In a quiet Delhi neighborhood, IRS officer Rohit Mehra has turned a park into a unique learning space called the School of Trees, where children discover the wonders of nature and sustainability through hands-on activities and observation.
- Free weekend classes connect children with nature
- Hands-on activities make environmental education fun
- Local community embraces sustainable living lessons
What happened
Rohit Mehra, an IRS officer in Delhi, noticed that many children in his neighborhood knew popular brands and trends, yet lacked awareness of the trees and plants around them. Motivated by this gap, he and his wife Geetanjali—who have long lived sustainably—initiated an innovative open-air school that uses trees to teach science, ecology, and life skills. Established in 2025, the School of Trees invites children aged 7 to 17 to participate in free weekend sessions featuring games, seed planting, and nature observations.
The concept is simple yet powerful: trees serve as living teachers. Rohit developed a ‘living alphabet’ where each letter relates to a natural element, such as A for afforestation and B for bamboo, helping children link language and environmental concepts. Over time, children take home seeds and saplings to nurture, extending their learning and fostering personal responsibility for the natural world.
Why it feels good
This initiative rekindles a vital connection between young people and the environment in an age dominated by digital distractions. Instead of textbooks alone, children gain hands-on experience that sparks curiosity and respect for ecosystems. For many participants like 16-year-old Sakshi, the School of Trees makes abstract science tangible, transforming passive knowledge into exciting discovery.
Beyond learning, the program nurtures values of care, responsibility, and sustainability. These weekend gatherings build a sense of community and shared purpose, showing that environmental stewardship can be both joyful and impactful. Rohit and Geetanjali’s example of living sustainably at home also models a manageable way for families to integrate green habits into everyday life.
What to enjoy or watch next
Families inspired by the School of Trees might enjoy starting their own small gardening projects or nature observation routines at home. Simple activities like making planters from recycled bottles, creating seed balls, or planting native trees contribute to a greener community and enhance children’s sense of agency in caring for the planet.
Looking ahead, initiatives like this demonstrate the possibilities for urban green spaces to become vibrant classrooms. Communities and schools may consider similar programs to complement formal education, encouraging environmental awareness from a young age and ensuring future generations grow up connected to and protective of the natural world around them.