GreenClassrooms

Changemaker: Syed Hasnain Akber

Country of implementation: Pakistan

In the picturesque but environmentally vulnerable region of Gilgit Baltistan, widespread littering and inadequate waste management infrastructure threaten both the natural landscape and public health. Compounding these challenges are the region's complex social dynamics, with eight ethnic tribes, ten linguistic groups, and five religious sects often experiencing tension and historical conflict. To address these interconnected issues, Act4Food has launched the GreenClassrooms project.

GreenClassrooms is creating a generation of environmental stewards by equipping teachers with the tools, knowledge, and infrastructure to implement effective waste management education. The project has selected 50 teachers from diverse backgrounds across the region, representing various ethnic and religious communities, who will collectively impact 2,500 students across 50 schools. Through an intensive three-day training program held June 5-7, 2025, participants gained expertise in waste separation, recycling, composting, and environmental impact assessment, along with strategies for classroom integration and community engagement.

The project employs multiple complementary approaches: comprehensive teacher training, distribution of specialized educational toolkits, establishment of cross-school collaboration networks, and community extension activities. This multi-faceted methodology ensures that environmental education extends beyond classroom theory into practical application throughout communities.

GreenClassrooms carefully selected participating teachers to represent the region's diverse communities, ensuring inclusion across ethnic and religious lines. The Department of Education in Gilgit Baltistan has officially endorsed the initiative, providing institutional support for implementation.

As the project progresses, we anticipate these environmental benefits will continue to grow while simultaneously fostering cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.