Sunyani:Fifty students and teachers from Fiapre Methodist Junior High School in Sunyani West Municipality participated in a one-day training program aimed at empowering them to lead and promote practical school-led climate action initiatives.
According to Ghana News Agency, the training was organized by the Global Media Foundation (GloMeF) in collaboration with Citizens Watch Ghana (CWG) and the Indigenous Women Empowerment Network (IWEN), with support from ActionAid Ghana (AAG). The event was part of the 'Green Minds, Clean Schools' initiative, and the participants were members of the school's Climate Change Club.
During the opening session in Fiapre, Mr. Raphael Godlove Ahenu, Founder and CEO of GloMeF, encouraged participants to champion climate change action. He emphasized that the training aimed to enhance their understanding and practical skills in climate change mitigation, adaptation, environmental protection, and waste management.
The initiative seeks to equip over one million young people with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to comprehend climate change challenges, safeguard the environment, and promote sustainable practices in schools and communities. The training covered various topics, including the causes and effects of climate change, mitigation strategies, and local impacts.
Mr. Ahenu urged students to apply their knowledge in practical environmental actions, such as reducing single-use plastics, waste segregation, water conservation, and tree protection. He introduced a school environmental audit exercise to empower students to identify and address environmental issues within their school environment.
Mr. Simon Asore, Executive Director of CWG, stressed the importance of young people in building climate-resilient communities. He called for collaboration among students, teachers, families, school authorities, local government, and environmental stakeholders to sustain the school-based climate initiatives.
Mrs. Janet Ameyaa, the headmistress of the school, encouraged club members to practice their newly acquired knowledge and skills, and Miss Jennifer Appiah Fosuaa, the club's patron and a teacher, highlighted the club's role in promoting environmental awareness and responsible behavior within the school community.