RAINS urges government to adopt climate change manual for schools

The Regional Advisory Information and Network Systems (RAINS), a non-governmental organization, has called on the government to adopt its piloted climate change education manual for use across the national school system. Speaking at the Schools' Climate Festival in Savelugu, the organization emphasized the urgent need to integrate climate education into the curriculum. This initiative aims to equip the younger generation with the practical knowledge required to tackle environmental challenges and build community resilience against the escalating effects of climate change.

Project Coordinator Alhassan Abubakar highlighted the manual's role in helping students understand complex environmental issues while encouraging sustainable practices from a young age. A key focus of the proposal is the promotion of sustainable agriculture and a shift away from reliance on inorganic fertilizers. Abubakar raised concerns over chemical-intensive farming practices, which he noted are detrimental to soil health. He advocated for a return to indigenous farming methods, arguing that educating children on these traditional techniques is vital for the long-term sustainability of Ghana's agricultural sector.

The Municipal Director of Agriculture supported the call, reinforcing the necessity of sustainable agricultural practices in the face of modern environmental pressures. The festival itself featured nine schools that participated in practical activities, including tree planting and environmental clean-up exercises. Despite facing resource constraints, students demonstrated a high level of enthusiasm for these climate-focused initiatives, illustrating the potential for climate education to engage the youth in active stewardship of their local environment.

By formalizing climate education through a reviewed national curriculum, RAINS believes the government can foster a more environmentally conscious citizenry. The organization hopes the success of its pilot manual in the Savelugu municipality will serve as a model for a nationwide rollout. Such a move is seen as a critical step in ensuring that Ghanaian students are prepared to contribute to a greener economy and protect the country's natural resources for future generations.