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Education for Sustainable Development

by | 13-11-2014 04:21 recommendations 0

Like many other developing countries in the sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya is vulnerable to effects of climate change due to its dependence on rain fed agriculture that plays a big role in the growth of the economy through exports of cash crops like tea, coffee and other horticultural products, the country is also famous for its well-known abundant wildlife which thrive well in the savanna grasslands.

Environmental degradation has been increasing in the Kenya with massive clearing of forests for human settlement leading to high risk of soil erosion and desertification. The development of industries coupled with population pressure has significantly increased the pollution levels including air and water that the existing facilities are unable to handle. Poor agricultural practices have also led to unsustainable use of pesticides and chemicals thus pollution of rivers and the environment. Climate change therefore poses a threat to Kenya development socially and economically.

Environmental degradation problems cannot be resolved by policies/ law alone. Tackling social and environmental awareness is not easy, especially in developing countries, where there are many other important needs in the population. However according to Smith and Coad ed. 1996 , the major way to approach solving environmental problems on a sustainable basis is to bring about attitudinal and behavioral change in people through public participation in all stages of the education process. A well-informed and enlightened population will participate meaningfully in environmental planning, management and protection.

Proper environmental education for children and young people in Kenya will go a long way in developing the culture of environmental management from early age. For ESD to work there is need for a holistic approach towards the curriculum what actually its taught in the classrooms, there is need for a platform to educate and engage young people in environmental issues  through practical exposures.

For this reason we have teamed up as youths and plan to introduce a tree seedlings program in local primary schools where we shall involve young pupils in tree seedlings project.This project is ideal to help the pupils to relate and understand the need for forest conservation and tree planting from the proposed activities.

 Education for sustainable development is the answer because it prepares us (young generation) to enter the workforce, handle a crisis, be resilient, become responsible citizens who can adapt to change, recognize and solve local problems that have global roots.

 

 
Me and my team mates tree seedling project for Primary Pupils

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13 Comments

  • says :
    Education for sustainable development is a key for long lasting development. Youths being the most energetic part of our society must be mobilized well for a global change. I appreciate your effort for introducing tree seedling program in school :)
    Posted 17-11-2014 00:40

  • says :
    Thank you for your thought, Samuel Muoria. It is really important to everyone, not just the youths, because it might be able to partly change people's perspective on sustainable development through education activities as you discussed above. However, as an economist, I think these education activities should include economic knowledge, such as, economic benefit/cost of sustainable development, in order to give concrete evidences.
    Posted 16-11-2014 09:49

  • says :
    Samuel, thanks for preparing nice report and also addressing the problem of developing countries.
    Only by amending laws and preparing rules, we cannot sort out ongoing environmental problems. Truly agree with this statement "Smith and Coad ed. 1996 , the major way to approach solving environmental problems on a sustainable basis is to bring about attitudinal and behavioral change in people through public participation in all stages of the education process."
    Teaching young generation about environment conservation since in early phase of life will ease out to solve environmental problems and develop positive attitude by them towards environment.
    Posted 15-11-2014 13:32

  • says :
    Thanks for sharing, Samuel. It is arguable that although education can be provided, the actual action will require lot more effort and time. Please continue the venture and maybe one day we won't need to tell people to plant trees because they'll do it themselves.
    Posted 14-11-2014 18:01

  • says :
    I agree ^^ Sustainability is key for everything. Sustainability in education will make sure our knowledge will transferred from generation to generation. So, educate the primary students is right choice.
    Posted 14-11-2014 13:53

  • says :
    Education is a primary moves for generation like us. However, it is action that realizes it all. So, education must be followed by great actions.
    Posted 14-11-2014 04:44

  • says :
    Education is a primary moves for generation like us. However, it is action that realizes it all. So, education must be followed by great actions.
    Posted 14-11-2014 04:44

  • says :
    Thank you for your wonderful comments.I am looking forward to the launch of this project early January next year
    Posted 13-11-2014 21:14

  • Arushi Madan says :
    Very well thought point , Samuel. It's indeed true if people are environmentally educated and well aware then only they can sense that there is a crisis globally and there is a dire need of everyone to involve himself in this green movement towards sustainability. Tree seedling Program is very good initiative. I personally love tree plantation as the best step towards green movements as it is the strongest and simplest solution to many environment issues at hand. Thanks for sharing , Samuel. All the best in your movement.
    Posted 13-11-2014 16:00

  • says :
    I love it. That's an issue that we have to work on it
    Posted 13-11-2014 11:56

  • says :
    That is a nice report Samuel! Education for sustainable development is a great armor in opening the eyes of the youth and igniting their hearts in serving the environment and natural resources. This way, they will be more aware and conscious about what is really happening nowadays in the changing climate. Good job!
    Posted 13-11-2014 11:31

  • says :
    Thanks for sharing
    Posted 13-11-2014 11:10

  • says :
    Yes, youth is the new generation. And we have got, as young people, not only the power to advocate for sustainable development, but also the duty to get it.
    Posted 13-11-2014 05:13

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