Nature Spectacle, Tamil Nadu

The Indian education system is very strict and hierarchical and puts a lot of pressure on students, as the focus is on memorization rather than learning through observation and drawing conclusions independently. This has even led to reports of suicides among Indian students during exam time. Moreover, in poorer families in the villages, there is often the problem that children do not have time to do their homework at home, nor do they have time to play and explore their creative skills such as painting, music or dancing, as they have to help around the house, in the fields or with other chores as soon as they come home from school. In Villupuram district, 36 percent of households live below the Indian poverty line. The per capita income, GDP and literacy rate are far below the national average. The district also has an unemployment rate among educated young people: only two percent of registered university graduates have found a job after graduation. Awareness of environmental problems and how to avoid them is low in this challenging context and due to a lack of infrastructure.

The environmental and educational program is aimed at the population of the district, but the main target group is children of school age up to 16 years.

The project is aimed at school-age children up to the age of 16. The supported measures give them the opportunity to discover their own creative talents through various forms of visual and performing arts. At school in rural areas, they often have no opportunity to express and develop themselves creatively. The project offers the children various courses such as dance, singing, drama, yoga, painting and drawing. Computer courses, English and Tamil lessons and support with homework are also offered. Participation is free of charge for the children.

By organizing cultural events and concerts, the children can showcase their newly learned creative skills and bring the community together.

The project of our local project partner places great emphasis on the topic of environmental protection. Targeted awareness-raising measures aim to raise awareness among the children and the entire population about issues such as littering, waste separation and reducing plastic waste. The measures are carried out both in village communities and at state schools. The street theatre program is particularly effective here, with actors performing plays in various villages – always individually tailored to local needs. In addition to environmental protection, the plays also deal with the areas of health promotion and gender equality.

This raises awareness of waste management and the environment in the villages in a playful way and sensitizes the local population to local problems. Local children and young people can also get involved in the project by making educational films with them about waste management, the environment and water conservation.

With your support, the new environmental program can be established and even more children can take part in the courses.