Summer Fields School in partnership with CMS (Centre for Media Studies) has taken up the opportunity to improve the environmental conditions under “Friends for Change” program funded by Disney India. A total of 123 schools from Delhi-NCR have applied in the program out of which 10 schools were shortlisted based on their proposals, detailed plans and series of presentations. SFS was selected to develop the park at the Mahavir Temple complex situated adjacent to the school premise in the heart of South Delhi’s most crowded neighbourhood. The park is on a hilly terrain with a great view to the city. The area in the south and west of the park is degraded and offers a great scope for improvisation.
A 10-member core team was constituted which included the Principal, nodal teachers, students, parents and community members to carry out the development work. The aim of the program is threefold i.e. improving environment outside school, maximum learning by students (learning by doing) and spreading awareness among people about Delhi’s native and sustainable plants.
Under the program, 100 students from 6th to 9th grade from Summer Fields School will carry out the plantation and upkeeps works amid school hours (2pm-4pm) on Fridays and socially useful productive works (S.U.P.W.) sessions. The program will involve developing the site with native plants and trees like Dudhi, Chamrod, Barna, Karonda, Gundi, Khirni, Kala Sirus, Amaltash, Babool, Kaim, Dhak and many more. The unused terraces will be developed with herbal plants with medicinal value including Basil, Ashwagandha, Mint, Sadabahar, Aloe Vera, Lemon Grass etc.