Kids, if your bag and umbrella are old, you’re a real hero — and you’ll earn an A Plus!

Kozhikode: Were you the kind who insisted on a brand-new school bag, water bottle and umbrella every June? This time, what if you carried your old ones instead — and got recognition for it too? That’s exactly what the Suchitwa Mission, in collaboration with the Education Department, is offering through an innovative campaign titled ‘Reuse Heroes, Real Heroes’. The aim is to instil pride in reusing items and promote sustainability among schoolchildren.

Students who arrive for the new academic year carrying even one reused item — be it an old bag, umbrella, pair of shoes, water bottle or lunchbox — will be awarded an A Plus certificate. Those who don’t will still be recognised with a B Positive certificate. Teachers and schools that actively encourage the initiative will also receive appreciation certificates.

The campaign, led by District Suchitwa Mission Coordinator E T Rakesh, seeks to teach young minds that not having new belongings is nothing to be ashamed of — and that reusing what you already have is something to be proud of. It is part of a two-week student-friendly awareness programme announced by the Education Department.

How to become an A+ reuse hero

To participate, students (from Classes 1 to 10), teachers and even parents can apply through the Suchitwa Mission’s website: https://suchitwamissionkozhikode.in/, uploading photographs of the reused items they are bringing to school. The campaign runs from June 2 to 5.

Ten students and ten schools that send in the most creative photos and videos will receive special prizes.

A lesson in environmental responsibility

The campaign promotes the three Rs — Reduce, Reuse and Recycle — as guiding principles. “This is how we protect the environment,” said Kozhikode District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh. And with a smile, he added, “Let’s not forget — come monsoon, don’t we all hope for a day off? The more A+ awards your school gets, the more flexible we might be with holidays too!”

This unique initiative is not just about saving money — it’s about reshaping mindsets, nurturing eco-consciousness and showing students that being a real hero starts with small, everyday choices.