"We never noticed the intricacies of nature around us because we rarely see greenery at home," said 21-year-old Radha Yadav during our Ecology Education Training, marvelling at the sights and sounds of a rare green urban pocket in Hyderabad. Radha teaches at Dhaatri's Bal Angan in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, where extensive stone quarrying has degraded the forest landscape.
As part of our ongoing training for youth educators, we recently held two workshops: one focused on nature-based activities using storytelling, art, and crafts in Panna, followed by an Ecology Education Training in Hyderabad. These sessions equipped educators from Panna, Vidisha, and Telangana's Adilabad district with the skills needed to design engaging language, science, and maths activities, drawing inspiration from the nature around them.
Under the guidance of nature educator Sharada Ramadass, participants embarked on forest walks, appreciating the birds, insects, shrubs, and trees. They returned brimming with ideas to enhance nature-based learning for children in their communities and were introduced to simple, creative activities that promote experiential education.
"Yes, we do see a few trees and plants in our village, but we never knew about the amazing properties each one has. Here, we brainstormed fantastic ideas to help kids learn in a fun way while fostering a deeper connection to their local habitat." - Radha Yadav
As part of Dhaatri's Barefoot Education Programme for Adivasi children in Panna and Vidisha, we run evening education centres called Bal Angans. The Sahariya and Gond communities in these areas face high dropout rates due to migration – a consequence of land loss and dependence on mining and daily wage labour.
Our young educators strive to bridge the children's learning gaps, while providing cultural and ecological engagement, helping them reconnect with nature and their traditional knowledge. Along the same lines, Gond youth from Adilabad expressed enthusiasm for establishing Bal Angans in their own communities.
"We have already incorporated forest walks into our curriculum. When children learn about the forest and discuss it with elders at home, they gradually become aware of how our biodiversity is at risk,” said 23-year-old Pyari Singh Gond, who coordinates the work at Panna's six Bal Angans.
“They see summers getting hotter each year, and now understand that this is all due to the destruction of our environment. With the insights gained from this training, we aim to deepen this understanding." - Pyari Singh Gond
More pictures from the training:
