02-08-2025
A school trip closer to nature
Discussions on school tour often revolve around destinations like Ooty, Kodaikanal, Kanyakumari, and Mysuru. Why not visit a neighbouring forest instead, observe nature closely, see farmers and craftsmen in their environment, and experience it first-hand?
'Interval', a novel project designed by the Kozhikode-based women's group World of Women (WOW), intends to take school students on a journey to reconnect with the earth, people, and themselves through immersive experiences beyond the classroom, blending academic learning with real-world exposure.
While 'Interval' was launched a few months ago on a trial basis in several schools in the district, the logo unveiling by Mayor Beena Philip on July 31 made it official.
'In today's fast-paced digital world, children are becoming increasingly distant from nature, culture, and emotional awareness. 'Interval' is not just a school tour. We aim to take students on a journey designed to inspire them to choose experiences over intoxication and say no to drugs,' said Nidiya Chandran, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of WOW.
The lack of curiosity and interest in the world around them among today's children has been a point of discussion from which 'Interval' was conceptualised. 'We intend to inspire them through immersive study tours that ignite curiosity and create lasting global perspectives,' Ms. Chandran added.
The 'Interval' journeys include nature-based activities such as trekking, exploring forests, biodiversity walks, and farm visits, along with creative explorations such as pottery, clay modelling, reflective writing, and group challenges. 'It will give them a break from academic pressure in a healthy, meaningful way,' said Afseena K.C., co-founder and CEO of WOW.
WOW is a travel community by and for women and has been instrumental in organising trips of self-discovery for widows, working women, differently abled children, and their mothers since 2022. Its initiative in association with Kerala Tourism, titled 'Swathanthra Yathrika', implemented as a pilot project in Beypore, has successfully inspired several women to explore the world. WOW is also a collective of women motorcycle riders and was selected as one of the top five organisations representing Kerala at the Global Women Conference organised by the Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society in December 2024.
