Eco-Clubs: Raising Environment Ambassadors in Uganda

 Climate Change is wreaking havoc across the globe. From floods to uncontrollable wildfires, droughts, and cyclones, no corner of the earth has not felt the impact of climate change. Uganda has not been left unscathed. According to a recent report, 41% of Uganda’s total area is facing degradation with government reports indicating that 122,000 hectares are lost annually. One of the driving factors is that 90% of Uganda’s energy needs are met by fuelwood (both charcoal and firewood). With 80% of Uganda relying on farming and fishing for their sustenance, further degradation needs to be stopped. One of the ways that CARE International, and the European Union are doing this is by empowering the Youth
 

Portrait of Barak in school. Thanks to the trainings, he has not only gained knowledge in environmental conservation but also oratory skills.

As a way of imparting practical skills and awareness to students so that they may serve as Environmental Ambassadors, Eco-Clubs were formed in four schools within the Kyangwali refugee settlement. Under the Strengthening Emergency Preparedness and Inclusive Natural Resources Management project, it is envisioned that the Eco-Club members will serve as environmental ambassadors in their schools and community.

One of the methods used by the clubs to train members on environmental conservation and Management is debate competitions. During the commemoration of Uganda Water and Environment Week and World Environment Day, CARE organized debate competitions in which the four Eco club schools participated. These sessions enable participants to not only exchange knowledge and ideas, but also provide a forum for community members to learn from their own in the process.

“Gone are the days when I viewed cleaning my classroom and the surrounding environment as a punishment. I have learned the importance of taking care of the environment. Also, I am no longer shy or my English poor making me not speak in public,” says Barak. As a grade Seven student at Kinaakyeitaka Primary School Barak is an active member of the Eco-Club. He has not only gained environmental knowledge through the club but also became an orator in the process.

All participants in the debate competition were rewarded with solar lanterns. This was to equip them with a renewable source of light enabling them to extend their revision hours while at home.

"It was not easy for me to revise late in the evenings and very early in the mornings because we did not have light at home, but my lamp has greatly helped me to revise and improve on my performance,” Barack narrated.
 
Barack credits the club for many things including, gaining confidence to help him share ideas with classmates and thus leading to the formation of learning groups.

 Awori Mary Immaculate- Partnership & Innovation Specialist from CARE International Uganda said, “Through the project students are learning about environmental protection thus instilling in them the knowledge and increasing their passion for environmental conservation. They are engaged in activities such as tree planting which is essential for environmental protection and recovery. We intend to ensure that Children learn the importance of protecting the environment so that they can apply this knowledge as they grow. In so doing, they will work towards stemming the impact of climate change in Uganda.”