In the leafy surroundings of GMPS Jakkur, a spirit of environmental stewardship thrived among the students, fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world and a commitment to sustainable living. Under the guidance of their esteemed Headmaster, Mrs. Rukmini, and fueled by their boundless curiosity, these young Eco Explorers embarked on a quest to unlock the secrets of composting and soil health through the Veggie4School program. 

Among the eager participants were Anitha R, Abhishek, Bhumika, and a host of other passionate learners, each eager to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty in the name of environmental conservation. 

Chapter 2 of their Veggie4School journey focused on the art and science of composting, with students learning to transform organic waste into nutrient-rich compost through a process of layering and decomposition. Armed with vegetable scraps, fruit peels, green leaves, and dry brown materials such as waste paper and dry grass, the Eco Explorers set to work creating their compost piles. 

With meticulous care, they layered their compost bins, alternating between green and brown materials to create the perfect balance of nitrogen and carbon. In between layers, they sprinkled compost to introduce beneficial microbes and added moisture to ensure optimal conditions for decomposition. 

As they tended to their compost piles, the Eco Explorers marveled at the magic of nature, witnessing firsthand the transformation of waste into a valuable resource for their school’s garden. Through their hands-on experiences, they gained a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of responsible waste management. 

In addition to composting, the students participated in a fruity layer workshop, where they explored the link between healthy soil and nutritious food. Using a rainbow of fruits as their guide, they crafted delicious models of the earth’s layers, each bite a reminder of the vital role soil health plays in supporting plant growth and human well-being. 

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Enthusiastic Action  

• Confidence in Applying Knowledge:With a resounding 94% expressing utmost confidence, the students of GMPS Jakkur are poised to apply the insights gained from today’s workshop to their community or living space. This overwhelming confidence underscores their readiness to become active agents of change in promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship.
• Willingness to Start Composting Project: An impressive 70% of participants exhibit extreme enthusiasm, showcasing their eagerness to initiate a composting project using leftovers from school meals in their garden. This enthusiastic response reflects their strong commitment to sustainable practices and their readiness to take tangible steps towards reducing waste and enriching their surroundings.

As the chapter drew to a close, the Eco Explorers reflected on their experiences with a sense of pride and accomplishment. They had not only learned valuable lessons about composting and soil health but had also forged lifelong connections with the natural world. With renewed determination, they looked forward to continuing their journey as guardians of the earth, committed to making a positive impact on their school, community, and beyond. 

Ashwin M, Abbu, Chaitra D, Charan Kumar, Dayanand K, Durgamma, Madhulika, Mallamma, Melvin, Mallesh, Priyanka N, Roopa, Ramaiah, Santhosh, Roman Pasha, Sanjay S, Sanya, Sneha, Srinivasa, Kruthika, Vaiyaz Pasha, Vikash Kumar, Vijay Kumar, Sameer Ulla, Anjamma, Aravinda, Subhash, Sanjana, Shravani, Prabhu S, Akhila, Jaladauki Akasha, Nikhitha, Sumanth, Yuvaraj, Mohammad Gavi, Dhanush S, Dhanalakshmi, Sanjay