An ambitious green initiative took root in Chirirbander, Dinajpur, with the inauguration of a medicinal schoolyard forest at the Meher Hossain Residential Model School (MHRMS). This project was facilitated by the Plant Conservation and Research Foundation (PCRF) with the generous support of the Melinda Gray Ardia Environmental Foundation (MGAEF).
On the 26th of August 2023, PCRF held an inception workshop, which was attended by the Md. Mejanur Rahman, Principal of MHRMS, who also inaugurated the event. This workshop aimed to outline the project’s goals and activities. Leading the PCRF team was Ms. Rifat Jahan, Head of Education, who presented the project’s objectives and its broader implications. The session concluded with Mr. Tariquzzaman, an executive member of PCRF, summing up the foundation’s holistic activities.
Before embarking on the plantation drive, the PCRF organized an exhibit where forest tree seeds were displayed and subsequently distributed among MHRMS students. A staggering 1,000 seeds spanning 10 types of endangered forest tree species were handed out to 300 eager students, a gesture symbolizing a collective commitment to conservation.
To ensure the success and longevity of the medicinal schoolyard forest, PCRF sourced 40 distinct types of rare and endangered forest tree saplings. These saplings were meticulously gathered by the PCRF team from diverse locations and then entrusted to the newly formed Conservation Club of MHRMS. This club, comprising 20 student members and their guiding teachers, will bear the responsibility of maintaining the schoolyard forest and furthering conservation endeavors.
To bolster the Conservation Club’s efforts, PCRF generously donated 11 books related to the plants of Bangladesh and their conservation. These resources are expected to further enrich the club’s knowledge base and drive their passion for preservation.
The inception of this medicinal schoolyard forest not only signifies a step towards environmental conservation but is a testament to the collaborative spirit of institutions and foundations rallying for a shared cause. With the dedicated efforts of the students and teachers of MHRMS and the continuous support of PCRF, the schoolyard forest is poised to be a beacon of hope and education for many years to come.
No responses yet