From Douglas Blessing, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Ministry of Education in partnership with Rivers Network of Non Governmental Organisation (RINNGOS) and Centre for Development Support Initiatives (CEDSI) have called for a rapid response to the need for climate education reform.
Speaking as a guest speaker at a climate action for sustainability and environmental protection project, held in Port Harcourt by RINNGOS, the Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kaniye Ebeku noted the need for climate education in the curriculum studies.
He stated that climate literacy and advocacy amongst children and youths in the state, is a welcome development following the effort by the Government to put an end to the menace caused by the Soot and related pollutants.
Prof Ebeku lauded the NGO for the partnership in the formation of environmental clubs across schools in the state and called for an action for recognition of education for sustainable development.
He said: “The Center for Development Support Initiatives as well as RINNGOS has been a long term partner of the Ministry of Education support for improved quality of teaching and learning.
“The Climate Action for Sustainability and Environmental education Project with a vision to combat climate change and its impacts, strengthen resilience, climate literacy and advocacy amongst children and youths in Rivers state, is indeed not only timely but a welcome development coming at the heels of the effort of the Government to put an end to the menace caused by the Soot and related pollutants.
“The gradual integration of Climate themes into lessons plans as part of the after school Club 17 Africa program is a step in the right direction to building a Climate Smart generation.
“Environmental Education features prominently in different ways across and various subjects relating also to broader ideas of justice, equity and social transformation. Ultimately calling for a rapid response to the need for Climate education reform (climate education, curriculum studies and climate adaptation are one in their vision)”.
In her remarks, Chief operations officer of RINNGOS, Dr. Mina Ogbanga, disclosed that participants at the programme were selected from the Ministries of Education, Women, Youths, Welfare and as well as the House Committee Chairman environment at the House of Assembly.
Dr. Ogbanga who also operates the Centre for Development Support Initiatives, said the objective of the programme was to put in place an inclusive working material on Climate action endorsed by the key Ministries which role in deploying the manual she said cannot be overemphasized.
She further stated that their target is to make climate education a lifestyle amongst young people as they strive to restore Rivers State to its garden City statue.
