Sesame Workshop India Trust (SWIT) has proudly announced its collaboration with the Australian High Commission to launch the ‘Mera Planet, Mera Ghar’ campaign, a dynamic initiative aimed at fostering environmental stewardship in young children. This project, which is supported by the Australian High Commission, New Delhi, seeks to instil environmental consciousness and sustainable behaviours in over 200 children aged 5-12 years in government schools across Delhi. Additionally, it aims to reach and engage adult citizens through a comprehensive social media outreach program.
Empowering Future Environmental Leaders
The ‘Mera Planet, Mera Ghar’ campaign has seamlessly integrated essential environmental lessons into the daily educational experiences of more than 11,000 children in schools. The initiative also has a significant reach through social media, where it has already connected with over 25 million individuals. By focusing on sustainable practices and active environmental leadership, the campaign is providing children with the tools to understand and address urgent environmental issues, all while making the learning experience both engaging and accessible.
Using beloved Sesame characters like Elmo, Chamki, Hawa Hawai, and AQI Meter Ji, the campaign’s innovative educational content helps children connect with environmental concepts in a fun and memorable way. These characters, known for their charm and educational value, present key messages on sustainability in a playful yet impactful manner.
Commitment to Climate Action
Philip Green, the High Commissioner of the Australian High Commission, spoke about the significance of this partnership, aligning it with the Australian Government’s commitment to taking practical action on climate change both regionally and globally. Green highlighted that climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and it is essential to involve younger generations in the conversation.
“The Australian High Commission is delighted to partner with Sesame Workshop India Trust on the ‘Mera Planet, Mera Ghar’ campaign. By empowering children with the knowledge to address environmental challenges, we are not just investing in their future, but also in the future of our planet. This collaboration will help nurture the next generation of ‘Green Champions’—young leaders who will inspire and lead their communities in taking action for a greener, more sustainable world,” said Green.
Fun and Educational Tools for a Sustainable Future
As part of this collaboration, Sesame Workshop India has developed a STEM-based educational kit that features Elmo and Chamki presenting lessons on sustainability. The kit includes storybooks, board games, a herbal garden kit, and other Teaching-Learning Materials (TLMs) designed to engage children with age-appropriate environmental concerns and solutions.
The materials aim to stimulate curiosity and build awareness about pressing environmental issues, such as air pollution, water conservation, and waste management. The hands-on nature of the kit encourages children to actively participate in sustainability efforts, making learning fun and actionable.
Supporting the Green Champions of Tomorrow
Sonali Khan, Managing Trustee of Sesame Workshop India Trust, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership: “At Sesame Workshop India, we believe that children can be the most powerful advocates for the planet. The ‘Mera Planet, Mera Ghar’ campaign is an important step toward empowering them with the knowledge and skills they need to protect their environment. With the support of the Australian High Commission, we are confident that we can inspire children to adopt sustainable practices at school and at home, and ultimately become leaders in promoting eco-friendly behaviours in their communities.”
Classroom workshops, along with the experiential STEM curriculum, will empower children to address climate change and environmental issues. These efforts aim to transform children into ‘Green Champions’ who take ownership of their role in safeguarding the planet. Beyond the student workshops, the campaign also focuses on teacher training to equip educators with the tools to lead eco-club workshops, ensuring long-term engagement.
Social Media Outreach: Engaging Families and Communities
The ‘Mera Planet, Mera Ghar’ campaign is not only about engaging children in schools, but it also involves families and communities through a robust social media campaign. The social media outreach aims to inspire adults to adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives, encouraging a collective effort toward environmental responsibility.
Through interactive content, challenges, and tips, the campaign fosters a sense of community-wide involvement, ensuring that the message of sustainability extends beyond the classroom and into homes and neighbourhoods.
Building Sustainability for the Long Term
One of the core goals of the ‘Mera Planet, Mera Ghar’ campaign is to ensure sustainability beyond the initial campaign period. By building the capacity of teachers and fostering ongoing community involvement, the initiative ensures that the lessons learned will stay with children and continue to inspire eco-friendly behaviours long after the campaign ends.
Sesame Workshop India Trust remains committed to making environmental education accessible to every child, empowering them to take meaningful steps toward a sustainable future. The Trust extends its heartfelt gratitude to all supporters of the initiative, including dedicated educators, enthusiastic children, and their families, for helping to make ‘Mera Planet, Mera Ghar’ a success.
