Shiksha Saptah Day 6 – Eco Clubs Day 27 July 2024

In this article we providing information regarding Shiksha Saptah Day 6 – Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE Day – 27 July 2024.

Shiksha Saptah Day 6 – Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE Day – 27 July 2024

Overview

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes the critical importance of integrating environmental awareness and sustainability principles into school curricula. The vision of the Policy is to instil ‘among the learners a deep-rooted pride in being Indian… and dispositions that support responsible commitment to sustainable development and living ’

• Ancient Indian literature, emphasises the intimate connection between nature and humanity. The Yajurveda advocates peaceful coexistence with every component of nature and asks people to look at one another and all aspects of the natural system through the lens of ‘friendship’. The Thirukkural declares that ‘Sparkling water, open space, hills and forests constitute a fortress’ (that is, our defence and protection), while Subhasitas (wise sayings) remind us that “Trees are like good people. While they themselves stand in the scorching sun, they provide shade and fruit for others.’ Countless texts paint pictures of the beauty and generosity of nature, our mother which feeds and nurtures us. In accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF SE) recognises that it is very important to harness the power of education to create awareness and develop an empathetic disposition towards the natural system. The NCF SE delineates that Environmental Education is a theme that cuts across various disciplines and prescribes curricular goals and competencies for all the four curricular/pedagogical stages.

• In order to implement the NEP 2020 in letter and spirit, it is important to engage students across all stages in meaningful and age appropriate environment- friendly activities. Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) provide a valuable platform for students to acquire the requisite knowledge, attitudes and behaviour to evolve into environmentally responsible citizens. Mission LiFE is a global initiative put forth by our Hon’ble Prime Minister promoting mindful resource

utilization for protection/conservation of the environment that Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE aim to propagate.

• Shiksha Saptah (Education Week) is a nationwide week-long program focusing on different aspects of learning and development in schools across India. One day of this Saptah will be dedicated to a particular theme. Day 7 i.e. 27.07.2024 is proposed to be dedicated as Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE Day.
• All the activities on this day will be carried out as a mark of observing World Nature Conservation Day, celebrated every year on 28 July. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of preserving and conserving natural resources and the environment. The day serves as a reminder of the need to protect and sustainably manage the Earth’s ecosystems and biodiversity for the well-being of current and future generations.

Objectives of observing Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE Day:

• Generate awareness about critical environmental issues such as climate change, pollution and resource depletion.
  • Motivate students to adopt eco-friendly behaviour and incorporate sustainable practices into their daily routine.
  • Foster a sense of personal responsibility for environmental conservation.

Targets:

1. Plantation drive under #Plant4Mother initiative. Each school to plant at least 35 saplings in the school or at home or at an appropriate public place to achieve the target of 5 crore plantations.
2. To establish minimum 1 lakh new Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE in schools.

Instructions for Conducting #Plant4Mother Campaign in Schools

In alignment with the initiative #Plant4Mother launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister schools are encouraged to actively participate in #Plant4Mother Campaign. To ensure the success of this campaign, the following guidelines are provided:

• Organize Plantation Drive: Schools to conduct tree plantation drive on the designated day i.e.. 27.07.2024. Saplings can be planted within school premises, at home or at appropriate public places with a special focus on deforested areas.

• Student and Mother Participation: Saplings to be planted collaboratively by students and their mothers. This will strengthen the bond between students and their mothers and surrounding ecology.
  • Display Placards: Each sapling planted to be accompanied by a placard displaying the name of the students and their mother.
  • Ownership to nurture the plant: Students must be guided by the Eco Club teacher In-Charge / president / members to nurture their respective saplings, ensuring they receive water, nourishment and protection from harsh weather. Caring for the plants builds a sense of ownership among the students.
  • Share Geotagged Images: Schools to share geotagged images of the plantation drive with DoSEL on google tracker, link to which is given in para

This ensures proper documentation and tracking of the campaign’s progress and impact.

• Wide Dissemination on Social Media: Schools to share pictures and descriptions of their event on social media platforms using the hashtags #Plant4Mother and #एक पेड़ मां के नाम. Thi s will help spread awareness and

inspire others to participate in the initiative.

Instructions for Opening new Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE in Schools

Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE in schools empower students to participate and take up meaningful environment friendly activities and projects. It is a forum through which students can reach out to influence, engage with their parents and neighbourhood communities to promote environmentally responsible behavior. It empowers students to explore environmental concepts and actions beyond the confines of a syllabus or curriculum. States/UTs/ABs to establish Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE in remaining schools as per the annexure attached.

• Establishment of Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE: School to establish an Eco Club for Mission LiFE to foster environmental awareness among students.
  • Leadership: The School Principal to be the Head / Patron of the Eco Club for Mission LiFE and oversee its activities and progress.

• Designation of In-Charge: The School Principal to designate a Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) or Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) to serve as the In-Charge of the Eco Club for Mission LiFE. This teacher will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and coordination of the club’s activities.

• Composition of Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE: Eco Clubs to consist of 4-5 students from each grade.
  • A student to be appointed as Eco President of the Club for Mission LiFE.

• School Management Committee (SMC) members and other staff members may be encouraged to participate in and support the activities of Eco Clubs.
  • Sub-committees focusing on specific themes like energy conservation, water conservation, waste management etc. to be established for focused actions.

• Issuance of Notification: The constitution of Eco Club for Mission LiFE is to be formalised by issuance of notification as per the draft attached.
  • Meetings
    • Frequency: Club meetings to be held at least once a month to ensure consistent progress.
    • Agenda: Each meeting to have a pre-defined agenda focusing on planning upcoming activities and reviewing past initiatives.
    • Minutes: Minutes of each meeting to be recorded and shared with all members for transparency and follow-up.

• Record-Keeping: The Eco Club In-Charge will monitor all activities and maintain detailed records of the club’s projects, events and achievements. These records should be regularly reported to the School Principal for review.

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