How is Young Environmentalists Programme trust Environmental education taught in schools? Elsie Gabriel

How is our Environmental education taught in schools? 

 

Environmental education uses environmental issues and topics as a theme to weave into all subjects and grades. This ensures all students will have many opportunities to acquire the knowledge, skills, perspectives and practices they need to become environmentally literate citizens. There will also be opportunities for students to address environmental issues in their homes, in their local communities, or at the global level. 

--Our mission at Green School is to deliver a generation of global citizens who are knowledgeable about and inspired to take responsibility for the sustainability of the world.

Mission of Young Environmentalists Programme --

· Emphasizing hands-on learning

· Developing social responsibility

· Instilling integrity, honesty, ethics and compassion as core underlying values

· Recognizing the importance of a holistic education

· Building natural habitat and green spaces within the school

· Inculcating Green leadership

· Grooming Civic habits

· Engaging student sin research,measurement and  deductions.

· Making Education fun and a happy experiecne.

· Craeting solid proactive happy memories for each student.

· Involving outdoor.activity based/campus education into curriculam.

· Making part of the curricular text books active through the Environmental programmes.

· Involving Parents and Guardians into the life of the students and environmental programmes.

· Reaching out to the Community as leaders in the environmental movement. 

· Celebrating Environment International Dates.

What is Young Environmentalists programme trust education? Elsie Gabriel

What is Young Environmentalists education?

Environmental education teaches students about how the planet's physical and biological systems work, and how we can create a more sustainable future. 

In India, as a country we have always been dedicated to our environment, worshipped our elements and have been dependant on the environment.

   

Article 48 -A of the Indian constitution has stressed on environment awareness and protection-"take measures to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country” ().

It also makes it a -“fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment including forest, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have ecological compassing for the living creatures” (Article 51 A (g)).

Therefore the Young Environmentalists Programme believes that Environmental education is a process aimed at creating awareness in the youth rather than preaching to the population. Environment education aims at-

· Basic details and understanding of the environment and its relationship with man and biodiversity;learning through a fun way for Junior students.

· Social  and civic values which are in tandem with environmental quality;

·  Skills to solve environmental problems;

·  Ability to evaluate environmental measures and education programmes;

·  A sense of responsibility and urgency towards the environment so as to ensure appropriate actions to solve environmental problems at high school levels.

·  To enable the community to understand the interdependence of all the life on this planet and how to sustain it through our green living habits.

· To increase people’s awareness of the economic, political, social, cultural, technological and environmental forces which foster sustainable development by networking together.

‘Y’ for YAK! Elsie Gabriel

 

‘Y’ for YAK!

Elsie Gabriel

After an overnight train drive from Kolkatta to Jalpaiguri, we eventually leave behind the  West Bengal flat preamble in the east. We drive down by car, the hills leading out from New Jalpai Guri to Sikkim abruptly change into two beautiful but distinct landscapes, rounded  mountains  thick in evergreens  and some sharp mean mountains ribbed with rocks. A tangle of winding mountain roads lead towards the extreme North East of India, lower Himalayan ranges  and away from the base.

Oh, to just drink in the pure air of the mountains, perfumed with the breath
of pines and mountain ferns, and a thousand aromatic shrubs and plants that render every hillside ever green from base to summit, is being truly a blessed traveler.

I could feel myself laying aside the bondages of social conditions, and getting back to nature, pure and unadorned, except with nature's charms and graces.

The road is a narrow zigzag, making an ascent of 4000 feet in a distance of three to four hours depending on traffic around the mountain roads. It starts with the North Bengal forests and then onwards to the road alongside the mighty aqua marine coloured Teesta River. Primula flowers and other alpine plantations are a special feature of the beautiful vegetation leading  closer up  to the top ,to  this magnificent Changu lake in Sikim.

Be warned of the narrow turns which are so short that a long car like the Innova is compelled to back up to negotiate with other vehicles.. When the top is finally reached, the view of the surrounding country is simply beyond description.

Changu Lake known as the ' source of the lake' in Bhutia language is located around 35 kms away from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Steeped in holiness, the Tsomgo lake or more popularly known as Changu lake is a popular tourist destination,if you ever visit the North East of India. Nestled on Gangtok Nathu La highway, the lake towers to an altitude of 14,400 ft. Numerous devotees come here to worship the lake. The beautiful towering jaggered mountain terrains surrounding the peaceful lake add more charm to this massive water body. Placid water, cool breeze and picturesque location make it an ideal picnic spot for people.

Thousands of tourists flock here to experience the peace and tranquility. The lake is held in high esteem by both the Hindus and the Buddhists. Kyonqnosia, Kyonqnosla Alpine Sanctuary, Tseten Tashi cave, Nathula pass, river Lungtze Chu and a little Shiva temple are some of the other added attractions close by the lake which may want to visit.

Enjoy watching or even riding the Yak around the lake, fury mountain buffalow like animal which is a big attraction with kids and adults alike. Seeing the Yak for the first time brought back childhood memories of ' Y' for Yak! It is a gorgeous fury creature which lives only in regions which have temperatures below ten degrees.

