2025-04-04

“Direct experience with nature, how to observe our surroundings and understand the true value of the environment,” reflected Aswathy P S, a student from St. Teresa’s TTI, Vazhappally, after attending the Community Outreach Camp at TIES.

TIES hosted a three-day Community Outreach Camp for 44 student teachers and 2 faculty members from St. Teresa’s TTI, Vazhappally. This intensive program was designed to bridge the gap between academic training and real-world environmental engagement, equipping future educators with practical skills and knowledge essential for community development and sustainable living.

At the heart of the camp was "Enjoy Learning", TIES’ flagship experiential learning module. This program reimagines traditional classroom teaching by incorporating nature-based, participatory methods that spark curiosity and foster critical thinking in young learners. The student teachers explored how hands-on, experience-based education can transform learning and instill values of environmental responsibility from an early age.

In addition to enriching their teaching approach, participants also received practical training in poultry farming, mushroom cultivation, and home waste management. These sessions weren’t just about learning new techniques—they offered deeper insights into sustainability and how such practices can be integrated into school curriculums and community outreach.

The poultry farming sessions focused on small-scale models suitable for rural households and school-based projects. Participants learned the basics of poultry care, selecting suitable breeds, understanding the nutritional benefits of backyard poultry, and preventing common diseases.

In the mushroom farming sessions, student teachers were introduced to low-cost cultivation techniques that could be adopted in both homes and schools, encouraging entrepreneurial thinking.

Meanwhile, the home waste management module offered simple, eco-friendly methods for waste segregation and composting—crucial skills in today's environmental context.

Teachers play a key role in shaping the values and actions of future generations. By equipping teacher trainees with hands-on environmental skills and meaningful learning methods, the Community Outreach Camp at TIES prepares them to be changemakers in both classrooms and communities. 

This camp is yet another reflection of TIES’ commitment to nurturing eco-conscious educators who are ready to lead the way toward a more sustainable future.

The sessions were led by the TIES team, including Dr. Punnen Kurian (Secretary, TIES), Dr. Sajeev Kumar (Chief Veterinary Officer), Mr. Sarath Babu N B (Nature Education Officer), Ms. Anju Ajikumar (Laboratory Manager), Ms. Arya Shaji (Project Assistant), and Ms. Anoopa Mathews (PRO).