Punjab launches sustainability leaders program 2024

CHANDIGARH: In a joint initiative by the school education department and the department of local government, Punjab, an eight-week long Sustainability Leaders Program 2024 was launched with the aim to empower high school students across the state. The focus would be on raising awareness about cleanliness and waste segregation at the source, involving two hours of activity per week.
On Tuesday, the webinar was moderated by. Surekha Thakur, Assistant Project Director of SAMAGRA and State Nodal Officer for SLP 2024. Suhani Sharma, Head Girl of Delhi Public School Chandigarh, conceptualized and designed the program and delivered the opening presentation, outlining the program structure and solid waste management principles.
Over the past two weeks, over 28,000 students from 461 schools have registered online for the program. Additionally, 129 community facilitators and an equal number of community motivators from 166 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) actively participate, covering all 23 districts of Punjab.
As part of the Swachhta Pakhwada celebration, the program was officially launched with an inaugural webinar that introduced students to the principles of waste management, the different types of waste, and the critical importance of segregation at source. The program also aims to develop essential life skills in students, including problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, digital presentations, public speaking, collaboration, and research.