No fewer than 5,000 students in Onitsha, Anambra State have been trained on climate change by Climate Smart Team, a dynamic climate advocacy group.
The students, drawn from five selected schools across the commercial city included Urban Girls Secondary School, St. John the Apostle High School, Metu Memorial Secondary School, Archbishop Onyemelukwe Memorial Secondary School and Modebe Memorial Secondary School.
YALI RLC Alumni CEF awardee, Mr Michael Chekwubechukwu Nnaji said the group’s mission was to empower youths with knowledge and tools required to protect the planet.
He said the training laid emphasis on the urgency of climate awareness.
According to him, the participants, after the training were urged to return to their schools and establish climate-smart clubs with the support of their teachers.
He said, “Our mission is clear: to empower young people with the knowledge and tools they need to protect our planet.
“During the training, students were energized as they brainstormed climate change challenges specific to Onitsha and devised innovative actions to tackle them.
“Each group presented their findings and proposed solutions, followed by informative question-and-answer sessions to deepen their understanding.
“Participating schools received valuable climate change literature to enrich their libraries, reinforcing their commitment to a sustainable future.
“20 delegates were chosen for a special training session on climate change.”
The trainer, Mrs. Peculiar Ngozi, while delivering her presentation on the causes, impacts, solutions and actions related to climate change, inspired students with practical actions to promote healthier planet, centered around the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
Highpoint of the training was the presentation of certificates and the induction of students as climate ambassadors.