Inspiring Young Changemakers: Earth Day Celebrations in the PYP
At NMAJS, Earth Day is not just a date on the calendar—it is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to care for the planet we call home. This year, our Primary Years Programme (PYP) students commemorated Earth Day with a two-week-long initiative to raise awareness, foster responsibility, and drive positive action.
The celebration began on 22nd April with a special assembly that included an engaging skit to inspire and motivate students to become responsible global citizens. The performance highlighted how everyday choices impact human and animal life and called upon students to take ownership of their actions to protect the environment.
A key highlight of the assembly was a series of interviews with our school’s cafeteria and kitchen staff and the Head of Housekeeping. These unsung heroes shared firsthand experiences of food wastage, careless use of tissues, and the impact of unmindful habits in the school community. Their insights offered a real-world perspective on how small acts of negligence can lead to significant environmental consequences.
The assembly concluded with an action-oriented segment titled "It's Your Turn Now!" Over the following two weeks, the primary school systematically recorded the amount of food wasted each day during lunch. This data collection exercise aimed to make students more mindful of their consumption habits and the environmental impact of waste.
In the second week, we held a Reflection and Action Assembly, where students and teachers revisited the Earth Day message. The food waste data was presented in a graphical format, accompanied by videos of young learners sharing personal reflections on how the initial assembly influenced their choices. It was heartening to see students speak passionately about eating responsibly, avoiding wastage, and committing to greener habits.
The assembly also featured a sequel skit titled "Dusty Visits NMAJS," reinforcing the message through humour and storytelling. This was followed by a powerful presentation by a group of Class 5 students, who have chosen food wastage as their central theme for the PYP Exhibition. They shared startling global statistics, including the number of people who go to bed hungry each night and the environmental costs of wasted food, leaving a lasting impression on the student audience.
The culminating activity was the launch of the Clean Plate Challenge. Students were encouraged to finish their meals and display their empty plates, earning a "Clean Plate Champion" badge as recognition. The class with the highest number of clean plate badges will be awarded the "Clean Plate Champion Certificate."
Through these meaningful engagements, we hope our students have internalized the message that every small action counts. By thinking before wasting, showing gratitude for what we have, and acting responsibly, we can all contribute to a cleaner, greener Earth.
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