2026-03-03

The Valedictory Function of the Wings of Awareness environmental education programme was successfully conducted at Mattakkara Higher Secondary School, marking the culmination of months of learning, observation, and nature engagement by the students. The programme served as a meaningful platform to celebrate the achievements of participants and acknowledge the collaborative efforts that made the initiative successful.

Prior to the commencement of the formal session, a post-project survey was conducted among the participating students and teachers to evaluate the impact and outcomes of the programme.

The formal proceedings began with a welcome address by the Teacher Coordinator, Mr. Sandeep Nair, who warmly welcomed the distinguished members of the TIES team: Dr. Punnen Kurian (Director, TIES), Mr. Sarath Babu (Nature Education Officer, TIES), Mr. Ajaya Kumar M.N (Bird Watching Expert, TIES), Ms. Suhaana (Project Officer – Wings of Awareness), and Ms. Naomi Mair (TIES Intern). Representing the school, HM in charge Mrs. Bindhu S was also present on the dais. In his address, Mr. Sandeep Nair highlighted the remarkable work undertaken by the TIES team and respectfully acknowledged the valuable contributions and expertise of each member involved in the programme.

The valedictory address was delivered by Dr. Punnen Kurian, who shared insightful reflections on the success and impact of the Wings of Awareness project. He congratulated the students for their enthusiastic participation and outstanding commitment to nature observation. Special recognition was given to the Ameya Dileep (Class 9th ) of Mattakkara Higher Secondary School, who emerged as the top-performing student in the entire project, recording the highest number of bird observations on the CROW App with an impressive total of 1,820 observations, along with 100% attendance throughout the programme. Dr. Kurian appreciated this remarkable dedication and highlighted it as an inspiring example for other young nature enthusiasts. He also expressed sincere gratitude to Buimerc India Foundation for their generous support in enabling the successful implementation of the programme. Following his address, he presented the school memento as a token of appreciation.

Subsequently, HM in charge Mrs. Bindhu S delivered a brief message expressing her gratitude to the TIES team for bringing such a meaningful environmental education initiative to the school and for inspiring students to develop a deeper appreciation for nature.

The programme then proceeded with the distribution of Amateur Birder Certificates to the top-performing students, which were presented by Mr. Sarath Babu, Mr. Ajaya Kumar M.N, and Ms. Naomi Mair. Notably, six students from Mattakkara Higher Secondary School were selected among the 150 top-performing students across all participating schools in the project, a commendable achievement for the institution.

Following this, Certificates of Appreciation were presented to the participating teachers by Dr. Punnen Kurian, in recognition of their guidance and consistent support throughout the programme.

Later, Mr. Ajaya Kumar M.N shared a few motivating words with the students, encouraging them to continue their journey of experiential learning and bird observation even beyond the duration of the project.

A felicitation address was then delivered by Ms. Suhaana, Project Officer of Wings of Awareness. In her speech, she expressed her heartfelt appreciation to TIES for entrusting her with the responsibility of serving as the Project Officer. She also thanked the school management, teachers, and students for their wholehearted support and dedication, which played a vital role in the successful implementation of the programme.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Sandeep Nair, who acknowledged the efforts of the TIES team, the school administration, teachers, and students for their active participation and support, thus bringing the programme proceedings to a meaningful close.