A team of IB Year 2 students representing GIIS SMART Campus have achieved a significant milestone by winning 2nd Position in the Junior Achievement Asia Pacific Company of the Year Competition held from November 8 to 10. The Green Domino team consisting of its members Arohee Temurnikar, Omkar Dighe, Shaivi Sheth, and Jivika Bhat in the lead, makes board games that educate and empower the next generation of climate activists in an enjoyable way. 

Concerned about excessive theoretical methods of teaching sustainability to children, the team promotes hands-on-learning and small steps to lead an eco-friendly lifestyle. The game consists of unique cards, spaces and a series of stages which makes kids understand the impact of their decision on the environment. 

Furthermore, all parts of the board games are made from recyclable materials such as repurposed wooden pieces and pizza boxes. Additionally, it has been integrated into GIIS SMART Campus’s Environment Week and PYP curriculum to support teaching and learning. 

The startup sold their products through word of mouth and social media to families, NGOs and schools and made a respectable profit within a year. A portion of the profit was shared with the non-profit Hemispheres Foundation for the education of underprivileged children in Cambodia. 

After winning the regional championship in Singapore, the team went on to present their startup at the Asia Pacific competition hosted by JA Indonesia. The team has additionally won the Platinum award in Quality Circle at GSF Foundation’s Global Excellence Day competition.

It has been an enthralling and entertaining journey for each member of the team as they brainstormed ideas, and worked on developing and producing the game. The team also faced various challenges and conflicts, however, through effective communication and collaboration worked efficiently at each stage of the journey. 

The team was mentored by some of the experienced GIIS teachers Ms Ioana Dumea, Mr Kartik Jayaraman, Ms Sonal Khobragade, and Ms Nidhi Birla who guided the team, set deadlines and pushed it team to give the best. 

The goal of this competition is to help students understand how to learn business skills that will support and enhance their aspirations for a successful career. This experience has been amazing for each member of the team and has taught important skills such as entrepreneurial, leadership, communication, and problem solving.

Jivika Bhat, Arohee Temurnikar, Omkar Dighe, and Shaivi Sheth

IB Year 2