Foundation Advocates for Early Climate Education to Prepare Youth for Green Economy
The Foundation for a Better Environment (FABE) has issued a strong call for the integration of early climate education into school curricula, aiming to equip young people with the skills needed to thrive in the burgeoning green economy and bolster environmental sustainability initiatives across Nigeria.
During the EcoSchoolsNG climate and circular economy summit held in Lagos, FABE Founder Temitope Okunnu emphasized the critical importance of targeting school children with knowledge on climate change, waste management, and circular economy practices. She argued that this approach will cultivate a generation adept at tackling environmental challenges while fostering sustainable livelihoods.
Building a Future-Ready Generation
Okunnu highlighted that school children represent the demographic poised to shape the future of both the environment and the economy. She stressed that the green economy is among the fastest-growing sectors globally, underscoring the urgency to prepare youth for active participation. According to her, FABE's programme, launched in 2020 through a partnership with ACT Foundation, is a 10-month intensive training initiative focused on climate and environmental education.
This programme has already impacted over 23,000 students across 112 schools in Lagos and Ogun states, imparting practical skills such as recycling, composting, and upcycling. Okunnu noted that these efforts are designed to empower students to address pressing environmental issues while exploring economic opportunities in the green sector.
Government and Stakeholder Support
Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, expressed alignment with FABE's initiatives, stating that environmental awareness programmes for children complement the state government's sustainability and waste management policies. Represented by Michael Bankole, Director of Climate Change in the Environmental Planning Department, Wahab emphasized that teaching children about environmental responsibility can catalyze behavioral changes within families and communities.
He encouraged young people to think creatively about recycling and upcycling waste materials, suggesting that such innovations could yield novel solutions to environmental challenges. Programme Manager at Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation, Abiodun Owo, added that many students involved in the programme are already transforming environmental solutions into entrepreneurial ventures by converting waste materials into useful products.
This collaborative effort underscores a growing recognition of the need to integrate climate education into early learning, positioning Nigeria's youth to lead in the green economy and drive sustainable development.
