PROJECT AIM
The name Green-Z symbolizes “Greenery through Gen-Z.” The objective is to foster environmental awareness among school students—our next-generation leaders—through interactive and engaging formats such as Debates, Quizzes, and Poster Presentations. By encouraging proactive participation, the initiative aimed to instill environmental consciousness and civic responsibility in young minds.
PROJECT SUMMARY
Following its successful implementation at Madhyamgram Boys’ High School on November 11, 2023, the Green-Z initiative was relaunched at New Barrackpore Colony Boys’ High School, located near New Barrackpore Rail Gate. The effort to bring this project to a new school was led by the Project Heads, supported by Suchana Chakraborty and Priyoum Dhar, who ensured timely communication and submission of official letters, brochures, and email correspondence to the school principal.
Despite initial delays caused by Panchayat/Municipal elections and internal school examinations, the team secured a final event date through consistent follow-ups and coordination.
The school was requested to provide:
- A spacious auditorium/room
- Adequate seating arrangements
- Projector, microphone, and sound system
While most requests were fulfilled, the sound system had to be rented externally, and the school failed to adequately announce the event, which was later corrected by volunteers Suraj Kr. Midya and Suchana Chakraborty a day before the event.
Unfortunately, the event day saw delays from both the organizing team and one of the Project Heads, largely due to pending PowerPoint presentations and Quiz Prelims question paper printing. The delay affected setup activities including:
- Banner installation
- Sound and projector setup
- Student engagement
Upon arrival, the Project Head resolved the on-ground chaos within 30 minutes, but technical difficulties escalated as the school’s projector lacked compatibility with the team’s laptop. An additional cable had to be purchased locally, straining the budget. However, even with the new cable, the projector remained incompatible, leading to significant disruptions.
Further, the school did not inform the team about Saturday’s early student dispersal, resulting in decreased participation as students, parents, and some teachers began leaving during the event.
Activities Conducted:
- Quiz Prelims:
Conducted as a pen-paper test, with dictation by Quizmaster Mr. Udayaditya Parbat. - Debate Competition:
Topic: “Recycling is a Major Cause of More Trash in the Environment”- Judged by: Mr. Shounok Guha & Mr. Suvaiyu Saha
- Moderated by: Mr. Suraj Kr. Midya
- Best Two Teams and Best Speaker were selected.
- Mr. Saha further engaged with students by sharing feedback and debating some of their arguments, followed by distribution of certificates and medals.
Due to time constraints and repeated requests from the school management, the Quiz Finals had to be cancelled. The Project Heads addressed students about the cancellation, discussed challenges faced, and closed the event with an interactive conversation. A souvenir from Rigel Foundation was handed to the Head of the Institution by Mr. Suraj Kr. Midya (President, Rigel Foundation) and Mr. Shounok Guha (Club Administrator).
CONCLUSION
Despite multiple unforeseen challenges, including technical setbacks, team delays, and limited school support, Green-Z was successfully executed through determination, teamwork, and rapid problem-solving. The experience served as a valuable learning opportunity for the team in terms of on-ground execution and crisis management.
Going forward, it is imperative to:
- Plan more judiciously
- Create robust backup strategies
- Secure external sponsorships to reduce pressure on club funds
Events like Green-Z hold the power to reshape young minds toward sustainability and inspire civic consciousness. With better planning and stronger support, future editions can become flagship programs of Rigel Foundation.
