Environment and Table Tennis: Celebrating Tanjun’s unique DBF project

As the ITTF Foundation celebrates the completion of several impactful Dream Building Fund (DBF) projects this year, we are thrilled to share the remarkable journey and achievements of Tanjun Associate LLP through the DBF 2021 powered by The Foundation for Global Sports Development. The project ‘Table tennis for early-life socio-ecological responsibility’ started in April 2022 in Uttarakhad, India, and its DBF support cycle ended in March 2024. During those 2 years of running time, the project contributed to community development, and quality education on environmental-related topics while using table tennis to promote inclusivity and gender equality.

Battling Climate Change in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, a picturesque state in northern India, is facing the dire consequences of climate change. Nestled in the Himalayas, its fragile ecosystem is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns. Key issues such as stopping deforestation, using sustainable energy, environmentally friendly plantations, and efficient waste management are central to addressing these challenges.

A Plan for Progress

Realising that the fight against climate change starts with raising awareness, the project developed a Theory of Change focusing on the goal of giving enhanced environmental education and advocating for reforestation to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action.

Combined with table tennis sessions, participants would be educated on the urgency of environmental conservation and green careers, as well as the meaning of sustainability. The improvement of their table tennis skills would also lead to better health and academic performance. This dual focus ensures that young people are not only environmentally conscious but also physically active and academically engaged.

At the community level, the project planned to work closely with schools, teachers, coaches, farmers, and children to raise awareness and take action against deforestation. By promoting bamboo-based agroforestry as a climate-smart practice, the initiative provides farmers with additional income sources and helps reclaim degraded land.

Taking Action

To turn their goals into reality, the project implemented several concrete actions to foster environmental awareness and community development through table tennis. Here are the key initiatives they undertook:

1. Installation and Training:
Starting with providing material for table tennis training even to schools in the higher Himalayan region, table tennis sessions were conducted regularly in 5 hub schools in the first year, and 2 hub schools in the second year to increase impact. Among the participants were also students from other schools, called spoke schools, where the installation of table tennis equipment was impossible due to infrastructure reasons. To hold these sessions, 16 community coaches were trained through the support of a master coach and 8 additional coaches. They also served as environmental motivators.

2. Educational Workshops:
Various workshops on green careers were conducted at the project’s hub-schools and through the support of the DBF, students were able to participate in an outdoor tour of the regional science centre. Other workshops included working on bamboo artefacts like basic outdoor fences and furniture or educating on how to give waste a second life.

3. Environmental Activities:
The project developed an eco-activities handbook featuring 30 focused ecological activities suitable for schools, guiding project implementation throughout the year. These activities included plantation efforts aimed at creating micro-climates for cleaner air, as well as the introduction and promotion of rooftop farms and solar panels within the community.

During World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) 2023, students and teachers from Paradise Academy camped at another school. This trip to the higher Himalayas was a novel experience for children who had never ventured outside their villages. The event saw participation from village heads of four neighbouring villages, who engaged with the Divisional Forest Officer and the Block Education Officer. These officials encouraged collaboration with government initiatives to green their areas.

4. Agroforestry Promotion:

The project educated farmers and the community on using bamboo in agroforestry systems for income generation and localised carbon sequestration. Sustainable farming methods were taught, and innovative ideas for using bamboo in sustainable sports equipment were introduced, including the development of table tennis nets made from natural fibres.

Celebrating Achievements and Looking Ahead

‘Table tennis for early-life socio-ecological responsibility’ achieved great outcomes over its 2-year tenure:

• Growth in environmental awareness: Young minds developed a heightened awareness of environmental issues, embracing sustainability practices and ecological responsibility.
• Cultivation of environmental leaders: Participants emerged as environmental leaders, equipped with vital knowledge and skills to promote eco-friendly practices in agriculture and forestry.
• Table tennis success: Youth and communities were introduced to the sport of table tennis and trained, resulting in multiple participants entering the State Table Tennis Championship and even going on to national competitions.
• Eco-friendly innovations: Development of table tennis tables made from bamboo and table tennis nets made from natural fibre.
• Strategic partnerships: Collaboration with the Forest Research Institute and the Indian Army’s 127 BN (TA) Eco Task Force.

In the end, the project reached a total of 8 communities and over 3,186 students in 5 hub schools and over 20 spoke schools, especially through the profound commitment of the 9 table tennis coaches, 16 community coaches and 24 primary volunteers.

Legacy of Change: An Ongoing Commitment

Though the DBF project support has concluded, ITTF Foundation’s as well as Tanjun Associate LLP’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment through table tennis remains unwavering.

We extend our deepest gratitude to project leader Rekha Dey, all staff from Tanjun Associate LLP and all partners involved for their dedication and for fostering a platform for ecological and social change. As we look forward to future initiatives, we are confident that together, we will continue to drive positive impact in our communities.

For more information about the project, please visit this webpage (click here).

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