Environment Education programme at Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Ajmer

An Environment Education programme was organized for the youth of Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Ajmer since 2008. The programme included orientation sessions on environment education through activities which ensured that the participants developed understanding about interlinkage of elements in the environment, effects of daily activities on environment and need of education and responsible actions for relieving the pressure on the environment. The programme pondered on the issues that affected our environment, categorized in 5 broad themes - Water management, Biodiversity, Waste Management, Energy, and Culture & Heritage. Participants carried out action project relevant to their themes, which were displayed during the Prakriti Mela.

With aim of tapping this potential of youth, CEE and Regional Institute of Education (RIE) Ajmer, organised a regional level Prakriti Mela. Students undertook action projects relevant to their curriculum and themes that can be done in campus and displayed during "Prakriti Mela". A regional level Prakriti Mela was organized at Ajmer as a major event to showcase their education efforts in Environment Education and Education for Sustainable Development. The event saw participation from adjoining states including Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and selected participants from other states across India. A variety of environment education activities were conducted during the event including Bird watching, Environmental Quiz- Kaun Banega Paryavaran Mitra Champion, poster making, slogan writing competitions, treasure hunt, expert lectures, etc. Shortlisted participants shared their experiences of project-based learning methodology through presentation during the event and exhibition on exemplar project. About 1000 visitors from local schools of Ajmer city visited the exhibition and participated in different activities like face painting, Snakes and ladder, Web of life, Break the pyramid, etc. conducted simultaneously with the exhibition during the Mela. The event ended with a valediction ceremony and felicitation of schools, students and teachers shortlisted and winners of various competitions organised during the event.