In the village of Pamohi in Assam, India, young students have embarked on a remarkable educational journey that not only enriches their minds but also cleanses their environment. At Akshar School, founded by Mazin Mukhtar and Parmita Sarma, students exchange bags of plastic waste for a day’s worth of lessons.
This innovative approach tackles two critical issues simultaneously: education accessibility and plastic pollution. Akshar School has abolished tuition fees, making education accessible to all, while also taking a stand against the harmful practice of burning plastic within the community.
Previously, noxious bonfires of plastic waste posed environmental and health risks, causing respiratory issues among the children. To address this, the school introduced a unique policy: parents could pay fees in cash or plastic waste from their homes. This creative solution led to a 100% compliance rate among parents, who also pledged to cease burning plastic.
Akshar School not only nurtures young minds but also fosters a sense of responsibility towards the environment, making it a beacon of sustainability and education in the heart of Assam.
