The launch of ECO-LEARN Nigeria: climate education for raising climate awareness
On the 25th of May, ECO-LEARN Nigeria has officially been launched. The climate education project came about through the facilitation of the Netherlands Consulate General in Lagos, who took initiative to gather many different youth organizations to talk about the climate agenda in Nigeria.
ECO-LEARN Nigeria is a groundbreaking climate education project aimed at raising awareness and fostering action on climate change in Lagos State. One of the climate youth partners working on the ECO-LEARN project – Ayomikun Joshua Kukoyi – wrote about the process and the eventual launch of the project.
The mission of ECO-LEARN Nigeria is clear: empower the foot soldiers of education – Lagos' public school teachers – with adequate climate skills to convey to their youth. These educators are the ones who shape young minds every day, and ECO-LEARN aims to equip them with the knowledge and tools to tackle climate change head-on.
Read the story below!
Starting days of the initiative
The heart of Lagos pulsed with a different kind of energy on May 31st, 2023. Freedom Park wasn't just a historic landmark that day; it became a platform for over twenty youth organizations to unite. Their message, a powerful chorus that resonated across the city, was clear: climate action starts with education. This wasn't just a gathering; it was the sowing of a seed, a seed of change that would take root and blossom in a most unexpected way.
Fast forward a year, and that seed has sprouted into a remarkable initiative – ECO-LEARN Nigeria. This program isn't just another top-down solution dreamed up in distant offices. It's the brainchild of a unique collaboration, a testament to the power of young people at the helm of decision-making. The Netherlands Consulate, recognizing the potential ignited at Freedom Park, played a crucial role in bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders.
Leading the charge were youth organizations like the Youth Sustainable Development Network, What is Design, and the Earth Sustainability Network. Their voices, amplified by the Dutch Youth Advisory Committee, resonated with established institutions. The Lagos State Public Service Servants Development Centre and the Ministry of Environment joined forces, recognizing the importance of youth leadership in tackling a challenge that will define the future.
The mission of ECO-LEARN
The mission of ECO-LEARN Nigeria is clear: empower the foot soldiers of education – Lagos' public school teachers – with adequate climate skills to convey to their youth. These educators are the ones who shape young minds every day, and ECO-LEARN aims to equip them with the knowledge and tools to tackle climate change head-on.
The response from teachers was overwhelming. Over a hundred applications flooded in, a testament to their dedication and the critical role they see themselves playing. From this pool, a select group of 40 were chosen – those who not only demonstrated expertise in climate issues but also a burning passion for environmental action.
These teachers are more than just participants; they are the cornerstone of ECO-LEARN. They're the ones who have spearheaded bee clubs and championed the message of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within their schools, proving their commitment to building a greener future.
Towards a green future
The official launch of ECO-LEARN Nigeria on May 24th, 2024, marked a turning point. With all stakeholders gathered, it wasn't just a program launch; it was the birth of a movement. Classrooms across Lagos are poised to become launchpads for climate action. Teachers, empowered by ECO-LEARN, will become the heroes who equip our youth with the knowledge and tools to fight for a sustainable future.
This story is a beacon of hope, a testament to what can be achieved when young people are not just heard but empowered to lead. ECO-LEARN Nigeria is just the beginning. The journey has only just begun, but with the seeds sown in Freedom Park blossoming into action, Lagos is taking a vital step towards a greener tomorrow.
This is a future not just shaped by established institutions, but also by the vibrant energy and innovative ideas of young minds. It's a future where young people are not just the inheritors of our planet, but the architects of its sustainable future.
Want to know more about the initiative? Visit the ECO-LEARN website here.