Shillong, Mar 21: With the goal of building a sustainable and community-driven waste management model, ReFoam Meghalaya programme was launched by the Bharat Ingenuity Foundation and Croasis Research group in Sohra.
Focusing on revitalising the local communities in Meghalaya the programme aims to address the pressing issues faced by these communities through innovative and sustainable solutions.
The programme began with a series of focused awareness sessions conducted at Cherra Teacher Training Centre, RKM Secondary School, Laitmawsiang, and Dorbar Secondary School, Laitmawsiang, reaching a total of 157 students on March 16.
These sessions were to encourage young minds to understand the journey of waste, the importance of segregation at source, and the role each individual plays in protecting Sohra’s fragile and beautiful ecosystem.
A school-level dry waste collection competition was also launched across the participating institutions. Students are now actively collecting dry waste within their schools until March 28.
The collected waste will be carefully assessed, measured, and analysed by the organising team, a statement said. This exercise is a critical step in understanding the quantity and composition of waste generated locally, insights that will inform the design of a practical and sustainable waste management system for Sohra, it added.
A cleanliness drive was organised in and around the Garden of Caves, Laitmawsiang, bringing together over 60 students and teachers, who collected 32 kilograms of waste.
The program will formally conclude on March 30, where key learnings, insights, and future pathways will be shared with stakeholders. The event will also celebrate the enthusiasm and commitment of students, schools, and community members.
