W5: "The School that Runs on Kindness and Solar Power"
Interview with Raina, Student of SolariKind Academy (Year 3)
Q: Can you describe what your school is like? What makes it different?
Raina:
SolariKind is not just a school, it feels like a second home. The first thing you notice is how green and peaceful it is. Our buildings are shaped like petals and covered in solar panels. The wind turbines on the roof spin quietly all day and we don’t use fossil fuels at all. Everything here runs on sunlight, wind, and collected rainwater. Even our lights and fans only turn on when needed. It’s like the school is alive and knows how to take care of itself.
Q: What subjects do you learn here?
Raina:
We still study math, science, and languages like in most schools but we also have core subjects like Empathy, Sustainability, and Cultural Understanding. In empathy class, we learn to manage emotions, understand other people’s feelings, and handle conflicts. We even have simulation days, where we live a day in someone else's shoes. Last month, I wore noise-canceling headphones to experience how a classmate with hearing issues learns every day. It really opened my mind.
Q: How is this school different from the traditional schools?
Raina:
Back in my old school, everyone sat in rows, listened quietly, and memorized things for exams. Here, learning is collaborative. We sit in circles, ask questions, and even vote on some projects. Instead of punishments like detention, we reflect on mistakes and how to make better choices. Our teachers don’t stand at the front yelling instructions. They sit with us and guide discussions. It’s more like a conversation than a lecture.
Q: How are the relationships among students and teachers from different backgrounds?
Raina:
Our school is truly inclusive. We have students from different races, religions, and even countries. Some are refugees, others are from nearby villages, and a few come from wealthier cities. But here, we all wear the same smile, no fancy uniforms or labels. Everyone is equal. Even our teachers come from different places. I have a math teacher from Nigeria and a sustainability guide from South Korea. They encourage us to celebrate our differences instead of hiding them. I’ve made friends I never thought I would.
Q: Are there any special structures or features at SolariKind that you'd love to introduce to other schools?
Raina:
Yes! First, the Sun Garden. It’s a central courtyard with plants grown using solar-powered irrigation. We grow vegetables and herbs for our school meals. Every student spends an hour a week in the garden and it’s part of our sustainability class. We also have a Reflection Room instead of a punishment room. If you’re upset or made a mistake, you go there to calm down and write about your feelings. I think every school needs that.
Also, our library doesn’t just hold books, it’s an energy-neutral learning dome. It adjusts its light and temperature based on outside conditions. We even charge our devices there using floor tiles that convert our footsteps into energy!
Q: What’s the biggest change you’ve felt in yourself since joining this school?
Raina:
I used to be shy. I was scared to speak because I thought I’d be judged. However, I receive support from classmates, and people always listen to me. Now I’ve led a climate awareness campaign, planted my first tree, and even gave a speech to a visiting group of teachers. I’ve learned that education isn’t just about grades, it’s about growing as a person.
Q: What would you say to schools around the world that want to improve?
Raina:
Don’t wait for big funding or high-tech gear. Start with the small things. Teach kindness like a subject. Let students express who they are. Use clean energy if you can, even one solar panel helps. And always include students in decisions. When we feel seen and safe, we learn better.
Q: Any final message to readers?
Raina:
Kindness is powerful. When you mix it with clean energy and good education, you’re not just building a better school, you’re building a better world.
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