Growing Awareness, One Seed at a Time: How Students at Gubindapur MV School Are Restoring Nature

In Gubindapur village, Dhakuakhana block, Lakhimpur district, Assam, students at Gubindapur MV School are taking learning beyond classrooms. Through Goonj’s School-to-School (S2S) initiative, they took up an inspiring challenge—to nurture nature and support local biodiversity.

With rising deforestation and habitat loss affecting both people and wildlife, students decided to take action through two unique activities—seed ball making and bird nest crafting.

Learning Through Action: Restoring Green Spaces and Sheltering Birds

• 450 seed balls—small bundles of seeds wrapped in soil and compost—were carefully prepared by students. These will be scattered around the school, ensuring that with the arrival of spring, new trees take root, restoring lost greenery.
• 45 bird nests were handcrafted using cardboard and other materials. As urbanization reduces natural tree cover, these nests provide much-needed shelter to birds, particularly sparrows.

“Be a nature lover. Protect the environment.” – This was the message students hoped to spread, reminding everyone that just as humans need nature, birds too need safe spaces to survive.

The students collected materials themselves, from seeds to cardboard, actively engaging in the process from start to finish. More than 200 students participated, learning not just about conservation but also about their role in shaping a better world.

Schools as Hubs of Change

This initiative was more than an activity—it was a lesson in responsibility, sustainability, and the interconnectedness of life.

“This initiative was about instilling a love for nature in our students. The bird nests have beautified our school while providing safe spaces for birds. The seed ball-making was not just educational but an engaging way to take action for the environment,” shared Udit Gogoi, a teacher at the school.

By integrating hands-on environmental action into education, students are now more aware, engaged, and active participants in restoring balance to their surroundings.

Be part of this movement

For over two decades, Goonj has facilitated thousands of such conversations, sparking action-led solutions where communities take charge of their own challenges. Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to mail@goonj.org.

Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..