Issues such as the environment and democracy concern us all. Today we face issues on a global scale. Every other day newspapers tell us of the imminent environmental problems.

The garbage problem here in Goa is an example of such an issue. But every person and household can actually make a difference! Starting a compost is one way to improve our environmental situation. Between the 13th of November until the 27th, six students from Sodra Latins Gymnasium in Stockholm, Sweden are staying in Benaulim. With a group of students from Chowgule College, Margao, we are working on an environment- and democracy project. Among other things, we are going to install composts at 30 local households and help them to manage the composts. We will be checking up on the compost process. 

Our purpose is to raise awareness about environmental and democratic issues. This we hope to achieve by exchanging thoughts and experiences with our Indian peers as well as doing some practical work together with them. In cooperation with Benaulim Villagers’ Action Committee (BVAC), environmental activist Clinton Vaz, and supported by GGRM, we want to encourage a sustainable system of waste disposal. We also want to inform about the environmental impact of the current system of waste. By this we hope to make more people conscious about their own waste and environmental dangers.  

Swedish students and a Khamba compost 

We will arrange a meeting at the Panchayat in Benaulim (5.30 PM to 8 PM) on the 19th of November. There, Clinton Vaz will give more information about composting and giving people a chance to try out a Khamba compost.  

We also want to hear your views about this topic. Everybody’s opinion concerning local democratic influence is important. On the 25th of November, we will give a presentation about Swedish democratic processes. Here we all can discuss local democracy and environmental protection. Hope to meet you there! 

- Simon Pollack Sarnecki and Thea Nyberg from Sodra Latins Gymnasium