2026-03-27

The valedictory function of the Wings of Awareness Project was successfully conducted at St. Mary's Higher Secondary School with the active participation of students, teachers, and the project team from TIES. The programme marked the formal conclusion of the project activities implemented in the school during the academic year.

The session was anchored by student Abel Noel. The formal programme began with a prayer followed by the welcome speech delivered by student Tomzin Alex, who also introduced the dignitaries on the dais. The guests included Dr. Punnen Kurian, Mr. Sarath Babu, Ms. Suhaana, the Headmaster K. Bennichan P.I., along with teacher coordinators and participating students.

The inaugural address was delivered by the Headmaster K. Bennichan P.I., who appreciated the sincere efforts taken by both students and teachers in successfully implementing the project in the school. He also expressed his gratitude to TIES and Buimerc India Foundation for selecting the school as one of the participating institutions and congratulated the students who performed exceptionally well in the programme.

The valedictory address was then delivered by Dr. Punnen Kurian. In his speech, he reflected on the overall performance of the students throughout the project and highlighted the positive impact the programme had on the students’ personality, observation skills, and awareness towards nature. He also appreciated the enthusiasm shown by the students and teachers and wished them success in their future endeavours. Following the address, Dr. Punnen Kurian formally handed over the school report and the school memento to the Headmaster and teacher coordinators.

This was followed by the distribution of Amateur Birder Certificates to the selected students who actively participated in the project. Certificates of appreciation were then presented to the teacher coordinators — Mrs. Siji Abraham, Mrs. Sonia Emmaneul, and Mr. Jomon Kuruvilla — in recognition of their valuable support and commitment throughout the project.

After the certificate distribution, students Adinadh and Nevin Naiju shared their experiences of being part of the programme. They spoke about how bird watching helped them observe nature more closely, spend more time outdoors, and reduce their screen time. Teacher Mr. Jomon Kuruvilla also shared his experience about encouraging students to observe nature and the positive changes he noticed among them.

The felicitation address was delivered by Ms. Suhaana, who appreciated the school’s active participation and the dedication shown by the students and teachers in making the project a success. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Sonia Emmaneul.

After the formal session, a post-project survey was conducted for the participating students and teachers in order to collect feedback and assess the overall impact of the Wings of Awareness Project in the school.