UNICEF - CCES Project

Enhancing Climate Resilience in Institutions through Youth Engagement and Renewable Energy with Focus on Equity and Environmental Sustainability in Rajasthan

A programmatic partnership between UNICEF and Vatsalya was implemented in the districts of Jaipur and Pratapgarh, Rajasthan, to advance the WASH programme by integrating CCES through a system-strengthening approach. The focus areas included climate change, environmental sustainability, renewable energy, and youth engagement through capacity building and demonstration initiatives. This 11-month partnership aimed to achieve three key outcomes: · Enhancing clean and green assessments in institutions ; · Operationalizing the sustainability of renewable energy infrastructure in Rajasthan and · Strengthening youth action on CCES

Enhancing Clean and Green Assessments in Institutions:
This initiative integrated Climate, Clean Energy, and Sustainability (CCES) practices in selected schools—including PM SHRI schools—and co-located Anganwadi centers in Rajasthan. Using a locally adapted assessment tool, it benchmarked institutions while building awareness among students and teachers. Practical training was also provided to teachers to support on-ground implementation.

Sustaining Renewable Energy Infrastructure in Rajasthan:
Rajasthan, with its solar potential of 142 GW and abundant sunny days, is a leading destination for solar energy. The state has solarised key public facilities like schools, health centers, Anganwadis, and water supply systems under various schemes. However, many of these installations face maintenance challenges, often becoming non-functional.

This initiative focused on sustaining solar infrastructure by identifying maintenance gaps through field assessments. It also engaged and trained youth to support upkeep and generate evidence for the long-term use of solar energy—benefiting children, women, and marginalized communities.

Enhancing Youth Action on CCES:
To boost youth participation in Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability (CCES) in Rajasthan, this initiative focused on building their capacities and involving them in real-world climate action. Youth networks were mapped and engaged to create a collaborative space for climate solutions. A key highlight was a CCES-focused Hackathon that identified and supported youth-led innovations, especially from rural areas, with mentorship from government, UNICEF, and partner organizations.

Bringing CCES to Schools in Rajasthan

Vatsalya Society in partnership with UNICEF and Department of Education, Government of Rajasthan, introduced Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability (CCES) practices in 50 schools across Jaipur and Pratapgarh. The initiative addressed both urban and tribal challenges through advocacy, training, and on-ground demonstrations, empowering youth to lead on sustainability and equity. The process included developing a field insight tool, training youth assessors, piloting and collecting data using KOBO tools, evaluating student awareness, analyzing insights, and implementing school-specific sustainability action plans.

A state-level consultation on Clean and Green Schools was held with participation from key stakeholders, including officials from the Education Department, Government of Rajasthan, UNICEF Rajasthan, Vatsalya Society, and representatives from civil society organizations and other concerned departments and organizations.

To equip teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective implementation of Clean and Green School Program, the orientation program saw active participation from 30 representatives of Senior Secondary Schools in Pratapgarh. The session aimed to enhance awareness, inspire action, and empower educators to integrate clean and green assessments into school systems effectively.

CCES Field Assessment on Solar Infrastructure

As part of the CCES initiative, a field assessment was conducted in Jaipur and Pratapgarh to evaluate the performance and sustainability of solar installations in public institutions. Of the 50 surveyed sites, only 24% were fully functional, with most issues linked to basic, avoidable maintenance gaps. The findings informed a practical, low-cost strategy to improve solar system performance through field-based insights and inter-departmental collaboration.

Solarised infrastructure in institutions

Solar structure in schools

Mapping of schools and survey on solarised structures in institutions

Youth mapping and enhancing their action on CCES

The "Ideas for Future" Hackathon that was organized on 17th April, 2025, empowered students across Rajasthan to develop innovative solutions for climate resilience and environmental sustainability. Focused on energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management, the event encouraged youth-led action in schools and communities. Through mentorship and incubation support, the initiative is nurturing a new generation of climate leaders aligned with Rajasthan’s sustainability goals.

Minister for Education, Government of Rajasthan Mr. Madan Dilawar graced the Hackathon event with his presence

The Hackathon was open to youth aged 14–28, from both urban and rural areas, and inclusive of: rural and urban school and college students ; working and non-working youth and dedicated All-Girls Teams, ensuring participation from tribal belts, remote blocks, and underrepresented communities.

Presentation of the ideas by the participants before the jury members

The selection process for both the initial screening and final pitch followed a structured evaluation system. Ideas were judged on five key criteria: Innovation, Feasibility, Social Impact, Cost Effectiveness, and Scalability. Judges scored and gave brief comments on each area, and the total scores were used to decide the final selections.

Final pitching by the participants to secure a place in the top 8 winners

All smiles on the Hackathon winners' faces

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