Edukans Foundation in Malawi has emphasised the need to expose learners in primary schools to climate change issues to build a citizenry resilient to shocks such as floods and prolonged dry spells.
The organisation is implementing The Green Star School Project targeting 30 primary schools, including five model schools and 25 satellite schools in Salima District to integrate green education into teaching and learning processes.
potato garden. | Lovemore Khomo
Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with 30 teachers in the district, Edukans team leader Thomas Kanjodo said garden learning approaches seek to enhance learner engagement as well as promote experiential and hands-on learning opportunities.
He said: “Our project also seeks to improve overall learning outcomes across participating schools to improve quality basic education, vocational training and youth employability.
“The project employs a model-satellite implementation structure in which each model school provides mentorship and technical support to five satellite schools.”
Kanjodo said they want to improve environment-related lessons in schools because of climate change-related issues that affect education.
“We cannot separate climate change-related issues and education as Salima is one of the districts affected by droughts and floods,” he said.
Salima district chief education officer Veronica Nyaka appreciated the initiative the organisation has embarked on to ensure environmental sustainability in schools and surrounding areas.
“This initiative is about how to protect the environment and promote good nutrition practices through backyard gardens,” she said.
Chikowa Primary School head teacher Adams Phiri said the project will help the school implement green initiatives and cultivation of vegetables to improve learners’ nutrition status.
The Green Star School Project is designed as a practical and teacher-friendly programme that supports primary school educators teaching Standards Three to Standard Eight to make learning more interactive, relevant and engaging through the use of school gardens
