THE ENVIRONMENT
Climate warming has led to weather extremes and erratic climate patterns in the mountain communities, threatening the survival of species and challenging the way of life of the villagers, farmers and shepherds.
Educating the next generation across the region about the environment is critical to creating a sustainable future for all.
Environmental
Education
Himalayan Inter-College has purchased extensive forest next to their campus to create a nature park and outdoor classrooms geared to environmental education.
We have obtained funding through a generous donor to support an environmental educator. Stay tuned as we work together with our leaders on the ground in Chakouri to bring this initiative to life.
Environmental Festivals
We collaborate with local partners in Munsiari and Chaukori to bring together students from rural community schools to learn about the flora fauna and geology of their Himalayan home.
Himal Kalasutra
Himal Kalasutra is an annual festival organized by the women of the Maati Collective in Munsiari.
“Our emphasis is on deepening an understanding of the natural history of the mountainscapes we inhabit. Using a pedagogy of place, our effort is to prepare outdoor and nature educators.”
–Malika Virdi
Key aspects of the festival include:
Deepening a collective sense of place, ownership and pride in mountain youth.
Education in the outdoors through learning by doing and interactions with visiting subject specialists
Building youth initiative and community and laying the foundation for them being advocates of change for Climate and Environmental justice
Stemming alienation of local youth from the rural mountain landscape and lifestyle.
Developing the long term prospects of alternative livelihood options like nature based responsible tourism.
HEF provides financial support, teaching materials and travel assistance to bring participants to the event.
The number of student and teacher participants has increased each year since the festival’s inception in 2015, due to the dynamic collaboration of this multi-school and multiple community partnership. In 2023, 1500 people attended HImal Kalasutra.
Kaaphal Hill Festival
Raj Mahara, a teacher at HIC, organized a Bird Festival for the young people of schools in the Chaukori area.
Over 130 young people from local schools participated in the festival in the forests around Kaaphal Hill.
The festival is an opportunity to educate students in the diverse wildlife of the Chaukori region and build environmental awareness and appreciation.
