Young Leaders for a Better Future: Ludhiana Students to Lead the Way in Air Quality Advocacy through ‘Young Champions for Clean Air Program’

Ludhiana, July 22, 2024: In a bid to educate Ludhiana's young students on the significance of air quality and empower them as environmental advocates, Clean Air Punjab on Monday launched the Young Champions for Clean Air (YCCA) program. This comprehensive year-long initiative underscores Clean Air Punjab's ongoing commitment to enhancing public awareness of critical environmental issues, with no financial burden on educational institutions.
 
The YCCA Program will actively engage students through a curated series of interactive activities and a robust educational module focused on air quality. These activities encompass expert-led training sessions, interactive workshops, writing competitions, and practical experiences like on-campus plantation drives. By participating in these initiatives, students will deepen their understanding of air pollution, its health and environmental impacts, and effective mitigation strategies.
 
The launch was held at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Punjab Agricultural University and was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney. The event was attended by Principal Scientist at Punjab Agricultural University Dr. Prabhjyot Kaur, Government Model Senior Secondary School Principal Balwinder Kaur, as well as Principals from over 10 government schools and Clean Air Punjab members.
 
Dr. Prabhjyot Kaur, Principal Scientist, underscored the significance of clean air, remarking, "The children are aware and understand that air pollution directly impacts human health and clean air will help them safeguards themselves, their families, their friends from several diseases.
 
Through the YCCA Program, students will actively participate in activities that advocate for cleaner air and positively impact their communities.”
 
Sanam Sutirath Wazir, Head of State Climate Action at Asar, stated, “The students will get to actively engage through a curated series of interactive activities and a robust educational module focused on air quality. These include expert-led training sessions, interactive workshops, writing competitions, and practical experiences.”
 
Maneet Dewan, Head of City Needs Organization, Ludhiana, highlighted the need to empower young people through the Clean Air Program. He said it is crucial for improving air quality. "When our youth are informed and engaged, they become powerful advocates for change, driving community awareness and action. An informed citizenry can lead to innovative solutions and collective efforts, making a tangible difference in the fight for cleaner air and a healthier future for all," he said
 
During the launch, dignitaries participated in a mini plantation drive on the school campus, symbolizing their commitment to environmental conservation. Additionally, students engaged in a themed "Snakes and Ladders" game focused on air quality, enhancing their understanding of the topic in an enjoyable and interactive manner.

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Clean Air Punjab on Monday launched the Young Champions for Clean Air (YCCA) program, a year-long initiative which underscores Clean Air Punjab's ongoing commitment to enhancing public awareness of critical environmental issues, with no financial burden on educational institutions.