OUR STORY
FICUS began as an idea for environmentalists, artists, teachers, parents and researchers to come together and facilitate nature based education programs through which the pressing needs of children in school today can be directly addressed.
The seed of FICUS formally took root in September 2022 as we registered as a not for profit Public Charitable Trust. The name FICUS was chosen as reference to the fig tree, a keystone species which supports and nourishes a multitude of organisms in various stages of their lives. We see FICUS as a place for people and communities to thrive. The full form was chosen to address the intersectionalities in climate and urban science discourse, starting with schools.
Our mission for schools is simple. It is to create spaces of learning which fosters a love for asking questions and finding the right stories which make sense of the myriad narratives we find ourselves in. Using nature and art based pedagogies in our sessions we look to make learning engaging, inclusive, relevant, and enjoyable.
Our dedicated team has the honour of working alongside teachers in Chennai Corporation schools, through much needed time spent in knowledge sharing and necessary support provided towards implementing the school's curriculum. Our journey thus far has been possible only thanks to the school teachers who continuously encourage us and our program by working together in creating a healthy education ecosystem for all students.
Creating Inclusive Classrooms
At FICUS, we recognize the unique challenges faced by teachers in facilitating learning for a class full of children with different learning abilities. We believe that every child has the right to access equal opportunities, to learn, grow, and thrive. This is why we have partnered with the GCC (Greater Chennai Corporation) to create inclusive classrooms in the Chennai Corporation schools we work with.
Through this partnership, we address the necessary steps needed to be taken in creating multiple learning material of the curriculum and creating multi-sensory modes of engagement through nature and art based sessions for all children.
By creating an inclusive educational ecosystem, we look to ensure that no child is left behind, and to take this forward in respective community engagement spaces.
Let’s Work Together
At FICUS, we value collaboration and strive to build partnerships with like-minded individuals, organizations, and communities. Together, we can make a lasting impact on school communities and create a brighter future for all students.
Join us on this exciting journey!
If you prefer sending emails, write to pritika@ficusgroup.org
Meet The Team
.png)
Pritika M.
Managing Trustee,
Wipro Education Fellow,
Wipro Earthian Sustainability Educator
.png)
Achsah Mariam Abraham
Founder Trustee,
Wipro Education Fellow
.png)
Sasha Ann Joshi
Treasurer,
ACCA
Legal Status
FICUS (Foundation for Intersectional Climate and Urban Sciences) is a registered
Public Charitable Trust.
We obtained official registration on the 20th of September 2022.