Accra: Eco Impact Network, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) focused on environmental protection and climate education, is intensifying efforts to educate young people on the importance of preserving the environment for present and future generations.
According to Ghana News Agency, the organisation is shaping attitudes and behaviours critical to sustainable development through community-based outreach and school-centred programmes. Mrs Gifty Ofori-Yeboah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eco Impact Network, explained that since its inception in 2023, the organisation has deliberately targeted places where people naturally gather, including schools, churches, local communities, lorry stations, and other crowded public spaces.
Ms Ofori-Yeboah highlighted how these locations provide direct access to large numbers of people, especially young individuals who are still forming habits and values that will guide their future choices. She emphasised that environmental degradation is not only a scientific or policy issue but also a social problem affecting everyday life. Poor sanitation, pollution, deforestation, and climate-related disasters often impact vulnerable communities the hardest.
Children and young people in these areas grow up exposed to unhealthy surroundings, limited opportunities, and increased risks to their well-being. Eco Impact Network believes that environmental education must start early and be taken directly to the people. During outreach activities, participants are educated on practical steps to protect the environment, including proper waste disposal, tree planting, water conservation, and understanding the dangers of plastic pollution.
Beyond creating awareness, the organisation supports brilliant but needy students, making donations to help them remain in school and continue their education. The CEO explained that keeping these children in school is an investment in society, as education not only improves individual lives but also produces responsible citizens likely to care for their environment and contribute positively to national development.
She stated that many social problems are linked to a lack of awareness about the consequences of harmful actions. When people do not understand the dangers associated with activities negatively impacting society, they are more likely to continue them. However, when communities become aware of these dangers, attitudes begin to change.
Ms Ofori-Yeboah appealed for sponsorship to enable the youth to visit selected communities, where these issues could be translated into practical, experiential learning opportunities for children. She called on stakeholders, including parents, schools, community leaders, and policymakers, to support environmental education initiatives.