Prokritipath Pathshala has begun its journey to introduce the next generation to trees, the "lungs" of the environment. To mark the launch, an unusual nature camp titled "Gachgachalir Golpokotha" (Stories of Trees and Plants) was held in Ramna Park in the capital. Students aged 5 to 14 took part in the camp, which began at 7.30am, accompanied by their parents.

At the start, the children got to know one another through a range of fun activities. They were then introduced to different species of trees in Ramna Park. The students collected leaves in their notepads and wrote down the names and features of the trees, and also took part in creative activities such as drawing from the leaves.

The organisers said that, apart from textbooks, a large part of children's time is now spent in front of the screens of mobile phones, tablets and other digital devices. The initiative aims to draw them away from this screen dependence and help them make friends with nature. To love and protect nature, children must learn to recognise it from an early age, and that is why this open school exists beyond four walls.

Mentors at the camp included Shamsul Haque, former chief botanist of the Bangladesh National Botanical Garden; botanist and architect Tughlaq Azad Mithu; environmental writer Mrityunjoy Roy; and Khadija Bappi. Through stories, observation and hands-on activities, they explained trees, leaves, flowers and other aspects of nature to the children in simple terms.

Several parents at the camp called for such events to be held regularly. "Initiatives like this will play an important role in children's mental development, environmental awareness and love for nature," they said.

Prokritipath Pathshala's founder, Everest summiteer Ikramul Hasan Shakil, said: "May our children grow up with empathy and love for nature. Let friendship with nature be their first lesson in becoming humane people. Beyond the limits of conventional book learning, let their talent and minds flourish through joy, creativity, experience and exploration. Creating that opportunity is our goal."

Also present were the school's co-founder, mountaineer Sadia Sultana, and SAM Sumon, editor of the magazine Ananda Binodon, among others. Prokritipath Pathshala is an education programme of the Breath of Nature (BON) Foundation. The event ended with certificates being handed to the participating students.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.