Pupils of LEA Primary School, Apo Resettlement, Abuja, have been sensitised on climate change, waste management and personal hygiene as part of efforts to promote environmental consciousness among children.
The awareness campaign, organised by SSI Initiatives for Sustainable Development under its Children Climate Club initiative, targeted pupils in Primary 5 and 6 classes.
Speaking during the programme, the founder of the organisation, Shilariju Sylvanus, said the initiative was aimed at equipping children with basic knowledge of climate change and environmental protection from an early age.
She noted that climate change and environmental pollution remain some of the biggest global challenges, stressing the need for children to develop environmentally friendly habits early in life.
‘Climate change and environmental pollution are among the biggest challenges facing the world today. Children need to understand these issues early so that it becomes part of their behaviour as they grow,’ she said.
Sylvanus explained that the project seeks to nurture young ‘change makers’ who will contribute positively to environmental sustainability in their communities and beyond.
She also disclosed plans by the organisation to expand the initiative to Bauchi and Adamawa states.
The head teacher of the school, Sir Sabo Goje, described the programme as timely and impactful, saying it complemented climate-related topics already contained in the school curriculum.
According to him, the sensitisation exposed pupils to practical and relatable lessons on environmental responsibility.
He added that the school had already begun to witness positive changes in pupils’ attitudes towards waste disposal and personal hygiene both in school and at home.
Some of the pupils, including Rejoice Gbo and Goodluck Chimaobi, pledged to put into practice the lessons learnt during the sensitisation, especially in the areas of personal hygiene and proper waste management.