Local khoji : Empowering Young Active Citizens in Vadodara

Hi, I’m Mihir Pathak, a passionate educator from Vadodara, Gujarat (learn more about me here: Learningwala Website).

Over the past few years, I’ve been working with children on nature education, and I’ve realized that instead of only teaching about environmental issues, we need to inspire young people to take meaningful actions in their communities.

I wanted to create a program where:

  • Young people have a safe space.
  • They experience a different way of learning, focusing on collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.
  • The learning is connected to their local environment, culture, and community, including more-than-human beings.

I’ve done a few experiments in the past:

Article about my work - https://www.early-bird.in/meet-an-educator-mihir-pathak/

These experiments led to the creation of a new program called Local Khoji.

What is Local Khoji?

Local Khoji is an experiential learning program for young people from Vadodara, where participants will explore their city through hands-on activities and create a short film based on their findings. The goal is to foster awareness about local environmental issues while empowering the participants to take action.

Learners : youngsters (16+ age group) from goverment schools and local universities around vadodra.

Program Design:
Duration: 3 months
Sessions: Twice a week, 3 hours per session Facilitation: Mihir Pathak & Nidhi Pal + experts for film making

  • Part 1: Exploration
    Participants will go on tree walks, river walks, visit the city’s dumping site, join sanitary workers in their tasks, and watch documentary films to understand their city's environmental landscape.

  • Part 2: Inquiry
    After exploring the city, participants will choose inquiry questions and meet local people, scientists, activists, and journalists to gather data.

  • Part 3: Filmmaking
    Participants will work together to create short films based on their inquiries, which will be showcased in a community screening event.

  • Part 4: Khoji Club
    To continue their journey, participants will form the "Khoji Club" – a collective for ongoing citizen actions through volunteering and citizen science projects like Season Watch and eBird.

Hypothesis

  • Safe, Non-Authoritarian Learning Space: The program fosters a safe, supportive space where young people can learn without the pressure of traditional systems.
  • Skills for Life: By working on interdisciplinary projects like geo-inquiry and filmmaking, participants will develop essential skills such as problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and self-confidence.
  • Environmental Awareness: Engaging with their own city through the lens of climate and environment will help young people understand the impact of human actions and motivate them to address environmental challenges.
  • Active Citizenship / self directed learner : After this project, participants will be better equipped to engage in civic issues and environmental initiatives in their communities.

Grant

I am requesting a ₹50,000 grant to bring this project to life for 30 youngsters from Vadodara. The funds will be used to cover travel expenses, facilitator fees, and materials required for the program.

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