The School That Runs on Kindness and Solar Power

 What if you entered a school for the first time, where all the appliances are energized by the sun, students are greeted with big smiles and they get their motivation from the kindness of the teachers and other students? That is exactly the kind of school that I would be very happy to see in the future and I have to admit that I don’t think it’s very far away. The school I am talking about? It is powered by solar energy and smiles. Students have the freedom to express themselves. Teachers don’t just teach math and science, but they also teach you how to be a decent human being. No one is going to be left out from the class just because of their race or status.

Every rooftop in this school has solar panels. They soak up the sun and power everything inside such as fans, laptops, even the vending machines. There are no huge electricity bills or carbon footprints. The school even stores extra energy in big battery walls for rainy days. Learning stations have been designed for the students where they can visualize in real-time the energy being used, produced, and saved by the school. It’s not merely about utilizing solar power but about the understanding of the process and its significance. Moreover, if you are convinced that solar energy is the only benefit from the school, you are entirely mistaken. The school is also utilizing water storage tanks, compost bins, as well as the rooftop garden, where students plant vegetables and flowers not only for the cafeteria but also for their local community.

Here’s the coolest part, this school isn’t just eco-friendly. It’s emotionally friendly too. Every student is treated equally. No bullying. No judgment. There are support circles instead of detentions. Teachers help students talk through problems, not punish them for struggling. You will find students from varied backgrounds, including those with disabilities, learning side by side with other students. There are ramps, quiet rooms, sign language lessons, and even therapy dogs that visit weekly to help students destress. Classes like “Global Culture,” “Mental Health,” and “Conflict Resolution” are just as important as Maths and English. In this school, students have a say. Every month, they hold a “Circle of Voices” where students share ideas, feedback, and even vote on changes they want in their school. One student suggested having a “Kindness Week,” and now it’s a monthly thing, filled with group projects, thank you card walls, and even a “Help a Stranger” challenge. It’s a place where you feel seen, valued, and safe. That’s what education should be about.

Actually, a large number of schools today only concentrate on students’ grades, exams, and behaviors. However, what about students’ happiness, innovation, and being a part of the community? Our planet has entered a time of crisis with the climate, mental disorders have become widespread, and people are still being discriminated against because of what they have no control over. This is why educational institutions must not only change their curriculums but also the atmosphere they create for the students. If schools of such kind were in existence anywhere and everywhere, we would grow children not only intelligent but also kind, responsible, and willing to help the world that is around them.

You might be questioning, “Is it even possible, even though it sounds quite amazing?” Honestly, I would answer yes. Some schools around the world are already doing parts of using renewable energy, teaching emotional skills, and promoting equality. We just need more of them. It starts with an idea. Then it needs people who care enough to make it real. Just like you and me.

References:

United Nations. Goal 4: Quality Education. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal4
United Nations. Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal7
United Nations. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal10