Maharashtra ties up with Cambridge to bring climate education to govt school students

Nagpur: The Maharashtra govt signed a memorandum of understanding with Cambridge University Press & Assessment to introduce a digital climate education programme for students of Classes 8 and 9 in govt schools across the state. The initiative is expected to reach up to 2 lakh students.The MoU was signed at Mantralaya by SCERT Director Dr Hemant Wasekar and Cambridge University Press & Assessment Managing Director for South Asia Arun Rajamani. Cabinet minister for School Education Dadaji Bhuse, Cabinet minister for Environment and Climate Change Pankaja Munde, minister of State for School Education Dr Pankaj Bhoyar, Principal Secretary for School Education Ranjit Singh Deol, and State Project Director for Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan Sanjay Yadav were present at the signing.Bhoyar said, "Through this MoU for the Climate Quest Programme, which is part of a larger MoU signed with Cambridge University, the govt of Maharashtra took an important step towards promoting climate education in our schools. Through the Climate Quest e-learning programme being launched for students of 8th and 9th standards, students will receive international environmental knowledge and be trained to understand their responsibility in addressing real-life challenges." Bhoyar added that students who excelled in the programme will receive a joint certificate from Cambridge University Press & Assessment and the state govt, and urged Cambridge to make the programme available in Marathi to maximise reach.Bhuse said, "Through this initiative, students will be provided with a comprehensive curriculum on environment, climate change and related topics. The programme will initially be implemented for students of Classes 8 and 9, and will later be expanded further." He added that the School Education Department will also undertake hygiene awareness initiatives and will actively participate in environmental conservation activities in June.Munde said, "The MoU between the department and Cambridge University Press & Assessment India will help create awareness among school students about how to protect the environment."Rajamani said, "The starting point for addressing the complex challenges of sustainable growth is education, which equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and problem-solving abilities needed to shape solutions. Our partnership with the govt of Maharashtra is an important step in expanding access to climate education and empowering students across the state to become informed, responsible, and future-ready citizens."The programme, called Cambridge Climate Quest, will be delivered in English and Marathi through Cambridge's digital platform and covers climate science, impact on ecosystems, renewable energy, and responsible consumption. It uses an activity-based approach, encouraging critical thinking on environmental challenges. Implementation will be coordinated through SCERT, District Institutes of Education and Training, and participating govt schools across Maharashtra.