VALPOI
In a bid to promote a closer connection between knowledge in the classroom and practical knowledge of nature, plant nurseries are to be set up at nine schools in Sattari as part of a joint collaboration between the governments in the State and Centre.
According to sources, nine schools have been selected in Sattari and work has begun to set up these plant nurseries, while officials from the Valpoi Forest Training and Research Centre are guiding these schools on these plant nurseries.
“This will give students an opportunity to plant different saplings in the nursery, identify them and nurture them through school nurseries in the near future. Efforts to build beautiful nurseries around the school will be carried out in a realistic manner,” said the source.
The plant nurseries will be set up at the Hanuman Vidyalaya (Valpoi), Government Secondary School (Keri), Vivekananda Gyanmandir (Keri), Shree Bhumika Madhyamik Vidyalaya (Poriem) and the Government High Schools at Shelap-Khurd, Thane, Dabe, Ambede and Kudchire.
Sources said the Central government has provided financial assistance of Rs 25,000 to each of the nine schools.
According to officials, students from Std 6-9 will be imparted techniques to develop the nursery.
“Work has started in the direction. It is important that the concept of nursery is implemented in the school premises. The response from students has been overwhelming so far,” an official said.
When contacted, Gopinath Gawas, headmaster of Vivekananda Gyanmandir's Secondary School lauded the initiative of the government.
“Through this concept, children will have access to information on different plants and will be happy to work directly to develop the nursery. They will then continue their passion to grow trees near their homes,” said Gawas.
