Sikkim school turns wasteland into cropland with monthly environment day

Badong Thansing Junior High School, Sikkim, Gangtok, has taken a revolutionary step in converting wastelands into fertile agricultural lands. The school celebrates 'School Environment Day' on the 5th day of each month, an initiative by committed Headmaster Rosan Nepal. With the help of teachers and students, the month-long festival now reaches the 14th edition, indicating its impact at the grassroots level.

This month's 'School Environment Day' was remarkable in the respect that it encompassed the redevelopment of wastelands near school into green fertile land. This was not limited to the responsibilities of the children of the schools; the Area Education Officer, the Panchayats, and parents lent a helping hand to the children in the operation. They combined their efforts with practical sessions with equipment and plantations, together with the one common goal of recharging the earth. Headmaster Nepal emphasized, "Our aim is not only to green the planet but to educate children about the importance of hard work and nature as well. When children learn by doing, they learn for life."

The experience was a new one for the children in farm machinery and planting, all done with smiles and giggles. The teachers taught the students how to treat soil and crops, thereby teaching respect for nature. The kids were not left out either, as they were taught how to conserve nature and the cycles of plants. This hands-on learning is to enable the students to connect with their heritage and embrace a sense of land and agriculture in everyday life.

The old vacant plot is now being converted into a productive study space, where kids will learn to cultivate flowers and vegetables. Not only are they learning a hands-on lesson in agriculture, but healthy young brains as well. The school is going to cultivate seasonal fruits and vegetables that would be part of their mid-day meal scheme, thus the direct connection between farm work and food on the plate.

In the future, the school will involve more of the community, even hiring the services of agricultural experts to share more about agricultural skills. The extension would also enhance learning quality and encourage further community participation, balancing studies with real skills.

This activity, which was first a monthly routine, is now a school movement. It is not only instilling a culture of responsibility, action, and care for the environment but also for the school community and beyond. Every 'School Environment Day' reminds us of what can be achieved with our combined efforts, anew every month on the 5th.