Kibondo Environmental Awareness 2024

About this report

Prepared by Ilakiza Jackson and Ilakunda Jackson.

Executive summary

This report focuses on the Environmental Awareness campaigns conducted in schools in Kibondo District, Kigoma. Which involves activities such as: Environmental Education sessions, engaging in tree planting & plant nurseries as well as establishing Think Green Eco clubs in schools. It also highlights the impact created, challenges faced and necessity of à continuation plan.

Introduction

Environmental Education and awareness is à strong foundation in developing the sense of responsibility and environmental stewardship among youth especially students in secondary education level. This report presents the outreach programs performed in schools, indicating the participation rate, level of cooperation, success attained as well as areas of improvement.

Literature review

We visited two schools: Malagarasi & Muhambwe Secondary school. We conducted à school visit prior to our project, we found there was a presence of environmental clubs but the clubs were not active. In terms of conducting regular environmental discussions. We also noticed the absence of practical engagement like: tree planting because there was an absence of enough trees and shade spots around the school compound.

Methodology

Environmental sessions

During our outreach programs in schools. We conducted live & engaging presentations that focus on environmental topics such as: Tragedy of commons, Environmental Stewardship, Carbon credit. While incorporating games, critical questions & reasoning, encouraged group discussions, acting and hearing different views from the students on the topics. This encouraged the participation of many of the students as they aired out their views as well as recommendations.

Tree planting & plant nurseries

We performed an outdoor activity together with the students. We planted 50 trees in two schools: Malagarasi Secondary school & Muhambwe Secondary school. We also engage in making our own plant nurseries, whereas, we created 270 plant nurseries in both schools (Malagarasi Sec. School, 120. Muhanbwe Sec. School 150), we planted Papaya seeds that will produce fresh fruits and add nutrition to the students' meals.

Establishing THINK GREEN eco clubs

We officially established Think Green Eco clubs at schools, à place for students to actively engage in environmental discussions, think of eco-innovations and managing the trees planted and the cleanliness of the school compound. In making sure there's continuity, we selected leaders that will be responsible and monitor all the clubs activities in the school compound in assistance of the environmental teachers in each school.

Results and findings

One of the major challenges observed is the absence of medicine/pesticides to maintain the trees planted. We observed à few of the trees planted before suffering from an infection. Less attention from the teachers in engaging and encouraging environmental discussions among students in the club. Less trees in the school compound resulting in less shade areas for students to study.

Discussion

The findings suggest that the motivation and implementation of Environmental Education and awareness in clubs at schools is very low. This impacts less to their learning environment with à opportunity of nurturing environmental stewards to take full responsibility of Mother Nature.

Recommendations

Establishing a THINK GREEN eco club

This should be à continuous in many schools both private and government so as students can get to learn about the environment, understand the current situation and start taking positive actions for the planet. With the THINK GREEN ECO club established in schools, we will be doing à close coordination with the interns & THINK GREEN KIBONDO TEAM youths, who will make sure everything goes well as well as the cooperation from the teachers from each school.

Tree planting and plant planting nurseries

This initiative will contribute in creating green spaces and an attractive environment for students in the school compound. With à continuity of this project as well as empowering students with proper management of the trees, we will achieve a green environment. With the 50 trees planted and 170 plant nurseries created in school, we expect close follow-up from the students with the help of the teacher. We will maintain an active communication with the teachers to know the progress of the trees and plant nurseries.

Environmental school district activities

We can organize environmental competitions/festivals for all the schools in Kibondo District which will help in motivating, empowering and engaging the students in Environmental Conservation. This will act as great motivation and space to hear and observe the students' innovations in supporting the environment. THINK GREEN CLUB, will be happy to take part in organizing such annual events!

Collaboration and partnership

THINK GREEN CLUB is always ready to work with all selected schools in Kibondo District in making and creating a green environment and betterment for both human beings and animals to live. The doors are open for collaboration, advice and moving forward any strategy of environmental conservation.

Conclusion

In the world that is impacted a lot with climate change, especially in the Global south, it is important for the youths to understand about climate change, start taking action in conserving the environment while being innovative in figuring out technologies and innovation to adapt and mitigate with the events of climate change. THINK GREEN CLUB believes this is possible if we start empowering and involve youths to be agents of change!

Acknowledgements

THINK GREEN TEAM, thanks Malagarasi & Muhambwe Secondary school administration & students for their full cooperation throughout the project. Our special thanks go to the District Office in the Environment Department, we thank Mr. Stephen Janks, for guiding us throughout the project as well as the interns: Essau, Taifa & Jackson for their support during our outreach programs at schools. This project turned out successful with each and everyone's contributions.