There is a beautiful temple near the lake . It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The melting snow from the mountains surrounding the lake is the source of water for this lake. Tsomgo Lake gives birth to a river called Lungtze Chu which meets the river Rangpo-chu further down its way. It is said that Lamas used to make predictions about their future by studying the colour of the lake. The dark colour of the river used to indicate problems in future while light colour reflected peace and happiness. But fortune favoured me on this trip to the Eastern Himalays and I was gifted with this wonderful rainbow just above the lake which was mesmerizing!

Being located in the restricted area of the Indo China border, the Tsomgo Lake can be visited only by obtaining Inner Line Permit from the Police through the Tourism Department,your taxi driver or travel agent. The best time to visit the lake is from March-May and October- December.

Some of the other major attractions of Sikkim are Orchid Sanctuary, Yumthang Valley, Pemayangste Monastery, Rumtek Monastery, Pelling, Khecheopari lake, Yuksom, Namchi, Tashding, Dudbi Monastery and the adventure sports, waiting for you to explore every aspect of Sikkim.

Gangtok city is a perfect example of synchronization between traditions and modernity. The discotheques, fast food outlets, posh markets and other modern amenities gel so well along with some of the important Buddhist religious sites.It is heady mixture alright, and sometimes you wonder if you are in India or else where at this heavenly adobe.

Your Changu lake trip can not be complete without eating 'Maggie' or noodle soups on your way downhill, from all those stalls lined up by Bhutanese people. Ofcourse snowfall greeted us to a wonderful surprise on our descent downhill and I couldn't resist having a snow ball fight with my children, husband in tow, making life time ‘mountain’ memories forever.

Young Environmentalists Programme trust-Equipping tomorrows environmental leaders,today!

 Invite
The Young Environmentalists Programme trust to award ‘Womens Achievers Award’ to leading outstanding women!
The city’s top 25 women will receive the coveted “Women’s Achievers Award" by the Young Environmentalists Programme Trust in association with Rodas Ecotel. The function will take place at Hotel Rodas Ecotel, Hiranandani Powai on the 8th of March,11am, which is celebrated the world over as International Womens day!
International Women’s Day 8th March is an important time to recognize both the achievements of women and the leadership that women provide. By recognizing the outstanding achievements of women the Young Environmentalists not only provide role models but also encourage the community to nominate women for honour.

'Mahatma Gandhi- " Be the change you want to see in the world!" -and many women live this motto daily and are an inspiration to the community .
Young Environmentalists Programme which works to help citizens, environmentalists and leaders of environmental organizations recognize and take full advantage of their ability to make a real, significant and lasting improvement in the quality of the future of the world and young adults by educating and equipping them with environmental expertise, have recognized 25 top leading women who have made a positive difference in the community and stood out as enigmatic leaders. Many have made grass root level efforts, others have campaigned nationwide, some have contributed to policy making decisions by the government and some simply have gone all out to garner public support with out a flinch, none the less all 25 have devoted time and effort in making our world a better place for others!
We will be honoured that as part of the celebratory activities for International Women’s Day, if you could kindly join the Young Environmentalists Programe at the award ceremony of Women’s Achievers Award .
Young Environmentalists Programme aims at educating environmental leaders of tomorrow today, by creating an environmental awakening and education among the citizens of our country, specially the youth. We have recognised Dr Indu Sahani, Priti Hiranandani, Aditi Govitrikar,Lalita Gupta,Dr Nandini Kulkarni, Nandita Puri, Punam Sinha, Grace Pinto, Ketki Dave, Dr.Niki Reddy,Praachi Shah,Manci Choksi,Anuradha Sawhney, Raima Sen ,Anusya Dutt, Raell Padamsee,Sudha Chandra,Dr,Anjali Darade,Aarati Agrawal,Charu Chandan Sharma, Kinjal Shah, Dr.Smita Punyani,Madhuri Daftardar,Shamini Murugesh,Nandita Puri,Dr.Madhura Padhke, among the few imminent deserving ladies on the 8th of March at Hotel Rodas Powai, 11am ,the programme will be well attended by good audience, press and dignitaries and we look forward to making it a success together,
Elsie Gabriel

The Young Environmentalists is dedicated to unleashing the power within all of us specially the youth, to make a difference for the environment. Voices Elsie Gabriel, Founder President of the Young Environmentalists Programme, “We aim to work to help environmentalists and leaders of environmental organizations recognize and take full advantage of their ability to make a real, significant and lasting improvement in the quality of the future of the world and young adults by educating and equipping them with environmental expertise.” Adds Gabriel, “If we want to keep environmental protections of our air and water, our endangered species, our wilderness, and so much more - and create a green vision for the future, we must continue to lead public education campaigns and grassroots organizing efforts and support the next generation of environmental leaders. Each of the chosen are a concrete example we are proud of.”

About Young Environmentalists –Young Environmentalists Progarmme aims to connect, inspire and empower young change makers to join forces for a thriving, just and sustainable way of life for all. Young Environmentalists aims at providing support and skills to empower the next generation of leaders through workshops that share cutting-edge tools and methodologies, build community and partnership, and provide a forum for learning, healing, and for positive social impact. These workshops aim to provide wider access to the ideas and community resources we have been blessed to experience. We hope that by these interactive nature worksops,outdoor EVS trails, celebrations of Environment dates and EVS project workshops held, a space will be filled with good energy and inspiration, participants will leave with a spark of transformational social change and a greater sense of being a part of a larger community of people who envision a more just and sustainable world.