The Thak Environmental Education Centre (TEEC) is Nepal’s first and foremost practical initiative to move the learning process beyond traditional learning and teaching methods. TEEC uses experiential learning to effect real-life changes and promote sustainable living. Outdoor and environmental education is one example of experiential learning—that is, learning by doing. Experiential learning provides a direct connection to the dynamic phenomena of the Himalayas; it is an opportunity to experience and interact through all five senses, rather than for example merely listening to a class lecture. Moreover, such experiences are profound which has high potential to impact participant's values and perceptions.
Experiential learning is also crucial at the national and international levels. It helps to create a better balance between resource extraction and biodiversity conservation in both developed and developing worlds. TEEC promotes and delivers highly effective environmental education programmes for Nepalese schools and the surrounding communities at large. Additionally, TEEC provides professional development for both Nepali teachers—either within the region or across the country—and diverse international instructors who seek to enhance their own cultural, environmental or pedagogical knowledge. Teachers, whether they come from surrounding communities or disparate cultures may participate as volunteers or in association with partner academic institutions.
The villages of Thak and Sikles, situated in the Annapurna Conservation Area are the ideal settings for such experience-based learning and instructive volunteer opportunities. Moreover, TEEC’s initiatives in Thak and Sikles hope to blur the line between student, researcher, eco-tourist and local. As an educational initiative based on the experiential and practical, TEEC is highly inspirational to students, eco-tourists and volunteers alike. Successful and meaningful environmental education necessitates the experiential (sights, smells, textures and toils). In realizing this mode of education, TEEC can also realize responsible tourism and enhanced environmental awareness.
It is important to note that TEEC’s initiatives at Thak and Sikles offer more than education and rewarding work. The environment of Thak and Sikles is also relaxing and fun. It is a setting in which learning becomes natural and entertaining. Whether this enjoyment comes through the sheer beauty of the region, adventure, discovery of local culture or the intermingling of visitors from across the globe, TEEC will attract and enrich the many and sundry: students, tourists and volunteers from all walks of life.
Education for a sustainable future and biodiversity appreciation are key themes within TEEC programmes. All environmental education programmes are linked to the school curriculum, team building and leadership as major objectives. Strong links are fostered with local communities by providing information about environmental issues and serving as venues for community forums.
TEEC offers environmental education with different themes such as:
- Alpine ecosystems
- Biodiversity and nature conservation
- Climate change adaptation
- Ecotourism
- Protected areas
- Sustainable forests
- Clean energy
- Indigenous knowledge and skills
Students are provided the opportunity to develop social, emotional, physical and intellectual skills by focusing on self-esteem and interpersonal interactions. Teachers will also develop their skills and knowledge of cooperative planning and environmental education.
- Specialised field investigation programmes on ecosystem services and resources.
- Centre based activities for education for sustainability that enable students to explore, investigate and develop deeper understandings and experience of the key sustainability issues such as traditional resource management, indigenous farming, indigenous knowledge and skills, micro-hydro electricity, solar and energy efficiency devices relating to living sustainably in rural and urban setting.
- Developing partnerships with urban schools to assist with planning and implementing school sustainability initiatives.
