Empowering the Next Generation: Second Lady Launches Africa Students for Climate Action At Labone SHS
In a historic event at Labone Senior High School, Her Excellency Samira Bawumia, Chair of the Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC), launched the Africa Students for Climate Action (ASCA) and commemorated Green Ghana Day. This groundbreaking initiative aims to empower students across Africa to lead climate action and promote environmental stewardship.
Her Excellency Samira Bawumia emphasized the critical role of young students in ensuring a sustainable future, highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on Africa, particularly on women and children. She stressed the need for inclusive and gender-transformative solutions to address the climate crisis.
ASCA is built on three pillars: Education, Inclusion, and Innovation. This comprehensive approach seeks to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to advocate for and implement climate action. Through ASCA, students will receive education on afforestation, have their voices amplified in climate advocacy, and be encouraged to develop local solutions to address climate challenges.
Her Excellency encouraged students, teachers, and partners to embrace this opportunity with enthusiasm and dedication, emphasizing the power of youth in driving sustainable practices and policies. She expressed her gratitude to partners, including the Forestry Commission, Ghana Education Service, and United Nations Ghana, for their invaluable contributions to the initiative.
The launch event featured a symbolic tree-planting ceremony, signifying the commitment to environmental conservation. Her Excellency declared ASCA duly launched, urging students to ideate, innovate, and advocate for climate action. Together, they can pave the way for a greener, more resilient Africa and turn the tide against climate change.
Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ophelia Mensah Hayford, emphasized that climate change is one of the most pressing challenges affecting survival, particularly vulnerable to women and children. She stressed that youth are not just the change for tomorrow but for today, and their action is crucial in driving climate change mitigation efforts to safeguard the environment.
The Headmistress of Labone Senior High School, Mrs. Rejoice Akua Acorlor, highlighted the impact of human activities on global warming and encouraged students to take an active role in fighting against deforestation.
The Africa Students for Climate Action marks a significant step forward in the journey towards a sustainable future, empowering the next generation to lead the charge against climate change. By harnessing the energy and creativity of African students, ASCA has the potential to inspire a continent-wide movement for climate action and environmental stewardship.
