Welcome to the Green Schools Project!

Posted on 1 June 2024

WWF Uganda launched the Green Schools Project, an initiative that will put young people at the center of conservation in Uganda. The initiative aims to instill environmental stewardship and sustainability practices in the hearts and minds of young people, to guarantee a sustainable future for all.

The young people will also be supported under this project to explore issues facing nature and equip them to take positive action to protect it.

The launch event, attended by representatives from all 35 schools participating in the project, serves as a testament to the collective commitment to environmental conservation and education in the region.

Speaking at the launch, the District Education Officer, Bunyangabu who delivered the speech of the Minister of Education Janet Museveni, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative.

"The Green Schools project represents a pivotal opportunity to integrate environmental education into the curriculum, equipping our students with the knowledge and skills needed to address pressing environmental challenges. I commend WWF for their leadership in championing this cause and look forward to seeing this brilliant intervention scaled up to all schools in the Country”, he read.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Official, Alice Natukunda, who represented the Chief Warden Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area emphasized the importance of instilling environmental values in the youth.

"The Green Schools project aligns closely with UWA's mission to conserve Uganda's rich biodiversity. By engaging young minds in environmental education and conservation efforts, we are nurturing a new generation of conservationists who will safeguard our natural heritage for years to come”, she said.

Simon Peter Weredwong, the WWF Program Conservation Manager stated that WWF Uganda is deliberately working with young people to stimulate and empower them to become stewards of the environment and promoters of sustainable development practices in their local communities. He added that over 70% of the Ugandan population is below the age of 25years and therefore any meaningful conservation drive must work with them to guarantee greater impact and sustainability.

Bwambale John, one of the pupils expressed his excitement for the new program.
"As young ambassadors for the environment, we are excited to be part of the Green Schools project. It's inspiring to see our schools coming together to learn about sustainability. We are eager to play our part in creating a greener, healthier future for all."

The project will run for 3 years in 35 schools with an overall goal of building the resilience of children and youth in the RMNP Buffer Zone to cope with climate change; practice sustainable resource management; and become agents of change for nature and climate.

The project will mainstream learning on climate change mitigation and adaptation in school curricula and create a social space in which children and youth learn to assert their voice as environmental activists and practitioners – within their communities and more broadly in Uganda.

Students engaged in planting trees at the launch of the project