Join the Dance for Change: Kaduna School Inspires Climate Action Through Cultural Celebrations – Voice of Nigeria

Recently, the Womenhood School of Health Science and Technology held its annual Cultural Dance Day, focusing on how art and dance can communicate climate change’s effects. The event spotlighted the challenges faced by indigenous communities, especially women, whose lives are closely linked to the land.

Nurudeen Bello, the school’s director and a representative of African Climate Reporters, explained that the event aimed to use performance art as a storytelling tool for advocacy. “Dance is not just entertainment; it’s a powerful way to tell stories,” he said. By featuring indigenous songs, dances, and oral traditions, the event sought to amplify voices that often go unheard in global climate discussions.

During the celebration, students from various ethnic backgrounds performed traditional dances that told stories of resilience and the impacts of climate change. Participants expressed how rising temperatures and environmental damage threaten their cultures and communities. “We invited students to showcase their cultural dances and raise awareness about how climate change is affecting indigenous communities, especially women in forested areas,” Bello added.

Hadi Abdullahi, the Head of Environmental Studies, noted the advocacy angle this year. He remarked, “We used dance to highlight how climate change threatens not only the environment but also our cultural identities.” This approach aimed to spark urgent conversations on climate action. It’s essential for grassroots movements to emerge, particularly among local communities that are feeling the brunt of environmental shifts.

The event also attracted scientists and environmental experts who praised the initiative. They emphasized the importance of engaging communities in discussing climate issues. Urgent warnings were shared about how climate change leads to mass migration in Africa, impacting humans and wildlife alike. According to a recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, extreme weather events have increased by about 70% over the past two decades, pushing vulnerable populations to their limits.

Experts pointed out that rising temperatures and prolonged droughts jeopardize not just livelihoods but cultural diversity itself. “As we celebrate culture, we must also protect the ecosystems that sustain it,” Bello concluded, calling for immediate action to confront the climate crisis. This event showcased how blending art with advocacy can create new pathways for resilience and awareness.

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African Climate Reporters,Cross-Cultural Dance,Nurudeen Bello,Womenhood School of Health Science and Technology