Small kids cannot really be concerned about environmental changes. But poverty is said to be one of the main cause of ecological problems. Children at our Sophia Centre come from clustered houses, unhealthy living surroundings, with large families sharing one room; they witness violent social relationships and bear the brunt of changing weather conditions.

These children do not see a system for proper garbage disposal. They see pieces of paper, plastic bags and other waste materials littered all over. They too start throwing unwanted objects anywhere and everywhere as they walk along. The majority of our children carry their two or three exercise books, pencils and rubber in one plastic bag between three brothers and sisters. When the bags wear out they come asking for another plastic bag to carry their treasures. If some one steals a bag inevitably they start crying. Distributing plastic bags is no solution nor does it contribute to a clean environment around. We had to think of providing a bag - durable rather than disposable for these poor children to use daily. We saw it as a call to find something inexpensive and useful to meet their simple needs.

We came up with the idea of making colourful shoulder bags of cloth for the children of classes 1, 11, and the very poor ones in class 111. We bought strong, red checked cotton material from a wholesale market and managed to stitch four sling bags from one meter. Children were asked to bring the bag daily to school, a clear identity for the Sophia Centre children. Undoubtedly the parents were very happy and the children were proud to possess bags of their own. No more plastic bags! Some onlookers on the street eyed them curiously, nodded their heads with satisfaction. As a result more children came for admission to our school with an eye on the bag and the heart’s desire to get them for themselves. The came for a bag and stayed on! Meanwhile some who left the school in between walked away with the bag!

For us solidarity with the less privileged is also a commitment for the environment at home. Some children are beginning to realise the need for a cleaner environment. Beginning with a red checked bag they may one day understand their responsibility towards Mother Earth and care for its wealth and beauty.