The Indian school creating community impact through its environmental stewardship learning model
Delhi Public School (DPS) Varanasi, an independent kindergarten, primary and secondary school in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, is creating an environment where students are empowered to explore, grow and lead with compassion through its learner-centric educational model that embeds environmental stewardship and social responsibility into the learning experience. Driven by the need to address the impact of environmental harm in the region, along with the desire to entrench a ‘service before self’ school culture, the school’s reimagined approach includes the entire community - students, parents and staff - to delivering high-quality education that blends traditional Indian values with modern global perspectives to build both competence and character.
Through its collaborative culture and sustainability-led learning model, students learn the value of selflessness and community service. Various projects developed and led by students give them international perspectives on issues like climate change and clean water access. They also provide hands-on experience that extends beyond the classroom to shape academically accomplished and empathetic individuals equipped to lead as socially responsible, globally connected citizens.
With sustainability as the core of school culture, the student-led initiatives have had significant community impact. More than 500 trees have been planted, 100kgs of plastic waste have been diverted from landfills and made into eco-bricks, and close to 500 students across 23 schools globally have been engaged, creating a powerful platform for collaborative action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with 70% of participating students reporting a heightened sense of responsibility and global awareness. Currently, students are collaborating with local hospitals to install vertical planters, and a jogging initiative has been embraced by the local community. This shared sense of purpose has also positively impacted staff retention.
In this collaborative learning environment, DPS Varanasi is showing students that change is possible, education can fuel lasting impact, and being active contributors in their community can make a meaningful difference.
