Harvest International is an innovative “unconventional” institution that has taken the contour of education beyond the four walls of a
classroom, setting a new trend in the education paradigm.

Sustainable education at Harvest encourages the K-12 education system to show leadership in adopting and promoting environmentally sustainable practices, learning opportunities for students that support healthy and natural environments for current and future generations. This initiative is driven by the understanding that exposure to nature positively impacts students’ academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being.

Students who have access to green spaces demonstrate higher levels of concentration, attentiveness, and cognitive functioning. Exposure to nature, offers opportunities for hands on learning experiences that stimulates creativity and critical thinking, leading to enhanced problem solving skills and academic achievements.

Exposure to greenery promotes relaxation and rejuvenation, enabling students to cope with academic pressures more effectively. Nature-based settings provide spaces for collaborative learning, outdoor activities and recreational opportunities, thus fostering positive social interactions among students. Creating peaceful and soothing environments within school premises can positively
influence students’ mood, self-esteem, and overall psychological well-being.

Green spaces offer opportunities for experiential learning about sustainability, conservation, and ecological balance. Integrating greenery in schools instills a sense of environmental consciousness and responsibility in students, encouraging them to develop a connection with the natural world, and adopting ecofriendly practices in their daily lives. By incorporating greenery into schools, we
prioritize the health and well-being of our students and staffs. Greenery in schools encourages physical activity and healthy lifestyles. Green environments contribute to improved air quality, reducing respiratory illnesses and allergies. Children who live and learn in greener environments are less likely to have behavioral problems.

At harvest, teachers work with students to embed sustainability into classroom practices. This includes everything from turning off lights and computers when not needed to making full use of paper and materials, recycling in the classroom, and encouraging waste-free lunches.

Greenery in our schools serves as an educational tool for our students. By creating gardens and green spaces, students learn about
ecology, agriculture, and sustainability in a hands-on and engaging way. They also develop a sense of responsibility and teamwork by caring for and maintaining these spaces.

Through strategically planted trees, water conservation and elimination of pesticides, our school ground serves as an apt place to study sustainability.

Green spaces help to foster a sense of community and connection among students, staff, and the wider community. By creating outdoor spaces for socializing, recreation, and events, we encourage students to engage in healthy activities and develop positive relationships with their peers. We strongly believe that it is important to preserve and promote greenery in our communities, whether it’s through planting trees, creating urban gardens, or supporting local parks and green spaces. An effective sustainability initiative in a school requires commitment and participation from all parts of the school community. We follow a whole-school approach that includes students, teachers, support staff, administrators, and parents in addressing sustainability issues. Through this initiative, we aim at improving the quality of life for ourselves and future generations, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient world.

As educators we prioritize the health and wellbeing of students, creating an environment conducive to their holistic development. By
fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, schools play a crucial role in nurturing future generations who are equipped to address environmental challenges. It is imperative for schools to recognize the importance of integrating greenery into their
campuses and invest in creating sustainable and nurturing environments. By prioritizing green initiatives, schools empower students to become environmentally conscious individuals and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.