2025-09-18

The Wings of Awareness orientation session was organized at KTJM High School, Idamattom, as part of the district-wide initiative implemented by the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) conceived and supported by Buimerc India Foundation. The programme seeks to nurture environmental awareness in students by introducing them to the fascinating world of birds and the practice of bird watching. It aims to help learners build strong connections with nature and grow into future stewards of environmental conservation. The project will be implemented across 20 schools in Kottayam District, engaging around 1,000 students and 60 teachers.

This Headmaster, Fr. Manoj Emmanuel, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the significance of this opportunity for the students and extended his heartfelt greetings to the dignitaries, teachers, and students. His words inspired the gathering to embrace the programme with sincerity and enthusiasm.

The introductory remarks were delivered by Dr. Nelson P. Abraham, Vice President of TIES. He elaborated on the vision and objectives of the Wings of Awareness programme, emphasizing its role in developing observational skills, cultivating curiosity, and instilling environmental responsibility in young learners. He underlined how the programme benefits both the students and the school by providing new avenues of learning outside the classroom.

The inaugural address was delivered by Mr. Kishore Chakalaka, President of the PTA. In his address, he expressed his gratitude for the implementation of such an inspiring programme at KTJM High School. He spoke passionately about the importance of observing birds and connecting with nature, stressing how conservation must begin with awareness at the grassroots level.

Following the formal session, a baseline survey was conducted with the students. This activity sought to assess their awareness and attitudes toward birdlife and the environment, serving as the foundation for evaluating the programme’s progress and impact in the coming months.

The core part of the orientation was the ornithology and bird watching class, led by Mr. Sarath Babu, Nature Education Officer of TIES. His interactive and insightful session introduced students to bird species, their behaviors, and methods of identification. The engaging delivery kept the students captivated, and their lively participation reflected their excitement to explore nature more deeply through bird watching.

The session concluded with the introduction of the CROW (Children's Resources for Ornithology and Wilderness) app by Ms. Suhaana, Project Officer of Wings of Awareness. She explained the app’s role as a citizen science platform, demonstrating how students could record bird sightings and contribute to a collective database that supports scientific research and conservation. Her demonstration added a modern and participatory dimension to the programme, sparking enthusiasm among the students.

The orientation at KTJM High School, Idamattom, marked a meaningful beginning for the Wings of Awareness initiative at the institution. With the active involvement of teachers, students, and the support of TIES, the programme set the stage for a journey of curiosity, discovery, and conservation.

The event was coordinated by Ms. Riya Jose, Ms. Merlin John, Mr. Thomaskutty Francis, and Ms. Anila Thomas, faculties of the school and Sruthy Shaji, intern from TIES.