UNICEF climate change curriculum to be implemented in Maharashtra schools: What will it include?
The Government of Maharashtra recently announced a new, timely addition to the school curriculum of the schools within the state. It is named as the “Majhi Vasundhara” curriculum, and includes a climate change-based syllabus applicable to classes 1-8. Varsha Gaikwad, Maharshtra’s School Education Minister was handed the task of introducing the new subject. The objective was to help students understand this global crisis and learn how to tackle it effectively. The state’s Environment Minister, Aditya Thackeray, reiterated the importance of this move in developing responsibility amongst the youth about active participation in the fight against climate change. Here is all you need to know about the new state curriculum.
What does the Majhi Vasundhara curriculum include?
The name of the syllabus “Majhi Vasundhara” translates to “my environment.” This new curriculum will include practical learning about important climate change-related topics such as effective ways to conserve biodiversity, solid waste management and water resources management. Along with this, it will draw attention to the importance of renewable energy and ways to produce it, how to reduce all kinds of pollution on an individual and collective level, etc. It will also comprise of general knowledge and awareness about the environment and ecosystems present around them.
How is the new curriculum designed?
UNICEF provided assistance to the state’s education board in the design and development of this curriculum. Its fundamental framework is based on the five elements of nature which are referred to as the “Panchmahabhutas” in Sanskrit. These include bhumi (land), jal (water), vayu (air), agni (fire) and akash (ether/sky.)
The course-work is designed to primarily focus on activity-based learning instead of the usual theoretical method. Thus, it will include a significant number of projects which are research and application based. The curriculum aims to give students an understanding of climate change which goes beyond the classroom.
What are the aims of this new curriculum?
- Involving students in climate disaster mitigation.
- Creating an awareness about climate consciousness around school-going children.
- Equipping them with the practical skills that can be applied in coming up with innovative solutions to manage climate change.
- Educating the young generation about the urgency of undertaking action against this global issue.
- Encouraging them to choose a green, earth-friendly lifestyle.