Mar, 11: In a significant step towards preparing the next generation to address climate challenges, Cambridge University Press & Assessment has partnered with the School Education Department, Government of Maharashtra, through the State Council of Educational Research and Training to introduce Cambridge Climate Quest for students in government schools across the state.
The initiative places learners at the centre of climate education, equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, problem-solving and decision-making abilities needed to address the complex challenges of sustainable growth.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Dr. Hemant Wasekar, IAS – Director, SCERT (State Council of Educational Research and Training), Government of Maharashtra, and Arun Rajamani, Managing Director South Asia, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, in the presence of Shri Dadaji Bhuse, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for School Education, Pankaja Tai Munde, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for Environment and Climate Change and Animal Husbandry, Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar, Hon’ble Minister of State for School Education, Home (Rural), Housing, Mining & Cooperation, Shri. Ranjit Singh Deol, Principal Secretary for the School Education and Sports Department, Government of Maharashtra, along with senior officials from the School Education Department and Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
The programme will be delivered in English and Marathi through Cambridge’s digital learning platform and is expected to reach up to 200,000 students across Maharashtra. Designed for students in Classes 8 and 9 in government-aided and non-aided schools, the initiative aims to strengthen climate literacy while encouraging learners to think critically about sustainability and their role in shaping a more responsible future.
Speaking at the event held at Mantralaya, Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar, Hon’ble Minister of State for School Education, said:
“Through this MoU for the Climate Quest Programme, which is part of a larger MoU signed with Cambridge University, the Government of Maharashtra has taken an important step towards promoting climate education in our schools. Through the “Climate Quest” e-learning programme being launched for students of 8th and 9th standards, students will receive international environmental knowledge and be trained to understand their responsibility in addressing real-life challenges. The programme in schools reflects the Government of Maharashtra’s strong commitment to building a sustainable and environmentally responsible future. The main objective of this initiative is to empower the next generation to protect the environment by providing the right education to today’s students. I also urge Cambridge to make this programme available in the Marathi language so that it can reach a larger number of students in Maharashtra.
I would also like to specially mention that students who excel in this programme will have the valuable opportunity to receive a joint certificate from Cambridge University Press & Assessment and the Government of Maharashtra.
On this occasion, I congratulate CUPA and our School Education Department, and I hope that a large number of our students will participate in this programme.”
Shri Dadaji Bhuse, Cabinet Minister for School Educationfurther commented:
“Through this initiative, students will be provided with a comprehensive curriculum on environment, climate change and related topics. The programme will initially be implemented for students of Classes 8 and 9, and will later be expanded further. Additionally, the department will also undertake special initiatives to promote hygiene awareness among students. Focus will be placed on personal hygiene, as well as cleanliness in school and home surroundings. In June, the School Education Department will actively participate in environmental conservation activities.”
Pankaja Tai Munde, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for Environment and Climate Change and Animal Husbandry, added:
“Cambridge Climate Quest is an e-learning initiative undertaken by the School Education Department. The MoU between the Department and Cambridge University Press & Assessment India will help create awareness among school students about how to protect the environment.”
Arun Rajamani, Managing Director – South Asia, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, said:
“The starting point for addressing the complex challenges of sustainable growth is education, which equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and problem-solving abilities needed to shape solutions. At Cambridge, supporting the next generation of learners and the future workforce through research-driven education focused on sustainable development is a key priority.
Our partnership with the Government of Maharashtra is an important step in expanding access to climate education and empowering students across the state to become informed, responsible, and future-ready citizens.”
Climate Quest introduces students to the science of climate change, its impact on ecosystems, communities, and economies, and sustainable solutions such as renewable energy, responsible consumption, and climate resilience. The programme uses a contextual, activity-based approach that encourages students to think critically about environmental challenges, apply knowledge to real-world situations, and connect sustainability to their everyday lives and future careers. The programme will also lay a foundation for learners to engage with opportunities emerging in the global green economy.
As part of the collaboration, Cambridge will provide programme modules, teacher training sessions, user manuals, progress monitoring dashboards, and certificates for students who successfully complete the course.
The programme rollout will include teacher orientation, student enrolment, structured learning modules and certification upon successful completion. Implementation will be coordinated through SCERT, District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs), and participating government schools across Maharashtra.
