Chennai Workshop Aims to Promote 'No Waste' Through Literature

No Waste November workshop promotes sustainability to youth through books and activities, teaching waste management at Goethe Institute, Nungambakkam.

on Nov 07, 2024

Beyond Books and the Goethe Institute Library, in collaboration with the Jane Goodall Institute India's Roots & Shoots program, aims to advocate for sustainability. The month-long initiative, No Waste November, seeks to emphasize the significance of waste management to children through literature and engaging activities. “We organize a variety of workshops that involve books and related activities. The themes of waste management we have explored include bullying, migration, endangered species, and more. Our main goal is to foster a reading habit among children,” states Venkata Lakshmi, an educator at Beyond Books.

The Roots & Shoots program features different themes each month. “We choose our topics according to the unique characteristics of the month. For instance, in January, we held workshops focused on the migration of birds, as they typically migrate during that period. Our emphasis is on the youth, as they represent the future leaders who will protect the planet. If young people empower themselves, they have the potential to achieve great things,” explains Katie Bagli, Education Director at the Jane Goodall Institute India. Alongside academic learning, these workshops assist children in broadening their understanding. “Usually, kids are not very open initially.

After each chapter, we engage in discussions to motivate them to inquire and share their opinions. Books offer a means for children to delve into different cultures, lifestyles, and experiences,” adds Venkata Lakshmi. The No Waste November workshop will concentrate on two books, one of which is a picture book. Participants will generate their text for this book. The second book addresses composting and waste segregation. An “art from waste” activity will also be included. The workshop is set to take place today at 5 pm at the Goethe Institut, Nungambakkam.