One of the major challenges in managing waste is the lack of proper public awareness on waste and its harmful repercussions if not managed well. As a resolution, the National Environment Commission (NEC) will now bring on board thousands of children who are studying in pre-primary, primary and secondary schools to learn about waste management.
“Ecology Note, towards a clean, green and beautiful Bhutan”, was launched today which encompasses, graphical representation of basic waste management strategies and simple exercises for students. It will be instated as an additional learning material linked to science subjects from the next academic year.
Bhutan generates about 172 metric tonnes of solid waste a day according to the NEC. Such an alarming figure attributes to lack of awareness among the younger generation and the public in general. “Ecology Note”, a 46-page booklet provides a wide range of educational exercises that can assist teachers and guide classroom discussions on waste management.
“The ‘Ecology Note’ is an additional learning material where students can participate in field activities on waste management. Going in the field and identifying the types of wastes, whether it is organic or inorganic. That is all in the Ecology Note. It is very important that the students, younger generations start learning things, know what is a waste by way of activities we have included in the Ecology Note. We have integrated waste as one of the subjects but not as a fully-fledged subject but as a chapter in the science curriculum from classes IV to VIII,” said Thinley Dorji, the Chief Environment Officer at the NEC.
It is also expected to induce behavioural changes at an individual, family and community level to reduce the problem of waste management in the country.
Designed to engage students in fun and interactive learning experiences, the booklet will be made available to all schools across the country from the next academic year.
The curriculum is also in line with National Waste Management Strategy 2019, launched by Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen to fulfil the sacred “Gyenkhu” of “My Waste, My Responsibility”.
Tshering Dendup
