Students urged to adopt eco-friendly habits and take responsibility for protecting nature; tree plantation activity held in Hifz section
KARACHI: Green Minds Pakistan conducted a three-day series of environmental awareness sessions at Quran Academy Korangi as part of a Tarbiyah Camp organised during the summer vacations to engage students in meaningful and educational activities.
The sessions focused on helping students understand environmental challenges and encouraging them to adopt practical measures to protect and improve their surroundings.
Speaking to the students, Green Minds Pakistan Lead Trainer Abdul Wali Khan highlighted the declining presence of trees in urban neighbourhoods and urged youngsters to develop a lasting relationship with nature.
“Trees were once a common sight around our homes. Today, they are difficult to find not only on streets but even in many neighbourhoods,” he said, encouraging students to plant at least one tree on their birthdays as an expression of gratitude and then take responsibility for nurturing and protecting it.
Mr Khan also called for reducing dependence on single-use items in everyday life. He suggested replacing disposable milk bags with reusable containers and avoiding plastic shopping bags in favour of cloth or reusable bags.
He further advised students to limit the use of tissue paper and revive the habit of using handkerchiefs wherever possible.
Responding to a question during the session, he said reducing waste did not simply mean throwing fewer things into garbage bins. Many discarded items could be reused or repurposed, he explained, urging students to give such objects a “new life” instead of immediately treating them as waste.
“If something can no longer be reused, it should preferably be handed over to waste pickers or scrap collectors rather than simply being dumped,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of trees, Mr Khan said a single tree provides oxygen, shade and fruit while also offering birds a place to build nests and supporting insects as part of a connected natural ecosystem.
He urged students to participate in plantation drives and make tree planting a regular part of their lives whenever they had an opportunity to do so.
On the final day of the Green Minds Pakistan sessions, students participating in the Tarbiyah Camp planted saplings in the Hifz section of Quran Academy Korangi. The students also expressed their resolve to make tree plantation and environmental responsibility a lifelong habit.
Camp organiser Hafiz Rayan appreciated the environmental awareness sessions conducted by Green Minds Pakistan, describing them as highly beneficial for the students.
“The children have learned a great deal. These are subjects and practical lessons that are almost entirely missing from the conventional education system,” he said.
Reflecting on the importance of environmental initiatives in an increasingly materialistic society, Hafiz Rayan said it was heartening to come across people who remained committed to protecting nature with sincerity, passion and dedication despite the prevailing race for wealth.
Commenting on the plantation activity, he added with a touch of optimism: “Along with our hearts, our desolate garden has also blossomed again.”
