A Sustainable Step Forward in Higher Education
On 17 April 2025, Amity Institute of International Studies (AIIS), Amity University, hosted the R2E: Recycling 2 Education Workshop under The Notebook Project: अपशिष्ट पुनः चक्रण से साकार, शिक्षा का उपहार, an initiative led by अथक् प्रयास सतत् विकास. The workshop was organised with the larger vision of sustainability, Zero Waste Model, creative education, and community engagement.
Workshop Highlights: Scrap, Sustainability & Dialogue
The workshop revolved around three key components:
- Students and departments donated waste paper in exchange for writing aid including theme-based registers, art files, and mandala books—designed to inspire writing and creativity among children.
- Departments contributed paper scrap which was recycled, promoting a circular economy, zero-waste approach within academic institutions.
- Faculty members participated actively in an engaging discussion on the prospects of R2E, sharing ideas on expanding the workshop into community outreach programs to benefit marginalized students.
Engaging Minds, Reducing Screen Time
In a world grappling with increased screen dependency, especially among children, the R2E initiative offers an innovative solution. Through engaging materials like notebooks with attractive covers, mandala art books, and coloring files, the workshop encourages children to rediscover the joy of handwriting, drawing, and creative expression.
Ms. Rupashree Shah, one of the participating faculty members, shared her personal experience, stating how excited her daughter was to receive the R2E products. She highlighted how the materials not only reduced her child’s screen time but also opened avenues for art therapy and mindful engagement.
A Faculty-Driven Vision for Change
The faculty’s participation and feedback were central to the success of the workshop. Many expressed that this model could become a game-changer for parents who are struggling with the overuse of digital devices by their children. Faculty members also stressed the potential of R2E to become a scalable solution for educational equity and environmental consciousness, particularly for under-resourced communities.
A Creative Exchange with Purpose
The workshop was not only a platform for dialogue but also a functional model of exchange—where departments received theme-based notebooks in return for their scrap contributions. This closed-loop exchange exemplified the vision of reuse, reduce, and reform, turning waste into tools of learning and creativity.
Conclusion: From Campus to Community
The R2E Workshop at Amity University marked a significant leap in integrating sustainable practices into academia. It highlighted how small, thoughtful initiatives can lead to creative learning, reduced digital dependency, and environmentally responsible behavior. With strong support from institutions like AIIS, R2E is poised to scale beyond campuses, reaching the communities that need it the most.
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