the school for all aspects related to this programme.

The programme ended with Shantipath- A hymn for Peace.