A transformative gathering of educators took place at the Mayflower Hotel in Guwahati, where 76 educators from 38 schools across Assam and Meghalaya came together for WWF-India’s Educators’ Conclave 2024 on November 29. The event focused on empowering educators to instill environmental stewardship and climate literacy in students, while sharing innovative strategies to make schools sustainable and eco-conscious hubs of learning.
With the theme “Raising Generation 30,” the conclave explored actionable ideas for transforming education systems to address pressing environmental challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
“The role of educators in shaping future environmental leaders is paramount,” said Archita Baruah Bhattacharyya, State Coordinator for WWF-India. “Young minds hold immense potential to create a future where humans live in harmony with nature. It is our collective responsibility to empower them to lead boldly.”
Panel Discussion: “Raising Generation 30”
A highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring some of the region’s most respected education leaders. Speakers included Fr. (Dr.) Alex Mathew, Principal of Don Bosco School, Dr. Hemashree Deka, HOD of Environmental Science at Assam Valley School, Sakina Rashid Hazarika, Director of Ascent Academy Senior Secondary School, and Monti Gogoi, Principal of Axel Public School. Moderated by WWF-India’s Archita Baruah Bhattacharyya and Shreya Bhat, Senior Manager of Education at WWF-India, the discussion focused on rethinking curricula and adopting sustainable practices.
“Education is not just about textbooks,” remarked Fr. Alex Mathew. “It’s about preparing students to take ownership of their environment and community. This requires a shift in how we teach and inspire.”
Schools as Biodiversity Hubs
In a special session titled “Schools as Hubs for Biodiversity Learning,” Dr. Oinam Sunanda Devi, Scientific Officer at the Assam State Biodiversity Board, inspired attendees to turn schools into thriving ecosystems. “Our school campuses can be models of biodiversity where students engage with nature, learn through citizen science, and actively contribute to preserving their local environment,” she explained.
Climate Education Workshop
Educators participated in an interactive workshop led by WWF-India experts, exploring innovative tools and strategies to teach climate change and sustainability. The session encouraged collaborative discussions and hands-on activities to help integrate environmental themes into everyday learning.
“This workshop has given me practical ideas I can immediately implement in my classroom,” said Ruchi Rai, Head of Science at Sanskriti The Gurukul. “I feel motivated to not just teach but to inspire action among my students.”
Sustainability Project Showcase
The conclave concluded with presentations by six schools showcasing their high-impact sustainability projects. Sanskriti The Gurukul presented an innovative project titled “Made Paper Out of Paper and Bubbles (All-Purpose Cleaner),” while schools like Maharishi Vidya Mandir 3, Maria’s Public School, Sudarshan Public School, DPS Khanapara, and Star Public School shared unique solutions addressing local environmental challenges.
“Each project reflected the creativity and commitment of educators and students to making a difference,” said Sakina Rashid Hazarika. “These initiatives prove that schools can be catalysts for change.”
The Educators’ Conclave 2024 underscored the pivotal role of educators in building a generation that values sustainability and environmental responsibility, leaving participants inspired to lead the change in their communities.
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