Beyond the Blackboard: Nature education initiative takes root at HIC
Nestled in the shadows of the Himalayas, the students of Himalayan Inter College (HIC) in Chaukori are learning something that can’t be found in a standard textbook. They are learning how to listen to the planet.
The Himalayan Education Foundation (HEF) has long believed that true, holistic education must extend beyond classroom learning—it must teach children to understand and protect the natural world that sustains us. In an era defined by the climate crisis, sustainable development and conservation are no longer just optional subjects; they are survival skills. To bridge this gap, HEF and HIC teamed up to weave nature and environmental literacy directly into the fabric of daily school life.
Green hour class in the open
The Vision: Moving from Awareness to Action
For Prakash Karki, the administrator at HIC, this initiative is about empowering the next generation to become active problem solvers rather than passive onlookers.
“Students must know what is happening in the world so they can do their part in mitigating the crisis,” Prakash explains. “We want them to develop an appreciation for the natural world and think of ways they can solve these vital issues that affect lives and livelihoods.”
To turn this vision into a reality, the school did something new. They introduced the “Green Hour”—a dedicated period built directly into the school timetable. During this hour, notebooks are closed, classroom doors are opened, and students step outside into the fresh mountain air to touch, see, and truly experience the ecosystem around them.
The Team Building the Movement
Transforming an entire curriculum requires dedicated leaders on the ground. HIC Principal Devbala highlights the concrete steps the school has taken to champion this eco-revolution.
“We have recruited two staff members exclusively to take care of this initiative,” Devbala shares. “Neeraj Joshi, an alumnus of HIC and a former biology teacher, is actively coordinating and conducting the program. Mr. Upreti, an instructor, is assisting him.”
Instructors Upreti and Neeraj
For Neeraj Joshi, returning to his alma mater to lead this charge is deeply personal. He sees the potential of a student body connected to its roots, though he acknowledges they are just scratching the surface.
“There is so much we need to do to realize this vision,” Neeraj says. “We are developing a curriculum for nature and environmental education. Recently, we started a Nature Club on our campus. In May, we conducted a nature tour for students to participate in the annual bird-watching festival in Munsiary. This is just the beginning.”
Nature tour group in Munsiary
Small Steps, Big Impacts
The momentum is already building. On June 5, the entire campus came alive to celebrate World Environment Day. Rather than just conducting an assembly, the staff and students rolled up their sleeves for a "Clean Chaukori" campaign. Together, they combed the local area, gathering plastic waste and garbage, and ensured it was disposed of in a safe, environmentally responsible way. It was a tangible lesson in civic duty and environmental stewardship.
Clean up drive on World Environment Day( 5th June )
As the initiative grows, Prakash expresses deep gratitude for inspiration nd encouragement this project received:
“We are thankful for the enthusiastic support of HEF. We will continue to work to make our students sensitive to nature and environmental issues, as well as ways to address them.”
This initiative didn’t happen overnight. Since its inception, HEF has been a steady, passionate voice advocating for outdoor education in the Himalayan region. Seeing the HIC community embrace this cause with such an ownership is the realization of a decade-long dream.
Watching the HIC team take the reins of this nature education initiative brings immense joy to everyone at HEF. We wish them wonderful success as they cultivate the eco-champions of tomorrow.
