220 clubs set up to protect environment, says Afridi

Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Environment in collaboration with local schools has set up 220 student clubs for raising awareness on environmental issues, said Federal Minister for Environment Hameedullah Jan Afridi on Tuesday.




He was addressing here at the certificate distribution ceremony at the end of a three-day teachers' workshop on environment'. The workshop was organised by Ministry of Environment through 'Environmental Education Project'.




He said teachers played a pivotal role in fostering sense of responsibility among students, as they are role models for them. He said the workshop provided an opportunity to teachers to learn more about environment and transmit that knowledge to students.




The minister appreciated the efforts made by people running the 'Project' in creating awareness among students about environmental issues through a well-conceived programme of establishing green clubs at all public and private schools of the capital.




He stressed the need for educating people on environmental degradation and its conservation besides inculcating in them particularly youth the importance of cleanliness and greenery. "Our religion Islam teaches us to remain clean, so we should follow its teachings in letter and spirit," he asserted.




Afridi said that problems posed by environmental degradation were critical and demanded proactive engagement of people particularly young people. He hoped the ministry would help bring positive change in the environment by taking everyone on board.




The minister reiterated that there was a need to work collectively to make Pakistan clean and green. He asked people to play role to save future generations of the country from scarcity of water, energy and food crises.




It is important to mention here that so far 120 'Environmental Clubs' have been established. With the passing out of 120 more teachers, the total number of clubs has increased to 220 in just two years.




The minister gave teachers certificates. Additional Secretary Environment Kamran Qureshi and Director General Environment Javed Ali Khan were also present on the occasion.