2025-09-26

The Wings of Awareness programme, initiated by the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) ) conceived and supported by Buimerc India Foundation, is a nature-education project that introduces students to the fascinating world of birds. The initiative highlights the value of hands-on learning, encouraging children to step outdoors, observe their surroundings, and gain a deeper connection with nature. Alongside enhancing environmental awareness, such exposure improves attentiveness and concentration, which contributes to better academic performance. The project will be implemented across 20 schools in Kottayam District, engaging around 1,000 students and 60 teachers.

Ms. Siji Abraham,Teacher Coordinator welcomed the gathering with her address. She spoke about the importance of hosting a project of this kind at the school and extended warm greetings to the TIES team and other guests.The inaugural address was delivered by Mr. Bennichan P.I, Headmaster of the school, who shared his concern about the declining attention span among the younger generation. He highlighted that Wings of Awareness provides a rare chance for students to sharpen their focus and rediscover the joy of exploring nature. Congratulating the participants, he encouraged them to make the best use of this special opportunity to learn about birds and the environment.

Following this, Dr. Punnen Kurian presented the introductory remarks, explaining the project’s aims, goals, and broader significance. He emphasized how bird watching, when practiced systematically, helps students cultivate patience, attention to detail, and a sense of responsibility toward biodiversity.

A short survey session was then conducted among the students to capture their initial knowledge and interest, which would help shape the upcoming activities of the programme.

The main session of the day was taken by Dr. Punnen Kurian, who conducted an engaging class on birds and bird watching. The students showed keen interest, actively responding to his questions and interacting with enthusiasm. The class provided both knowledge and inspiration, motivating students to observe their natural surroundings more closely.

The final session was led by Ms. Suhaana, Project Officer, who introduced the CROW (Children's Resources for Ornithology and Wilderness)app, an exclusive digital tool designed for the project. She explained its functions and demonstrated how students could use it to upload bird sightings, turning their efforts into valuable contributions to citizen science.

The orientation session at St. Mary’s HSS, Bharananganam, was a memorable start to the Wings of Awareness journey at the school. The prayer, lamp-lighting, expert-led classes, and distribution of toolkits created an enriching atmosphere that inspired the young participants to take their first steps into the exciting world of bird watching and nature learning. 

The programme was coordinated by Ms. Sonia Emmanuel, Teacher Coordinator from St. Mary’s HSS and Aparna RaJ, Intern from TIES.