In government schools across Kanpur and nearby districts, a simple yet powerful approach has transformed how saplings are cared for. By naming trees after teachers and involving students directly, an innovative program has raised survival rates of planted trees to 75%, bringing greenery and learning to campus life.
- Nearly 10,000 saplings planted in UP government schools
- 75% of saplings survive due to student care and involvement
- Trees named after teachers make care personal and meaningful
What happened
In 2023, Vaibhav Rathore founded the Revamp India Foundation and launched the Faldaar initiative to address the problem of low sapling survival in Uttar Pradesh's government schools. While tens of thousands of trees were being planted, many perished because no one was assigned to care for them after planting.
To change this, Faldaar introduced fruit-bearing trees like mango, guava, and amla into school campuses and engaged students by naming saplings—often after their teachers—and assigning groups to care for their 'own' trees. This personal connection sparked a commitment among children to water, nurture, and protect the plants every day.
Why it feels good
The transformation goes beyond better survival rates; it fosters a sense of responsibility, belonging, and care among the students. By linking trees to people they admire, like teachers, students feel emotionally connected, changing the trees from mere plants to living symbols of growth and companionship.
Students take these lessons home, gifting saplings on special occasions and involving their families, thereby spreading awareness and care for the environment. The program creates a positive ripple effect, instilling values of stewardship and environmental awareness in young minds.
What to enjoy or watch next
As Faldaar continues to partner with dozens of government schools in Kanpur, Prayagraj, and Farrukhabad, there are inspiring opportunities to watch this initiative evolve. Students’ poetry, science lessons under leafy canopies, and ongoing storytelling sessions deepen the connection to nature in creative ways.
The model’s success encourages similar programs elsewhere, highlighting how emotional connection to nature can drive real change. Watching how these seedlings grow into mature trees is a hopeful sign that nurturing nature can become an integral part of education and community life.