By Stanley Onyekwere
In a significant step toward integrating environmental consciousness into the classroom, the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB) in collaboration with a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), SafeWorld Empowerment and Development Initiative (SWEDI) recently launched a pioneering climate change awareness program for school children in Abuja.
The initiative saw its inaugural pilot session at the Junior Secondary School, Apo Legislative Quarters in Garki- Abuja. The program aims to transform students from passive learners into active environmental ambassadors through storytelling and blended learning techniques.
A Strategic Partnership For The Future
Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Ogunka Veronica Chineme, Assistant Director for the Humanities Unit at the FCT UBEB, emphasized the board’s critical role in bridging the gap between international educational standards and local implementation.
“We gave the SWEDI group approval to go into our schools and collaborate with our staff, ensuring that students participation was structured and impactful.
“Today marks the commencement of the pilot program right here in the Legislative Quarters school”, she stated.
Beyond The Classroom: “Reality Learning”
The program distinguishes itself by moving beyond traditional textbooks. According to Mrs. Chineme, the curriculum is designed as a “reality program,” where students are encouraged to share personal stories about their lives and the immediate changes they observe in their environment.
It was observed that during the session, students demonstrated a surprising depth of knowledge regarding climate change, articulating how environmental shifts affect their daily lives.
“The students have read on their own and were able to speak out confidently.
“This program encourages them to have a blended learning experience to truly understand the environment and what is going on in society concerning our climate”, the FCT-UBEB scribe.
Nurturing Student Ambassadors
Beyond environmental science, the initiative emphasizes personal responsibility and hygiene. Mrs. Chineme urged the students to view themselves as representatives of a larger movement.
She adds: “The advice I gave the students is basically on reading extensively and maintaining a hygienic way of life.
“They must be respectable and represent their school well wherever they are. That makes them true ambassadors.”
On her part, Founder and Executive Director of SWEDI, Sewuese Asa, explained girls are the heart of the programme, which aimed at making them especially those in underserved communities, to become very climate change conscious.
She reiterated the importance of investing in young voices and preparing the next generation to understand and engage in climate action.
She noted that what began as a simple introduction to climate justice and futures storytelling has grown into a powerful experience that has opened the Apo school children minds and strengthened their voices.
According to her, Climate justice requires collective responsibility and shared understanding.
“This programme was designed to show girls that they have a central place in shaping the world they will inherit. We wanted them to see climate change not as a distant issue, but as something that touches their daily lives, their families and their future.
“ This ceremony does not mark the end of your journey. It marks the beginning of your leadership. I hope you carry forward everything you have learned and continue to believe in your ability to influence the world around you.
“To our global partner, Ms. Thays Prado, your contribution has been extraordinary. Your insight, energy and commitment reached far beyond the screen and made a real impact in this classroom.”, she stated.
A Call to Action for Educators
As the pilot program rolls out, FCT UBEB is calling on teachers to embrace these new collaborative methods. By fostering an environment where students can “speak out” about global issues like climate change, the board hopes to raise a generation of FCT youth who are both academically proficient and ecologically responsible.
The success of the pilot at the Legislative Quarters school is expected to pave the way for a broader rollout across other schools within the Federal Capital Territory in the coming year.
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