A teacher-student capacity building workshop was organised on 24th November 2010 for all the participating schools at Dempo House, Panjim between 10.00 am to 1.00 pm.
Forty-Four teachers and one hundred and thirty one students spread across twenty-eight schools attended this programme.
Ms. Aditi Pathak (TERI) welcomed all the participants to the workshop. She then briefed the audience about TERI’s work and the various initiatives undertaken by its Environment Education Awareness group in particular.
Ms. Shabana Kazi (TERI) then provided an overview of climate change basics to the participants. She also put into perspective, the key climate change issues in the context for Goa. She first explained the various climate-related terminologies and then spoke about the history and the science behind climate change. The presentation also highlighted the anticipated impacts and vulnerabilities involved. The various response measures were also discussed in addition to taking stock of the global response so far. In section 2 of the presentation, the key climate change issues for Goa were highlighted. The anticipated impacts/projections for Goa were also presented. Various adaptation measures were also presented in addition to underlining the importance of every individual contributing towards the environment.
Ms. Akshata Samant (Lecturer, Education) oriented the teachers on how they could enhance their Environmental Education (EE) teaching skills. She first spoke about the need for EE. The definition of EE was first discussed along with its objectives. She then communicated in depth, the various approaches to EE, the important role the educator plays, and the various challenges that are faced while teaching EE. She also highlighted the importance of using the infusion and interdisciplinary approach to EE. She also discussed the various teaching methodologies that teachers can adopt while teaching EE.
Mr. C Vaz (Independent waste consultant) spoke about the importance of effective waste management in the context of climate change. He stressed the importance of source segregation and how it holds the key to an integrated approach towards waste processing/ treatment and disposal. The waste components (organic and inorganic) and how items can be segregated at source were also taught to the students. The different categories of waste (biomedical and hazardous waste) were also discussed. He also demonstrated how composting could be done using simple home composters.
In the open house discussion, participants shared their experiences in environmental learning. Teachers and students discussed the various eco-friendly initiatives that they have undertaken at their schools and homes. The workshop was appreciated by most of the participants and ended on a very motivating note where students mentioned how they have been inspired and motivated to champion the green cause and work towards protecting and conserving the environment.
