A changemaker lives life in a way that writes history that cannot be denied or disputed. In a quest to find those changemakers, The Model School program by TIDE along with Bhumi enables children to lead sustainable lives, and to respect and fight for the conservation of Earth’s resources.

The four-module programme, delivered to Grade 6 at General Cariappa Hr. Sec. School, Chennai, got children to think, analyse, and explore ways to lead a sustainable life in harmony with nature.

Children imagined and drew a world that they would see in 2049 if humans continued to destroy it. By role-playing as if they were part of it, they understood the intricacy of a food chain. The children also drew a human-made water cycle to understand the importance of water, and used potatoes to light an LED only to understand the importance of renewable energy sources and how to save the earth from further damage. They also learned how to segregate waste and created waste bins for paper and plastic waste materials.  

The children’s eagerness in applying their knowledge to change everyday practices at school, with family and friends, and in the community became evident with every module that was completed. I am also humbled to see children picking up waste, saving rainwater in buckets, and turning off lights and fans when not in use.

The support from corporate volunteers was crucial in enabling this change in our children and our heartfelt gratitude to each one of them. Them constructing a Mascot with leaves is a testimony to how much they enjoyed being and working with these children on sustainable living.

Contributor: Sunil Mithran T.K., Facilitator
Green
Bhumi’s School Transformation Programme supports low-income schools on their journey to becoming exemplary schools in their communities. Currently ongoing in 15 schools across Chennai, and supported by corporates like Qualcomm, FLEX, Greenergy, SEW Eurodrive, the programme also focuses on building the capacities of the teachers for improved content delivery.