In a bid to enrich the educational experience and bridge the gap between theory and practice, the students of Class XII-A at Carmel School Kuwait embarked on an insightful field trip to the Kuwait Utilities Development Company's Sulaibiyah water treatment plant on November 15, 2023.
Accompanied by their Vice Principal Sr. Saritha, Biology teacher Mrs. Jessy Scaria, and the students were greeted with a rare opportunity to delve into the inner workings of wastewater treatment, an experience that transcended the realms of a traditional classroom.
Upon arrival, the students were ushered into the main control room, providing them with a panoramic view and an in-depth explanation of the entire wastewater facility's layout. The intricacies of the wastewater treatment process were unfolded, shedding light on the various pre-treatments sewage undergoes before reaching the plant.
Venturing further into the heart of the facility, the students found themselves in the chemical lab. Here, they witnessed different categories and levels of treated sewage water, accompanied by enlightening microscopic images and videos showcasing the biological microorganisms responsible for the activation of sludge.
The climax of the excursion took place at the water reservoir adjacent to the plant, where students gained a close-up perspective of the water purification process. The expansive area was segmented, revealing different levels of sewage that underwent purification to yield two distinct products – purified water utilized for irrigation by local farms and brine water employed by the Kuwait oil company for oil extraction.
This hands-on, experiential learning, seamlessly integrated into the academic syllabus, not only clarified theoretical concepts but also left an indelible mark on the students' understanding of the topic. Expressing their gratitude, the students extended heartfelt thanks to Principal Sr. Christy Maria and Vice Principal Sr. Saritha for providing them with this golden opportunity. Special appreciation was also reserved for Mrs. Jessy Scaria for orchestrating the trip and accompanying them.
Heartfelt appreciation was extended to the entire team at Utilities Development Company, with a special acknowledgment to Mr. Omar Azmi and Mr. Rajesh Pillai, whose detailed explanations during the site visit illuminated the intricate process of water treatment.
Beyond being an academic venture, this field trip offered students a rare opportunity to bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and its practical applications. It underscored the significance of experiential learning, proving that insights gained beyond the classroom are equally pivotal to a comprehensive education.