As part of Phase II of its Climate Change Education (CCE) initiative, the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes project (ACReSAL) has carried out a sensitisation campaign at the Girls Science and Technical College in Kano under the “Catch Them Young” initiative, which aims to nurture young environmental advocates and promote environmental sustainability.

A statement issued on Monday by Kano-ACReSAL, Communication Officer, Maryam Abdulkadir, said the initiative seeks to equip students with knowledge and practical tools to tackle climate-related challenges from an early age.

According to the statement, the Acting Project Coordinator of Kano-ACReSAL, Dr. Abdulhamid Bala, in remarks, highlighted the persistent effects of climate change, which continue to pose a serious threat to global environmental sustainability.

He stressed that these challenges necessitate strategic and urgent actions.

It added that Dr. Abdulhamid emphasized the project’s focus on schoolchildren as critical agents of change, stating that ACReSAL is committed to instilling sound environmental practices in the younger generation through its “Catch Them Young” initiative.

He further urged the students to become environmental ambassadors for Kano State by spreading environmental awareness wherever they go.

This, he noted, aligns with the state’s ongoing initiatives under the leadership of Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf, especially in the transition to solar energy.

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He cited the solarization of many Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and public streetlights as commendable examples.

SolaceBase reports that during the campaign, ACReSAL engaged environmental experts from academia and the project team to facilitate interactive sessions on climate change education.

Dr. Ummi Khaltum Muhammad from the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Bayero University Kano, and Professor Muhammad Alhaji from the Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST) Wudil, led an engaging discussion with students on the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies of climate change.

To reinforce the campaign’s impact, an Environmental Club was established in the school to drive climate awareness within the school and the surrounding communities.

These ambassadors will be groomed under the project to play a key role in fostering an environmentally conscious society aimed at achieving sustainable development.

As part of the campaign, 100 improved fruit tree seedlings were allocated to the school for planting to enhance its vegetative cover.

The statement noted that the seedlings will be managed by the Climate Change Ambassadors and the school management.

‘’Additionally, Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials were distributed to maintain momentum and reinforce awareness, the statement said.

The campaign team comprised the Ag. Project Coordinator Dr. Abdulhamid Bala, Climate Change Officer Dr. Abdullahi Mu’azu, Natural Resource Officer, Social Livelihood Officer, Gender-Based Violence Officer, GIS Officer, Admin Officer, the Communication Officer, and NYSC members, alongside experts from academic institutions.