Nature School

CIRHEP’s Nature School: Growing a Greener Future

For over 30 years, CIRHEP’s Nature School has been sparking curiosity and love for the environment in young minds. It’s more than just a school—it’s an experience, where children step into nature, learn by doing, and discover their role in protecting the planet.

Inspired by Sweden’s Mulle School, Argentina’s playway method, and India’s nature pedagogy, Ms. K.A. Chandra brought this vision to life with an engaging, hands-on curriculum. Set near the Kadavakurichi Reserve Forest, the Nature School blends games, storytelling, role-play, and trekking to make learning about the environment fun and meaningful.

Here, children don’t just learn about climate change and conservation—they experience it firsthand. They gain the knowledge and confidence to find solutions, become problem solvers, and take action in their own communities.

By making environmental education interactive and immersive, CIRHEP’s Nature School is shaping young leaders who will carry the torch for a more sustainable future.

Children performing a play about a king who cut down all the trees in his kingdom causing less rainfall and water and food scarcity.

Key Focus Areas of CIRHEP’s Nature School

 

At CIRHEP’s Nature School, children don’t just learn about the environment—they experience it. Through interactive activities, hands-on projects, and real-world exploration, they develop a deep understanding of sustainability, health, and social responsibility.

Key Focus Areas

Environmental Awareness – Understanding conservation, water, and soil management.

Pollution & Its Impact – Exploring air, water, soil, and noise pollution.

Nature’s Balance – Discovering the relationship between living and non-living things.

Tree Planting & Biodiversity – Hands-on learning in reforestation and conservation.

Health & Hygiene – Promoting sanitation and disease prevention.

Gender Equality – Encouraging fairness, inclusion, and equal rights.

Community Responsibility – Engaging in social activities like street cleaning.

Through games, role-play, and fieldwork, CIRHEP’s Nature School nurtures young minds, shaping them into environmental leaders and responsible citizens who care for their communities and the planet.

 
 

From Nature school student to CIRHEP employee

Chinnathambi’s Journey: From Nature School Student to Organic Farming Advocate

Chinnathambi was just 10 years old when he first stepped into CIRHEP’s Nature School, a small village initiative that opened his eyes to the environment in ways his regular school never had. There, he learned about climate change, soil and water conservation, and organic farming—concepts that would shape his future.

Inspired by what he learned, Chinnathambi decided to pursue agriculture. On his 2.5-hectare farm in Andipatti, he put sustainable practices into action, growing pulses and millets to support his family. His deep-rooted belief in organic farming only grew stronger over time.

In 2013, he joined CIRHEP as a field worker, determined to give back to the farming community. Today, he helps local farmers transition from chemical-based to organic cultivation, sharing knowledge, guiding them through challenges, and encouraging sustainable agriculture.

From a curious child at Nature School to a dedicated organic farming advocate, Chinnathambi’s journey is a powerful example of how education and opportunity can transform lives—and entire communities.

A nature school class learning about organic agriculture methods
Mr.Chinnathambi

Chinnathambi’s Commitment to Organic Farming and Social Change

Since joining CIRHEP, Chinnathambi has been a driving force in promoting organic farming, guiding farmers away from chemical-based practices toward more sustainable methods. His dedication goes beyond agriculture—he is deeply involved in empowering youth, advocating for women’s rights, and improving adolescent girls’ health and leadership skills.

Through awareness programs and hands-on training, he helps rural communities build a healthier, more equitable future. Passionate about environmental education, he works closely with young people, ensuring that the next generation carries forward the values of sustainability and social responsibility.

For Chinnathambi, organic farming is not just about the land—it’s about the people who depend on it. His work continues to inspire change, creating a ripple effect that strengthens communities for years to come.

Nature School ACHIEVMENTS

The Impact of CIRHEP’s Nature School: 20 Years of Change

For two decades, CIRHEP’s Nature School has been shaping young minds, fostering a deep connection between children and the environment. Its impact goes beyond education—it has built a generation of environmentally conscious individuals ready to protect and restore their surroundings.

Building Environmental Awareness

Children gain knowledge about local and global environmental challenges.

They learn practical ways to conserve water, soil, and biodiversity.

Preparing Future Leaders

Equips children with skills to improve both the environment and their livelihoods.

Instills awareness of climate change, conservation, and sustainability.

Reaching More Communities

At its peak, the program educated 1,400 children annually across 32 villages.

Strengthened environmental consciousness in rural areas.

Integrating Sustainability into Schools

Environmental education became part of both regular and evening school programs.

Partnered with local schools to make sustainability a core learning focus.

By empowering children with knowledge and hands-on experience, CIRHEP’s Nature School continues to cultivate future environmental stewards and community leaders who will carry forward the mission of sustainability.

Summary of CIRHEP’s Nature School Program

Enhancing Environmental Knowledge

Educates children on local and global environmental challenges.

Provides practical tools to help them protect and restore their surroundings.

Extensive Reach & Impact

Engages over 1,400 children annually across 32 villages.

Strengthens environmental awareness at the grassroots level.

Integration into School Curricula

Collaborates with local schools and evening programs.

Ensures sustainability education is a long-term part of learning.

Building a Sustainable Future

Prepares children to protect natural resources and improve community well-being.

Empowers them to lead change and drive sustainable development.

CIRHEP’s Nature School is shaping young minds to build a greener, more sustainable future.