60 Kids in Mt. Cameroon Area Selected for 2-Month Species Conservation, Climate Change Experiential Learning

Some 60 children have been selected from communities in the Mount Cameroon Area for a 2-month experiential learning on biodiversity conservation, especially threatened and endangered fauna and flora and climate change through traditional story telling in Campfire, drawing and painting, drama, debate, visiting of nature historical sites, nature reserves and parks, bird observation.

These children, 7 to 15 years, were selected through an arts competition that took place in Buea and Limbe on August 27 and 30^th respectively, organized by Meg Wah in partnership with Voice of Nature as part of the annual Ecokids Programme.  Aimed at boosting the appetite of children and youths in species conservation and climate change, 20 of the youngsters were selected in Buea and 40 in Buea after distinguishing themselves in different disciplines including but not limited to drawing, debates, poetry, storytelling and song on endangered and threatened species within the Mount Cameroon National Park, and climate change.

Though a competition, the programme undoubted awaken environmental consciousness in the kids, as well as elevated their love for species conservation and desires to contribute to the fight against climate change.

“I did not know much about nature protection but through this competition, I have understood the importance of protecting nature. With this, I am going to be more careful in the way I treat nature and the environment as a whole,” said Precious Bih, one of the contestants, shortly after the arts competition in Buea.  In the same vein, Moka Ban-Chris, who was part of the competition in Limbe attested learning the importance of trees and the need to plant them thanks to the debate: “Should trees be cut down for development?”

Meanwhile, those selected to be part of the second face of the project at the Botanical Garden were very elated and filled with great anticipation.  “I am very happy that I have been selected for this years’ programme. My desire is to be an environmental ambassador; I want to learn how to educate others about the environment, and climate change during the next stage,” said Josepha Basset, one of the children in Limbe.

The 60 selected youngsters selected, will in the months of September and October 2020, be taken through an intensive experiential learning in a typical traditional setting in the Limbe Botanic garden. There, they will be treated to traditional tales on species conservation and climate change in Campfire by older folks.  They will equally be engaged in drawing and painting, drama, debate, visiting of the zoo, bird observation. It is expected that through these, the children will become nature conservation and climate change ambassadors in their homes and schools after feeling empowered and invested in. Meanwhile, educational materials will be distributed to schools and churches to be used as teaching aids so that more children will develop love and interest in conservation and climate change.