In a world increasingly impacted by climate change, empowering young people to become agents of change is more critical than ever. Gram Vikas is taking this challenge head-on in Odisha, fostering environmental awareness and action among the next generation.

Gram Vikas believes that engaging young people in climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts is crucial. Through activities like waste segregation, recycling, and awareness campaigns, we aim to foster a sense of responsibility in youth and encourage them to contribute valuable perspectives. This involvement can lead to more effective approaches to environmental challenges and build a foundation for a sustainable future.

Recognising that young people bear the brunt of climate change’s consequences, Gram Vikas has launched initiatives to actively involve them in finding solutions. In Odisha, where water scarcity and the rise of packaged products pose significant environmental challenges, Gram Vikas is working with youth groups like Bal Sabha and Kishore-Kishori Samuh to promote awareness and action.

Last month, an interactive session on solid waste management in Ganjam district’s Mitrapur village brought together children, adolescents, and adults for a hands-on learning experience. Participants received cards with images of various types of waste and were asked to sort them into biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and hazardous waste bins. They then engaged in a hands-on activity, sorting everyday waste items like polythene bags, kitchen waste, wrappers, paper, bulbs, metal, plastic bottles, and even torn mobile covers and sanitary napkins into corresponding bins. By examining these materials, they learned the importance of proper segregation based on environmental impact.

“We learned that we should be careful to segregate the garbage at home,” says nine-year-old Aju Mallik, a member of the Bal Sabha and a first-generation learner in Class 5. “We should not throw garbage in the open, as it not only makes our environment look dirty but also harms it.”

The session went beyond theory, incorporating games, songs, and real-world examples to deepen understanding and inspire action. Rita Mallik, 16, a member of the Kishor-Kishori Samuh, shared, “The card-playing session was extremely informative. We learnt a lot about different types of waste, their environmental impact, and how it can affect our health. The session taught us that waste can be organic, recyclable and hazardous. By labelling the bins, they showed us how to segregate waste. They told us about reusing to minimise waste. Waste disposed responsibly will keep our environment, water and soil safe.”

The enthusiastic participation of children, adolescents, and adults energised the session. Participants showed a strong commitment to learning, turning mistakes into opportunities to deepen their understanding of waste management and environmental protection.

Rita feels these sessions are beneficial to becoming responsible and caring individuals for the environment and the planet. “Earlier, I used to dig and bury used sanitary pads in the soil, but through this session, I learnt that it was harmful to the environment and it was better to burn it.”

As rapid urbanisation transforms rural communities, the shift towards packaged products has significantly increased waste, particularly from single-use packaging. Without immediate and effective waste management systems, these changes pose health and environmental challenges in rural areas.

The impact of these initiatives extends beyond the youth themselves. Srimati Mallik, an ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) worker and a member of the Mitrapur Village Development Committee, highlighted the importance of engaging the younger generation with practical exercises and game-based learning: “Gram Vikas has created different groups for children and adolescents in villages and engages with them regularly. The younger generation is our future, and they need to learn to preserve our environment and take action to protect our natural resources like forests, water bodies and the soil.”

“This session taught me that diapers are washed in the toilets first, then burnt and not carelessly thrown in the open,” Srimati shared, highlighting a practical lesson from the session. “I will inform ASHAs and AWWs (Anganwadi Workers) so that mothers and caregivers are made aware of this across the villages in our Panchayat.”

The impact of these initiatives is being felt at the local governance level as well. Sisir Mallik, Ward member from Mitrapur, was inspired to allocate Panchayat funds for distributing waste bins to every household. ‘It is good that Gram Vikas continues to engage with children and youth from our villages. Their behaviour change sessions have been very useful,’ he says. ‘Nowadays, children and youth are keen to participate in cleaning drives organised by Self-Help Group (SHG) members in the village. They lead these activities and quickly point out any household throwing waste in the open.’

With 5,927 children in Bal Sabha and 2,912 adolescents in Kishore-Kishori Samuh across hundreds of villages, Gram Vikas is nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious citizens. Their efforts today hold the promise of a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Odisha for tomorrow.

Reported by: Sheethal TS, Madhurima Roy