Preparing youth for sustainable future
In conversation with Avneet Kaur, Kiran Joth Dhillon, Principal of Cambridge Innovative School, shares her insights into building an eco-conscious generation through education.
Principal of Cambridge Innovative School Kiran Joth Dhillon shared her insights into building an eco-conscious generation through education. Talking to Avneet Kaur, she maintained that schools play an important role in inculcating environmental awareness in young minds.
In a world facing escalating environmental crises, the responsibility of nurturing eco-consciousness among young minds has never been more crucial. Schools are not just centres of academic learning, but also incubators for future leaders, decision-makers and responsible citizens.
Instilling environmental awareness from an early age ensures that sustainable practices become ingrained in students’ lives, equipping them to address challenges such as climate change, pollution and resource depletion. One of the most effective ways to foster eco-consciousness is by integrating environmental education into the curriculum. Subjects like science, social studies and even mathematics can incorporate sustainability concepts, while debates, workshops and guest lectures on climate change, renewable energy and biodiversity further enhance awareness.
However, education alone is not enough — schools must lead by example through tangible sustainability initiatives. At Cambridge Innovative School, several environmental projects have been undertaken, guided by Chief Patron Sri M. His visionary approach has shaped the institution’s commitment to sustainability. One such initiative was the ‘Walk of Hope 2015’, a journey from Kanyakumari to Kashmir led by Sri M, which promoted peace and harmony while encouraging tree plantation in abandoned areas.
Building on this vision, ‘Roots of Hope 2024’ was launched by students, resulting in the plantation of over 3,000 trees in an adopted area. Additionally, the My Tree project, initiated by the Satsang Foundation, encourages students to plant, adopt and nurture trees, fostering a deep sense of environmental responsibility.
The schools should introduce the Jal Sewak initiative, which instills water conservation habits through awareness sessions and practical activities. In collaboration with NGOs, the schools must conduct e-waste awareness sessions and drives, educating students and parents on the responsible disposal and recycling of electronic waste. By ensuring that hazardous materials are managed properly, the initiative helps prevent environmental damage caused by improper e-waste disposal.
Beyond classroom initiatives, the role of the community is equally vital. Schools must engage parents and local communities in environmental activities such as tree plantation drives, clean-up campaigns and sustainability awareness programmes that can further enrich students’ understanding, making sustainability a collective effort rather than an individual responsibility. As the world stands at a critical juncture, the role of schools in shaping an environmentally responsible generation cannot be overstated.
An eco-conscious generation is not just an aspiration but a necessity for the survival of the planet. By integrating sustainable practices into education and fostering a culture of responsibility, schools can become true changemakers, ensuring that future generations inherit not just opportunities but a thriving, harmonious world.
