One of the 40 schools participating in Green Gurukul, an inter-school competition in the city of Dehradun, was Schuller’s Heim, where kids from a nearby slum in Dalanwala study. During a clean-up activity, passers-by from the same area started shaming the kids saying, “Is this why your parents are sending you to a school?” and “Look at them— doing what their parents do!” When their principal suggested the team move to another location for the clean-up, one of the students, Amaan, was adamant:
“We’ll stay here and complete the clean-up. We’re not doing it for them but for the environment.”
“We’ll go on, come what may!”
His classmates also joined him in this resilient display of climate action. By the end of the clean-up, not only had they collected 5 kgs of dry waste from the area but also sent a message to the community that caring for society and the environment is everyone’s responsibility.
In programs such as these, Waste Warriors takes a pivotal role in addressing social stigma by nurturing a sense of identity and empowerment among marginalized communities. We enable individuals to reclaim agency and overcome societal biases associated with waste by providing dignified livelihoods. As part of our Dehradun youth activation project— Youth United for Waste & Climate Action (YUWA), we have engaged 55 schools and colleges, and 912 students through 366 activities to leave more than 20,000 waste and climate action footprints.
Another school, Bajaj Institute Of Learning For Deaf Children also showcased immense determination despite their disabilities by participating in all activities of the competition. They have inspired not only us but students from different schools to take waste and climate action.
By igniting a sense of pride and purpose, Waste Warriors facilitates open dialogues that challenge stereotypes, encouraging active participation and collaboration. These efforts transform mindsets, promoting responsible waste management and holistic well-being, leading to more inclusive societies.
