India is facing an increasing number of intense and prolonged heat waves. According to the India Meteorological Department, heatwave days in Indian cities have nearly doubled between 2020 and 2024. This climate crisis not only affects the environment but also children—who are among the most vulnerable.
At Sacred Heart School, Siliguri, we believe climate education is essential. Established in 1997, and recognized as the Best Residential School in North-East India by ASSOCHAM in 2024, our mission is to provide holistic education where values like resilience, sustainability, and environmental awareness are central.
Understanding Heatwaves and Their Impact
The Importance of Voting in a Democracy
A heatwaves occurs when temperatures rise significantly above normal, usually beyond 40°C in the plains. These conditions lead to dehydration, fatigue, and heatstroke. According to UNICEF, over 54.8 million Indian children were affected by heatwaves in 2024, with many schools forced to close or reschedule classes.
Rising Heatwave Trends in India
Daily Responsibilities & Learning Experience
Recent studies and temperature records highlight alarming trends:
- Ahmedabad saw heatwave days rise from 20 in 2020 to 40 in 2024.
- Delhi’s count jumped from 15 to 32.
- Even coastal cities like Mumbai and Chennai recorded notable increases.
Sacred Heart School’s Climate Education in Action
Our approach blends theoretical knowledge with practical engagement:
Climate-Aware Curriculum
We incorporate climate education in subjects like Science, Geography, and English. Projects include:
- “The Science of a Heatwave”
- “Carbon Footprint Diary”
- “How Planting Trees Helps the Planet”
Hands-On Learning
Students participate in:
- Tree plantations during Van Mahotsav
- Building solar ovens and water harvesting models
- Waste segregation workshops
Health and Heat Safety Awareness
To protect student health:
- Classes are rescheduled during heatwaves
- Hydration breaks are encouraged
- Indoor games replace outdoor ones during extreme heat
- Medical staff are on-site to manage heat-related issues
Emotional and Mental Well-being
Counseling is offered to help children cope with climate anxiety. Journaling, group talks, and storytelling is encouraged to promote expression and resilience.
Building Empathy and Community Engagement
We involve students in:
- Siliguri clean-up drives
- Local tree-planting initiatives
- Awareness campaigns about water conservation
Real-Time Learning from Events
In 2024, temperatures reached up to 48°C in Eastern India. We used this as a teaching opportunity for students to explore:
- Urban heat islands
- Government and UN climate response policies
Sacred Heart’s Eco-Conscious Commitment
From installing solar panels to promoting digital classrooms to reduce paper waste, our school practices what we preach. Our Eco-Club runs year-round initiatives that inspire students to take personal responsibility for the environment.
Conclusion
Climate change is a reality our students will inherit. By equipping them with knowledge and skills. Today, we are empowering them to lead change tomorrow. Sacred Heart School is proud to be a nurturing ground for climate-aware, responsible future leaders.
To learn more about our programs, visit www.sacredheartsiliguri.com