A sustainable alternative to gardening

Sharjah

The world of teaching has dramatically evolved in the 21st Century and it is now involved in educating young people through interactive and informative methods. Our school, Delhi Private School (DPS) Sharjah, continuing with its sustainable journey of educating its students beyond the classroom, organised a day-long workshop for the entire school.

Besides the talk on “Conservation of our natural resources”, the students were educated and trained on working and handling of the hydroponics system. Hydroponics is the method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent.

It was emphasised how this was the best method to preserve our precious, natural resources, such as water and soil. The water used in the hydroponics system is being recycled, leading to faster growth of plants.

Afnan Hasan, a pupil based in Sharjah, participated in the event and said: “Hydroponics is an eco-friendly set up that not only provides us with the desired plants, but recycles water, too.”

Gouri Saraswathy, a student based in Sharjah, agrees.

She said: “Hydroponics is an apt way for students to engage themselves in gardening. This has to be taken seriously by the present generation because in the long run, this will be an apt way to get fresh fruits and vegetables.”

Vandana Marwaha, the principal and director of the school, said: “Through our hydroponics project, students showcased their passion and drive to engage themselves in learning beyond classrooms for a sustainable cause. It enables us to get fresh produce right in the campus. Implementation of hydroponics prepares them for what the next generation is looking for.”

Tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, lettuce, coriander and mint are all growing at the moment and being handed over to the ancillary staff.

— The reader is a teacher and head of the biology department based in Sharjah.

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