Rukararwe launched an Environmental Youth Training to give young people knowledge and skills in environmental conservation, agroforestry, and herbal medicine. The programs goal is to raise awareness about climate change and teach solutions for protecting and sustaining the environment by developing practical skills. It aims to show that climate change is not an untouchable “monster” to fear, but a real and solvable challenge. The training empowers the youth to take action and become part of the solution.
A group of students from 10 secondary schools in Bushenyi District participated in the first training session. During the training, the students toured the tree nursery and the herbal medicine clinic, learning about tree planting and the medicinal use of herbs and plants.
The students teachers welcomed the initiative and called it timely, especially as schools are currently implementing a new curriculum that focuses on practical learning. Future sessions will expand to include students from primary schools to ensure environmental education reaches learners of every age. Those trainings mark an important step towards educating and empowering the next generation.