Introduction
The Green Brigade is a climate action initiative aimed at developing a sustainable, climate-smart agricultural model at Sammanthurai Muslim Madhya Maha Vidyalaya. Initially, our understanding of climate issues was limited to textbooks, but participation in the British Council’s Youth Leadership for Climate Pathways program deepened our awareness of climate change and its widespread impacts. Recognizing the harmful effects of unsustainable farming practices—such as excessive synthetic fertilizer use, deforestation, and soil degradation—we are committed to addressing these challenges. Through hands-on climate-smart agribusiness training, we aim to foster environmental stewardship, enhance agricultural resilience, and promote sustainable practices that benefit both present and future generations
Action
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Awareness Session at Sammanthurai
Muslim Madhya Maha Vidyalaya introduced students to climate change, mitigation, and climate-resilient farming through expert-led discussions and interactive activities. This was followed by a two-day hands-on training, where students learned practical climate-smart farming techniques, including aloe vera planting, seedbed creation, and gender-inclusive farming awareness. To ensure long-term sustainability, the project implemented climate-resilient crops, drip irrigation systems, and an informational display. Finally, responsibilities were handed over to the school’s agriculture coordinator, empowering students and teachers to sustain the initiative beyond the project’s completion.
Project Objective
• Build Knowledge and Skills in Climate-Resilient Agriculture through training, hands-on activities, and awareness programme. —
-The project teaches sustainable agriculture and climate change
mitigation through eco-friendly practices like composting, resilient crops, and water conservation.
• Create a Sustainable Climate Smart Agriculture Model at Sammanthurai Muslim Madhya Maha Vidyalaya and promote it as an introductory activity
-A campus-based model showcases organic farming,
climate-smart crops, and efficient irrigation, promoting hands-on
learning and community adoption
Impact and Results
The Green Brigade trained 57 students and 5 teachers in climate-smart agriculture, planting 18 vegetable varieties, 6 fruit trees, and 110 aloe vera plants at the school. A drip irrigation system and an informational display board were also set up. 100% of students gained practical climate adaptation skills.
For sustainability, the agriculture coordinator and students will maintainthe farm, and trained students will act as peer educators. The project is set to expand to 3 more schools in two years, increase crop varieties, and establish a Green Club. The drip irrigation system will reduce wateruse by 30-50%. Future partnerships with government and environmental groups will support the initiative’s growth.
