In a significant achievement for sustainability initiatives, India International Public School (IIPS) in Dabra has emerged as the sole finalist from India among 18 global high schools chosen for the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize. The announcement of winners is eagerly anticipated on December 1, 2023, as part of the COP28 event in the United Arab Emirates. Established in 2008, the Zayed Sustainability Prize honors the lasting legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, recognizing the efforts of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs), and Global High Schools committed to implementing sustainable solutions.
Over the course of 15 years, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has left a lasting impact on 378 million people worldwide in critical areas such as Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools. The 106 previous winners have played a pivotal role in contributing to this remarkable global impact.
The sustainability project undertaken by IIPS is multifaceted, involving the establishment of a healthcare facility, rainwater storage infrastructure, and an organic farming greenhouse. At its core, the project introduces the innovative ‘Time Bank for Sustainability’ program, requiring 30 annual hours from teachers, students, and parents. The initiative sets ambitious targets, aiming to serve 12,000 people through the healthcare facility, store 40,000 liters of rainwater annually, and produce 20 tonnes of grains and 10 tonnes of fruits.
Addressing various challenges, IIPS has outlined strategic plans to overcome obstacles in the realms of healthcare, water scarcity, and farming land utilization. In the healthcare sector, the school envisions a sustainable healthcare center run by students’ parents and medical students, focusing on basic health check-ups and awareness. To combat groundwater scarcity, IIPS plans to implement rainwater harvesting, contributing to water storage and the recharge of groundwater levels. Additionally, the school is committed to building a greenhouse for organic farming on existing school land, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices.
Looking at the broader vision and action plan, IIPS integrates health education into its curriculum, organizes regular health check-ups for students, staff, and the local community, and initiates immunization drives and community outreach programs to enhance health education. In response to water scarcity, the school identifies extensive water usage and the lack of rainwater harvesting, planning to implement rainwater harvesting systems and conduct water conservation initiatives. The promotion of organic farming is actively pursued through education, bio toilets, zero-waste practices, and the construction of a greenhouse, engaging the community through training programs for farmers and emphasizing eco-friendly pest control methods.
As the world anticipates the outcomes of the Zayed Sustainability Prize on December 1, IIPS stands as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the transformative potential of educational institutions in addressing global challenges. The recognition underscores the importance of such initiatives in shaping a sustainable future for generations to come.
Links:
https://youtube.com/@iipsdabra680?si=5jBPYHiwCElLNfe5
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