Climate Action in Prattapur

84 students had an amazing Academy day on September, 21st at the Government Junior High School in Uttarakhand, India.

It began with a brief welcome and registration process. Then, the children’s full attention turned to the presentation "Now we children save the world!", which was given by Plant-for-the-Planet Coordinator Dharmendra Kapri.  The presentation covered an introduction of Plant-for-the-Planet, sources of CO2, greenhouse effect, global warming, photosynthesis, climate change, climate crisis and global justice. These topics were explained in a very simple language and easy way. After the presentation, children had the opportunity to clear their doubts through question and answer session.

After a short break, the children were divided into six groups to learn about global distribution and justice in the World Game. The children distributed playing figures, candy and balloons on the world maps laid out on the floor as symbols of the world’s population, wealth and CO2 emissions respectively.  Each group had one Moderator from our academy team to help them understand the rules and the process. The children were first asked to distribute the balloons, candy and tokens as per as their knowledge and later on corrected by the moderator wherever needed. Eventually, the CO2 emissions and wealth were distributed fairly – everyone has equal rights

Then, the children formed six public speaking groups and prepared and presented short passages from the opening presentation. They gave each other tips on how to improve their presentations in the future and a short session on How to Give a Good Presentation was conducted by Harshdev Punera and Priyanka Chand.

The students then broke for lunch and were able to relax a little and to discuss the topics covered so far with each other. 

After lunch was over, the afternoon kicked off with the Short Introductive videos on Plant-for-the-Planet and how we plant trees in Mexico, as children during the presentation session were very curious to know more about the organization and how we plant trees all over the world.

Rested, and feeling energized, the children relocated to the schoolyard to plant their own trees! Before the planting commenced, the children listened intently to the advice of the Eco club in charge Mr. Rajesh Fartyal. Mr. Rajesh explained how and when to plant trees, and also showed the children how to care for them to make sure they survive. In total they planted 15 trees (Azadirachta indica, Cassia fistula, Magnifera Indica, Indian Gooseberry, Psidium guajava) in just 45 minutes with the assistance of the Eco Club Members of GJHS Pratappur and YCSG members.

After a short break, the activities continued. The children started the "World Café" module. The children worked on the following questions as at four stations questions: "How do we ensure that the media reports about us?", "How do we motivate the adults?", "How do we motivate friends and classmates?" and "How do we organize a planting party?"

After everyone had the opportunity to write down their thoughts to each question, children were asked to present their thoughts and future plans in front of other students and teachers.

After the World Café children were asked to give shortened version of morning presentations, their future plans and outcomes of the school groups and group discussions.

The academy was made possible with the dedicative Government Junior High School, Uttarakhand, India commitment of Plant-for-the-Planet foundation, Government Junior High School Pratappur , TGIC Eco Club and YCSG members. The event was free of charge for all the attending children, who were aged 10-14.Special thanks goes to Plant-for-the-Planet academy staff Adelya for helping us throughout the academy preparation. I would also like to thank Mrs. Geeta Upadhyay , Mr. Rajesh Fartyal and Mr. Narendra Rautela  for helping us contact all schools and A very special thanks goes to Mrs. Geeta Upadhyay (Head of GJHS Pratappur) for providing us venue and all other basic facilities for the academy. Not to be forgotten are the many helpers and supporters, without whom the implementation of the Academy, venue, technology. Tree-planting event and much more would not have been possible.

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