Empowering Junior Councils: How Stakeholders Can Drive Climate Change Action – Daily News

In Mwanza’s Nyamagana District, student leaders from Igoma and Fumagila Secondary Schools are urging schools to build more multi-storey buildings. Their plea comes from a real concern: as the population grows, urban spaces are becoming cramped. This leaves little room for important climate change solutions.

These students recently met with local government officials during a gathering organized by the Youth and Children Network (MYCN). The goal was to discuss how climate change affects their lives and to raise awareness of the unique challenges children face due to environmental changes. The students believe that redesigning school infrastructure can help address these issues.

One of the students, Steven Adolf from Fumagila Secondary School, shared his thoughts on land scarcity. He pointed out that traditional, standalone school buildings take up valuable land that could be used for planting trees, which is vital for fighting climate change. “If city planning doesn’t improve, schools may be surrounded by houses with no room for plants,” he said.

Adolf also talked about how climate change impacts children daily. For instance, extreme weather can lead to flooding, damaging schools and making roads impassable. Droughts can cause food shortages, affecting children’s health and education. “Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s about our lives,” he stressed.

Beatrice Amedeo from Igoma Secondary School highlighted another risk: children, especially girls, face dangers while looking for basic resources like water during droughts. “Some may encounter violence when searching for necessities,” she noted.

Ester Adam, a fellow council member, shared a harrowing personal story of narrowly escaping danger while gathering firewood for her family. This incident ties back to the increasing deforestation caused by climate change. “If we don’t act now, the future generations will suffer even more,” she warned.

Support for the initiative isn’t just from students. Fumagila Secondary School’s headmaster, Mr. Dotto Gibebe, endorsed their proposal. He explained that with the population growing, land is becoming scarce. “Building multi-storey schools would allow us to use that space for planting trees, which is critical in combating climate change,” he said.

The Kishiri Ward Education Officer, Ms. Annrose Kileo, echoed this sentiment. She emphasized the importance of nurturing young environmental advocates and getting the community involved in protecting the environment.

Mr. David Joseph, the district’s Environment Officer, also expressed strong support for the council’s goals. He noted that Nyamagana District planted over 268,000 trees last year and aims to plant between 500,000 and 600,000 trees this year, despite the rocky terrain and challenges from nearby Lake Victoria. “Tree planting is not just a local priority; it’s part of a global battle against climate change,” he explained.

The district is also working on waste management projects, turning waste into useful products. For instance, recycling plastic has led to creating items like sandals and packaging materials, showcasing local innovation.

These challenges faced by the youth in Mwanza are not unique. According to a 2023 UNICEF report titled “The Climate-Changed Child,” children worldwide are significantly affected by climate change. Rising food prices and natural disasters are disrupting education for millions. Disturbingly, the study reveals that only 2.4% of climate funding addresses children’s specific needs, urging governments to prioritize a healthy environment for children.

The Junior Council’s initiative for multi-storey school buildings and increased tree planting emphasizes the need for collective action against climate change. By empowering children with knowledge and resources, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future for everyone.



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