About 80 to 90 students from Classes IX and X of St Jude’s High School, Betalbatim, took part in a hands-on paddy plantation activity at Binvaddo on Monday as part of the school’s Van Mahotsav programme.
The morning visit, held at a paddy field opposite St Anthony’s, was organised by the school’s Eco Club in collaboration with the Betalbatim Farmers Club. Students entered the field and planted paddy under the guidance of farmers and teachers.
The activity was intended to give students a closer understanding of agricultural work and the role of farmers in the community. Teachers Chadwick, Stacia and Selma accompanied the students.
“The students were initially a bit hesitant to go into the field due to the muck, but returning after the activity, they were so comfortable, as if they had been doing this for a long time,” teacher Stacia Luis said.
The Betalbatim Farmers Club was represented by its president, Joe Cota, and panch member Jose Pereira. The club’s president said this was the second year it had collaborated with the school.
Last year, the school and the farmers’ club had also developed a vegetable garden, he said.
After the plantation activity, the students gathered at a spot near the field for kunji, recalling the traditional meal farmers would have after working in the fields.
The programme combined Van Mahotsav observances with an introduction to local farming practices, allowing students to take part in the work rather than only learn about it in class.
Leave a Reply