Green project initiative

Sri Nirakar Vidyalaya, Mashem, Canacona, Goa
Project title: Economic analysis of climate change on agriculture
Project concept: Understanding the effect of climate change on agriculture
Project summary: The study area selected was in Mashem village. A questionnaire was prepared and students visited farmer’s houses to collect relevant data and information. Students also visited the sarpanch and spoke about the role of the Gram panchayat in helping farmers. The agricultural department in Canacona was contacted to get information about the total crop production. Data was also collected from the meteorological department for climate data. Students conducted this whole exercise under the guidance of their teacher who helped with the analysis of the data collected. In conclusion, they did find that climate change is affecting agriculture in some way or the other. This small exercise undertaken may not have yielded precise scientific results but nevertheless exposed the students to basic research tools and provided them with the opportunity to study and analyse the effects of climate change in their local context.

Adarsh V V High School, Margao, Goa
Project title: Collection of waste paper and its utilization
Project concept: Management of waste paper
Project summary: The project had the following main components; collection, segregation, estimation, recycling and production of creative articles. Each class was given an empty carton only to collect paper waste. A separate bin was used to collect plastic, chocolate wrappers etc. Paper waste was then weighed using a spring balance. Paper was then recycled by first soaking it in water and grinding it to a paste. This pulp was used on a fine wire mesh to make recycled paper. An Art student was invited to the school to demonstrate and guide students in the art of papier mache and making of creative articles. This exercise has helped in making the students sensitive to paper usage not only at school, but even at their homes.

Our Lady of Succour High School, Nagoa-Verna, Goa
Project title: Collection of dry waste in Nagoa village
Project concept: Set up a collection system for dry recyclable waste in the village
Project summary: Separate bins have been bought and installed to collect the various kinds of dry waste such as plastics, tetrapaks, paper etc. Students bring dry waste from their households to be deposited into these bins. The local community is also encouraged to deposit their dry waste into the bins installed at the school through announcements made at the local church. The waste collected is disposed of through rag pickers and though the scrap dealers subsequently.

Lourdes Convent High School, Saligao, Goa
Project title: Waste to wealth
Project concept: Waste segregation and management by composting using E.M solution
Project summary: Main components of this project are; collection, segregation and composting. Separate bins were bought under the project to collect dry and wet waste.  Wet (bio-degradable waste) was then put into the composting pit that has been built at the school. E.M solution was then sprayed to quicken the composting process. The manure got from composting is used for gardening.  Plastics are collected separately and once in two weeks, it is collected by the consumer forum of Saligao for recycling. The rest of the dry waste is collected by the Village Panchayat of Saligao once in two or three months. Thus, waste generated at the school is managed very efficiently with this waste management system in place taking care of it completely.

Student-exchange programmes

Following the successful implementation of the green projects, student-exchange programmes for other schools in the vicinity of the TERI-DEMPO model schools were then conducted. The following paragraphs describe the same undertaken by each TERI-DEMPO model school.

Shri Nirakar Vidyalaya conducted the exchange programme along with a programme organised on Science Day at their school.  Information about the project was shared to the other participating schools. Students shared the basic aim of their project undertaken and urged people to do their best to look after their environment in order to control and cope with the effects of climate change.

Adarsh V V High School conducted the exchange programme along with an Exhibition ‘Recycled Paper Art & Craft & Assignment/Projects’.  Five schools from the vicinity were invited. Students learnt how paper waste could be used effectively and in fact turned into useful articles that could be used.

Our Lady of Succour High School also conducted an exchange programme for the surrounding schools.  They explained how they have been able to set up a dry waste recycling centre at their school. People from the whole village are encouraged to deposit their dry waste into the bins installed at the schools. The waste collected is disposed of through rag pickers and though the scrap dealers subsequently.

Lourdes Convent High School conducted the exchange programme along with an Eco-Science Exhibition that was planned at their school.  More than 1000 parents and students from five neighbouring schools visited the school. The exhibition touched upon various facts like life and the climate of the Stone Age and how it has changed through different ages progressively to the present age.  Thus, along with the exhibition, parents and students and the neighbouring community was sensitized to the waste to wealth project that has been implemented at the school.