The Printrite Foundation for Sustainable Environment and Education (PFSEE) has called for the inclusion of climate studies in Nigeria’s school curriculum while unveiling its target to plant 10 million trees before 2030.
Executive Director of PFSEE, Austin Igwe, who stated this yesterday at its flagship programme, The Green Schools Initiative inauguration and prize-giving day in Abuja yesterday, said the foundation was determined to make children drivers of climate action.
The programme, organised under the theme, “My Climate, My Future,” had over 20 schools in the FCT participating, with students nursing over 3,000 seedlings and successfully nurturing nearly 1,500 trees.
“We believe that our children, just as we see them as the hopes of tomorrow, must also be properly educated on the need to be environmentally conscious.
That is why we started the Sustainable Environment and Education Clubs, which we call SEE Clubs, across schools in the FCT.
“Those trees will be planted on roads and within communities. Between now and 2030, we are confident of planting close to 10 million trees through this approach,” he added.
The foundation also rewarded outstanding schools, teachers and students. The overall best school received N1 million to expand its green projects, while coaches and six students were awarded cash prizes and scholarships for their participation.
Igwe noted that partnerships had been crucial in driving the initiative. “We have seen the Ministry of Environment, AEPB, the Nigerian Environmental Society, the Swedish Embassy, the Rwandan High Commission, CODAF, Social Action, and others support us. But we are also calling for more people to rally around this cause,” he said.
On whether climate change should be treated as a compulsory school subject, Igwe stressed, “Yes, in fact, we are already encouraging government to include climate-focused teaching in school curriculums.
