Société

Climate Change Engagement : As UNICEF, Partners Catch Them Young

Par Kimeng Hilton
01 nov. 2024 14:57
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Youth volunteers in Northern Cameroon are taking greater interest in the state of their environment, thanks to an initiative that entails raising awareness on climate change concerns in their communities.

It is a sunny Tuesday afternoon. On October 29, 2024. The temperature – expectedly - is above 30 degrees Celsius. Which is quite normal in this part of the country. Young volunteers, clothed in black T-sheets for the most part, are busy explaining to young school children why it is important to plant trees. And how to go about doing it. Each clutching different water-carrying containers - pierced plastic bottles, buckets, watering cans - the pupils rush to and fro the school courtyard. To a nearby compound. Returning with filled containers to water flowers planted in front of the Headmistress’ office. And the fruit trees being planted by the visiting team of young volunteers.

Sensitisation By Example
After a few such examples, the children themselves take on the task. Digging up holes, bringing in young trees in pods, inserting them into the holes, filling up the holes with fresh earth, watering them. And then placing dry, thorny tree branches round the just-planted trees. As safeguard as destruction by free-range goats, sheep... All this under the watchful eyes - as she repeatedly dishes out firm, clear instructions - of Mrs. Mrs. Yaou Marguerite, Headmistress of Government School Palar I.

Sahelian Region
The school is located on the fringes of Maroua, the headquarters of Cameroon’s Sahelian Far North Region. So prone to the impacts of climate change - such as desert encroachments, floods, rising temperatures... “UNICEF came to us in early October 2024, seeking a partnership with our school to plant trees. And we gladly accepted the offer. Our school needs tree shade from the scorching sun for children to relax or play during break,” Mrs. Yaou explains.

Youth Climate Change Engagement
The Climate Change Action and Youth Engagement initiative of the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF in the Far North Region comprises three volunteer youth groups of about 100 members. The U-Reporters, the Youth Voices of the Sahel and the World We Want, WWW volunteers are based in Maroua, Bogo (still in Diamare Division on the outskirts of Maroua). And Maga in Mayo Danay Division on Chad’s souther...