Fellowship in city to fulfil youngsters’ green dreams
Nita Shashidharan, 24, was looking out to work on a citizens science project. Last week, the former environmental science student of the Institute of Science, Fort, spotted the right platform when she heard of GreenLead, an environment leadership programme of GreenLine, Don Bosco Development Society.
Nita Shashidharan, 24, was looking out to work on a citizens science project. Last week, the former environmental science student of the Institute of Science, Fort, spotted the right platform when she heard of GreenLead, an environment leadership programme of GreenLine, Don Bosco Development Society.
Shashidharan plans to apply for the GreenLead fellowship that will enable her to get training in executing environmental projects. The programme will offer fellowships to students to design and execute an environment project of their choice.
“This kind of platform will help those interested in environment to get hands-on experience and work for a cause. My project will focus on a citizens’ science project related to biodiversity,” said Shashidharan. The project will involve participation of citizens to collect and share data on biodiversity.
Fifteen candidates will be selected for the year-long fellowship. They will be trained in environment project management, project budgeting and will get assistance from non-profit environmental organisations like Bombay Natural History Society and Stree Mukti Sanghatana.
Applicants will be selected on the basis of their proposed environment project and the estimated time they commit to it.
They will work in a team of at least three and get Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 each.
“Today’s youth are passionate about the environment. We want to inculcate environment leadership in them,” said Savio Silveira, director, GreenLine.
Affiliated organisations will mentor and provide them with technical know-how. “Many people want to tap solar power or recycle garbage, but don’t know how. This is where we will help and assist them,” said Smita Shirodkar, founder, Earthoholics.