A study conducted by Sania Iqbal and Wahid bin Ahsan of Userhubs Department of Human-Centred Design recommended inclusion of environmental education in school curricula, promotion of practical learning, increasing community and governmental support and leverage cultural practices to develop environmentally conscious society.
Besides enhancing environmental sustainability through educational strategies, the strategies aim to empower children as proactive environmental stewards.
The study was published on May 22. It explored the awareness and practices of reuse and recycling among the countrys underprivileged children.
The study exposed significant gaps in understanding and practicing waste management by children, parents, teachers, NGO workers, community leaders and government officials. Children showed creativity in repurposing materials but challenges such as limited adult awareness and insufficient government initiatives continue, according to the survey.
The researchers recommended enhancing environmental awareness and practices among underprivileged children by incorporating environmental education in the formal curriculum with practical applications and learning, training teachers and assessing students understanding and application of sustainability principles.
They recommended holding community workshops and seminars, distribution of education materials in partnership with local government bodies and encouraging projects that promote the use of recyclable materials and innovative recycling projects to nurture creativity and practical skills.
To develop an environmentally conscious society, they recommended launching community events and awareness campaigns targeting adults, providing resources to parents and collaborating with local media to broadcast environmental education messages.
The Userhub stressed the need to fund and provide resources to schools and encourage public-private partnerships, providing awards and grants to motivate schools to adopt effective practices. Integrating environmental themes in cultural events is also required to develop an environmentally conscious society, the study recommended.
