By: Dr. Bindu Shirsath, ESRAG South Asia correspondent
In the small town of Abu Road, Rajasthan, a group of dedicated students from St. John’s School’s Interact Club embarked on an extraordinary journey to protect the environment and uplift their community. With unwavering support from school authorities, Rotarians Uma Shyam and Shyam Kumar, and mentor Dr. Vinod Mehta, these young change-makers launched a groundbreaking project.
Their mission was to breathe new life into discarded notebook pages, promoting education and sustainability. The Interactors collected unused pages from students across the school, sorted them carefully, and sent them for binding. The renewed notebooks were then gifted to schools attended by less privileged children, accompanied by recycled toys and bags. This selfless act not only reduced waste but also spread joy and knowledge.
Recycled Notebooks
The Interactors didn’t stop there. In a thrilling 24-hour marathon of sustainability, they transformed old newspapers into sturdy paper bags using eco-friendly wheat flour paste. These upcycled bags featured Rotary and Interact logos, highlighting key messages from Rotary International’s areas of focus: “Save Girl Child, Education, Health and Hygiene, Environment, and Peace.” The project also included a survey to raise awareness about paper waste and minimize it.
Old wooden desks were upcycled and distributed to schools lacking basic amenities, bridging the gap between privilege and necessity. This creative approach to reuse and recycle inspired the community to rethink waste management.
Furthering their commitment to health and hygiene, the Interactors creatively used Neem tree twigs to promote dental hygiene. They cleaned, shaped, and distributed these natural toothbrushes to children in slum and tribal areas, teaching them the importance of oral health through catchy action songs.
Upcycled notebooks
The Interact Club’s various initiatives shine as a beacon of community service, showcasing the power of youth-driven change. By reducing waste, promoting education, and fostering community engagement, these young leaders are crafting a brighter future for their community. Their story serves as a reminder: Every small action can spark a revolution, transforming waste into hope and inspiring a generation to cherish the environment and uplift those around them.
The Interact logo and Environment message printed on the recycled books, along with the upcycled benches, stand as symbols of the club’s dedication to transforming waste into hope and inspiring a brighter future for generations to come.
