Climate change remains a serious worldwide problem that has an impact on every part of our lives with many young people in Nigeria and the African continent affected by the global crisis. Meanwhile, the majority is not well informed on its causes, effects and remedies.
To this effect, Emmanuel Kilaso, the founder of Securecycle Environmental and Climate Change Initiative (SECCI), has charged that the government and relevant stakeholders must join hands together to promote climate education in the country and Africa at large.
Kilaso made this charge during the Pan-African Climate Education Leaders Learning Experience Conference, a multinational event to enhance climate education globally, held between September 3rd to 9th, 2023 at the Afro Park Hotel and Health Club Kampala, Uganda’s capital.
The event was organized by Teach for All, a global network with a mission to “expand educational opportunity around the world by increasing and accelerating the impact of social enterprises that are cultivating the leadership necessary for change, and featured climate change experts from its partners across Africa.
Being the only Nigerian participant at the event to represent Folawe Omikunle’s Teach for Nigeria, he harped that climate education is critical for both African students and instructors.
“Climate change has made Africa very susceptible, with consequences ranging from catastrophic weather events to food instability. Teaching children about climate change promotes environmental stewardship, educates them for sustainable living, and is consistent with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
“It enables students to become knowledgeable global citizens, as well as to advocate for climate change. Climate education also creates economic prospects in green sectors. It also protects and incorporates traditional knowledge, which promotes resilience. Climate education is critical in securing a sustainable future for Africa and its children in a constantly changing world,” he told this reporter.
The climate crisis expert demanded an increase in advocacy to enlighten the children, youths, and educators in Nigeria and beyond, by introducing them to the “Climate Ambassador Program” — a training project run by his initiative to drive quality education in underserved communities of Ogun State.
“Climate education has proven to help keep learners inspired to come to school daily, and this has helped in reducing the amount of absenteeism in schools. It also helps boost the productivity of families who are into agriculture and increase their sources of livelihood.”
In a session led by Lennart Kuntze, the Global Head of Climate Education and Leadership at Teach for All, Tribune CampusXtra understands that the attendees are introduced to how various projects organized by the teachers have helped to decrease the rate out-of-school globally.
Kilaso, an alumni of Teach for Nigeria, shared how his organization is using a recycling approach to produce bulky school bags from old jeans materials which are donated freely to pupils.
He called on the Nigerian government and relevant stakeholders to promote climate education by including it in the curriculum for students especially at the elementary level.
“Together, let’s make learning about climate education relevant and practical by connecting learners to their present realities, building their agencies in addressing what matters most to them, and preparing them for the future that lies ahead,” the climate activist added.