Mount Mary College organizes Nature Camp for students at Khonoma village

CHÜMOUKEDIMA, FEBRUARY 3 (MExN): Mount Mary College, Chümoukedima, recently conducted a three-day Nature Camp for 72 second-semester Social Science student/ teachers from the Department of Teacher Education. The camp, held from January 31 to February 2 took place at the Gwizan Resource Centre in Khonoma Village and was organized by the Nagaland Pollution Control Board under its Environmental Education Programme (EEP).

The camp provided the student teachers with a hands-on, experiential learning opportunity focused on environmental conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable practices. The participants, accompanied by two teacher educators, visited a sheep farm in Poilwa, followed by a nature walk guided by Khriebu Meyase, a licensed nature guide. The walk aimed to educate the group on the importance of forest preservation.

The core focus of the camp was to deepen the participants' understanding of Khonoma Village’s unique relationship with its forests and the need for environmental stewardship. During the walk, Meyase shared valuable insights into the region’s forest ecology, including indigenous plant species, wildlife, and the delicate balance required to maintain healthy ecosystems.

The camp also emphasized how future educators can integrate environmental education into their teaching practices, equipping them with practical knowledge to inspire the next generation of environmentally conscious citizens. For the student teachers, the camp was a significant opportunity to enhance their professional competencies while reinforcing the importance of sustainability and conservation in both their personal and professional lives.

This initiative, aligned with the mission of the Nagaland Pollution Control Board’s Environmental Education Programme, has provided an enriching platform for the student teachers to explore the environmental challenges of today and the role they can play as educators in fostering a more sustainable future.