A productive day was spent at the Government Co Ed Senior Secondary School Site 2 Dwarka Sector 6 Delhi on the occasion of World Environment Day, teaching kids about making seed balls, an innovative way of planting seedlings during off-season.
In a world grappling with deforestation and environmental degradation, innovative techniques are needed to restore our ecosystems. One such solution gaining recognition is the use of seedballs
Seedballs, also known as seed bombs or earth balls, are small balls made by mixing seeds with a combination of clay, compost, and sometimes other natural materials such as charcoal or nutrients. The mixture is rolled into small spheres, allowing the seeds to be protected and sustained until optimal germination conditions are met.
The interactive activity was curated to teach the children about these magical seed balls
In the beginning, we engaged with the students and formed small groups to enhance the learning. Two volunteers guided the children as they mixed the soil and created little balls using their hands, while carefully inserting seeds in between.
This activity allowed them to observe various types of seeds such as marigold, pumpkin, melon, and more. However, the day didn’t end there. We had lively music playing in the background, adding an extra spark to the children’s experience. This brought immense joy to both the volunteers and the kids.
Following the activity, we gathered all the seedballs on a stage and took delightful photos, capturing the messy yet precious moments of environmental mentoring.
The decision to engage children in this activity was rooted in our belief that they are the future custodians of our planet. By instilling a sense of environmental awareness and responsibility at a young age, we hoped to empower them to become advocates for a sustainable future. We recognized that summer vacations were approaching, and many of these children would be visiting their native towns and villages. This presented a unique opportunity for them to disperse the seed balls along their way, contributing to the growth of plants and flowers in different regions.
Our primary goal extended beyond a simple gardening activity. We aimed to work on the knowledge, skills, and mindset of these children. Through interactive classes and hands-on experiences like mixing soil and forming seedballs, we sought to impart valuable knowledge about the environment, plant life, and the importance of nurturing our natural surroundings.
Moreover, the interactive nature of the class served as an excellent platform for fostering connections with the children. It provided an opportunity to engage with them on a personal level, understanding their perspectives, and inspiring them to take action. It was heartening to witness the collective drive for change among both the volunteers and the children, as we all came together with a shared purpose.
So, next time you hold a seed ball in your hands, feel the pulsating energy within. Recognize the immense power that lies within those unassuming spheres. Each one is a catalyst for change, an invitation for nature to reclaim its rightful place. Embrace the excitement of being a co-creator in this magnificent dance of rebirth, and witness firsthand the awe-inspiring magic that seed balls unfurl upon our world.
Like a small pebble can create a change in a huge pond similarly iVolunteer tries to bring small changes that may become a cause for something big in future.
– Kashish Kochhar
iVolunteer Blog - everything about volunteering 