Educators Conclave in Guwahati to shape future environmental leaders

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 3, 2024

To address the urgent global challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, WWF-India organized the Educators’ Conclave 2024 at the Mayflower Hotel in Guwahati. The event, themed “Raising Generation 30,” brought together 76 educators from 38 schools to collaborate on strategies for embedding sustainability and biodiversity learning into education systems.

A key highlight was a panel discussion featuring prominent education leaders from Assam. Moderated by WWF-India representatives, the panel included Fr. (Dr.) Alex Mathew, Principal, Don Bosco School; Dr. Hemashree Deka, HOD, Environmental Science, Assam Valley School; Sakina Rashid Hazarika, Director, Ascent Academy Sr. Sec. School; and Monti Gogoi, Principal, Axel Public School.

The leaders exchanged innovative ideas to empower students in tackling environmental challenges. From integrating sustainability in curriculums to encouraging green initiatives on campuses, the discussion aimed to inspire educators to prepare students for a sustainable future.

In a special session, Dr. Oinam Sunanda Devi, Scientific Officer, Assam State Biodiversity Board, emphasized the role of schools in biodiversity conservation. She advocated transforming school campuses into thriving ecosystems where students engage in citizen science and explore local biodiversity firsthand.

Her session, “Schools as Hubs for Biodiversity Learning,” encouraged educators to view schools not just as learning centers but as pivotal players in promoting environmental stewardship.

Interactive workshops led by WWF-India experts provided practical tools and strategies for climate education. Through hands-on activities, educators explored innovative methods for teaching sustainability, leaving them energized to implement these approaches in their classrooms.

Archita Baruah Bhattacharyya, State Coordinator, WWF-India, expressed her gratitude to participants, saying, “Young minds hold immense potential. Empowering them to lead boldly is essential for creating a harmonious future where humans and nature thrive together.”

The event concluded with an inspiring showcase of sustainability projects from six schools, demonstrating creative solutions to environmental challenges. Highlights included:

Ruchi Rai, HOD Science, Sanskriti The Gurukul presented a project titled “Made Paper Out of Paper” and “Bubbles: All-Purpose Cleaner.”.

Other projects from schools like Maharishi Vidya Mandir 3, Maria’s Public School, and Sudershan Public School (Guwahati), as well as DPS Khanapara and Star Public School (Meghalaya), showcased impactful initiatives aimed at reducing waste, conserving biodiversity, and fostering eco-friendly habits.

The Educators’ Conclave 2024 ended on a high note, with participants leaving equipped with actionable strategies to make schools pivotal in addressing environmental challenges. By fostering a sense of environmental responsibility in young learners, the event laid the groundwork for a future generation—Generation 30—poised to lead the charge for a sustainable world.