Green Greetings Mates :)

On 27th October, I visited Janapriya Public school (where I founded Tunza Eco- club on 5th June, 2015) with an aim of sharing an opportunity to participate in Global Youth Eco- Leadership Summit (GYELS) 2016. I was fortunate to live the experience of GYELS facilitator for 2015 and wished children of my locality gets chance for this life changing opportunity as well.

I reached at about 12pm in the afternoon, students were having their classes. I had some talks and discussion with the principal Mr. Bhanu Aryal about the progress of Tunza Eco- club and their activities. I briefed him about my purpose of visit and GYELS 2016. He was very glad to know about such global opportunity for young students and was thankful to the organizers.

Unfortunately, the projector was not functioning. But pre assuming the uncertainties I had taken all the screenshots of procedure to apply for GYELS and my sixth sense worked. Students of grade 9 gathered in the lab room and I explained them firstly about GYELS, its objectives, my experience and programs included within its timeline. Afterwards, I informed them about each step in creating new account and going through application form for GYELS 2016. I explained verbally, showed them the screen shots of each step and made them write so that it would be easier for them later while applying. I also shared a simple format of curriculum vitae (CV). Students looked excited and confused at the same time because it was all very new for them.

Challenges for students

In Nepal rarely students are allowed to use Mobiles, computers before grade 10 because parents and even teachers have a misconception it would hamper their study. Moreover, not every family is economically stable to have laptops/mobiles for their children. So, most of the students in school had no idea even about Google or Microsoft word. I felt shattered to know students heard the word CV for the first time. I realized Nepalese community lags far behind in access of technology which is a must for moving with this modern era. They didn't have email id nor, they had easy access of internet nearby. Thus, everything was very new to students and a bit challenging. I gave them my phone number so that they can contact me for any problems. Next day I got a message from student Shrijana Tamang stating they had problem in creating new account.

Revisit

On 1st November I revisited the school on their request and school administration had managed for internet by then. Interested students who had trouble were gathered in the office and I demonstrated how to create Gmail id and new account in Tunza eco- generation. I created one sample account for a student. I showed them how a CV looks likes and how to create it in Microsoft word. Also, made them understand about the activity points system and selection criteria.

Despite all the challenges, I am hopeful some students can make to submit the application form.

Progress about Tunza eco- club

Though the students are far behind in technology their zeal and passion for environmental conservation is not less in any aspect. Students had submitted a proposal to school management for a better larger dustbin (They previously installed sacks for collecting and segregating wastes). School had provided two big drums for disposing waste, one for degradable and next for non- degradable. Similarly recently students had made a beautiful garden in their school yard. They are planning for some eco- contests soon after Diwali festival as well.

I am so proud to see students of eco- club dedicated towards their responsibility despite limited resources.