CHITRAL: Climate action fellows presented innovative plans under the ‘Raise Awareness and Inspire Action on Environmental Protection’ project of the Aga Khan University Institute for Education Development (AKU-IED) during an event here.

Ten of them were selected to receive funding for their projects.

With the collaboration of the US consulate in Peshawar, the AKU-IED plans to empower educators in the province with the knowledge and skills under the project to “nurture a culture of environmental stewardship.”

Additional secretary of the elementary and secondary education department Abdul Akram, AKU-IED representative Dr Fozia Parveen and other speakers said it was a significant milestone in the province that was inhabited by 30 million people and categorised by hot summers and mild winters in the southern part and extreme cold climate in the northern one.

Experts warn forest fires, water shortages, urban flooding have intensified

They warned that climate change had intensified extreme events like forest fires, water scarcity, sanitation issues, and urban flooding in the province coupled with the rapid melting of ice and snow caps, along with erratic weather events, was severely impacting agriculture and livelihoods.

The speakers said through scholarship and inquiry-based learning, teachers were implementing action projects within their schools and communities, encouraging hands-on approaches to environmental education.

They said the educators’ motivation, reflected in their willingness to participate in a non-stipendiary fellowship, their action plans, and their commitment to implementing these action plans was an encouraging development as the outcome of the project. US consul general in Peshawar Shante Moore said the AKU-IED partnership underscored the US commitment to environmental protection and education in the province.

“By empowering teachers, we are fostering a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who will drive positive change in their communities,” he said.

Mr Moore said the US Embassy’s Green Alliance initiative was aimed at creating a more sustainable future.

He said one of the project’s key elements was the engagement of key stakeholders and policymakers in the province to support and promote climate change education.

The district education officers of Upper and Lower Chitral, Miftahuddin and Mehmood Ghaznavi respectively, commended the work of AKU-IED in providing training to teachers from remote districts and promised their support for the climate change project.

The fellowship received an overwhelming response with 500 applications, out of which 50 exceptional educators were selected through a rigorous process.

A panel comprising Dr Nasima and Abdul Wali of the AKU-IED and Dr Ali Nawab of Sukkur IBA University assessed 50 projects conducted by climate action fellows and shortlisted 10 scalable projects for the next stage.

The fellows praised the AKU-IED and US mission for the learning opportunity and mobilising their efforts for climate action.

They reiterated the commitment of their organisations to continue promoting sustainable development through climate change education in schools.

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2024