Dr Mona Mehdi, Head of Institute at Jain Heritage Cambridge School, Kondapur is backed by over 28 years of experience as a teacher and an administrator in reputed schools of Lucknow and Hyderabad. An able and charismatic leader, she aims to make her team and students learn to lead and be good human beings, besides being successful. She is an inspiration for many. Her selfless and optimistic approach motivates her associates to move ahead in life. Her aspirations are in tune with the advancement of science and technology, but have its roots firmly grounded in traditional values and culture.
There are several schools that try and implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but Jain Heritage Cambridge School, Kondapur in Hyderabad stands out particularly in implementing Goal 15 of SDG earnestly. The objective of green school is to promote sustainability synergizing the educational programs, physical space and the organizational culture of our school. From reducing energy and water use daily to protecting natural habitat in its organic farm, the school has been able to help students imbibe the very essence of this initiative.
The benefit of going green has helped in more ways; the school has moved a step towards global sustainability by focusing on the three pillars: reduced environmental impact, increased health awareness, followed by sustainable literacy to all stakeholders.
An ambience of creativity coupled with copious enthusiasm fosters a learning environment for students by getting hands-on experience. By having Science/EVS classes on the topics related to flora in the garden, the school precincts have turned into a living rendezvous with Mother Nature. Despite the space constraints, the school has an organic farm within the school campus, where various vegetables are grown for the students to know about farming, its challenges, and how to overcome it. Students at the school have also been a part of “Green Building Congress”, an International conference which talks about the concept of “Green Schools.”
Under the Go Green initiative, each child is gifted a sapling to plant in his/her neighbourhood. Additionally, class-wise sapling plantation takes place in the campus every year. It is imperative to help them understand that “Environment Day” is not the only day to take care of nature. It is a continuous process and one needs to be aware of the fact that environment needs are to be preserved. Sustainable literacy includes both school curriculum and instructional practices that are inter-disciplinary in nature.
“Walk the Talk” is the mantra which has inspired and encouraged young minds. As head of the institute, Dr Mona Mehdi spends time with her students in the garden and organic farm discussing on the planning, working and implementation of these initiatives. The students have now learnt to take decisions regarding the same – whether it is time for weeding, what amount of water is required for each plant and how much sunlight is required in each season for a plant’s growth. From being curious spectators to active participants, students have become more involved in appreciating their environment and understanding the benefits of preserving the same for future.
Students too have demonstrated their zeal in undertaking initiatives that contributes to sustainable goals of the school. Simple habits such as switching off the lights and fans of the classroom while leaving, prohibiting wastage of paper, and watering class-saplings help to inculcate the value of ownership towards their surroundings. The “Best-out-Waste” garden inside school campus has been created out of old water bottles, used bus tyres, old stand fans and is refurbished in a way to remind students the importance of saving the environment by recycling the old materials.
Students have become the agents of change and the school has been successful in bagging the Go Green Award for the best initiative taken by the schools in the last seven years consecutively
