Manama: Unesco has agreed to launch a new eco-programme for schools in Qatar that will serve as a platform for teachers and students to actively contribute to the country's socioenvironmental development.
Involving students and teachers from all private and independent schools, the programme, "Water, Energy, Waste and Environmental Health", will be launched this month in partnership with Doha Bank and will encourage the participating institutions to promote best environmental practices and improve their eco-footprint on an annual basis.
"The rules of the programme have been finalised. We will soon launch a user-friendly website that will give detailed information about the novel initiative," Mark Sutcliffe, project officer at the Unesco Doha office, said.
"As part of the programme, the students will have to come up with simple and practical projects in collaboration with their colleagues and teachers. The projects should focus on ways to save the environment," he told Qatar Tribune daily.
The website on Arab Recycling Initiative will provide all relevant information about recycling methodologies, he said.
"A contract with communication companies has already been signed for the website which is primarily aimed at boosting cooperation among the various players in the recycling industry," Sutcliffe was quoted as saying by the daily.
Unesco, he said, is keen to encourage youngsters to take up jobs in waste management.
"We want to clear the misconception that waste management jobs are not lucrative and worth doing. We are trying to stress that such jobs not only help a youngster earn money but also goes a long way in helping the society," he said.
