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In line with the Qatar government’s green initiative to support global efforts on climate change and sustainable environment, Pakistan International School Qatar (PISQ) recently embarked upon a ‘Green School’ project and carried out massive plantation. The vision of the school management coupled with the hard work of gardeners has borne fruit and the institution’s sprawling campus in Mesaimeer area now showcases a breathtaking view with lush green lawns and greenery everywhere. In an interview, PISQ Principal Nargis Raza Otho spoke in detail about the green initiative. Excerpts:
How did this idea come
to you?
We are living in an era where people are least concerned about what they are leaving for their future generations. All around us, we see a fast-paced world, whirling in the dreary circles of technology, development, industrialization and whatnot. In these circumstances, preservation of the environment is the last thing on everyone’s mind. It really saddens me so I decided to do something even if it’s a small step. Students spend most of the day in school so I decided to make this place a welcome sight for them instead of seeing the same dull surroundings every day. I had a purpose to nurture my students by providing them a fresh environment while they are at school and inculcate in them an understanding of how the environment should be—clean and green. I want them to know that this world should not be devoid of this freshness and beauty and hence they must strive to keep it safe through individual and collective efforts.
Do you think such initiatives are required at school level?
Absolutely! Young minds are flexible and can be molded in any way. I believe this is exactly the age when we must teach them the value of nurturing an environment which is congenial for all. As the head of an educational institute, I firmly believe that education is not limited to textbooks and course topics; it rather encompasses all the matters and concerns of the world at large. We need to enlighten the youth about the necessity of preserving and maintaining a safe environment, leading to a sustained economy and development of the country we are citizens of. Schools have a responsibility to broaden their vision in this regard through activities which promote the concept of ‘thinking out of the box’ and growing outside the boundaries of syllabus, exams and grades. But they will only do so when they see their adults -- elder siblings, parents and teachers -- taking the first steps in this direction.
This step is a valuable
addition to Qatar’s ‘Green Initiative’ and ‘One-Million Trees Project’. What are your views on that?
Qatar government has always taken important steps towards the country’s development and economy. We all know quite well that Qatar has a specifically harsh climate. Therefore, it is important more than ever to counter the sudden climate shifts through carefully planned steps and strategies. Qatar government has been working in this regard for quite some time now, and its ‘Green Initiative’ is a ray of hope. It is really amazing to see the country thinking seriously about this global crisis and taking practical steps to achieve this goal. This initiative encourages us all to join hands and contribute our best to make this cause fruitful. I am proud to say that PISQ has taken first step towards doing its part.
What message would you like to give to our readers on the importance of preservation of a green environment?
I cannot emphasise the preservation of a green environment much. As citizens of the world, it is our utmost duty to protect it from the outcomes of industrialisation and rapid development. This world has been passed on to us by our forefathers, it is our heritage. Now it falls upon us to save it and hand over a clean, green, fresh and sustainable environment to our coming generations so that they have a beautiful home to live and cherish for years to come. I urge everyone to play their role in this cause, no matter how small it may seem, no matter how insignificant the effort may appear to be. We all must remember that everything big starts with a small step, a small effort, a small contribution… and all these small steps ultimately integrate into something grand and wonderful, producing results which are far better, extraordinary and everlasting.
How did this idea come
to you?
We are living in an era where people are least concerned about what they are leaving for their future generations. All around us, we see a fast-paced world, whirling in the dreary circles of technology, development, industrialization and whatnot. In these circumstances, preservation of the environment is the last thing on everyone’s mind. It really saddens me so I decided to do something even if it’s a small step. Students spend most of the day in school so I decided to make this place a welcome sight for them instead of seeing the same dull surroundings every day. I had a purpose to nurture my students by providing them a fresh environment while they are at school and inculcate in them an understanding of how the environment should be—clean and green. I want them to know that this world should not be devoid of this freshness and beauty and hence they must strive to keep it safe through individual and collective efforts.
Do you think such initiatives are required at school level?
Absolutely! Young minds are flexible and can be molded in any way. I believe this is exactly the age when we must teach them the value of nurturing an environment which is congenial for all. As the head of an educational institute, I firmly believe that education is not limited to textbooks and course topics; it rather encompasses all the matters and concerns of the world at large. We need to enlighten the youth about the necessity of preserving and maintaining a safe environment, leading to a sustained economy and development of the country we are citizens of. Schools have a responsibility to broaden their vision in this regard through activities which promote the concept of ‘thinking out of the box’ and growing outside the boundaries of syllabus, exams and grades. But they will only do so when they see their adults -- elder siblings, parents and teachers -- taking the first steps in this direction.
This step is a valuable
addition to Qatar’s ‘Green Initiative’ and ‘One-Million Trees Project’. What are your views on that?
Qatar government has always taken important steps towards the country’s development and economy. We all know quite well that Qatar has a specifically harsh climate. Therefore, it is important more than ever to counter the sudden climate shifts through carefully planned steps and strategies. Qatar government has been working in this regard for quite some time now, and its ‘Green Initiative’ is a ray of hope. It is really amazing to see the country thinking seriously about this global crisis and taking practical steps to achieve this goal. This initiative encourages us all to join hands and contribute our best to make this cause fruitful. I am proud to say that PISQ has taken first step towards doing its part.
What message would you like to give to our readers on the importance of preservation of a green environment?
I cannot emphasise the preservation of a green environment much. As citizens of the world, it is our utmost duty to protect it from the outcomes of industrialisation and rapid development. This world has been passed on to us by our forefathers, it is our heritage. Now it falls upon us to save it and hand over a clean, green, fresh and sustainable environment to our coming generations so that they have a beautiful home to live and cherish for years to come. I urge everyone to play their role in this cause, no matter how small it may seem, no matter how insignificant the effort may appear to be. We all must remember that everything big starts with a small step, a small effort, a small contribution… and all these small steps ultimately integrate into something grand and wonderful, producing results which are far better, extraordinary and everlasting.
