Social Development for Communities (SDC) Foundation, with the support of Ramboll, launched Project PAHAL 2.0 – Youth Climate and Leadership Programme at PM SHRI Government Girls’ Inter College (GGIC), Rajpur Road, Dehradun. The initiative aims to strengthen climate education while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and leadership skills among young people in Uttarakhand.
The launch brought together students and teachers from government and private schools across Dehradun, along with education professionals and development-sector representatives. Mrs. Premlata Baudai, Principal, PM SHRI GGIC Rajpur Road, attended as Chief Guest and emphasised the importance of equipping young people with knowledge and leadership skills to respond to emerging environmental challenges.
Building on SDC Foundation’s decade-long engagement with schools and communities, PAHAL 2.0 moves beyond conventional climate awareness towards experiential, inquiry-based and skill-oriented learning. Students will participate in interactive sessions, group discussions, practical activities, quizzes, games, reflection exercises and workshops designed to connect classroom learning with real-world environmental challenges.
During the programme, Rishabh Shrivastava of SDC Foundation released its baseline study, “Understanding Climate Education Needs for Young People in Dehradun.” Based on responses from more than 700 students, the study provides insights into students’ existing knowledge, perspectives and understanding of climate change. Its findings will guide the development of programme modules, learning activities and future climate education interventions. He gave a detailed presentation about PAHAL 2.0 to the audience.
The event witnessed participation from students and teachers representing several government and private schools across Dehradun. Anoop Nautiyal, Founder, SDC Foundation, said that PAHAL 2.0 seeks to move beyond awareness by enabling students to develop the knowledge, skills and leadership required to understand environmental challenges and contribute meaningfully to solutions.
The programme was attended by Retired Major Rahul Jugran, Prerna Raturi, Sumati Virmani, Vidushi Dobhal-Naithani and members of SDC Foundation, including Pyare Lal, Praveen Upreti, Abhishek Bhatt and Subhash.
Through PAHAL 2.0, SDC Foundation and Ramboll aim to nurture informed, responsible and environmentally conscious young leaders who can contribute to climate action in their schools and communities.
